There is no more recognizable natural feature on the Outer Banks than the largest living sand dune on the East Coast — but this coastal icon was almost lost to development in the 1970s.
nags head
Off the Hook in Nags Head
At an Outer Banks seafood market and restaurant, old-school and new-school flavors both get a seat at the table.
The Beach Road: A Stop-by-Stop Guide to Exploring NC Highway 12
From its northernmost point in Corolla to its southern terminus on Cedar Island, this scenic byway — bound between sound and sea — links the islands and communities of the Outer Banks.
Year of the Trail: 3 Coastal Trails
Each month, we’re celebrating North Carolina’s official Year of the Trail by exploring amazing places to hike, bike, walk, and play across the state.
23 Breathtaking Views on the Carolina Coast
At the top of the loftiest 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.
Dawn’s Early Light
On New Year’s Day and each frosty morning after, dawn breaks clear and bright across our state, from coastal whitecaps to mountain snowcaps. In North Carolina, the brilliance of a winter sunrise brings the promise of fresh possibilities.
7 Resolutions for the New Year
Kick off January in North Carolina with these creative, thoughtful, and delicious resolutions.
14 Can’t-Miss Cabins & Cottages in North Carolina
Whether you’re looking for an escape to peace and solitude or a glimpse into the lives of our forebears, these cozy cabins and charming cottages are worth a visit to stay, play, or learn.
Enchantment Under the Stars: A Photo Essay
Star light, star bright — won’t you join us for a show tonight? The cicadas are singing, and the air smells like campfire smoke, or drive-in popcorn, or a saltwater breeze. From the mountains to the coast, nighttime in North Carolina is a work of art.
