Best State Park Beaches in North Carolina to Visit to Close Out Summer

Well, folks, it looks like we’re nearing the end of summer. Gosh, this year has flown by. We’ll be decorating Christmas trees before you know it! Before you start decorating for fall, let’s give summer the close-out it deserves. We’ve got a list of some of the best state park beaches in North Carolina to add to your list in the next few weeks. Grab your sunscreen, some beach chairs, and your sunnies, and head over to one of these amazing beaches in North Carolina before summer ends!

Hammocks Beach State Park

Sitting pretty in Onslow County, Hammocks Beach State Park is a fan favorite for aquatic adventures. Visitors can bring a canoe/kayak (or rent one from the park) and explore the marshlands and maritime swamp forests around the park, or catch the passenger ferry to enjoy a day at the beach. There are four miles of beach to enjoy, plus 2.3 miles of hiking trails on the mainland side of the park. There are no fees for day use at the park (most state parks in North Carolina do not charge an entrance fee for day use), which we love. Check the ferry schedule before you head over. 

Fort Macon State Park

As you might have guessed by the name, history lovers will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Fort Macon State Park and seeing the restored pre-Civil War fort here. Of course, the white sandy beach is another reason to visit this historic park! It’s an excellent beach for beachcombing, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two! Lifeguards monitor the swimming area from Memorial Day until Labor Day, as long as staffing permits.  

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Every summer in North Carolina should include at least one visit to the Outer Banks. Jockey’s Ridge is unique for many reasons, but it’s known to be the home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. It’s a popular spot for flying kites, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and hang gliding, and there is an opportunity to take lessons if you’d like! Who knows, you might end up discovering your hidden talent in sandboarding. 

Lake Norman State Park

With 31 miles of single-track, bikers love to ride the mountain bike trail system at Lake Norman State Park. Of course, the crown jewel of the park is the park’s namesake, Lake Norman, which is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. There’s a lovely stretch of beach and a designated swimming area here, and it’s the perfect place to say goodbye to summer. 

Lake James State Park

I love the views from the swimming area at Lake James State Park. Before you sink your toes in the sand, I encourage you to explore some of the hiking trails here! There are 22 miles of hiking trails around the park, and it really is a scenic spot. Plus, nothing lands harder than a swim after a good hike. 

Share this article with someone you want to visit one of these North Carolina state park beaches with before summer ends! Before long, those temperatures will begin to drop, the air will become crisp, and we can enjoy my favorite time of year—fall in North Carolina.