From 25 minutes to 6 hours: 25+ Beaches Near Charlotte, NC

Whether you’re looking for a one day getaway or planning a week long beach vacay, this guide to the best beaches near Charlotte NC highlights 25+ sunny, sandy destinations that are anywhere between a 25 minute to 6 hour drive from the Queen City.

Planning a day trip, weekend trip or just looking for other things to do, places to visit, and where to eat across North Carolina? Check out Off the Eaten Path’s North Carolina Travel Guide, which features weekend itineraries, travel and restaurant recommendations across the Tar Heel State. 

The Best Beaches Near Charlotte, NC

Growing up, I always equated North Carolina with the ocean because my family spent my childhood summers (yes, every summer since I was born!) in the Outer Banks. But this state is so long, that depending on where you live and which beach you’re headed to, the beach might be kind-of far away!

Luckily, North Carolina has 322 miles of expansive ocean shoreline (making it seventh in the United States) and 12,000+ miles of estuarine coastline (making it home to the second largest estuarine system in the United States), so there are plenty of beaches to choose from. 

Now that I live in Charlotte, I’ve come to love exploring beaches near and far. 

One of the things I love about living here is that Charlotteans are really good at romanticizing our city’s landlocked predicament and spinning it into a positive… You’ll often hear things like, “Oh I love it here in Charlotte because we are close proximity to both the mountains and the beach so we can easily visit both!”

And lucky for us, the North Carolina coast is home to some of the country’s best beaches, and we can soak up the sun, sand and sound of the mighty Atlantic Ocean in less than a four hour drive. So the next time you find yourself sitting through a sweaty, swampy Charlotte summer (also known as “Hell’s Front Porch) hop in the car and head to the beach! 

When to visit

This could be considered a hot take, but the best time to visit these East Coast beaches is…not the summer!

The best times to visit North Carolina and South Carolina beaches are spring (April to early June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is warm, the crowds are lighter, and accommodations are more affordable.

In spring, the beaches come alive with blooming dunes and pleasant temperatures, perfect for long walks and shell collecting. If you visit in late spring, the weather is warm enough to go for a dip in the ocean!

Fall offers milder weather, fewer tourists, and still-swimmable water, especially in the southern beaches, but be careful about hurricane season!

Summer (June to August) is peak season—expect hot, sunny days, warm ocean water, lively boardwalks, and plenty of family-friendly activities, though also bigger crowds, traffic and higher prices.

Winter is the quietest season; while it’s too chilly for swimming, the beaches are peaceful and beautiful, ideal for cozy getaways, dolphin spotting, and enjoying sunrise strolls without the hustle and bustle. Winter is one of my favorite times to visit the beach!

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in North Carolina and South Carolina runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk typically from late August through October. While many beach vacations go uninterrupted, if you are planning a beach trip during this time, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast, and consider travel insurance and flexible cancellation policies just in case (I know this from experience…our wedding was planned at the Outer Banks in October and we had to cancel it and move it to Charlotte in three days because of Hurricane Matthew!)

During this time, coastal areas can experience tropical storms or hurricanes that bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf. Local communities are well-prepared for storm events, and any serious threats usually come with plenty of advance warning. Despite the risks, many people still visit the beaches during hurricane season and enjoy sunny, storm-free days—just with a little extra attention to the weather.

How to Use this Guide

This beaches near Charlotte, NC guide is organized by driving distance. Of course, driving distances and times listed in this post may vary due to where you’re leaving from, traffic, your specific destination and how many stops you make along the way (like a famous bbq joint). 

» More fun and delicious destinations in North Carolina: Asheville Travel Guide, the best things to do in Bryson City, NC, the best restaurants in Hendersonville, a weekend itinerary and guide to North Carolina wineries, and our Charlotte Restaurants Guide.

The closest beach to Charlotte

It depends on what type of beach you are looking for… a lake beach or an ocean beach? Charlotte has pretty easy access to both, but to reach the ocean you’re going to have to drive a bit farther.

If you’re looking for a lake beach: Charlotte is just 20 miles away from the closest lake beach on Lake Norman, and 176 miles away from the closest coastal beach. Ramsey Creek Beach is just North of Charlotte on the southern shore of Lake Norman.

