We’ll talk about the nearest beach to Charlotte, North Carolina, today. Some of the most exquisite beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are found in North Carolina.
The Outer Banks may immediately come to mind when you think of the coast of North Carolina. These barrier islands are a lengthy journey from Charlotte, but the trip is well worth it. Now, let’s discuss some more beach possibilities you might want to think about today.
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THE CLOSEST LAKE BEACH NEAR CHARLOTTE NC
Ramsey Creek Park on Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina, is the closest to Charlotte. With around 500 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the biggest artificial freshwater lake in North Carolina and is situated 20 miles north of Charlotte.
LAKE BEACHES NEAR CHARLOTTE NC
RAMSEY CREEK PARK
21-mile journey | Driving time: 30 minutes
Ramsey Creek Park is a public 46-acre beachside park. In summer, there is an admission cost to the park. This might be one of the few public swimming sites in Lake Norman. Additionally, you are welcome to enjoy their playground, picnic shelters, fishing pier, and nature paths by launching a boat.
The beach is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May to Labour Day. Additionally, lifeguards are on duty during these times. Until the middle of June, when the formal start of summer occurs, they are often only accessible on weekends. It is forbidden to bring dogs to the beach. However, if they are leashed, they are allowed in other areas of the park. You may enjoy the dog park there as well. There’s nothing complicated about this day excursion from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Each automobile costs $5 during the workday and $10 on the weekends for county residents. For county residents, a season beach pass costs $52, while for non-residents, it costs $77. There is a crowded parking lot with little space. Make an on-time arrival. They offer a free shuttle service from Huntersville, North Carolina’s Northcross Park & Ride Lot during the Christmas season.
18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, North Carolina 28031
JETTON PARK (NO SWIMMING)
21-mile journey | Driving time: 30 minutes
There’s also Jetton Park close by, however, swimming isn’t allowed at the beach. Maybe all you’re searching for is a nice place to have a picnic while admiring the scenery! You own this domain.
Cornelius, NC 28031-19000 Jetton Rd
BLYTHE LANDING PARK (NO SWIMMING)
19-mile journey | Driving time: 30 minutes
This is the perfect location to dock your boat in Lake Norman. Three floating piers and six boat launches are available. In addition to the boat launch, there are picnic areas, a playground, and sand volleyball courts.
Huntersville, NC 28078, 15901 NC 73 HY
LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK BEACH
Time: 50 minutes | Distance: 40 kilometers
The second swimming beach in Lake Norman is located at Lake Norman State Park. The beach area is available seasonally and provides refreshments, showers, and lockers.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labour Day, and swimming is subject to a nominal fee. Only cash is accepted along the beach; however, credit cards are accepted in the Visitors Centre. The beach does not allow pets.
Troutman, NC 28166, 759 State Park Rd
BUDDLE CREEK SWIM AREA ON HIGH ROCK LAKE
64 miles | 1 hour and 5 minutes
On High Rock Lake, swimming is allowed in the Buddle Creek Swim area. Though not as well-known as Lake Norman, High Rock Lake is the second-largest lake in North Carolina. There are rocks throughout the shore, so dress appropriately. They have a swimming area that is roped off. Although the swimming area isn’t very big, it’s a fun location to hang out. It is not pet-friendly on the beach. There aren’t any real restrooms, only port-a-potties. There aren’t any lifeguards on duty right now.
2882 Holloway Church Rd #2754, Lexington, North Carolina 27292
LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
90 miles | 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you want to spend time on one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina, Lake James is the place to go! It’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and other sports with its 6,000 acres and 150 miles of shoreline. The largest coastal state park in North Carolina is called Lake James State Park.
From May 1 to September 30, the pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swim passes are reasonably priced. Periodically, a bathhouse and snack kiosk are available. Children’s swim passes are $4 per day, while adult swim cards are $6 per day. There is an annual pass available for $90.
7321 NC-126, Nebo, North Carolina 28761
FALLS LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Distance: 155 kilometres
About 15 miles east of Durham lies the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. April, May, and September weekends have an admission cost per car. Per car, there is a daily admission fee from Memorial Day to Labour Day. Outside of designated hours, it is free to use.
The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail system is connected to other routes. Beaverdam, Rolling View, and Sandling Beach all have swimming spots. With restrooms, a playground, picnic shelters, grills, and an outdoor shower, Sandling Beach is the most well-liked swimming area. You may either buy it or pay the $7 entry charge per car.
Wake Forest, NC 27587, 13300 Creedmoor Rd
THE CLOSEST OCEAN BEACHES NEAR CHARLOTTE NC
The beach nearest to Charlotte, North Carolina, in terms of travel distance, is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You may visit Wrightsville Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, or Oak Island if you want to travel to an ocean beach.
If you’re wondering how far away the beach is from Charlotte, it takes at least three hours and forty minutes to get to Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Let’s start by taking a broad glance at the beaches nearest to Charlotte, NC.
