Where can you choose from coastal beaches, marshes and creeks, lakes and streams in the mountains, or rivers that offer limitless recreation? North Carolina is just the location.
For those who enjoy the coast, North Carolina boasts beautiful beaches and barrier islands. The Outer Banks, which include Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Hatteras, include a 200 mile string of barrier islands. Farther south, the greater Wilmington area in New Hanover County includes Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Island, and Pleasure Island. The Brunswick County beaches include Southport, Oak Island and Baldhead Island. Both coastal areas have the perfect variety of water activities. They include jet skiing, surfing, parasailing, kite surfing or boarding, sailing kayaking and the new popular Stand Up Paddling (SUP). The beaches are perfect for walking and enjoying the view, surf or pier fishing and catching sight of dolphin. The Crystal Coast includes Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, towns that also offer fishing and scuba diving excursions. Deep sea fishing is available and sport fishing tournaments are widely recognized. Eastern North Carolina also lays claim to the Cape Fear River which furnishes a segment of the route of the Intracoastal Waterway where water sports are an integral part of most weekends in this temperate climate.
Further inland to the northwest, weekenders take advantage of Jordan Lake just thirty minutes from the state capital, Raleigh. Jordan Lake is 12 miles long and nearly 6 miles across. While accommodating a great number of boats and fishermen with its nine different recreation areas, camping is also available. Farther west, Lake Norman is just north of Charlotte and hosts several national fishing tournaments each year. It boasts over 500 miles of shoreline. Lake Norman is also the location for one of the International Jet Sport Boats Association tour stops, as well as home to the NC Community Sailing and Rowing Center. In nearby Asheville and the Boone area of the North Carolina mountains kayaking and canoeing are the water sports of choice. The views are spectacular and the rivers beautiful. Kayakers can enjoy all skill levels from calm to daring.
Popular Destinations
Carolina Beach
Kure Beach & Fort Fisher
Morehead City & The Crystal Coast
Outer Banks
Topsail / Surf City
Wilmington & The Cape Fear Coast
Wrightsville Beach