Vacation locations in North Carolina

Erin Sockolof

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Piper, the golden retriever, sits in the sand and watches a seagull as she takes in the beautiful sunset at North Topsail Beach.

From Boone to Corolla, North Carolina has something to offer for everyone. Natives and tourists alike have unlimited opportunities for adventure in the lovely Tarheel State.

While N.C. may be known for the Wright Brothers and The Biltmore Estate, there is so much more to this state. Mountain and beach towns alike offer unique adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences at every turn. 

Some of my favorite N.C. excursions include visiting North Topsail, Asheville, Duck Charlotte and Carolina Beach. Each of these places have a remarkable quality about them like no other.

North Topsail is a quiet beach town on a small island off the N.C. coast. I always enjoy walking on the beach and looking for shark teeth. I’ve found over 30 various shark teeth over the course of two hours. Unfortunately, there are not many beaches where you have this opportunity, so definitely take advantage of it if you enjoy unique experiences. 

Asheville is a stunning mountain town and is home to the famous Grandfather Mountain. This is a lovely destination for a family vacation or a quiet weekend trip. There are many beautiful trails for you to explore and shops to visit. Asheville also provides easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway for genuinely incredible views.

Another great destination is Duck. It’s located in the Outer Banks of N.C. and has endless activities for you or the family. You can even go on a tour and search for the wild horses who inhabit the area.

The sun sets over Duck, causing a spectacular shade of orange to paint the sky. (Staff photo by Erin Sockolof)

If you are trying to find a fun city to visit, look no further than Charlotte. It has many cafes and restaurants, as well as shopping. This city is riddled with a blend of historic and modern attractions like museums and art exhibits.

Last but certainly not least is Carolina Beach. This beach town transports you to a paradise you could never imagine. The town is full of colorful buildings, fantastic food, cute boutiques, classic boardwalks and amazing people.

With so many incredible places to visit, why aren’t more people here? That is a question I might never know the answer to, but I hope that you will be able to see the sights of beautiful North Carolina one day.