NORTH CAROLINA OCEAN BEACHES
OCEAN ISLE BEACH
Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Distance: 194 miles
The little community of Ocean Isle Beach is home to several local events, festivals, and attractions in addition to its stunning white sand beaches. In addition to the beach, family-friendly attractions in the area include the ATV Centre, River Country Mini Golf, The Swamp Park Zip Line, and the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
Visit the Carolina School of Surf near the Ocean Isle Beach Pier to pick up surfing skills.
HOLDEN BEACH
202 miles | 3 hours and 30 minutes
Another little beach town that’s ideal for a laid-back getaway is Holden Beach. situated in the southernmost point of North Carolina’s coastline. It was listed as one of the top family beaches in the nation by National Geographic Traveller.
Come enjoy some downtime on the sand, construct sandcastles, launch kites, or just lounge on a beach chair. There won’t be as many people. You may also take advantage of the Intracoastal Waterway by watching shrimp boats pass by or going on a kayak or paddleboard ride while looking for dolphins.
At Holden Beach, pets are allowed before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from May 20 to September 10th, and between September 11 and May 19.
SUNSET BEACH
191 miles | 3 hours and 30 minutes
Which of the twenty-one finest beaches in the world, according to National Geographic, would you like to visit? You may find natural gems and lovely sandy beaches at Sunset Beach. Considering that it faces east, why is this beach named Sunset Beach?
The island’s location allows you to witness the sun rise and set over the lake from late October to the beginning of March. Spend some time fishing and visiting Sunset Beach Pier. Or visit Bird Island and take a tour of its 1,200 acres. Are you a fan of astronomy?
See a show in the SciDome Sky Theatre and see the Ingram Planetarium.
OAK ISLAND
207 kilometers | 3 hours and 35 minutes
A great option if you’re looking for a well-liked family beach vacation spot is Oak Island! Savour ice cream, mini-golfing, and other pastimes. There are two fishing piers, around 60 public beach access spots, and several locations to launch a kayak or boat.
They could go to eateries and stores in the area. Seashell collecting is another favorite activity on Oak Island!
With leashed pets allowed all year round, the island is also quite pet-friendly. Aficionados of history should also visit the 1958-built Oak Island Lighthouse. It was North Carolina’s final lighthouse to be built. Year-round guided tours are available to visitors.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
208 miles | 3 hours and 40 minutes
The pristine blue waters of Wrightsville Beach, which is around nine miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, are well-known. It was listed as one of the top ten “South’s Best Beach Towns” by Southern Living.
It is a well-liked destination for beachgoers and one of North Carolina’s most easily accessible beaches. They are renowned for having world-class surfing and waves. There are retail centers, dining options, exciting nightlife, and spas if you’re searching for anything more than beach days.
There are also many different aquatic sports available. Go fishing or just enjoy the scenery at Johnnie Mercers Pier. The grill (restaurant) is located on the 1,200-foot-long pier that faces the ocean.
CAROLINA BEACH
Time: 3 hours 45 minutes | Distance: 212 miles
Enjoy a serene seaside setting within 15 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina. The beach is home to several amazing events all year long, such as the Carolina Beach Music Festival, which is the only beach-based music festival in the state.
A nationally recognized vintage boardwalk is also present. The boardwalk was ranked among the best 10 in the nation by Food and Wine magazine. They also have a lively nightlife and excellent eateries.
The approximately 100-foot-tall Carolina Beach Giant Ferris Wheel sits adjacent to the boardwalk and is open for rides. Explore Carolina Beach State Park if you want to spend more time outside.
KURE BEACH
215 miles | 3 hours and 50 minutes
The oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast is located near Kure Beach. In 1923, the 700-foot pier was built. This is the beach for you if you enjoy history. This is the site of the biggest earthen fort in the South, Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Currently, just around 10% of the fort is intact.
At Fort Fisher, there is also the North Carolina Aquarium. Kure Beach is home to more than 200 shipwrecks, among them The Condor, a Civil War-era blockade runner whose location is indicated by buoys.
BALD HEAD ISLAND
217 miles | 4 hours and 30 minutes
The rush of daily life may be avoided by visiting Bald Head Island. The only way to get to the island is by private boat or ferry. Only golf carts and bicycles are permitted; cars are not. One of North Carolina’s most significant sea turtle breeding sites is on Bald Head Island.
Furthermore, the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina, Old Baldy, was finished in 1817. The 108 stairs up to the summit of this sturdy brick lighthouse are well worth the views! The journey on the boat from the mainland takes around twenty minutes, departing from Southport, North Carolina. Come and have a lovely day on South Beach Island.
SURF CITY
Time: 4 hours | Distance: 228 miles
Topsail Island is home to three towns, one of which is Surf City. Take time to unwind on the stunning beaches and visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Centre while you’re here. Excellent surf conditions may also be found here. Look into the surf school where you might receive instruction.
