• Cape Hatteras National Seashore (North Carolina): Some 70 miles of relatively unspoiled beaches begin at Whalebone Junction in South Nags Head and stretch down through Hatteras and Ocracoke islands in the south; in fact, Ocracoke's beaches consistently show up on top-10 lists of the nation's finest. Ferocious tides, strong currents, and fickle winds constantly alter the most dramatic beaches along the Eastern Seaboard.
  • Wrightsville Beach (6 miles east of Wilmington, North Carolina): It's the widest beach on the Cape Fear coast: Wrightsville's beige sands stretch for a mile along the oceanfront, set against a backdrop of thick vegetation. It gets very crowded in summer, however.

    • Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.