How to Find a Quiet Beach in the Barrier Islands of North Carolina

The series of barrier islands along the North Carolina shore are known as the Outer Banks. If you are planning to spend some time there, plan to spend time at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To visit the area, you'll need to make your way to North Carolina Route 12 - whether you're arriving from the south or the north.

2. If you are approaching the area from the south, the first beach where you can find quiet and swimming is at the swimming beach at Ocracoke.

3. Continue north and you'll need to cross the inlet by ferry. Once you do, you will reach another swimming beach just past Hatteras.

4. Continue north past Frisco and Buxton. Continue toward Avon and you'll reach a fishing pier where you can stop to relax at the quiet coast on the Pamlico Sound side of the islands.

5. Continue north and you'll find additional places to stop and enjoy the coast before you reach Salvo, Waves and Rodanthe toward the Bodie Island Lighthouse area.

6. A little further north and you'll reach the last swimming beach at Coquina on Bodie Island.

Tips & Warnings

• There are various other spots where you can stop and enjoy the 70 miles of coastline.
• Want to extend your stay? Plan to camp along the islands.
• Swimming is only sanctioned at lifeguarded beaches in the area and is considered to be an activity you take part in at your own risk.