The island served as a missile testing facility for the US Navy after World War II, and a large number of visitors learned about Operation Bumblebee by visiting the Missiles and More Museum. Surf City Pier is another popular destination; it’s a terrific place to go fishing or just to take in the scenery. With its nighttime lighting, the pier is a great place to perform.
TOPSAIL BEACH
234 miles | 4 hours and 10 minutes
Of the three settlements on Topsail Island, Topsail Beach is the smallest (pronounced “tops’l”). Some believe the name originated with the pirates who destroyed their ships in the strait that separates the island and the mainland, and who were frequent visitors to the area. Their top sail was the only one visible from the boat. Some claim that Blackbeard’s wealth is still hidden here.
Currently, there are two methods to access the island: a swing bridge linking Surf City and a high-rise bridge on the north side. From April to September, sea turtles use Topsail as a popular location for their nests and egg laying. Turtle protection is a well-known feature of Topsail.
EMERALD ISLE
Time: 5 hours | Distance: 271 miles
There may be an Emerald Isle on the Bogue Banks. Come take in the breathtaking waves of the crystal-blue Atlantic Ocean and its gorgeous sand beaches. During the summer months, this little seaside town comes alive with some 50,000 people every week.
Along with learning about the history and significance of Fort Macon State Park in American history, you can also take surf lessons, unwind on the beach, and gather lovely seashells. There are many routes for biking and trekking to discover. Visit the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, which provides stunning views of the ocean along with many other attractions.
HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK
260 kilometres | 4 hours and 35 minutes
Hammocks Beach State Park can only be reached by boat or ferry, both of which are unavailable from November through the end of March. Alternatively, you may hire a kayak and start exploring by yourself. This is the place to be if you enjoy the outdoors. While bird viewing, you may explore the swamp woodlands and salt marshes.
You could see a sea turtle swim past while you’re kayaking since sea turtles visit this area to deposit their eggs. If you like to spend the night, you can also camp in a rustic manner there. There are no admission costs to the park, although using the boat launch and ferry is not free.
SOUTH CAROLINA OCEAN BEACHES
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
175 kilometres | 3 hours and 40 minutes
Myrtle Beach is a well-known beach resort with a sizable number of visitors. There are 50 miles of gorgeous beaches, a promenade along the coast, several eateries, and the highest Ferris wheel in the nation, the SkyWheel.
This is not the place to go if you want a calm beach unless you come here in the off-season! This is the spot to go if you want to enjoy yourself and visit the beach! They give a large selection of activities. Partygoers will love the evenings here since there are many places to enjoy live music and dancing.
The Folly Beach
219 miles | 3 hours and 40 minutes
The island of Folly, which is around 12 square miles in size, is home to Folly Beach. Six miles of beaches are accessible from Charleston’s downtown in only fifteen minutes. The locals refer to their small community as the “Edge of America.”
Palm Island
221 miles | 3 hours and 40 minutes
Six miles of gorgeous beaches on the Isle of Palms are perfect for swimming, lounging, fishing, and other sports. It is a barrier island located about 20 minutes from Charleston on the South Carolina coast. This area offers top-notch restaurants, spas, golf courses, and resorts.
Out of the ten best North American islands, they came in sixth place in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. In addition to offering over fifty locations for beach access, the county park also rents out beach chairs and umbrellas. Leashed dogs are welcome all year round at this dog-friendly beach.
The island of Hilton Head
Time: 4 hours | Distance: 247 miles
Hilton Head Island is a well-liked vacation spot. Among many other honors, Travel+Leisure Magazine readers named them the best island in the continental United States. Sea turtles come ashore on Hilton Head Island from May through October each year. Make sure you know how you may contribute to the preservation of these critically endangered loggerhead turtles.
This is where 423 turtle nests were created in 2022. If you are visiting the island during those months, make sure you turn off all lights at night so that nothing is visible from the beaches since sea turtle hatchlings utilize the moonlight to navigate their way to the ocean. The brightness might be problematic and misleading.
GEORGIA OCEAN BEACHES
Tybee Island, Georgia
270-mile distance | 4 hours and 25 minutes
Yet another barrier island, this one located in Georgia. There is a little island close to Savannah, Georgia. Large sandy beaches spanning three miles may be found at Back River Beach, Little Tybee Beach, South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach.
The Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, as well as a range of stores and eateries, can be found in South Beach, the island’s downtown.
Visit North Beach, which has a rich history extending back to the 1800s, if you’re interested in learning about the island’s past. These consist of many military fortifications, a museum, and the oldest and highest lighthouse in Georgia.
OUTER BANKS NC BEACHES
Some of the most scenic beaches in the state may also be found in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Outer Banks are a well-known band of barrier islands that stretches along the coast of North Carolina and south of Virginia. They are referred to as “barrier islands” because they form a barrier separating the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. This is a great way to ward off storms on the mainland. Look out for other postings about these beaches.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong when it comes to a beach near Charlotte, North Carolina. Which beach on our list of the closest beaches to Charlotte, North Carolina, would you pick?
[…] Also Read: The Nearest Beach to Charlotte, NC […]