If you’re looking see the roaring Atlantic, Myrtle Beach is the closest coastal beach in driving distance and North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are the closest in driving time. 

Ramsey Creek Beach, NC

20 miles, 28 minutes

Did you know that we have a beach in Mecklenburg County?! Ramsey Creek Park is home to Mecklenburg County’s first public beach which opened in summer 2016. The half acre beach and swimming area is part of the larger 43 acre waterfront park in Cornelius, along the shores of North Carolina’s largest man made lake, Lake Norman.

Things to know: Ramsey Creek Beach is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Throughout the summer an entrance fee is collected — fees vary depending on the day of the week and whether or not you are a Mecklenburg County resident. There’s also a free CATS shuttle from the Cornelius Park and Ride on holiday weekends. 

You can also get a view of Lake Norman (unfortunately without a side of swimming) at the patio at Hello, Sailor, included in our post all about the best Charlotte patios for outdoor dining and drinking.

Windjammer Park, Tega Cay, SC

20 miles, 31 minutes

The second closest of the beaches near Charlotte NC is also on a lake, but south of the state border in South Carolina. Located on a point on Lake Wylie, the small, 2 acre park provides 360 degree views of the water with a swimming area on one side and boater access on the other. 

Things to know: Parking is permit only; parking is free to Tega Cay residents and $100 for non-residents.

Ebenezer Park, Rock Hill, SC

26 miles, 35 minutes

Ebenezer Park, just north of the Rock Hill, is home to the third swimming beach in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Like both Ramsey Creek and Windjammer, Ebenezer Park is a lakefront beach (you’ll have to drive a few hours to get to the ocean but all of the ocean suggestions are below!) along the shores of Lake Wylie, 

Ebenezer Park just underwent a major renovation that includes a 10,000 square foot pier, covered shelters and a brand new beach area. Beyond swimming, Ebenezer Park is a great place for boating, fishing and camping.

Things to know: Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend the vehicle fee to enter the park is $5 for York County Residents and $8 for out of county visitors.

Lake Norman State Park, NC

38 miles, 42 minutes

Lake Norman State Park is home to the second public swimming beach on Lake Norman on the North side of of the lake in Troutman, NC. Lake Norman State Park offers a wide variety of other outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking (there are over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and over 7 miles of hiking only trails), boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking areas with public restrooms, tables and grills.

Things to know: The beach season at Lake Norman State Park is year round, but the 125 foot sandy beach is staffed with lifeguards from 10 am to 530pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  Swimming fees (cash only) are charged when the lifeguards are on duty, $6 for adults (13 and over) and $4 for kids (ages 3-12). There is no cost to visit the 1,934 acre park and no cost to swim when the lifeguards are not on duty.

Lake James State Park, NC

90 miles, 1 hour 32 minutes

Lake James is just 90 minutes away, making it one of the closest beaches near Charlotte NC. Lake James State Park offers a variety of ways to enjoy the mountain lake including hiking trails, boating, kayaking, a public beach, and three campgrounds.

Lake James is a 6,812 acre lake located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Marion and Morganton. The state park is located along its shores and is home to 25 miles of hiking, mountain biking , and nature trails, three campgrounds (offering walk in, drive in and boat in campgrounds) as well as plenty of space for boating, fishing and swimming. In fact, Lake James campgrounds are our favorites in North Carolina and all three are feature in Off the Eaten Path’s best tent camping in NC guide!

Things to know: The sandy beach swimming area is open May 1 through September 30, 10 am to 6pm daily. Swimming fees are $6 for adults (13 and over) and $4 for kids (ages 3-12).

Myrtle Beach, SC

176 miles, 3 hours 31 minutes

Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination located in the middle of a 60 mile stretch of beach known as The Grand Strand in northeastern South Carolina. An estimated 14 million visitors flock to Myrtle Beach annually to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, as well as the area’s numerous hotels, golf resorts and wide range of entertainment and activities. 

Under 200 miles and about three and a half hours from Charlotte, Myrtle Beach is the closest Atlantic Ocean beach near Charlotte, NC based on distance or mileage but not necessarily time (a few beaches in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands may be a faster trip depending on traffic flow and congestion). The name “Myrtle Beach” comes from the wax myrtle, an evergreen shrub, and was chosen in a name-the-town contest in 1900.

