Emerald Isle Beach can be thought of stretching in a continuous ribbon of white sand from The Point at the western end of the island to Indian Beach approximately halfway down its length. That makes Emerald Isle Beach roughly 9 miles long.
Emerald Isle Beach has previously taken the crown as the best beach in North Carolina as voted for by the readership of USA Today, and with good reason. A great destination for families, couples and solo travellers, there's plenty of opportunity for relaxing on Emerald Isle Beach's… read more »
Once known as Smith Island, Bald Head Island helps form the eastern bank of the Cape Fear River as it exits for the Atlantic Ocean, in North Carolina's Brunswick County. It can be accessed via a 20-minute ferry ride from Southport.
A nationally recognized turtle nesting site for four different sea turtle species, Bald Head Island's main beach is a broad sweep of yellow sand on the island's south coast. It runs for almost the entire four-kilometre length of this coast, with views towards a tapering nineteenth century lighthouse known as… read more »
With four miles of white sand, it's easy to see why Topsail Beach has been drawing in the crowds since before World War Two, when visitors would have to arrive by boat. Just north of Wilmington, Topsail (pronounced Topsal) Beach forms a significant part of the Atlantic side of a 30 mile long barrier island.
Backed by private homes, there are 20 public beach access points onto Topsail Beach, which comprises a deliciously straight run of clean white sand alongside attractions such as the 250 yard fishing pier. Sunbathers and swimmers… read more »
North Topsail Shores, located on the north-western end of Topsail Island, is a relatively quiet and unspoiled stretch of beach. With its soft golden sand, rolling dunes, and clear blue waters, it is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the busier beaches further south.
The waters off North Topsail are generally excellent for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with gentle waves making it accessible for all skill levels. Fishing is also a popular activity, with anglers casting from the surf or visiting the nearby Seaview Pier for a chance… read more »
Around 16 miles south of Wilmington, Kure Beach edges the Atlantic side of the town sharing its name (pronounced cure-ey). Its sands run in a near-straight line for roughly 4 miles, before meeting with Wilmington Beach to the north and the seawalls of Fort Fisher to the south.
Kure Beach's width maxes out at nearly half a mile, although most areas are much narrower. Averaging around 100 yards wide, some of this width is occupied by a dune system covered in marine grasses. The best way to reach the beach itself… read more »
Atlantic Beach is located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks barrier island between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Notable for its long, near-straight expanse of off-white sand, Atlantic Beach is an area of coast well known for its water sports. More than one surf shop makes it incredibly easy to hit the waves on a board, while other adrenaline-inducing activities include jet ski rentals and yacht charters.
For those who are looking to enjoy Atlantic Beach without getting on the water, there are beachside bike rentals, and a boardwalk… read more »
Nantasket Beach lines the coast of Hull town in the greater Boston area. At high tide, it takes the form of a relatively narrow but long stretch of fine greyish sand running for around four kilometres. The low tide reveals an expansive area of rock pools. When walking along the water line, visitors should watch out for large pebbles, which can be washed up by the incoming tide, especially towards the beach’s southern end.
Because of its proximity to Boston, Nantasket Beach is one of the busiest beaches in this… read more »
Goosewing Beach is a pristine coastal preserve located in Little Compton. This protected stretch of sand, part of the Goosewing Beach Preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy, offers an unspoiled retreat along the Atlantic shoreline. Known for its soft pale-golden sand, rolling dunes, and sweeping ocean views, it is one of the most scenic and ecologically important beaches in the Rhode Island.
The beach is a haven for wildlife, particularly shorebirds such as herons, piping plovers and least terns, which nest in the dunes during the summer months. The… read more »
Set on a narrow spit of sand jutting out towards Connecticut is Napatree Point beach - a lovely arc of near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes and a small lagoon. The beach sits just to the west of Rhode Island's exclusive Watch Hill and the bay is overlooked by Watch Hill Lighthouse.
Now a nature reserve the headland here was once the site of an artillery installation. Today all that remains of Fort Mansfield are a couple of ruined gun emplacements.
There's plenty of wildlife to spot on Napatree Point.… read more »
Running along the Atlantic east coast of Cape Cod, between Coast Guard Beach and Chatham Harbor for around 10 miles, Nauset Beach is the longest on the cape. This beautifully pristine stretch of fine, near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes for much of its length giving it a wild feel.
Much of the year this part of the coast is pretty quiet. You can often go for long bracing walks along the shoreline and barely see another soul. Whilst you may not see many people at Nauset outside… read more »
Stretching for about a mile, the near-white sands of South Cape Beach are a wonderfully wild yet accessible part of the Cape Cod coast. Beyond the dunes the beach backs onto an area of wetlands and the estuary of Waquoit Bay. Out front are the sheltered waters of Vineyard Sound, a far cry from the Atlantic waves to be found along the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Along with swimming and sunbathing the most popular pastime on South Cape Beach is fishing. This is a great place for beach casting with striped… read more »
