I was born and raised in northeastern North Carolina before spending 3.5 years in Greenville at East Carolina University. While in college, I worked in downtown Little Washington at the cutest boutique right on the waterfront — and I credit that experience with sparking my love of small, coastal towns that you drive through on your way to the beach. There are so many must-visit coastal towns in eastern North Carolina that you should be adding to your list.
This post is all about those towns situated on rivers and sounds before you reach North Carolina’s world-famous beaches. Many featured in this article are in an area known as the Inner Banks, sitting on the mainland, typically across the sounds from the state’s barrier islands. The North Carolina coast gets a lot of love, and rightfully so — but these towns are hidden gems bursting with history, delicious food, and a whole lot of heart. Keep scrolling for my favorite coastal towns in my home region.
This post was originally written in July 2023 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2026.
The Must-Visit Coastal Towns in Eastern North Carolina
Bath
Bath was the first official town in North Carolina and is home to the oldest church in the state. With a population of around 250 people, it is one of the most intimate towns on this list. The beautiful architecture and sweeping views of the Pamlico River make it a worthy stop. Bath is also an excellent starting point for a scenic drive to Swan Quarter, where you can catch the ferry to Ocracoke — still my pick for the most beautiful beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This is on my list of places to stay the next time I am in town.
Beaufort
I fell in love with Beaufort in college and would drive down on exam reading days to have lunch at Clawson’s with my girlfriends. If your beach trip heads to the Crystal Coast, make time for a day in Beaufort or book a night at the Beaufort Hotel — grab a drink at the bar and take it out to the pier to watch the wild horses on Radio Island, right across Taylor’s Creek. Do not miss dinner at Beaufort Grocery (one of my all-time favorite restaurants in North Carolina) and a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which houses artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Belhaven
Belhaven is home to one of my favorite destination restaurants in eastern NC and makes a perfect overnight stop. David and I once spent the night at Between Water and Main on our way to Ocracoke, and we were completely charmed by this riverfront town on the Pungo River. The inn is lovely, there are delicious restaurant options, and the town itself is the kind of quiet, beautiful place that is the perfect getaway.
Camden
Camden County is one of the most unique and underrated destinations in northeastern North Carolina, and its crown jewel is the Great Dismal Swamp — a vast wetland ecosystem straddling the Virginia border, rich with black bears, bobcats, over 200 species of birds, and deep history as a refuge along the Underground Railroad. Beyond the swamp, there is a fantastic heritage museum, a self-guided Civil War driving tour, a beloved biscuit spot, and the coolest coffee shop in the area. Whether you are heading to the Outer Banks or looking for a weekend in nature, Camden belongs on the itinerary.
Columbia
Nestled along the Scuppernong River in Tyrrell County — the least populated county in North Carolina — Columbia is a peaceful, nature-forward destination that rewards slow travelers. The Pocosin Lakes Red Wolf Center is one of the most memorable stops in the entire region, where you can learn about the endangered red wolf recovery program and see the wolves up close. The Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge spans over 100,000 acres and draws thousands of migratory waterfowl in winter. Plan to make a stop on your way to the Outer Banks or spend a night at the Blue Juniper Inn.
Edenton
Edenton has become a go-to overnight for David and me on our way to Swan Quarter, and I cannot recommend it enough. Harbor boat tours, historic trolley tours, great restaurants, a wine bar with vinyl nights, and a summer baseball league — there is always something happening here. Edenton served as the colonial capital of North Carolina and continues to celebrate its rich history with annual events. The holiday candlelight tour is a must, but tickets sell out fast — they go on sale in July, so plan ahead!
Hertford
Located in Perquimans County, Hertford has an absolutely darling downtown with great local shops, an amazing bakery, and a variety of restaurants. Incorporated since 1668 and boasting 100 miles of coastline along the Albemarle Sound, it is one of the oldest towns in the state. Only a couple of hours from Raleigh, it works perfectly as a day trip or a relaxing weekend on the Perquimans River.
Pro Tip: Pair it with an Edenton weekend for a beautiful two-town eastern NC escape.
Manteo
Nestled on Roanoke Island, Manteo is a small town with enormous historical significance and coastal charm to spare. I grew up driving through it on the way to Ocracoke, but only recently spent the night — and it is every bit as lovely as I had imagined. Sip and stroll the waterfront with a drink from Nouvines (yes, the bar features fixtures from Al Capone’s yacht), browse Downtown Books for your next beach read, and do not miss the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse or a performance of The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama. The Tranquil House Inn is an ideal home base, with harbor views right from the room.
New Bern
If you are heading to the Crystal Coast, plan a stop in New Bern. Sitting at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, it offers beautiful views and an abundance of history as the first capital of North Carolina. I love it as a lunch and stroll pit stop to break up the drive, but it is just as wonderful as a weekend destination. Be sure to make a reservation at Cypress Hall — it is one of the best restaurants in the state.
Oriental
Situated on the banks of the Neuse River, Oriental is the sailing capital of North Carolina — and it has the laid-back, wind-in-your-hair energy to match. There is a great brewery, gorgeous waterfront views, and fun restaurants to explore. Stop by River Dunes to do some shopping and grab lunch. I have my eye on spending a weekend in one of the vacation cottages there, too. Pair it with New Bern for a perfect two-town coastal weekend.
Pro Tip: It would also be a fun weekend trip to split time between New Bern & Oriental to explore these two coastal towns! We stopped for lunch in New Bern before heading down to Oriental for the weekend.
Washington
Washington, NC — Little Washington — was the first small coastal town I truly fell in love with, and it holds a very special place in my heart. Dine at the Hackney with its beautiful interiors, or sit on the back porch at Mulberry House for a more relaxed setting. Stroll the riverwalk to take in the Pamlico River and the estuary right in town. This is one of my all-time favorite spots in North Carolina, and I recommend it without hesitation.
Wilmington
Wilmington is simply a perfect spot for whatever your interests are — art, history, food, or just relaxing along the Cape Fear River. It also makes an ideal home base for nearby adventures. Head to Wrightsville Beach for the Atlantic, including Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier. Visit Carolina Beach State Park to see native Venus flytraps and the historic Sugarloaf Sand Dune. History lovers will not want to miss Fort Fisher. And for something truly special, take the short ferry ride to spend a day — or a whole weekend — at Bald Head Island.
Final Thoughts
These Inner Banks towns are some of the most underrated destinations in the entire Southeast. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a water lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, eastern North Carolina has something for you. Use this interactive Google Map to help plan your next trip.
Where is your favorite coastal town in North Carolina?
