4 Best Sights in The North Carolina Coast, North Carolina

Nags Head is home to some of the Southeastern U.S. coastline's most compelling topography, and its forested ridges and valleys can be explored at this 1,200-acre preserve operated by the Nature Conservancy. Take a 3.3-mile loop hike to a seasonal pond or walk the short ADA-compliant trail through the woods. Look out for deer, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 150 species of birds. Don't underestimate your hike—there are short but steep sandy ascents throughout this ecosystem of ancient sand dunes.

Heading south from Nags Head, Pea Island's miles of undeveloped coastline kick off one of the East Coast's most scenic drives. The refuge consists of 5,834 acres of marsh on the Atlantic Flyway, plus 25,700 acres of refuge waters. To the delight of birders, more than 370 species have been sighted from its observation platforms and spotting scopes and by visitors who venture into the refuge. Pea Island is home to threatened peregrine falcons, piping plovers, and tundra swans, which winter here, and to 25 species of mammals, 24 species of reptiles, and 5 species of amphibians. A visitor center has maps of trails that lead through the salt marsh and around ponds. On the west side of the highway are 13 miles of pristine beach.

Remember to bring bug spray if you go for a hike, especially in spring. Also, there's no tree coverage on trails, so plan peak-summer walks early and late in the day.

Spanning the length of Beaufort's waterfront, just across Taylor's Creek, this 2,315-acre reserve consists of islands and marshes that serve as a seasonal home to more than 200 bird species and the permanent home to a small herd of wild horses. There's a short nature trail on Carrot Island, or walk the beach on Sand Dollar Island. Access is via boat or kayak.

This quarter-mile trail through a 124-acre preserve leads to Springer's Point, a sound-side beach where Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) gathered with fellow pirates and ultimately met his demise in a battle with British naval lieutenant Robert Maynard. The enchanting trail traverses maritime forest and coastal marsh.

There is no parking at the trailhead—walk or bike from the village.