The charming towns of North Carolina’s coastal sounds have inspired those who’ve lived there for generations. Visit this region to retrace colonial women’s quest for freedom, walk in pirates’ footsteps, tour our state's first capitol and explore the settings for many of Nicholas Sparks’ most iconic works.

Look & Feel

Highlights

  • Charming Small Towns & Colonial History
  • Birthplace of Pepsi
  • Nicholas Sparks Book & Film Sights
  • Tryon Palace
  • Blackbeard & Pirate History
  • River Fishing & Paddling

Weather

Winter 56°
Spring 72°
Summer 88°
Fall 66°

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Interstate 40
U.S. Route 17
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)
Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV)

Things To Do

Things To Do

Close Filters

Location

Interest

haunted places, events and travel ideas

furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc.

Refine Search

restaurants, food tours, breweries, wineries, etc.

Refine Search

historic sites, cherokee history, ghosts, etc.

Refine Search

theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Refine Search

parks, beaches and fun for 4-legged visitors

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

Refine Search

camping, hiking, fishing, water sports, etc.

Refine Search

romantic attractions, spas, health & wellness, etc.

Refine Search

golf, motorsports, horseback riding, etc.

Refine Search

Season

Content Type

Back

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Back

Filter Eat & Drink

Back

Filter History & Heritage

Back

Filter Kids & Family

Back

Filter Natural Attractions

Back

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Back

Filter Romantic Getaways

Back

Filter Sports

instagram icon @littlewashingtonnc
user icon @littlewashingtonnc

{Welcome to our first edition of #spotlightsunday - each week we will feature a different #localbusinessowner in #littlewashington} ....🤗... This week’s #spotlightsunday features @elmwood1820 - a luxury #bedandbreakfast ☕️🍳🛌 Inn in the heart of Little Washington. With welcoming staff, exceptionally furnished amenities, and mouth watering cuisine 😋, Elmwood 1820 is the perfect place to stay for your weekend getaway! Visit ➡️ elmwood1820.com to plan your stay! #spotlightsunday #lodginglook #littlewashington #visitnc #bnb #washingtonnc

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Firsts That Last

Video
video play icon

Take a Nicholas Sparks Tour of the North Carolina Coast

Trip Idea
story icon
Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

4 Memorable Summer Golf Getaways in North Carolina

List
story icon
Directory

Places to Stay in this region

instagram icon @traveling_ahearns
user icon @traveling_ahearns

Interesting place with some soupy green waters - Bennett Mill Pond

Explore the Albemarle & Pamlico Sounds

#VisitNC@VisitNC

J. Robert Hendrix Park & Cannon’s Ferry Heritage River Walk

Listing icon
Tyner

Places to Explore Native American Culture

Article
story icon
Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Sea Breeze: Golf Courses on the Coast

List
story icon
Directory

Events in this region

Old Colony Downtown Market

Listing icon
Edenton
2/22/2025 - 2/23/2025

Carolina Coastal Railroaders Train Show

New Bern
Event icon

15 Ways to Honor Year of the Trail

List
story icon

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform
story icon
instagram icon @wendywhy12
user icon @wendywhy12

I am walking around downtown a little this morning and I just love this little City! It's such a beautiful place to be and the people are so fabulous! If you ever get the opportunity, visit Elizabeth City!! #visitecity #ilovenc #smalltowngirl #shoplocal

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Drive-Thru Vacations: Sights to See from Your Car

List
story icon
instagram icon @eifelkreutz
instagram icon @alyssa.wanders406
user icon @alyssa.wanders406

Explosion of a sunset on our glass creek. 👓 #camperliving #sunset_madness #sunsetlovers #sunsetporn_challenge #northcarolina #havelocknc #coastalnc #visitnc #ncoutdoors #sunset_pics #sunsetview #sunsetskylovers #northcarolinaliving #lifeisgood #life_style #earth_official #awesome_earth

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Cypress Landing Golf Club

Listing icon
Chocowinity

9 Spots for Seafood on the North Carolina Coast

List
story icon
11/29/2024 - 12/31/2024

New Bern's Holiday Charm

New Bern
Event icon

Camping on the Coast

List
story icon

Explore the Creepy Coast on NC's Haunted Trail

List
story icon

6 Byways Filled with Fall Foliage

List
story icon
Filter