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

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Firsts That Last

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Winter Fun at Coastal State Parks

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Take a Nicholas Sparks Tour of the North Carolina Coast

Trip Idea
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Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

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Places to Stay in this region

Walk in Blackbeard’s Footsteps in North Carolina

Trip Idea
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Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

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Columbia
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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Take an Trip Inspired by 'Where the Crawdads' Sing

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Events in this region

5 Picturesque Summer Beach Vacations

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instagram icon @wendywhy12
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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

Birding, Kayaking & Fishing at Wildlife Refuges

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location markerPamlico Sound
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location markerPamlico Sound
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Wow what a dream it was in NC on Friday night!!! @nathaninstagrams @wes_gatling and I headed down into the swamp for some late season Milky Way action and it was stunning. We found this dock earlier this year, but had to wait 5 months for the Milky Way core to line up with it. Obviously, it was worth the wait! I just love how all the elements of this photo come together to create such a dramatic and colorful scene. We paid homage to the universe all night and she spoke back. The minute we began packing things up here, it started raining. Totally a sign 🙏 I’ve also included a few vids of the incredible marine life we found here. Monster crabs, tons of fish, and shrimp the size of hot dogs! 🌭😂 lemme know what you think! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Want to learn how to shoot photos like this one? Join us for our Milky Way Workshop on Saturday, October 13th in the Outer Banks NC. DM for more info! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #timelessuniverse #universe247 #universetoday #ohstarstuff #astro_photography_ #astronomyphotos #natgeospace @space #nightscaper #nasa #nightphotographypros #longexpoelite #ig_longexpo #nocturnal_visionaries #ig_shotz_le #nightimages #long_exposure #night_excl #nightshooterz #cbastro #nightphotography #amazing_longexpo #long_exposure_pics #nightshooters

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar

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New Bern

Beach Biking: 3 Ways to Explore the North Carolina Coast

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10/26/2024

Beary Not-So-Scary Halloween

New Bern
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Grab Your Friends for a Getaway to the North Carolina Coast

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3-Day Coastal Winery & Vineyard Getaway

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Escape to Storybook Settings at Castles, Palaces and Mansions

Trips That Transform
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Flatwater Paddling in Eastern North Carolina

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Cashie Golf & Country Club

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Windsor
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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

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location markerCroatan National Forest Cedar Point Tideland Trail
instagram icon @cwetherbyphotography
location markerCroatan National Forest Cedar Point Tideland Trail
user icon @cwetherbyphotography

Croatan National Forest - NC . . . #nature #naturegram #naturephoto #naturephotography #croatan #croatannationalforest #forest #hiking #backpacking #backpackermag #explore #northcarolina #nc #outerbanks #forestservice #usa #forest #lilly #pond #models #beauty #modelsofinstagram #model #outdoorphotography #outside #outdoor #visitnc #vacation

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Feast at Fall Oyster and Seafood Festivals

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