8-Day Coastal Road Trip from Raleigh to Wilmington and Outer Banks: Beaches, Charming Towns & Local Flavors

Day 1: Wilmington Exploration

Wilmington, NC on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Dixie Grill

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast in this popular Wilmington spot, known for its classic comfort food and cozy atmosphere.
USD15, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk the Wilmington Riverwalk

Enjoy scenic views along the Cape Fear River, stroll past historic sites and discover local shops and cafés on this charming boardwalk.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dock Street Oyster Bar

Savor fresh seafood, especially the oysters, in a historic setting near the waterfront, open for lunch daily.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Airlie Gardens

Explore 67 acres of lush botanical gardens with beautiful trails, sculptures, and a butterfly house; great for a relaxing afternoon.
USD12, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Wrightsville Beach

Drive 15 minutes to this popular beach for a breathtaking ocean sunset and some peaceful time by the water.
Parking USD5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fish House Grill

Enjoy a fresh seafood meal with coastal flavors in a casual, welcoming atmosphere, located near Wrightsville Beach.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Southport Charm

Southport, NC on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Frank's Downtown Cafe

Taste classic café fare with a local twist in this beloved Southport eatery, perfect for fueling your day.
USD12, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Southport Historic District

Wander through quaint streets lined with historic homes, boutique shops, and waterfront views, reflecting the town's rich history.
Free, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Ice House

Enjoy fresh Gulf Coast-inspired seafood and waterfront views at this local favorite spot in Southport.
USD28, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

Discover fascinating exhibits about local maritime history, shipwrecks, and coastal ecology; open 9am-5pm.
USD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Sunset at Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal

Relax by the water here and watch the sunset; optionally take a short ferry ride to Bald Head Island if time allows.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mulligan's Restaurant & Sports Pub

Dine on hearty American and seafood fare at this cozy local pub, renowned for friendly service and quality meals.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Surf City and Holly Ridge

Surf City & Holly Ridge, NC on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Sundae Shoppe

Grab a light breakfast or sweet treat at this popular Surf City spot known for coffee and homemade desserts.
USD10, 45m

9:30am

Relax at Surf City Beach

Enjoy a morning swim or beach stroll on this beautiful, less crowded barrier island beach.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Holly Ridge

Take a short 20-minute drive to Holly Ridge, a quaint town with historic charm and local artisan shops.
Free, 0h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at JC's Restaurant & Catering

Enjoy Southern comfort food classics and fresh seafood in this friendly town eatery beloved by locals.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Holly Ridge Downtown

Stroll the town’s quaint main street, shop local boutiques, and soak up small-town charm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Beach time at Holly Ridge Recreation Park

Unwind at the park with lakeside views, picnic spots, and walking trails to enjoy nature.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Boston Blues BBQ

Savor a casual dinner of authentic North Carolina BBQ with live music and friendly atmosphere.
USD20, 1h15m
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Day 4: Swansboro & Emerald Isle

Swansboro & Emerald Isle, NC on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Bean coffee & bites

Start your day with premium coffee and light breakfast fare in Swansboro’s coastal town center.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Swansboro Historic District

Discover the Oldest Port Town in North Carolina, enjoy boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront parks.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Emerald Isle

Short 20-minute scenic drive to Emerald Isle, a popular beach destination on the Crystal Coast.
Free, 0h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Cinnamon Box

Taste fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods at this cozy and highly-rated café in Emerald Isle.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax on Emerald Isle Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon lounging or walking along the wide sandy beach with beautiful Atlantic views.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Bogue Inlet Pier

Enjoy spectacular sunset views from this popular fishing pier, a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
Parking USD5, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ruddy Duck Seafood & Tap House

Dine on fresh shrimp, crab, and local seafood specialties inside a relaxed beachside restaurant.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Morehead City and Beaufort

Morehead City & Beaufort, NC on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arnie’s Restaurant

Enjoy classic breakfast fare with fresh local ingredients in the heart of Morehead City.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Morehead City Waterfront

Stroll the waterfront, watch fishing boats, and visit the local farmers market if open on weekends.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Beaufort

A scenic 20-minute drive takes you to Beaufort, a coastal town rich with colonial history and charm.
Free, 0h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at Beaufort Market

Taste delicious, locally sourced sandwiches and salads inside a hip deli and market space.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit North Carolina Maritime Museum – Beaufort

Discover exhibits on local maritime history, the sailing tradition, and the sea’s influence on culture.
USD10, 1h30m

3:15pm

Walk around Downtown Beaufort Historic District

Enjoy beautiful historic architecture, quaint shops, and waterfront parks in one of NC’s prettiest towns.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Front Street Park

Capture an iconic Beaufort sunset along the water with views of anchored boats and colorful sky.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant

Experience fine dining with coastal flair, offering fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Shackford Head & Cape Lookout

Beaufort & Cape Lookout, NC on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beaufort Grocery Company

Grab a locally roasted coffee and breakfast pastries in this friendly, casual spot.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Shackford Head Preserve

Explore nature trails with stunning views of the sound and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse; perfect for bird watching.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore

Take a ferry from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout for beaches, lighthouse tours, and wild horses; ferry trips typically take 40 minutes and run from 8am to 5pm.
USD25, 0h40m

12:15pm

Beach and Lighthouse Exploration at Cape Lookout

Spend your day relaxing on unspoiled beaches, climbing the historic lighthouse for panoramic views, and spotting the famous wild horses.
USD5 Lighthouse entry, 4h0m

4:30pm

Return ferry to Harkers Island and drive back to Beaufort

Relax on the ferry ride back, then return to Beaufort for the evening.
Included return fare, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Molly's Lounge in Beaufort

Wind down with flavorful dishes and a great local beer selection in this cozy bar and restaurant.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Outer Banks Adventure

Outer Banks, NC on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Duck Donuts

Enjoy fresh-made, customizable donuts at this popular chain originating from the Outer Banks area.
USD10, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive along the Outer Banks

Travel north along the barrier islands, stopping at scenic beaches and historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial (open 9am-5pm).
USD12 Wright Memorial entry, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Owens' Restaurant in Nags Head

Savor fresh, local seafood and classic coastal dishes in a welcoming, family-run restaurant.
USD28, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Explore the tallest living sand dunes on the East Coast, perfect for hiking, kite flying, and stunning views.
USD7 entry, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Nags Head Beaches

Spend the late afternoon relaxing on the wide beach known for its soft sand and great swimming.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Blue Point

Enjoy upscale dining with fresh seafood and ocean views in this elegant Outer Banks restaurant.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Raleigh

Raleigh, NC on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant

Start your final day with breakfast overlooking the ocean, offering both classic and coastal-inspired dishes.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisurely morning at Outer Banks beach or last souvenir shopping

Take one last walk along the beach or browse local shops for unique Outer Banks treasures.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Begin drive back to Raleigh

Embark on your approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Raleigh, enjoying scenic coastal views along the way.
Free, 4h0m

4:00pm

Arrive back in Raleigh and tour concludes

Conclude your enriching road trip filled with beaches, history, sunsets, and local cuisine in the vibrant capital of North Carolina.
Free, N/A
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