Take a trip to a retro hotel in Wrightsville Beach, where maritime adventures, delicious seafood, and old-fashioned R&R abound from sunrise to sunset — by sea and sound.
coastal
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.
A Guide to Downtown Morehead City
A local historian has made it his life’s work to learn as much as he can about his hometown — a hub for sport and commercial fishing.
The New Coastal Bucket List
There are always old favorites on an annual trip to the coast, but on your next visit to Wilmington and its neighboring island beaches, update your vacation to-do list with amazing new eats, sips, stays, and more.
Our State Knows Best: Beachcombing
Find out what three experts have to say about scouring North Carolina’s beaches for treasures from the sea, plus where — and when — to find amazing shells on our shores.
An Our State Playlist: Carolina Beach Music
Whether you’re shagging, sailing, fishing, or simply relaxing in the shade of an umbrella, let our curated Spotify playlist be the soundtrack to your vacation.
Making a Splash: An Ode to the Shrimpburger
Drive-ins and restaurants around the Crystal Coast turn tiny shellfish into shrimpburgers that are big on flavor. The sandwich is unquestionably one of our most iconic. But is it a burger? One writer investigates.
NC Icons: The Crystal Coast Shrimpburger
Fried shrimp, tartar sauce, slaw, and ketchup on a steamed bun — the shrimpburger is an icon of North Carolina.
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.
