3 Places in North Carolina That Are Like a Caribbean Paradise in the Summer

With over 300 miles of coastline in North Carolina, there’s always a beach to pull up a patch of sand and enjoy a day on the coast. While top destinations like Emerald Isle, Nags Head, and the Outer Banks all offer that quintessential beach vibe most travelers are looking for, they also come with the possibility of large crowds and price tags to match their popularity. We’ve found some Caribbean-like places in North Carolina that you can escape to when you want to beat the crowds. These quiet beaches in North Carolina are just the ticket for a summer day! 

3 Hidden Beaches in North Carolina You’ll Want to Visit

Fort Macon State Park

It might be the smallest state park in North Carolina, but it’s big on beauty (and beaches). The state park offers lifeguard-protected beaches (seasonally), and it’s a great spot for swimming, surfing, and surf fishing (with a North Carolina fishing license). When you need a break from the sun, check out one of the many hiking trails within the park or pay a visit to the park’s namesake, a restored 19th-century pre-Civil War fort.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

One of the few parks that allow four-wheel-drive beach access, this quiet beach in North Carolina is known for its surf fishing and wildlife viewing. It’s also a great spot to do a little beachcombing during high and low tide! You might find some beautiful seashells if you’re lucky. 

Ocracoke Island

You can only get to this secret island in North Carolina by ferry or a private jet, but the extra work is worth it. You won’t find any chain restaurants or hotels on Ocracoke Island, and that’s by design. It’s a place where time moves slowly, and the beaches stay beautiful. 

When to Visit for Clear Waters and Fewer Crowds

North Carolina’s beaches are beautiful year-round, but the summer months are when you’ll really start to see the crowds come in. The best time to visit North Carolina beaches is between June and September. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30, with August and September having the greatest potential for storm formation. 

Beaches and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it can be difficult to find a time to go to the beach with fewer crowds. Our best advice is to plan your trip around school vacations and summer vacation. If the kids are out of school, the beaches will be crowded. Of course, visiting one of North Carolina’s beaches during the shoulder seasons (May, September, October) will bless you with fewer crowds, but the water may not be that inviting. Avoid visiting the beaches during peak holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day) to give yourself the best shot at a crowd-free beach. 

Add these Caribbean-like places in North Carolina to your summer bucket list! For even more aquatic adventures, take this hidden beaches road trip, which will bring you to some of the best hidden beaches in North Carolina. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.