Some Of The Cleanest And Clearest Water Can Be Found At North Carolina’s Atlantic Beach

North Carolina's beaches are revered far and wide for being among the most beautiful on the east coast - and rightfully so. The Tar Heel State boasts more than 300 miles of beaches that belong to sleepy bedroom communities with little or no large, commercial development (like that found at neighboring Myrtle Beach, South Carolina). No wonder so many people head to North Carolina's coast for rest and relaxation each year!

When deciding where to go, one of the most sought-after elements is the beach itself. Which is why Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, is a natural choice.

Atlantic Beach sports some of the clearest and cleanest water along the coast.

Plan to see your toes underneath the water and look for shells several yards into the ocean. If it's clear water you seek, you'll find it here on Bogue Banks, one of the barrier islands that makes up North Carolina's famously popular Outer Banks.

The history of what is now the Town of Atlantic Beach dates all the way back to 1887, however, the town itself incorporated in 1966.

Some 1,400 residents are fortunate enough to enjoy island living all year long at Atlantic Beach.

The town adjoins Fort Macon State Park which was the first state park in the North Carolina state park system. It opened in 1934, 108 years after its namesake (Fort Macon) was built to defend Beaufort and surrounding areas against attack.

Fort Macon is a wonderful place to begin exploring if you're visiting Atlantic Beach for multiple days. Learn more about Fort Macon in this previous article

Visitors love to spend some time along the pier, whether below or above, walking its length (nearly 1,000 feet) and fishing for the next big catch.

For such a little town, there is plenty to do off the beach. Local retailers offer shopping galore and a variety of restaurants make dining not only convenient, but delicious and affordable.

Exploring nature on foot should include a trek along the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail. This one-mile loop winds through a maritime forest and offers scenic march views.

When the time comes to plan a short getaway or a much longer summer vacation, head to the tiny town of Atlantic Beach.

Enjoy the gorgeous blue water, a clean beach, and plenty to do otherwise, too.

This year is a bit wonky, so if you're planning to head to Atlantic Beach in 2020, it's best to check the official website for Atlantic Beach - just in case. Even if the beaches are open to the public, you'll just want to be sure you're not missing any crucial information. And you'll want to know if any rules are in place as a result of the pandemic.

What's your favorite beach in North Carolina? Will you start planning a vacation there soon, or are you inclined to wait a while? We'd love to know your thoughts so feel free to join the discussion!