Looking for the closest beach to Greensboro, NC?
Are you dreaming of sandy beaches, soothing waves and the perfect beach vacation? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore the closest beaches to Greensboro, the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
located in the heartPiedmont region, Greensboro is a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions, shopping centers, and great dining scene. But when it's time to relax and sunbathe, there's nothing like the charm of the nearby beaches.
Fortunately, Greensboro is close to some amazing coastal destinations, offering options for beach lovers and vacationers alike. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, the closest beaches to Greensboro have something for everyone.
In this guide, we'll take a look at the options available, from pristine sandy beaches with endless coastlines to bustling seaside towns full of local charm. Whether you're looking for quiet seclusion, exciting water sports, family activities or a combination of all three, you'll find the perfect beach to meet your needs.
Let's dive in and discover the wonders of the ocean waiting to be discovered!
Closest Beaches to Greensboro, North Carolina
We'll drill down below and sort by distance. The closest beach to Greensboro is Wrightsville Beach, and there are many other great options that I'll list below.
Note that the distances given are estimates and may vary depending on the route chosen and current traffic conditions. It's always a good idea to check the latest routes and travel times before heading to the beach.
1. Wrightsville Beach
distance: 208 miles | Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Wrightsville Beach, about 9 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, is known for its beautiful blue waters. Southern Living named it one of the 10 cities with the best beaches in the South. This is one of the most accessible beaches in North Carolina and a very popular spot among sunbathers. They are known for their world-class waves and surfing here.
If you want to spend more than one day at the beach, you'll find shops, restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and spas. Here you can also practice a variety of water sports. Stop at Johnnie Mercers Dock for fishing or simply enjoying the view. The pier extends 1,200 feet from the shore, where you'll find a restaurant and restrooms.
Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach from October 1st to March 31st only. Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9am and after 5pm from April 1st to September 30th.
Book all Wrightsville Beach Ocean View Apartments here
2. Surf City
distance: 209 miles | Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Surf City is located on Topsail Island and is one of 3 communities there. When you're here, be sure to visit the Karen Beasley Turtle Center and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
You'll also find good surfing conditions here. Be sure to check out the surf schools that offer lessons. After World War II, the U.S. Navy used the island as a missile test site, and many people came here to visit the Missile Museum and learn about Operation Hornet.
Another popular landmark is the Surf City Pier, a great place to fish or simply enjoy the view. The pier is lit at night so you can fish at night.
3. The beach at sunset
distance: 207 miles | Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Would you like to see one of the 21 best beaches in the world, as voted by National Geographic? Sunset Beach is for you, with its beautiful sands and natural wonders. Since this beach faces east, why is it called Sunset Beach?
Fun fact: From late fall to early spring, you can watch the sunrise and sunset right on the water, thanks to the island's location. Be sure to visit the Sunset Beach Pier and go fishing or head to Bird Island to explore the 1,200 acres.
Are you an astronomy enthusiast? Be sure to visit the Ingram Planetarium and catch a show at the SciDome Sky Theatre.
Book accommodation at Sunset Inn near Sunset Beach
4. Ocean Isle Beach
distance: 210 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ocean Isle Beach is a small town with beautiful white sand beaches and many local attractions, activities and activities. Aside from the beach, you can stop at the Coastal Carolina Museum, have fun with the family at River Country Miniature Golf and continue your adventures at the Swamp Park Zipline and ATV Center.
Walk along the Ocean Isle Beach pier and stop at the Carolina School of Surf for surf lessons.
Check In to Ocean Isle Inn
Fantastic location!
5. Holden Beach
distance: 218 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Holden Beach is another small beach spot for a quiet getaway. Located on North Carolina's South Shore, it was named one of the best family beaches in the country by National Geographic Traveler. Come here to enjoy relaxing beaches, build sandcastles, fly a kite or just relax on a lounge chair.
You will also find that there are fewer people. You can also take the Intracoastal Waterway and bring your kayak or paddle board while you look for dolphins or watch a shrimp boat go by. Holden Beach allows pets Sept. 11-May 19, May 20-Sept. 10 before 9am and after 5pm.
