Kid-tested, kid-approved ways to play, eat, and explore history in these coastal communities.
fort macon
Secret Beach Season
In the hush of the off-season, delight in some of our coast’s quieter highlights.
Safe Passage on the Intracoastal Waterway
Commercial and recreational vessels cruise a watery highway of natural and dredged channels, with one face toward the land and the other toward the ocean.
16 Breathtaking Views on the Carolina Coast
At the top of a lofty lighthouse, on sugar-sand beaches, beneath ancient live oaks twisting their knobby arms toward the sun, and from coastal cottages perched in the dunes, the North Carolina coast offers endless beauty on the edge of the earth.
The Art of Exploration
Through the eyes of Greensboro artist Katie Podracky, a challenging year was an opportunity for adventure: In 2020, she and her family visited every state park in North Carolina. Her paintings turn each park into a joyful kaleidoscope of color and memory.
Video: Painting Our State Parks
In 2020, Greensboro artist Katie Podracky and her family decided to visit every state park in North Carolina. Then she added another challenge: a painting per park.
Road Trip: 10 Stops Along the Crystal Coast
From serene sea-kayaking to local shopping and dining, plan a diverse route through the state’s southern Outer Banks.
34 Amazing Historic Places to See in North Carolina
The National Register of Historic Places has documented some 95,000 structures, sites, and districts across the country. In North Carolina, around 2,900 properties — from churches and cotton mills to farms, homes, and schools — have earned this designation. Now, these special spots representing our state’s history are known nationwide.
