Looking to spend some time outdoors next year? Good news if you are looking for some outdoor adventure in 2023! The website Campspot.com has compiled data to list the Top 5 Outdoor U.S. Destinations for 2023 and a popular North Carolina landmark made the list. Nothing like a quick road trip for a fun getaway with your friends or family.
- Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort in California
- Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Colorado
- Sun Outdoors Coos Bay in Oregon
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Tower Park, California
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Golden Valley, North Carolina
According to the study, these destinations are popular due to their affordability and options for outdoor experiences. Their research shows that travelers are looking to spend more time outdoors than ever before. Have you ever visited any of these places? What was your experience?
North Carolina Has 5 Of The Cutest Southern Seaside Towns
There are still a few weeks of summer left so it’s not too late for that beach trip. Or as fall approaches maybe you want to get away without getting in the water. If either one of those is the case then we’ve got the list for you! Country Living recently compiled a list of what they consider the cutest seaside towns in the south. And we are proud to say that of the 30 seaside towns featured in the list 5 are in North Carolina! That’s pretty impressive. And gives you several options for a relaxing vacation on the coast.
Whether you like the historic charm, soaking in nature, or proximity to a larger town there is a destination on this list you’ll adore. There’s a good chance you’ve been to one or two as well. If not there is still time! I have to say though, even as a North Carolina resident, I’ve been to more of the South Carolina towns (there are also 5) on this list. But there is nothing wrong with adding to the bucket list though it’s getting pretty long these days.
What do you think are the cutest seaside towns in North Carolina? Would you agree with this list?
Rockport, TX
You’ll find Rockport and Rockport Beach along the gulf coast of Texas. Highlights of this coastal town include fishing piers, rich birdlife, history, and the Texas Maritime Museum.
Vero Beach, FL
This Atlantic Florida beach town is north of West Palm. Besides it’s beaches visitors can enjoy South Beach Park, McKee Botanical Garden, and Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Beaufort, SC
Beaufort is located on one of South Carolina’s Sea Islands- Port Royal Island. The town is best known for its historic district featuring magnificent antebellum mansions.
St. Michaels, MD
St. Michaels is a historic town on Maryland’s shoreline. Highlights for tourists include The Hooper Strait Lighthouse and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
St. Simons Island, GA
St. Simons is an island off the Georgia coast known for its salt marshes and beaches.
Bethany Beach. DE
Delaware is where you’ll find the quaint coastal town of Bethany Beach. Visitors love the wide beaches and boardwalks.
Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs Mississippi is just outside of Jackson. This historic coastal town boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape, and small-town appeal.
Gulf Shores, AL
Alabama’s Gulf Shores is the perfect southern beach town. Visit Gulf State Park with its golf course and a zip line, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Morgan and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Galveston, TX
On the gulf and just an hour from Houston is where you’ll find Galveston. Visitors enjoy shopping in the Strand Historic District and of course the rides and attractions at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier!
Beaufort, NC
Both Carolina Beauforts had to make this list. North Carolina’s is located on the “Inner Banks” and is rich in history.
Pawleys Island, SC
Just south of Myrtle Beach you’ll find Pawleys Island, but it feels like worlds away. The area is known for its seafood and charming Hammock Shops.
Amelia Island, FL
Amelia Island is located just off the coast of northeast Florida, not far from Jacksonville. It features 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters.
Port St. Joe, FL
This quaint seaside Florida gulf town has more locals than tourists and that’s what makes it special. Looking to visit? Try during either the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival or Blast on the Bay Songwriter’s Festival.
Sullivans Island, SC
Sullivan’s Island is in Charleston County at the entrance to Charleston Harbor making it close enough to hop into town but calmer than the hustle and bustle.
Nags Head, NC
Nags Head is located on the northern Outer Banks. It’s right on the edge of Jockey’s Ridge State Park but that’s not all this coastal town has to offer. This town has everything a vacationer needs.
Bald Head Island, NC
Accessible by ferry Bald Head Island, is located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, NC. You’ll love to spend the day at the beach, golf Bald Head Island Club’s championship course, discover Old Baldy Lighthouse, explore the island’s protected creeks and maritime forest.
Grayton Beach, FL
Grayton Beach is a small, historic beach town. You can find it on the Florida Panhandle situated between Destin and Panama City. The town borders Grayton Beach State Park.
Lewes, DE
This secluded beach town is located on Delaware Bay and filled with history, museums, and ships.
Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach is found on a Sea Island just south of Charleston. There you’ll find the Folly Beach Pier which extends over 1,000 feet into the ocean.
Port Aransas, TX
Port Aransas is located on Mustang Island part of the Texas coast. It’s known for its breathtaking Gulf of Mexico beaches and is a fishing lovers’ paradise.
Ocracoke, NC
Ocracoke is part of North Carolina’s coastal Outer Banks region. It features the historic 1823 Ocracoke Lighthouse which overlooks the Pamlico Sound.
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Chincoteague, VA
Chincoteague is an island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It’s the beginning of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is home to the famed wild Chincoteague ponies.
Tybee Island, GA
A short drive from Savannah Georiga is Tybee Island. This adorable island town features the Historic Tybee Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and dolphin tours.
Sanibel Island, FL
While it’s located in Florida Sanibel Island feels more like the Caribbean. The white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and towering palm trees set the stage for a picturesque getaway.
Bay St. Louis, MS
This quaint seaside town of Bay St. Louis offers white sand beaches, downtown art galleries and antique stores, history, golf, and charter fishing.
Cape Charles, VA
Cape Charles is on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. It’s filled with fun places to stay throughout the historic district, unique shops, and activities.
Fairhope, AL
Located on Alabama’s Mobile Bay Faihops boasts a charming downtown lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Plus like any southern town glamourous old mansions surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss.
Swansboro, NC
Swansboro, North Carolina, is known as the “Friendly City by the Sea.” This quaint, historic town is boarding both the Intracoastal Waterway and the White Oak River.
Islamorada, FL
Situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park and the deep blue waters of the Florida Strait is Islamorada, made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
Isle of Palms, SC
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway Isle of Palms is just 12 miles from historic Charleston. It features a gorgeous South Carolina beach, championship golf & tennis, a marina, and more.