Reserve a pet friendly home on the 2nd row from Steps to Beach!
6. Oak Island
distance: 223 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Looking for a popular family beach spot? Oak Island is a popular place! Enjoy miniature golf, ice cream and more. They have over 60 access points to the public beach, two fishing piers and several places to launch a canoe or boat. They have local shops and restaurants.
Oak Island is also a popular place to find all kinds of shells! The island is also very pet-friendly as pets are allowed year-round. Also, for history buffs, be sure to check out the Oak Island Lighthouse, which was completed in 1958 and was the last lighthouse built in North Carolina. Guided tours are available year-round for guests ages 9 and up.
Stay at this Oceanfront Hotel in Oak Island
7. Hammock Beach State Park
distance: 217 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Hammock Beach State Park is only accessible by boat or ferry; note that the ferry is closed November through the end of March. You can also rent a kayak and explore on your own. If you love nature this is the place to be.
You can explore salt marshes, swamp forests and bird watch. Turtles also come here to lay their eggs, so you might spot one swimming while kayaking.
They also allow primitive camping if you want to stay overnight. Entry to the park itself is free, but there is a fee to use the ferry or boat dock. Pets are allowed in parks and campgrounds.
8. Carolina Beach
distance: 218 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Come enjoy the relaxing atmosphere on the coastal beaches about 15 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina. There are many amazing beach events throughout the year, including the Carolina Beach Music Festival, the only beach music festival in North Carolina. Here you'll also find the nationally recognized Antiques Gallery.
According to Food & Wine magazine, the promenade is listed as one of the ten best promenades in the country. They also have great restaurants and a lively nightlife. Along the boardwalk, you can also ride the nearly 30-meter-high Carolina Beach Giant Ferris Wheel.
Reserve your beach accommodation in Carolina Beach.
If you want to get out and enjoy nature, head to Carolina Beach State Park. this is a park761 hectares with miles of hiking trails.If you go there, be sure to go to the 50 meter Sugar Loaf sand dune. Interestingly, there is a carnivorous plant Venus flytrap in the park.
9. Kure Beach
distance: 221 miles | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kure Beach is home to the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast. The pier is 700 feet long and was built in 1923. If you're a history buff, this is the beach for you. Here, you'll find Fisher State Historic Site, the largest earthen fort ever found in the South. Today, only about 10 percent of the fort remains. Fort Fisher is also home to the North Carolina Aquarium.
A popular dive site off the coast of Kure Beach is home to more than 200 shipwrecks, including the Civil War-era Blockade Runner Condor, whose location is even marked by buoys. existFort Fisher, you'll find 6 miles of pristine beaches, a popular nesting site for sea turtles. There are also ferries back to the mainland near Fort Fisher.
10. Shangfan Beach
distance: 215 miles | Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on Topsail (pronounced "Tops'l") Island. Some say the name comes from the days when pirates roamed the area and raided ships in the straits between the mainland and the islands. On board, you will only see their topsails.
Some say Blackbeard's treasure is still buried somewhere here. There are currently two ways to go to the island: from the Tower Bridge on the north side and the suspension bridge to Surf City.
Topsail is where sea turtles nest and lay their eggs, usually from April to September. Topsail is known for its sea turtle conservation work. Come, enjoy their beautiful beaches and learn about the history.
11. Baldhead Island
distance: 233 miles | Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
On Bald Head Island, you'll find a haven away from it all. The island is only accessible by private boat or ferry. Cars are not allowed; only bicycles or golf carts are allowed. Bald Head is one of the largest sea turtle nesting areas in North Carolina.
You'll also find Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest surviving lighthouse, built in 1817. It's a solid brick lighthouse that requires climbing 108 steps to the top, but it's well worth the view!
The ferry is about a 20-minute drive from the mainland and departs from Southport, North Carolina. Spend a great day on the island's South Beach. This is a beautiful sandy beach for all ages.
