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Small-town getaways are on the rise in popularity over the past few years. Sure, the big cities are great, but there is something about the charm of a small community. Imagine a quiet little bed-n-breakfast on the shoreside. Or a quaint collection of local art at the community galleries. Small-town vacations are more affordable than visiting a big city. And they offer a more quiet destination with plenty of local flavors.
Eastern North Carolina is home to plenty of small-town communities that welcome everyone. Here is a list of the 20 most beautiful small towns in eastern North Carolina.
Hampstead is a small and friendly town located on the Atlantic coast. The town has beaches including Surf City Beach, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach. If you love fishing, Hampstead is the place to be! You can go fishing in both saltwater and freshwater. But there are also great spots for hiking, biking, and hunting here. With so many options for fun, you will find a great time in Hampstead.
Population: Approximately 7,000
Location: Pender County
Tarboro is about 80 miles east of Raleigh and is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It has a rich history with historical buildings and a thriving art scene. Visit Tarboro Brewing Company, the Tar River Trail, and the Tarboro Community Theater. You can be sure to have a cultured experience in this small but vibrant town.
Population: Approximately 11,000
Location: Edgecombe County
Burgaw NC has a historic downtown area with buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Take a walk back in time at Burgaw Train Depot and other samples of historic architecture. The Pender County Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. Not into history? No problem. Burgaw hosts several events like the NC Blueberry Festival. Additionally, there are opportunities for fishing and hiking around Burgaw’s natural areas.
Population: Approximately 4,000
Location: Pender County
Shallotte is a small coastal town on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. You will find beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle here. One of the most popular things to do is to take a scroll on the Shallotte Riverwalk. There is also a beautiful golf course and a big family entertainment center. Bald Head island village is just a few miles up the coast from here.
Population: Approximately 4,500
Location: Brunswick County
Whiteville is a small town located in Columbus County with around 5,300 people. Named after James B. White, one of the first founders from 1810. This town has a rich history as a center for commerce and transportation back in the day. Visit a variety of landmarks such as the Columbus County Courthouse and the Old Jail Museum. If you love history, Whiteville is a great place to visit!
Population: Approximately 5,300
Location: Columbus County
Located on Roanoke Island, Manteo is a must-visit if you are in the Outer Banks area. Experience history by visiting the lighthouse and museum. Or take a blooming scroll through Elizabethan Gardens. This beautiful coastal community has amazing views and a variety of activities. It is worth a visit to the Historic Waterside Theatre. There you can discover the history of The Lost Colony.
Population: Approximately 1,500
Location: Dare County NC
Beaufort, NC is a beautiful coastal town located on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. There are historic homes and museums with shops and restaurants. Go on a historic tour of the town’s 1700s past. Or visit the Cape Lookout National Seashore and Shackleford Banks. Both are where you can find wild horses roaming around! Beaufort is a beautiful place to visit.
Population: Approximately 4,000
Location: Carteret County
Washington, NC is a small town located on the Pamlico River. The historic downtown area has plenty of boutiques and restaurants. The perfect time to visit is during the summer when live music is in full swing. Into water recreation? Washington has it! Here will find plenty of activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. No matter where you come from, Little Washington will welcome you with a friendly smile. Learn more about the history of Washington, NC here.
Population: Approximately 10,000
Location: Beautiful County
Home at the Albemarle Sound, Edeton is one of the best coastal towns in northeast NC. The downtown area has restored old homes and buildings to view. There is also a wonderful view of the water and a marina. Edenton has a colonial and Revolutionary War history. Of which you can experience an annual pilgrimage of historic homes.
Population: approximately 5,000
Location: Chowan County
Here is another cozy coastal town on the Crystal Coast. Morehead City is famous for its fishing industry and seafood restaurants. Which is why the North Carolina Seafood Festival takes place here. There are plenty of shops and local marinas to explore as well. Take a tour of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Or spend a day on Atlantic Beach. Whatever you choose to do, Morehead has something for everyone.
