With May right around the corner, my mind is dreaming of one thing – summer! But no summer in North Carolina is complete without a trip to the beach. But what if you really want to get away from it all? Luckily, North Carolina is home to a wide-assortment of gorgeous, serene, and unique islands. Each boasts individual charm, plenty of history, and lots to do! Wondering which island you should escape to this summer? Check out these ten!
- Roanoke Island
Flickr / Snassek Roanoke Island is loaded with beauty and history. Home to the town of Manteo, the Lost Colony, and The Roanoke Island Lighthouse. There’s thousands of years of history here, it’s easy to see why people choose to either vacation or visit this eight-mile island in the OBX.
- Hatteras Island
Flickr / Jim Dollar
Flickr / Zach Frailey Hatteras Island is one of the most popular destinations for a vacation in the OBX, and for good reason. This island spans for almost half the distance of the entire Outer Banks islands. There are several villages along the island - like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo etc. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore allows you to experience untouched beaches and rugged coastal terrain, just bring your four-wheel drive. There’s so much to do here, it’s no surprise people make a whole week out of their time in this beautiful place!
- Ocracoke Island
Flickr / Gary Carpineta Just a short ferry ride away you can experience the beautiful, quiet beaches of Ocracoke. The town of Ocracoke is like a world of its own, fresh-caught seafood at a locally-owned restaurant, shops, wild ponies, a historic maritime village and some breathtaking sunsets.
- Topsail Island
Flickr / Russell Harrison Photography Plenty of people choose Topsail Beach as their summer vacation destination. The beaches are pristine yet peaceful, the sunsets are breathtaking and the crowds are hard to find. This 26-mile island is mainly untouched wilderness and the perfect place if you’re really looking to get away from it all.
- Shackleford Banks
Flickr / Lindley Ashline
Flickr / Sylvia Pellicore Plenty of people venture out to Shackleford Banks by boat or ferry for sight of something simply wild. Yes, the magical yet untamed wild horses of the Outer Banks. Over 100 horses call this island home. This is a once in a lifetime sight!
- Harker’s Island
Flickr / bobistraveling Just 30 miles north of Emerald Isle you’ll find the beautiful and remote Harker’s Island. As home to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, there’s tons of rugged beauty here.
- Bird Island
Flickr / -ted South of sunset beach you’ll find the almost remote Bird Island. If you want a beach to yourself - you got it here. Also, you’ll find the hidden gem that is Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Since the 80’s vacationers have placed their penned out hopes and dreams inside the mailbox. Bird Island is a unique experience for a day trip.
- Bodie Island
Flickr / Zach Frailey In the northernmost portion of the Outer Banks, you’ll find Bodie Island. This narrow peninsula is home to the gorgeous Bodie Island Lighthouse. Perfect for pictures - especially with a sunset backdrop.
- Masonboro Island
Wilmington NC Real Estate Guide Masonboro is only accessed by boat or water taxi, and one of the largest stretches of uninhabited islands in the southern shores of North Carolina. It’s an extremely popular destination for Wilmington residents and Wrightsville beach-goers to spend a day. You also can’t forget 4th of July at Masonboro…now that’s a party.
- Oak Island
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue Oak Island is a very popular destination for a beach vacation. It’s peaceful, serene, but also is home to a bustling small town atmosphere. The island alone is home to over 65 public beach accesses…so you’ll always have somewhere to lay your towel and soak up the sun.
Ok, I’m officially ready for the beach! Do you vacation on any of these island, or have a favorite? Any you’d add to the list?
Flickr / Snassek
Roanoke Island is loaded with beauty and history. Home to the town of Manteo, the Lost Colony, and The Roanoke Island Lighthouse. There’s thousands of years of history here, it’s easy to see why people choose to either vacation or visit this eight-mile island in the OBX.
Flickr / Jim Dollar
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Hatteras Island is one of the most popular destinations for a vacation in the OBX, and for good reason. This island spans for almost half the distance of the entire Outer Banks islands. There are several villages along the island - like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo etc. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore allows you to experience untouched beaches and rugged coastal terrain, just bring your four-wheel drive. There’s so much to do here, it’s no surprise people make a whole week out of their time in this beautiful place!
Flickr / Gary Carpineta
Just a short ferry ride away you can experience the beautiful, quiet beaches of Ocracoke. The town of Ocracoke is like a world of its own, fresh-caught seafood at a locally-owned restaurant, shops, wild ponies, a historic maritime village and some breathtaking sunsets.
Flickr / Russell Harrison Photography
Plenty of people choose Topsail Beach as their summer vacation destination. The beaches are pristine yet peaceful, the sunsets are breathtaking and the crowds are hard to find. This 26-mile island is mainly untouched wilderness and the perfect place if you’re really looking to get away from it all.
Flickr / Lindley Ashline
Flickr / Sylvia Pellicore
Plenty of people venture out to Shackleford Banks by boat or ferry for sight of something simply wild. Yes, the magical yet untamed wild horses of the Outer Banks. Over 100 horses call this island home. This is a once in a lifetime sight!
Flickr / bobistraveling
Just 30 miles north of Emerald Isle you’ll find the beautiful and remote Harker’s Island. As home to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, there’s tons of rugged beauty here.
Flickr / -ted
South of sunset beach you’ll find the almost remote Bird Island. If you want a beach to yourself - you got it here. Also, you’ll find the hidden gem that is Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Since the 80’s vacationers have placed their penned out hopes and dreams inside the mailbox. Bird Island is a unique experience for a day trip.
In the northernmost portion of the Outer Banks, you’ll find Bodie Island. This narrow peninsula is home to the gorgeous Bodie Island Lighthouse. Perfect for pictures - especially with a sunset backdrop.
Wilmington NC Real Estate Guide
Masonboro is only accessed by boat or water taxi, and one of the largest stretches of uninhabited islands in the southern shores of North Carolina. It’s an extremely popular destination for Wilmington residents and Wrightsville beach-goers to spend a day. You also can’t forget 4th of July at Masonboro…now that’s a party.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue
Oak Island is a very popular destination for a beach vacation. It’s peaceful, serene, but also is home to a bustling small town atmosphere. The island alone is home to over 65 public beach accesses…so you’ll always have somewhere to lay your towel and soak up the sun.
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