Things to know: It is free to visit the beaches in Myrtle Beach. You may need to pay to park, however. 

Pawley’s Island, SC

189 miles, 3 hours 52 minutes

Pawley’s Island is a laid back, family beach where you can enjoy activities beyond swimming like crabbing, fishing shelling, biking, water sports, canoeing and kayaking. Kayaking is also a great way to explore the salt marsh!

Located 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach on the southern end of The Grand Strand, Pawley’s Island is known as one of the oldest summer resort areas on the East Coast. Pawley’s coast is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and a salt marsh, separating it from the mainland. You can easily access the 4 mile long barrier island by one of two causeways.

Things to know: Visiting Pawley’s island is free. There are several public beach accesses on the island. Parking is free. 

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are a stretch of five barrier islands between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. These beaches are not as widely developed as those to the North or South, leaving large stretches of pristine beach with rolling sand dunes and waving shore grasses. 

• Sunset Beach: 191 miles, 3 hours 23 minutes
• Ocean Isle: 193 miles, 3 hours 24 minutes
• Holden Beach 202 miles, 3 hours 25 minutes
• Oak Island: 207 miles, 3 hours 29 minutes
• Caswell Beach 212 miles, 3 hours 37 minutes
• Bald Head Island: 217 miles, 4 hours 24 minutes

The area is also home to Calabash style seafood, a distinct style that involves lightly battered, deep fried and freshly caught seafood harvested from the Atlantic Ocean and inlets along the Carolina coast. Calabash seafood’s namesake is Calabash, North Carolina, a small town in Brunswick County that popularized the freshly caught, corn meal crusted, fried seafood. It’s a must try!

Things to know: The beaches in the Brunswick Islands are free to enter and enjoy, but some attractions and activities may have fees. 

Sunset Beach

The southern-most Brunswick Islands beach is Sunset Beach, which is considered to be one of the closet beaches to Charlotte, NC in terms of driving time. Directly west of Sunset Beach is Bird Island (they share the same barrier island and you can walk to Bird Island from Sunset Beach), a protected beach and one of 10 sites that make up the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island and Caswell Beach

To the east of Sunset Beach is Ocean Isle Beach, followed by Holden Beach, Oak Island and then Caswell Beach. While each beach community in the Brunswick Islands offers something a little different and special to beachgoers, depending on what kind of trop or vacation you are looking for, they all promise white sand beaches, beautiful blue ocean surf and a lot of fun in the sun!

Bald Head Island

The last island that makes up North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is Bald Head Island, which has a longer driving time that the others because it is reachable only by ferry or private boat. There are no cars allowed on Bald Head Island, which will give you the unique experience of exploring its sweeping natural landscape by bike, boat or golf cart. 

Wrightsville Beach, NC

207 miles, 3 hours 48 minutes

Wrightsville Beach has been named one of the top surfing towns in the world by National Geographic, and some people say it is actually the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach is the closest surfside town (just 8.5 miles away!) to Wilmington a port city in southeastern North Carolina. A lot of people think that Wilmington is on the Atlantic Ocean but it’s actually not and was developed a little inland along the Cape Fear River.

Barrier islands are a theme when it comes to the Atlantic Coast beaches and especially in North Carolina, and so no surprise, Wrightsville Beach is located on a barrier island which is only four miles long.

Fun fact: If you were a late 90s, early 2000s teenage drama fan, you’ll recognize Wrightsville Beach from Dawson’s Creek, as the show used the beach town for a few filming locations, including the Oceanic Pier in the opening credits. 

Things to know: Parking is available throughout the town in Wrightsville Beach, both at designated parking lots and along side streets where meters mark the spot where visitors can pull in and hit the sand at the public beaches. Parking rates are generally $15 per day from the beginning of March until the end of October (parking is free in the off-season months).

Carolina Beach, NC

211 miles, 3 hours 52 minutes

Carolina Beach is another Wilmington area beach, located on Pleasure Island just south east of the city. Carolina Beach boasts a vintage boardwalk that serves up fun with a side of nostalgia with its amusement park rides, games and concession stands. 

