Welcome to Eastern NC
Eastern North Carolina has been typically defined as the area that sits east of the Fall Line and runs to the Atlantic Ocean.
It is home to North Carolina’s beautiful beaches, small towns, and agricultural communities. Explore all there is to do in Eastern North Carolina here.
Eastern NC on the Map
Interactive Map of Eastern North Carolina
This map, like those dedicated to Central and Western North Carolina, is alphabetized and includes specific counties and attractions for each one.
Eastern NC Travel Guides
From sand dunes at sunset to free-roaming wild horses, plan your trip with additional Eastern North Carolina travel guides.
The Outer Banks
Speaking of those wild stallions (excellent!), we start with the large barrier chain of islands known as the Outer Banks, which extends along the coast of Southeastern Virginia and, of course, North Carolina.
Once the scene of England’s first (and failed) attempt at colonization, the Outer Banks are known today as a series of sometimes nostalgic, more-often developing group of towns from Corolla to Ocracoke.
Ocracoke Island is home to a quaint fishing village, pirate legends, lovely beaches, and more.
Corolla is a wonderful village full of history, wild horses, beautiful scenery, and plenty more.
If you’re looking for the best OBX restaurants near your rental, hotel, or home, this guide covers you!
Jockeys Ridge is home to the tallest set of natural sand dunes on the East Coast.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
The only NPS-managed land in North Carolina that requires a boat to reach.
The Crystal Coast
Known as the “Southern Outer Banks,” the Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of beaches and coastal towns offering unique history and fun activities for the whole family.
Emerald Isle is one of five Bogue Banks barrier island towns, and probably the first one people think of.
Atlantic Beach is on the northern end of the Bogue Banks, closer to Morehead City and Beaufort.
The Rachel Carson Reserve was the main reason we first stopped by Beaufort, but it quickly hooked us.
Wilmington and Surrounding Beach Towns
Wilmington is known not only for its incredible downtown along the Cape Fear River but also for the awesome beach towns nearby.
Wilmington is a historic riverside town, packed with amazing food and near beautiful beaches.
We’ve included spots found downtown, along the Cape Fear River, and surrounding beach towns.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Carolina Beach, but is it the best time?
Jacksonville, Swansboro, and Topsail Island
Tucked between the first two, just north of Wilmington and south of the Crystal Coast, Onslow County and Pender County are certainly worth exploring.
Primarily known for Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville is one of our favorite places on the NC coast.
Swansboro is an adorable spot along the Intracoastal Waterway, with a small but mighty downtown.
Topsail Island (pronounced “Tops’l”) is a 26-mile barrier island and the perfect vacation spot.
Brunswick County Beaches
More than a handful of lovely beaches in Brunswick County await, including the immaculate Bald Head Island, and family-friendly spots like Oak Island and Holden Beach.
Oak Island is the perfect beach getaway, with many beach access points within a walk from most rentals.
While living out your dreams on Bald Head Island, visit Old Baldy, NC’s oldest standing lighthouse.
Holden Beach is a quaint coastal town that lives up to its nickname as North Carolina’s Family Beach.
Historic Towns
North Carolina‘s rich history is covered in books and amazing museums, but you can also learn by visiting historic towns in Eastern NC.
Edenton is one of North Carolina’s prettiest small towns, full of history and charm alike.
New Bern sits at in front of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, hosting a beautiful waterfront downtown.
I-95 Stops Worth Stopping For
These places are some of the most interesting you’ll find, and are much more than I-95 stops.
Fayetteville is home to Fort Bragg, a variety veteran-owned businesses, and much more.
Wilson is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Raleigh and full of fun throughout the year.