Welcome to Eastern North Carolina!
One of the main features that drew me to move to North Carolina back in 1998 was the coast!
Although I was moving to the Raleigh area, the thought of being able to hop in a car and be at the beach in about two hours made this Midwestern girl’s heart skip a beat!
Eastern North Carolina, a charming and diverse region that calls out to travelers with its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, this area boasts pristine beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Lighthouses dot the shoreline, guiding ships and adding a touch of maritime heritage to the landscape.
Not to mention, they make great day trips or vacation getaways!
As you explore, you’ll discover an array of activities, from exploring charming coastal cities and experiencing lively festivals to indulging in mouthwatering seafood.
I’ll help you uncover the best things to do, find the perfect places to stay, and provide you with insights into the major airports and cities that make this corner of North Carolina a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, adventure in historic towns, or a blend of both, Eastern North Carolina offers a little something for every North Carolina traveler.
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Places to See in Eastern North Carolina
Major Eastern NC Cities:
- Fayetteville: the 5th largest city in the state and the largest in the coastal plains
- Greenville: Founded as an antebellum cotton-loading town on a steamboat stop, its main point of interest today revolves around University life and a quaint downtown area.
- Jacksonville: the 14th-most populous city in North Carolina.[1] and most populous community of Onslow County, and is the home of the United States Marine Corps‘ Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. Jacksonville is located adjacent to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast area.
- Rocky Mount: first settled by traders in the mid-1700s, today is a regional shopping destination with many big-box retailers and specialty shops located in the city.
- Wilmington: offers the best coastal tourism with notable beaches, and historical attractions and is home to the coastal plains only small hub airport, Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
Transportation & Lodging:
Getting Around:
Major Eastern NC Airports:
Primary Smallhub:
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is the only small hub airport in the coastal plains.
Primary Nonhub:
- Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY)
- Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV)
- Jacksonville Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)
- New Bern Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (was Craven County Regional) (EWN)
*Click here for a complete list of all airports in NC.
Ferry Services:
There are some parts of the NC coast that can only be accessed by ferry or has a ferry route as an option.
Trains:
Where to Stay:
Do you need a hotel, rental or camping recommendation? Below are some resources that you can check out to find what you’re looking for.
Eastern NC Things to Do:
- Beaches
- Lighthouses
- Sailing
- Kayak Rentals
- Fishing
- Camping
- Aquariums
- State Parks
- Biking
- Sunset Cruises
- Wild Horse Tour
- Hang Gliding Lessons
- Surf Lessons
- Hire a Portrait Photographer
- Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue in Surf City
Sporting Events:
- Fayetteville Marksmen
- Fayetteville Woodpeckers
- Fayetteville Motor Speedway
- Greenville Drive
- Rocky Mount Sports Complex
- UNC Wilmington Seahawks
Entertainment & Event Venues:
Search Activities by Region:
Eastern North Carolina Books, Gifts & Packing Tips:
Suggested Reading:
- Moon North Carolina Coast: With the Outer Banks (Travel Guide) by Jason Frye
- The Coasts of Carolina: Seaside to Sound Country by Bland Simpson
- Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast by Ashley Oliphant
- Graveyard of the Atlantic: Shipwrecks of the North Carolina Coast by David Stick
- Carolina Catch: Cooking North Carolina Fish and Shellfish from Mountains to Coast by Debbie Moose
- The New Guide to North Carolina Beaches: All you Need to Know to Explore and Enjoy Currituck, Calabash and Everywhere Between by Glenn Morris
Coastal NC Gifts:
- North Carolina Beach Shirts
- NC Beach Sweatshirts
- NC Beach Towels
- NC Beach Wall Art
- Coastal NC Puzzles
- NC Beach Candles
- Coastal NC Kitchen Items
- NC Beach Ornaments
- NC Beach Hats
- Coastal NC Mugs & Cups
- Coastal NC Jewelry
- NC Beach Home Decor
- NC Gift Baskets and Food
Coastal Packing List & Ideas:
- Eco Friendly Sun Screen
- Beach Wear
- Water Shoes
- Beach Towels
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Cooler
- Beach Umbrella
- Ways to Hide & Protect Valuables at the Beach
- Packing Vacuum Cubes
- Waterproof phone case
- Beach Cup Holders
- Towel Clips
- Beach Hats
- Beach Cover Ups
- Beach Bag
- Aloe and Other Lotions to Help with Sunburn
- Beach First Aid Kit
- Disposable Urine Bag
- Portable Charger Power Bank
- Beach Sunglasses
- Portable Speaker
- Waterproof Bags and Pouches
- Beach Games & Toys
- Wearable Shower Garment
- Shell Collecting Bag
- Rain Jacket
- Travel Umbrella
- Waterproof Walking Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Waterproof Shoe Bag/Dirt Clothes Bag
- Travel Sized Detangling Brush
- Beach Flashlight
- Beach Needs for Infants and Toddlers
- Beach Needs for Pets
- Blister Bandaids
Eastern North Carolina Map:
