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North Carolina Island Named One of HGTVs Best Islands in the U.S.

Author Randi Moultrie
Aerial view of Silver Lake harbor and Ocracoke village on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina at golden hour.

North Carolina is one of those states with some great islands off of the coast. The Carolinas are home to tons of beaches and beach towns, but there are a few quaint islands that people show love to as well. If you were looking for somewhere to visit maybe this year or next, then we might have a few spots available for you. HGTV named their 22 best islands in the U.S. and one North Carolina island made the list.

HGTV is naming Ocracoke Island, North Carolina as one of the best islands in the U.S. Ocracoke Island is 16 miles of undeveloped coastline that you can enjoy in the Carolinas. The island allows you to experience a vacation without the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Sit back and relax with the undeveloped peace that the island has to offer to visitors.

Things to Do on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Although things are very calm and relaxing, there are still things for you to be able to do. First off, the trip to get there is an experience in itself. You have to take one of the three ferry options in order to arrive on the island and let the fun begin. First stop, grab yourself a bike to rent for the day, and ride around town soaking up all of the air and views at the same time during the ride. Of course, the water is filled with activities. If you don’t just want to lay out on the beach then go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boards, and so much more in the water. If you want some dry land activities then go on a hike on grab some of the best seafood you have ever had.

Ocracoke Island is one of those hidden gems that we don’t think about when you first mention North Carolina beaches, but it is one of those that you won’t regret visiting. If this small island is not on your list of places to visit in North Carolina, then you are missing out! So, who is down to go with me?

Randi Moultrie is a Charleston, South Carolina native and has been in the radio industry for the last few years in Charlotte. Randi started with Beasley Media Group as an intern in 2019 and is now thriving in the digital world. Randi enjoys writing about her favorite foods (especially pizza) and all things fashion and travel. As one who loves taking trips to find new foods, it’s not surprising that she enjoys writing about both!

Southern Living Named This Beloved Beach The Best Waterfront Town In North Carolina

Whether you prefer the beach or a lake it’s hard not to love being by the water as the weather gets warmer. And here in North Carolina, we have numerous beaches, and lakes that offer water lovers a haven to spend their time. And of course, the best is subjective. Not every beach town or lake offers the same experiences. And personal preference varies as to what the most important offerings of these spots. But when Southern Living makes their pick for the best waterfront town in North Carolina, I take their opinion seriously.

The Best Waterfront Town In North Carolina

After all who knows the South better than the experts at and the readers of Southern Living? Readers of Southern Living actually voted on this list as part of the publication’s South’s Best Awards. One of the categories voted on was the reader’s favorite waterfront town in the South. In total fifteen towns were recognized one in each of the “southern” states. Here’s how the voting process worked according to Southern Living. “An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South for the South’s Best Awards 2024. The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents.”

Related: Southern Living Named This Mountain Town The Best Small Town In North Carolina

And what they chose as the best waterfront town in North Carolina is certainly a local favorite not just in this survey. In fact, my biggest complaint about this town is simply that it’s too crowded to find parking if you aren’t staying there. And it’s a beach that many people commute to both locals and tourists. Do you know which waterfront town in North Carolina I’m talking about? Keep reading to find out. And also learn about the best waterfront towns in some neighboring states as well. This includes towns in South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. Who knows maybe your new favorite vacation destination is about to be discovered. They are all a reasonable drive for a quick or long weekend getaway. Interested in the full Southern Living list? You can read that here.

  • North Carolina - Wrightsville Beach

    Locals, UNC Wilmington students, and visitors all adore Wrightsville Beach. It’s less than 10 minutes from Wilmington making it one of the most accessible beach towns the state has to offer. Wrightsville is a favorite of surfers and is an ideal spot for a number of outdoor activities. The walkable town (again the parking is not so great) is home to beach boutiques and surf shops as well as fantastic restaurants. A favorite of mine (and countless others) is Dockside which is located right on the water.

  • South Carolina- Hilton Head Island

    The argument could have been made for numerous South Carolina towns. But ultimately the winner is the resort town of Hilton Head Island. Located in the South Carolina Lowcountry Hilton Head Island is a laid-back coastal paradise full of resorts, nature, pristine beaches, and some notable restaurants. Did you even visit Hilton Head if you haven’t paid The Salty Dog a visit?

  • Tennessee-Gatlinburg

    Since Tennesee is landlocked you knew this wasn’t going to be a beachfront town. But would Gatlinburg be your first guess? It wouldn’t have been mine. But turns out Gatlinburg is located on the Pigeon River and rafting as well as other activities are popular amongst tourists. Gatlinburg is certainly a tourist hotspot, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. There is certainly no shortage of things to do here!

  • Georgia- St. Simons Island

    St. Simons Island one of Georgia’s barrier islands known as the Golden Isles is the state’s best waterfront town. Here you’ll find island streets bordered by Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Visitors love the beaches (obviously) as well as museums, golf courses, shops, and restaurants. Choose to stay in a quaint inn or luxurious resort. There are no bad decisions here.

  • Virginia- Virginia Beach

    With other states having slightly more “under the radar” spots as their best waterfront town I was a little surprised Virginia Beach was named. Now let me preface that with I’ve never visited so I do not have an opinion on the town or city in this case. I just know it’s much larger than other destinations on this list. Virginia Beach is a popular tourist hotspot on the Virginia coast. There every season is “beach season” and there is no shortage of things do from activities, to places to say, miles of beach to visit, or restaurants to check out.

  • Florida- St. Augustine

    I’ve paid a quick visit to the nation’s oldest city located right on the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts 450 years of history, brick-lined streets, historical sites, and restaurants, all in a waterfront location. The city is gorgeous and full of historic building which I adore. Learn more about visiting St. Augustine here.

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Author Randi Moultrie
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