Several Cape Fear beaches top list of best beaches in North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There are many beautiful beaches up and down the East Coast.

In North Carolina, several beaches, including many right here in the Cape Fear rank as some of the best in the state.

USA Today revealed the results of their Best Beach in North Carolina poll.

An expert panel nominated their top picks for beaches across the state, and voters made the final selections, with Ocean Isle Beach named as the best beach in the state.

Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said that where the town is located likely had a big impact on voters.

“Because we lie almost directly east and west, right there as you cross the Cape Fear, our strand is very wide, its a very gentle slope out to the deeper water,” Smith said. “I think a lot of families like that. And then we are, we are still a smaller, quieter area than Carolina and Wrightsville Beach are.”

She added that the new recognition might make the town even more popular with families.

“Maybe it will provide, allow additional families to come at future time. We had so many repeat families here that come here year after year. So they better make all their reservations early.”

Following Ocean Isle Beach, New Hanover County rounded out the top four, with Carolina Beach in second, Kure Beach in third, and Wrightsville Beach in fourth.

Kim Hufham, president of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau said these rankings will have a big impact on both the beaches and Wilmington.

Out of the top ten beaches, 8 are in the Cape Fear region, with Oak Island at 5, Holden Beach at 6, Topsail Beach at 9, and Surf City at 10.

The only beaches not located in the Cape Fear on the list are Atlantic Beach at 7 and Kill Devil Hills at 8.