Which NC beaches are the best for surfing? Here’s what Southern Living says
If you’ve been wanting to hit the waves this summer, several spots along the North Carolina coast have been named some of the top surfing spots in the South.
Southern Living released a list of the best beaches in the region with destinations in North Carolina, Florida and some pockets of South Carolina.
Of all the beloved beaches in the state, four in the state were named among the best of the best:
Wrightsville Beach
“This vibrant beach town pulls in tons of surfers from UNC Wilmington, which was ranked high on a list of best college towns for surfers. Wrightsville Beach can pick up fall and winter Nor’easters (extratropical cyclones in the western North Atlantic Ocean), as well as hurricane swells from the Southeast, making it a great spot for bigger waves when the conditions are just right,” Southern Living says.
Wrightsville Beach, located in New Hanover County a few miles east of Wilmington, is boasted as the “birthplace of surfing in North Carolina.” Don’t forget: Surfing is always prohibited within 350 feet of Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant and within 100 feet of the Masonboro Inlet Jetty.
Emerald Isle
“We’ve already extolled the wonders of Emerald Isle’s brilliant blue water and white sand, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention its excellent surfing conditions too. The sandy community on Bogue Banks Island offers a variety of wave breaks that are suitable for all kinds of surfers. More great surfing can be found at nearby Atlantic Beach, another Crystal Coast gem,” the report says.
Emerald Isle is one of the most popular destinations in the Outer Banks, especially for surfing. Along with hitting the waves, the area is also a hot spot for fishing, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and more.
Carolina Beach
“North Carolina surfers love this lowkey beach community located just 20 minutes south of Wilmington. Beginners can test their developing skills near 20 manned lifeguard stands spaced across the three-mile beach,” the report says. “More experienced surfers can be found congregating around the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier, where waves offer a bit more excitement. The surf here is so good that professional surfer Tony Silvagni set up a surf school to share his favorite sport with the masses.”
Carolina Beach is about 15 miles outside of Wilmington on the northern end of Pleasure Island. Described by a CharlotteFive reader as a spot with “a laid-back-friendly vibe — not too upscale to be comfy” that’s not too crowded with a lot of things to do.
Cape Hatteras
“One of the Southernmost Outer Banks communities, Cape Hatteras is a remote stretch of seashore that attracts its fair share of surfers,” the report says. “Several areas on Cape Hatteras are suitable for wave seekers, but Buxton (a tiny community on the edge of the island) is especially coveted for its dependable conditions, great breaks, and plentiful parking. Rodanthe Pier is a less-visited area that’s good for long rides all the way to shore.”
There are multiple great surfing spots along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, including Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. The area also brings in surfers from around the world for an annual surf tournament at Old Lighthouse Beach in Buxton.
Across state lines, Folly Beach and Pawleys Island were also featured as great spots to surf. You can check out Southern Living’s full list of the best beaches for surfers online at www.southernliving.com.
This story was originally published June 18, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Which NC beaches are the best for surfing? Here’s what Southern Living says."
.jpg)