NC has 2 of the best ‘secret’ beaches in the US, study shows. Where to find them
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- Carova Beach and Bald Head Island ranked among top U.S. secret beaches in 2025.
- Visitors can hike, kayak and view wild horses or historic lighthouses at each site.
- Wild horses pose safety risks; officials urge tourists to avoid close interaction.
When it comes to beach destinations in North Carolina, everyone knows about the favorites, like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Emerald Isle.
But a couple of the state’s hidden tropical paradises were recently recognized as some of the best secret beaches in America, according to Frugal Flyer, a Canada-based travel blog.
Carova Beach, a remote, underdeveloped stretch at the northernmost trip of the Outer Banks, came in at No. 14 on the list. It’s known for its serene wide beaches and free-roaming wild mustangs, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking solitude and a unique coastal experience.
Bald Head Island, which landed at No. 91, is a car-free barrier island two miles off the coast of Southport reachable only by passenger ferry where visitors can explore natural surroundings by golf cart, bicycle or foot. It’s also home to North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, built in 1817.
If you’re planning to take a trip to either of these hidden gems soon, here’s what you need to know.
Things to do in Carova Beach, NC
According to tourism site carovabeach.info, there is plenty to do in Carova, such as hiking at the 4,500-acre Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and biking on the sandy path through the Currituck Banks Reserve. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, birding and surfing at the beach.
Tourists who want to spot the famous wild horses are encouraged to book a four-wheel drive tour of the beach from a local vendor. However, officials have warned visitors not to approach wild horses on the beach that appear to be dead.
Wild horses often nap on the sand like beachgoers — but don’t be fooled. They’re unpredictable and can be dangerous when startled, The Charlotte Observer reported.
These free-roaming horses, found along the beaches of North Carolina and Virginia, have been involved in several risky encounters with humans. In one 2020 incident at Assateague Island National Seashore, a woman was kicked to the ground after she slapped a horse that was rummaging through her belongings.
Things to do in Bald Head Island, NC
Visitors can take a 20-minute ferry ride to the island via the Bald Head Island Ferry, where they can rent bikes and spend the day exploring its many retail shops.
Just a short walk from the ferry landing, Old Baldy offers sweeping views of the island. With admission to the Smith Island Museum of History, visitors can climb its 108 steps to the top for a one-of-a-kind perspective.
If outdoor adventure is what you’re looking for, guests at the island can hike the Mitchell Nature Trail, which provides panoramic views of the marsh, or kayak the creeks and get an up-close view of exotic wildlife.
Top 10 secret beaches in the U.S.
Here are the top 10 secret beaches in the U.S., according to Frugal Flyer:
- Awahua Beach, Hawaii
- Pa’ako Cove, Hawaii
- Gray’s Beach, Hawaii
- Secret Beach, Oregon
- Shell Key Preserve, Florida
- Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii
- Wildcat Beach, California
- Carmel Meadows Beach, California
- Gray Whale Cove Beach, California
- Crystal Lake, Vermont
The findings are based on an online panel survey conducted in May 2025, with responses from 3,002 adults. Participants were selected using a two-step process to ensure the sample reflected the U.S. population by age, gender and geography.
This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 11:58 AM with the headline "NC has 2 of the best ‘secret’ beaches in the US, study shows. Where to find them."
