Top 3 Beaches Near Asheville: Discover NC's Hidden Gems for 2025!

Indian Shores, NC, USA - Florida’s coastline is rivaled by its abundant nature preserves, especially those in North Carolina. With summer just around the corner, many in the Asheville area are considering day trips to enjoy both the beaches and the stunning landscapes of the state. According to Citizen Times, the top three beaches easily accessible from Asheville are Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach, highlighting the region’s allure.

These beaches are not just places to sunbathe; they also come highly recommended by USA TODAY 10Best voters. Holden Beach claimed the No. 3 spot for its serene atmosphere and family-friendly activities that include golfing and seashell hunting. Ocean Isle Beach followed close behind at No. 8, known for its expansive sandy shores and calm waters, ideal for dolphin watching. The complete list of North Carolina’s top beaches for 2025 features:

A Natural Gem: Green Swamp Preserve

While the beaches draw plenty of visitors, there’s another treasure worth exploring: the Green Swamp Preserve. Covering an impressive 15,600 acres in central Brunswick County, this area offers a different kind of adventure. The preserve is a sanctuary for diverse and rare species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the famed Venus flytrap, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. The area is characterized by stunning longleaf pine savannas, lush pocosins, and spectacular orchids, as detailed by Visit NC.

The Green Swamp boasts over 13,000 acres of pocosin, home to countless insectivorous plants and other wildlife, such as the American alligator and fox squirrel. It’s a haven for biodiversity, highlighted by the striking colors of flowering grasses in the fall. As it’s said, fire plays a vital role here; periodic burning helps maintain the ecosystem, allowing these plants to thrive.

Preserves and Natural Wonders Around Brunswick County

Beyond the Green Swamp, Brunswick County offers a plethora of other natural wonders. Bird Island, positioned on a portion of Sunset Beach, invites visitors to stroll through over 1,200 acres of salt marsh and sandy beaches. This untouched paradise serves as an outdoor laboratory for students and scientists, and is well known for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a cherished spot along the beach. Here, visitors may find serenity and inspiration, taking in the beautiful coastal environment, as reported by NC Brunswick.

Another noteworthy spot is the Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve, spanning 6,000 acres and home to many of the same rare plants that flourish in the Green Swamp. This preserve makes for an excellent excursion, especially for bird watchers keen on spotting species like the Pine Warbler and Indigo Bunting.

As summer approaches, both the nearby beaches and the splendid nature preserves beckon those in search of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re longing for the salty air of the beach or the tranquility of the woods, North Carolina has something to satisfy every wanderer’s heart. Happy exploring!