Where To Go For A Day At The Beach In North Carolina

One of the best things about North Carolina is its world-class beaches. Some of the best in the world lie along our Atlantic shores, and a number of them are just a short drive away.

Load up the car with your beach chairs and Boogie Boards on Friday night, get up early on Saturday, and you'll have your toes in the sand by 10:00 am. Enjoy a full day at the beach and be home by dinner.

Here are three beaches that are a two-hour drive or less from the Triangle area:

Relax On Topsail Island

The first thing you need to know is "Topsail" is pronounced "Tops'l." That's about the only thing that's particular about this laid-back area. Located just north of Wilmington, Topsail Island is an easy drive down I-40.

Once you're there, you'll find plenty of public beach access and parking. If you want to park near a public restroom and shower (good for keeping sand out of your car), you'll need to arrive early.

The beaches at Topsail are quiet and serene. Though plenty of beach houses line the coast, Topsail rarely gets crowded, save for the three main holiday weekends in the summer.

Topsail is also one of the only dog-friendly beaches in the area, as your four-legged friends are welcome any time of day, all year round. Just be sure to keep them on a leash and, of course, pick up after them.

Discover Wrightsville

In contrast to Topsail, Wrightsville is where the action is. Right next to Wilmington, Wrightsville is a favorite destination for locals as well as vacationers from the Triangle. So it can sometimes be a little busy.

But it's for good reason. In addition to a pristine beach, Wrightsville has a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, with several eateries and watering holes for you to get lunch and enjoy some libations. All different kinds of cuisines and price ranges can be found.

If you get a little sunburned, you can venture inland to Wilmington to check out the historic city's shopping, dining and attractions.

Explore Jordan Lake

If salt water isn't your style, there's a beach that's much closer to the Triangle that may suit you. Jordan Lake, located near Chapel Hill and Cary, offers a few public beaches to enjoy. Because they're located within a state park, you'll need to buy a parking pass for your vehicle.

Once you're there, you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Because it's so close, and there are no large waves or rip currents, Jordan Lake's beaches are ideal for families with small children.

And if you like to waterski, sail, fish or jetski, Jordan Lake offers plenty of room for boaters of all kinds. Boat ramps are located near the beaches, and there are marinas if you want to store your boat closer.

Going to the beach in North Carolina doesn't necessarily mean renting a house for a week. You can easily visit the beach in one day with a little bit of planning. 

There so much of North Carolina to explore and enjoy. If you're looking to buy a home in Durham, Chapel Hill, or Cary, let us know! We'd love to tell you all about what makes the triangle the best place to live in North Carolina. Send us a message or give us a call at 919.659.5173 to learn more.