Carolina Beach is known for its distinctive coastal environments. Beyond beautiful beach views, Carolina Beach is home to Carolina Beach State Park which has miles of trails through uninhibited maritime forest and salt marshes. Carolina Beach visitors can also visit Freeman Park, located on the undeveloped northern stretch of shoreline, for swimming, surfing, fishing and camping. 

Things to know: Four wheel drive vehicles and permits are needed for both driving on the beach and camping.

Kure Beach, NC

214 miles, 3 hours 53 minutes

Just south of Carolina Beach on Pleasure Island is Kure Beach (pronounced CURE-ee), just .8 square miles in area bordered by Carolina Beach to the North, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Historic Site to the South, the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Cape Fear River to the West. Beyond the beach, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a popular area destination featuring exhibits focused on North Carolina’s marine life.

For those who crave isolated, undeveloped shorelines, Zeke’s Island Reserve, one of the most important shorebird habitats along the North Carolina coastline, is a must visit with pristine shorelines, wild paddling trails, and plenty of shelling, fishing, and birdwatching. 

Charleston, SC Area Beaches

Similar to Wilmington, Charleston, South Carolina is a port city located on the Ashley River and not actually on the ocean, but there are  four small beach communities just a short drive away.

• Sullivan’s Island, SC: 215 miles, 3 hours 15 minutes
• Folly Beach, SC: 219 miles, 3 hours 23 minutes
• Isle of Palms, SC: 22 miles, 3 hours 32 minutes
• Kiawah Island, SC: 232 miles, 3 hours 44 minutes

Each of Charleston’s beaches — Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Kiawah Island — offer a mix of wide beaches, water sports, local restaurants, shops and golfing. Each one has their own unique vibes and personalities, so there’s something really for everyone on the South Carolina coast.  

Things to know: The beaches are free to walk and visit, but parking isn’t always free. Some beaches prohibit alcohol. 

Topsail Island, NC

40 miles Northwest of Wilmington is a 26 mile long barrier island that was a popular pirate hideaway in the 1700s. Topsail Island got its name from its pirate history; pirates would hide their boats in the channel between the island and the mainland, and only the top of the boats’ sails were visible to ships approaching from the ocean. There’s a rumor that Blackbeard’s treasure is buried on the island.

Beyond being a pirate coastal haunt, Topsail Island is home to three small beach towns, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach, making it the perfect place for your next beach vacation.

Topsail’s beaches are enjoyed by swimmers, beachcombers, anglers, boaters and sea turtles alike: The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is located in Surf City, where visitors take a tour of the facility and get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to save and protect North Carolina’s sea turtles.

Hilton Head Island, SC

247 miles, 3 hours 47 minutes

Hilton Head is a resort town and boot-shaped barrier island located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia (Hilton Head’s shoe shape has the toe pointing south towards the Savannah River). The 42 square mile island is home to 12 miles of sandy beaches and 24 golf courses, so whether you’re looking to hit the links or relax on the sand, Hilton Head has something for you.

Fun fact: John Cougar Mellancamp has a house on neighboring Daufuskie Island, which is only accessible by ferry or boat.

Hunting Island State Park, SC

246 miles, 3 hours 57 minutes

Hunting Island, South Carolina’s most popular state park, is home to five miles of pristine, palm-lined beaches, thousands of acres of lush vegetation, marsh and martime forest, a saltwater lagoon, an ocean inlet and a wide variety of native marine and land wildlife. It gives me major Caribbean Island vibes.

The 5,000 acre park is located 15 miles from downtown Beaufort, is definitely worth a day trip if you’re in the area (or even a day trip from Charlotte) but I definitely recommend visiting for the weekend and staying at one of the park’s 100 tent or RV campsites (two night reservation required).

Tybee Island, GA

270 miles, 4 hours 13 minutes

Tybee Island is the only Georgia beach to make this list, just over a four hour drive from Charlotte and a mere 20 minutes from Savannah (it is the easternmost point in Georgia). For a brief period of time between the 1950s and 1970s, Tybee Island was named Savannah Beach to drive publicity toward the island.

Tybee’s three miles of sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, sand castle building and shelling. One of the best ways to explore the island is by bike! 

