10 Best Beaches near Charlotte

Escape to the shores of Lake Norman beaches, where there are endless ways to explore the outdoors. Take in natural scenery from your beach blanket or enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. Ramsey Creek is perfect for waterfront lunches and hikes in the shade of towering pine trees. Embark on a boating adventure to a sandbar, where you can anchor off for the day to enjoy an oasis of natural beauty.

Anglers can cast a line at Lake Norman State Park for a record-winning catfish, largemouth bass, or yellow perch. Beyond the beach, take a stroll along tree-lined streets to shop for unique finds such as antiques, clothing, jewellery, and home decor.

Nestled on the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, Lake Wylie beaches are a destination where long summer afternoons are best spent at the lake. Ebenezer Park Swim Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Arrive early, especially in summer months because the beach fills up fast.

Nature enthusiasts consider McDowell Nature Preserve a hidden gem. Enjoy a hike and serene views of Lake Wylie while looking for diverse wildlife such as herons, wrens, butterflies, ducks, frogs, and deer. The preserve allows dogs on a leash. To witness the spectacle of waterskiing, opportunity awaits at Tega Cay’s Windjammer Park. Watch captivating ski stunts performed by the Carolina Show Ski Team from your beach blanket.

Ease into the slow pace of island life at Wrightsville Beach. From sunrise to sunset, this quaint seaside town is an ideal place to live life in the moment. Take a walk on Crystal Pier and lose all sense of time while seagazing. To explore on the water, rent a kayak or paddleboard. Gather on the beach with locals and visitors at sunset and watch as the pier’s silhouette contrasts with the dramatic colours of the setting sun and its afterglow.

For a romantic outing, dine on chef-curated specialities such as lobster risotto or seared sea scallops. For more nature explorations, head to Masonboro Island Reserve, where you can explore a natural barrier island, salt marsh, and creek ecosystems.

Escape the city life to the charms of Sullivan’s Island. Throughout this barrier island, you’ll find traces of its fascinating history. As you navigate, you’ll use stations that were once trolley stops. Presiding over the northern entrance of Charleston Harbour, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse or “Charleston Light” is located at Station 18 half street.

If you’re a literary fan, visit the Edgar Allan Poe Library to learn about the author who was stationed at Fort Moultrie. For a sweet treat, stop in a local shop for a frosé, a flavourful frozen drink. As you walk to the beach, take notice of the natural dunes. Blanketed with native vegetation, including colourful wildflowers, the dunes play a vital role in the island’s ecosystem.

Ocean Isle Beach is one of the Brunswick Islands, a group of North Carolina barrier islands known for their pristine beaches. The gentle surf is ideal for young swimmers because there are few strong currents. For family adventure, spend a day at The Swamp Park, a nature-oriented eco park where you can zipline over a cypress swamp.

During sea turtle season, join a turtle walk to learn about sea turtles and their role in the ecosystem. Don’t miss the live touch tank at the Museum of Coastal Carolina to learn fun facts about local marine life, including sea stars. Bring along the seashells you found on the beach and the museum staff will help you identify them.

Embark on a coastal escape to one the best beaches near Charlotte, Myrtle Beach. For families seeking a mix of fun and relaxation, Myrtle Beach is an ideal destination in all seasons. Catch a sunrise at the pier and watch as spectacular colours paint the sky. Listen to the soothing sound of waves as they roll onto the beach. Embrace the new day and the adventures that await.

Spend the day at the beach or dive into the action at the Boardwalk, the epicentre for fun-filled activities on Myrtle Beach. Embrace nostalgia and panoramic ocean views on the SkyWheel, a 200-ft. observation wheel. For indoor adventures, you can opt to play a game of billiards or go bowling.

Escape to the laid-back surfing vibe of Folly Beach, an island in South Carolina surrounded by the ocean and Folly River. This gem on the Atlantic boasts six miles of stunning beaches. A haven for beachgoers and surfers alike, Folly Beach offers diverse dining experiences, from casual eateries to beachfront bars.

Indulge in local favourites that include fresh-caught shrimp, locally-harvested oysters, and classic American fare while enjoying quality time with family and friends. Beyond the beach, embark on a boat or kayak tour to see the picturesque Morris Island Lighthouse at the southern entrance of Charleston Harbour. Cap off your day with a breathtaking sunset over the Folly River, whether on a cosy beach spot or at a waterfront bar.

Lake James State Park beckons beachgoers to the scenic rolling hill country. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this lake boasts 150 miles of shoreline. Beyond its scenic beaches, you’ll find recreational activities for all interests. At Paddy’s Creek beach, you can opt to sunbathe, swim, or paddle.

Whichever activity you choose, enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds you: Blue water, emerald forests, and blue-gray hues of distant mountains. For campers, check out Catawba River and Paddy's Creek. For hikers, popular trails include Fox Den Loop Trail for an immersive walk in the woods, Lake Channel Overlook for a scenic overlook of Lake James and Linville Gorge, and the family-friendly Holly Discovery Nature Trail.

Discover the charms of Kure Beach, a small coastal town that beckons beachgoers with a blend of relaxation, adventure, and days filled with unforgettable experiences. For film fans, several sites on Kure Beach appeared on the series "One Tree Hill" and the romantic thriller "Safe Haven." Embark on a self-guided tour of famous filming sites.

For nature enthusiasts, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a place to unwind at one of the best beaches near Charlotte with more than six miles of protected shorelines, perfect beaches for kite flying. To explore history, see the Civil War fort at Fort Fisher State Historic Site or dive North Carolina’s first Heritage Dive Site to see Condor, a sunken Civil War blockade runner.

If you’re seeking a coastal gem that features down-to-earth hospitality and seaside adventures, Carolina Beach offers a getaway to an authentic North Carolina beach lifestyle; spontaneous and carefree. Embark on a tour to see colourful murals painted by local artists whose work adds colour and playful charm to the beach.

Beyond the beach, enjoy a walk on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Shop for souvenirs, enjoy thrills at the amusement park, and indulge in homemade ice cream. For hikers, Carolina Beach State Park features nine miles of scenic trails. Explore the park’s limesink ponds that provide habitats for the park’s diverse wildlife. Listen for woodpeckers and try to spot brown pelicans, painted buntings, grey fox, river otters, and fox squirrels.