Population: Approximately 9,000
Location: Carteret County
Wrightsville is a coastal town east of Wilmington that has beautiful beaches. The surf culture here is in full swing. But you can also enjoy other outdoor activities like fishing or paddle sports. Take a stroll on the lively boardwalk. There you will come across plenty of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment. If you're interested in history, visit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. For nature lovers, there's Wrightsville Beach Park to frolic in.
Location: New Hanover County
Population: Approximately 2,500
Plymouth, NC is a historic town in northeastern North Carolina. Seated on the Roanoke River, this is a perfect place for fishing and boating. Plymouth has a history as an important port during the Civil War. Any history buff should visit the Port O' Plymouth Museum. Plymouth also has renown for scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. There are several wildlife refuges and state parks nearby. Including Pettigrew State Park and the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. There you can find areas for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Location: Washington County
Population: Approximately 3,000
Farmville has a charming downtown area with several local shops and restaurants. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch one of the annual festivals held there. Additionally, there is Walter B. Jones Park for outdoor activities. A great place for walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
Location: Pitt County
Population: Approximately 4,600
Elizabethtown has been named after Elizabeth Brown. The wife of a colonial governor from the Revolutionary War. Elizabethtown sits near the Cape Fear River and offers beauty with natural scenery. Visit Jones Lake State Park or White Lake for fishing, boating, and camping. There are many historical sights to see here. Such as the Baldwin Branch Church, one of the state's oldest African American churches.
Location: Bladen County
Population: Approximately 3,500
Ahoskie has a cute, historic downtown area with shops and restaurants alike. Several annual events happen here, but the one to catch is the Heritage Festival. A celebration that includes musical performances, parades, history demos, and more. Did we mention the North Carolina BBQ Cook-off? Now you have to go!
Location: Herford County
Population: Approximately 5,000
Welcome to Wallace! Home of Duplin Winery, the largest winery in North Carolina. Visitors come here to sip and tour this local gem. If wine isn’t your thing, you can always enjoy the great outdoors. Wallace has several parks for hiking, swimming, and camping. This farming town hosts events like the NC Pickle Festival and Potato Festival. Wallace is also near the southeast coast of North Carolina. Which gives you easy access to nearby beaches and coastal attractions.
Location: Duplin County
Population: Approximately 3,800
Looking for a tiny coastal getaway? Ocracoke is a small island that is only accessible by ferry or boat. The beaches here are among the best in the whole country. You can explore the history here with piracy, like Blackbeard. There is also a lighthouse and a charming village to discover. Take a stroll through the town and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. After which, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Ocracoke has a laid-back feel for anyone looking for a peaceful vacation.
Location: Outer Banks
Population: 950
Calling all boaters and sailors! Oriental is the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina” with its home on the Neuse River. Here you will find several marinas, yacht clubs, and sailing schools. Along with a vibrant boating community, Oriental also has amazing scenery. Explore waterways and other natural areas that offer opportunities for fishing and kayaking. This town’s relaxed atmosphere attracts visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
Location: Pamlico County
Population: Approximately 900
Kitty Hawk is famous for being the site of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight. This town also was a popular spot for pirates in the 18th century. You can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial or lounge on the beach. There are several nearby attractions worth visiting. Check out the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Explore Jockey's, Ridge State Park. Or see amazing aquatic creatures at North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island. With several restaurants, shops, and hotels, Kitty Hawk is an attractive vacation destination.
Location: Dare County Outer Banks
Population: 3,300
Swansboro is a town on the coast near the southern end of the Outer Banks. There is a pretty waterfront, historic downtown, and outdoor recreational opportunities. You can take a walk along the boardwalk at White Oak River and enjoy the scenery. There are also lots of shopping and eating options. So much to do, and so much to see.
Location: Onslow County
Population: Approximately 3,800
Eastern North Carolina has many small towns that are welcoming to everyone. We hoped you enjoyed this list of the 20 most beautiful small towns in Eastern North Carolina. While big cities are fun, there is something special about the charm of a small community.
Each town on this list has its own unique history, attractions, and culture to explore. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, museums, or relaxing on the beach. There's something for everyone in Eastern North Carolina. Could it be time to plan a road trip and discover the beauty and charm of these towns for yourself?
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
