7 Popular Beach Resorts To Stay When In North Carolina (2024)
North Carolina is a beautiful state and an easy choice for vacationers in the eastern United States. It is home to 300 miles of barrier island beaches and a sprinkle of splendid spa beach resorts in between. The beautiful geographical features of the coastline here are charming southern hospitality mixed with stunning scenery. The North Carolina beaches are a haven for enthusiasts, whether they crave meditative peace or party-like fun. No matter what age, every individual will love at least one vacation at the beachfront resorts of North Carolina.
North Carolina is the place to go throughout the year, but summers are the best time for a beachy vacation. Tar Heel State has a wide variety of sandy destinations and beach hotels that are affordable, comfortable, luxurious, and family-friendly, each on its own. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shades, sunscreen, and towel and head towards North Carolina’s Best Beach Resorts.
7 Popular Beach Resorts To Stay When In North Carolina
Here is a list combining both the Best and most Popular Beach Resorts to Stay at when in North Carolina. Have a look:
1. Outer Banks Beach Club I & II
A cluster of vacation condo rentals, Outer Banks Beach Club I & II offers the most rustic beach resort experience in North Carolina. It is just 2 miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial right on the oceanfront in Kill Devil Hills. The Beach Club features one, two, and three-bedroom condos that feature a bedroom, living room, private decks, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, DVD, a kitchen, and ample space to relax. The 2- and 3-bedroom also feature whirlpool tubs while a few of them even open up towards splendid beach views. Other popular amenities at Outer Banks Beach Club includes an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and two small kids’ pool. Guests can even access the beach via a boardwalk and enjoy a more fun environment.
2. Sanderling Resort
Sanderling is a luxurious beach resort in North Carolina known for its beautiful location and impeccable services. This 4-star resort is nestled between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean somewhere in the Outer Banks area. The resort is home to 120 rooms and suites along with 5 separate vacation home rentals. Every single accommodation here is spacious and elegant and comes with a wide range of amenities. A few of them even feature views of the Ocean or Sound that adds more to the glory. Individuals staying at Sanderling Resort can utilize its on-site features, including an indoor pool with hot tubs, a family-friendly swimming pool, an adult-only pool, a spa and fitness center, and more. The restaurant offers outdoor fire pits for roasting s’mores around on chilly nights. Though for more dining options, it features three restaurants inspired by local farms and local waters. There’s even a Beach House Bar where guests can indulge in a round or two of drinks.
3. Blockade Runner Beach Resort
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort is one popular beach resort to stay when in North Carolina. This beachfront resort is located just outside of Wilmington on a gorgeous section of Wrightsville Beach. This coastal heritage has been operating for more than 5 decades and features a vintage eclectic vibe. The resort features multiple rooms and suites, all of which comes in different shapes, sizes, colors, and accent. The white leather furnishings, bright turquoise accent wall, and red and white pinstripe curtains are a few features that add a very distinctive vibe to the accommodations here. Blockade Runner has its on-site restaurant featuring a covered patio extending onto the lawn for dining. The restaurant emphasizes seafood, but their other delights, too, are a must-try. There’s even a poolside bar that allows guest to enjoy their glass of liquor right in the comfort of a pool chair. Other on-site amenities of the resort include a pool, seasonal kids’ club, spa, direct beach access, and activities like kayaking and surfboarding right at the Atlantic.
4. The Winds Resort
The Winds Resort is a club property that offers a beach escape with a tropical feel. A family-friendly resort with a relaxing ambiance, Winds Club, is located on Ocean Isle Beach against a tranquil backdrop of hibiscus plants, palm stretches, and tropical banana trees. It features a range of rooms, suites, and fully functional multi-bedroom cottages for accommodation. The rooms aren’t just spacious but also pet-friendly, with a deck and some excellent sea views.
Guests staying at Winds Club get to enjoy a complimentary Southern breakfast buffet every morning. Though for another part of the day, the resort has its own Thirsty Tiki Bar & Restaurant that offers an excellent choice of wine, beer, cocktails, chicken wings, burgers, pizzas, and more. In the name of amenities, guests can find multiple engaging options, including a hot tub, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an on-site gym, and bike rentals. The resort also provides direct access to the beach. And if that’s not enough, the resort is within half an hour to 45 minutes of driving proximity with over 100 golf courses nearby.
5. The Sea Trail Resort
Popular amongst golfers of North Carolina and across the United States, the Sea Trail Resort is just another wonderful accommodation to plan a vacation at. The resort encompasses a huge property of 2000 acres that also includes three world-class golf courses. One can find the property right on Sunset Beach, just a few miles away from Myrtle Beach. This beachcomber’s paradise and golfers’ getaway feature 1- and 2-bedroom condos with full kitchens, along with private suites and vacation rentals. Other on-site amenities here include the 19th Hole restaurant, Magnolia Lounge (classic American fare and themed buffet dinners), Brassie’s Pub, and an enormous outdoor swimming pool. Though Sea Trail is quite high on golf, it isn’t the only active, fun option here. Instead, guests staying back can indulge in many possible, engaging options, including Kayaking, Deep-sea fishing, Yoga, Zumba, Horseback riding, and more.
6. Sea Ranch Resort
Sea Ranch is a family-friendly beachfront resort located right on the beach of North Carolina. A stay here allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks and Kill Devil Hills altogether. Accommodation options here come in the form of standard rooms and condos that are even pet-friendly. The affordable rooms don’t face the Ocean, though if you go a little high on budget, the views from your window will simply blow your mind. The balconies facing the Ocean are simply the best spot for watching the Atlantic sunset. For dining inside the property, venture directly into Beachside Bistro and enjoy the extravagant flare of American Coastal Cuisine. The daily Chef’s specials, local seafood choices, and Cajun Roasted Oysters are definitely some must-tries. However, if you are willing to leave the property for a while, there are many great eateries and attractions of Kill Devil Hills to explore nearby.
7. Golden Sands
Golden Sands is a 5 story hotel/motel that serves as an ideal beach vacation in North Carolina. The hotel is less than 30 minutes drive from Wilmington and makes for a perfect weekend getaway spot. Golden Sands faces and offers direct access to the beautiful Carolina Beach. A stay here allows individuals to indulge in multiple water-based adventures, including scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing. If not, visitors can also choose to sit, relax and enjoy under the sun at the beach. For accommodation, Golden Sands features multiple rooms, some of which are beach-facing and come up with a balcony. Rooms at this hotel/ motel usually come with pullout couches, living space, and kitchenettes, as well as microwaves and mini-fridges. Some of its in-house amenities include a fishing pier, a hot tub, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness room. Guests staying at Golden Sands also get to access its on-site restaurant to enjoy splendid American seafood. The hotel’s own pier also hosts a tiki bar with live music on summer weekends.