The Crystal Coast, NC

• Emerald Isle: 271 miles, 4 hours 51 minutes
• Indian Beach: 276 miles, 4 hours 58 minutes
• Pine Knoll Shores: 280 miles, 5 hours 7 minutes
• Atlantic Beach: 284 miles 5 hours 8 minutes

The Crystal Coast is an 85 mile stretch of beaches in Eastern North Carolina (it is also known as the Southern Outer Banks, because, you guessed it, it is directly south of the Outer Banks. More on the Outer Banks below). The name crystal coast was chosen to describe the area’s extremely clear waters and miles white beaches. The Crystal Coast includes Emerald Isle, Newport, Salter Path, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Morehead City, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Harkers Island and the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

 

Beyond hitting the beach, there are a plethora of activities for both nature lovers and history buffs and places to eat for foodies! Check out my Crystal Coast travel guide featuring the best things to do in Beaufort NC and 13 of the best restaurants in Beaufort NC)

Some highlights are the historic sites like Fort Macon State Park, Croatan National Forest, Shackleford Banks (make sure to try to spot the wild horses!), Cape Lookout National Seashore (you can climb the “Diamond Lady” lighthouse, that was painted with a distinctive black and white diamond pattern in order to distinguish direction North and South from East and West) and more! 

Outer Banks, NC: Nags Head

363 miles, 5 hours 28 minutes

Spanning the northern coast of North Carolina, the 200-mile string of barrier islands are home to beautiful beaches. There are several towns and beach communities stretching from North to South in the OBX. The islands are LONG, and only accessibly by a few bridges and ferries. If you were to drive from one end to the other, including ferry time, it would take about 3 hours.

(If you’re interested in driving the Outer Banks, you should plan a trip along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway which extends for 138 driving miles and 25 ferry-traveling miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of only 150 stretches of road in the country that is designated as a National Byways, an attraction in and of itself!)

• Carova Beach: 406 miles, 6 hours 46 minutes
• Corolla: 396 miles, 6 hours, 21 minutes 
• Duck: 381 miles, 5 hours, 57 minutes
• Southern Shores: 379 miles, 5 hours, 53 minutes
• Kitty Hawk: 373 miles, 5 hours, 46 minutes via the Wright Memorial Bridge from Point Harbor, part of US-158
• Kill Devil Hills: 370 miles, 5 hours, 42 minutes
• Nags Head: 365 miles 5 hours, 33 minutes via the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge of US 64 connects the north end of Roanoke Island to the Dare County mainland near Manteo.
• Manteo (mainland): 359 miles, 5 hours, 26 minutes 
• Rodanthe: 383 miles, 6 hours, 8 minutes via the Washington Baum Bridge connects the US 64 Bypass from Nags Head to Roanoke Island. (And yes, you can see the Nights in Rodanthe house here!)
• Waves: 385 miles, 6 hours, 14 minutes
• Salvo: 387 miles, 6 hours, 18 minutes
• Avon: 401 miles, 6 hours, 33 minutes 
• Buxton: 408 miles, 6 hours, 41 minutes 
• Frisco: 413 miles, 6 hours, 51 minutes 
• Hatteras: 420 miles, 7 hours, 4 minutes 
• Ocracoke: 365 miles, 7 hours, 38 minutes via I-85 S, or 442 miles, 8 hours, 6 minutes via US 64-W. Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry, which you can catch from Hatteras (1 hour), Cedar Island or Swan Quarter (2.5 hours each). 

These small beach towns spot the coast and offer a plethora of places to stay, from beach houses to rent and hotels, inns and resorts. There are tons of local restaurants and things to do! For a complete list, make sure to check out our Outer Banks Travel Guide! Some quick highlights include: 

• Aquatic plant and animal life, like sea turtles and wild horses at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• The Roanoke Colony, also known as The Lost Colony, is one of America’s first settlements and most intriguing, unsolved mysteries. There is a play every summer you can see a reenactment of!
• Aviation enthusiasts will love the Wright Brothers museum. They took their first flight in Kill Devil Hills on December 17, 1903. 
• The tallest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
• Four lighthouses: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse
• Pirate stuff (!) including Blackbeard. Ocracoke Inlet was the famed pirate’s favorite anchorage.