12. Emerald Isle
distance: 222 miles | Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Emerald Isle is located on the banks of the Borg River. Come and enjoy their white sandy beaches and stunningly clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a seaside town that changes a lot in summer, receiving more than 50,000 visitors a week in summer.
Here you can also take surf lessons, enjoy the beach, collect amazing shells and learn about historyFort Macon State Parkand his role in American history.
there are manyHiking and biking trails you can also explore. Like many other places, visit the Bogue Inlet Fishing Marina for fantastic ocean views. Built in the 1950s, it has been refurbished several times due to storms. This is one of the longest piers on the North Carolina coast at 300 meters above the sea!
13. Atlantic Beach
Distance: 227 miles | Time: 4 hours
Atlantic Beach is a beautiful barrier island located between the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Bay. With endless stretches of sand, this beach spot is everyone's paradise. Get ready to party on the beach! Build sand castles, collect shells and feel the fresh sea breeze.
Don't forget to try your luck fishing from the pier or kayaking in the sparkling ocean where you can spot dolphins. When you get hungry, feast on local restaurants serving the freshest seafood. If you're looking for an adventure, visit those nearbyNorth Carolina AquariumOr explore Fort Macon Historic State Park.
14. Head of Nags
Distance: 271 miles | Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
nagging headis a quaint seaside town on North Carolina's beautiful Outer Banks. With its beautiful beaches and rich history,nagging headAn ideal getaway for families and beach lovers alike.
Prepare to be amazed by the expansive sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Play a game on the beach or just relax in the warm sun.nagging headThis is also a paradise for water lovers! Try surfing the waves of the Atlantic or rejuvenate in the ocean.
outside the beachnagging headThere is a fascinating history to discover. Visit the legendary nature reserve Nags Head Woods Nature ReservePicturesque trails are great for hikingand bird watching. For a glimpse into the past, head to Bodie Island Lighthouse or nearby Roanoke Island Festival Park, where you can step back in time and learn about the region's rich heritage.
Ocean Beach, South Carolina
15. Myrtle Beach
Distance: 197 miles | Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Myrtle Beach is a great destination for a beach vacation and attracts tourists alike. In addition to 50 miles of beautiful beaches, you'll find the boardwalk, numerous restaurants and the SkyWheel, the tallest ferris wheel in the country.
If you are looking for a quiet beach, this is not the place for you unless you come in low season! If you want to combine fun with the beach this is your place! They have many activities to choose from. Party lovers love the nights out here, where you can listen to live music and dance.
Closest Beaches to Greensboro, NC: Frequently Asked Questions
📌 How far is Greensboro, North Carolina from the beach?
The distance from Greensboro to the nearest beach depends on which beach you choose. Greensboro is about 200 miles from the Atlantic coast.
📌 When is the best month to go to the beaches of North Carolina?
May through June is considered a good time to visit North Carolina beaches. The weather is generally pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius). The water starts to warm up for swimming and water sports. Also, crowds are usually smaller compared to peak summer months.
📌 How far is Myrtle Beach from Greensboro, North Carolina?
The distance between Myrtle Beach and Greensboro is less than 200 miles.
📌 When is hurricane season in North Carolina?
Hurricane season in North Carolina typically runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak period of hurricane activity is usually between August and October.
final thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of Greensboro, North Carolina's closest beach, it's clear that a great seaside getaway is just around the corner. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventurer, or just want to relax by the sea, nearby beaches offer an idyllic setting to suit your needs.
From the picturesque coastline of Atlantic beaches, where the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Bay meet, to quaint seaside townsnagging head, with its sprawling beaches and rich history, you have options.
No matter which beach you choose, breathtaking natural beauty, warm sand beneath your feet and the soothing sound of the waves await. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of outdoor activities, from swimming, sunbathing and sunbathing to surfing, fishing and kayaking.
So, pack up the necessary things to go to the beach, load the car, and embark on an unforgettable journey to the nearest seaside paradise. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and soak up the peace and wonder of nature that awaits you.
17+ Fun Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC | Foreign Bank
17+ Great Things to Do in Nags Head, NC
