The north coast of North Carolina encompasses a diverse and historically rich region, spanning several counties along the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.
The counties that make up this region each contribute unique cultural and natural elements to this coastal area. Dare County, home to the famed Outer Banks, features iconic destinations like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made aviation history. Currituck County is known for its wild horses, stunning beaches, and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
Pasquotank county includes Elizabeth City, a charming waterfront town with a deep maritime heritage. Camden, Chowan and Perquimans counties feature robust farming communities, waterways and farm markets, and Chowan is the home of Edenton, one of North Carolina’s oldest towns.
Bertie and Washington counties are rich in rural beauty, with rivers and estuaries supporting a thriving ecosystem. Tyrrell and Hyde counties are known for their vast wetlands, including the Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges, which provide habitats for black bears and migratory birds.
Beaufort County, home to the scenic town of Washington, offers access to the Pamlico River and the Inner Banks. This coastal region blends history, nature, and Southern charm, making it a unique and captivating part of North Carolina.