This NC city is one of the best beach towns in the US, Good Housekeeping says

A North Carolina city is among the best beach towns in the nation, according to Good Housekeeping.

Wilmington and its nearby island beaches, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, were selected as winners in the magazine’s 2026 Travel Awards. The publication noted the variety of experiences across the region, from scenic bike rides along the Riverwalk to family-friendly dining and activities like tours of a World War II battleship.

The city is also the filming site of the coming-of-age drama “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” a show that premiered its third season in July.

“All three seasons of this Amazon hit show were filmed in Wilmington’s historic downtown and on three North Carolina barrier islands about 20 to 30 minutes east,” Good Housekeeping says. “You’ll want to explore the entire trio, because each has a slightly different vibe.”

The Sanderling Resort on the Outer Banks was also recognized in the travel awards, distinguishing itself as a premier coastal retreat with redesigned accommodations, curated experiences, and elevated dining led by acclaimed chef Vivian Howard, according to Good Housekeeping.

Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live?

Earlier this year, Wilmington landed at No. 84 on Niche’s list of best cities to live in the U.S., The Charlotte Observer reported. That put it at No. 6 on the list of best cities to live in the Tar Heel State.

Data also show the city is growing at a rapid pace. Wilmington ranked first among U.S. metropolitan areas for attracting new residents in 2024, The News & Observer reported, with 83 percent of moves into the area classified as inbound, compared with 17 percent outbound.

The showing returned Wilmington to the top position it held in 2022, when United Van Lines cited the area’s “large historic district, vibrant riverfront,” and coastal proximity as major draws. The metro area slipped to second place in 2023, according to McClatchy News, before reclaiming the lead last year.

Best beach towns in North America

Here are the best beach towns in the U.S. in no particular order, according to Good Housekeeping:

• Huntington Beach, California 
• Newport, Rhode Island 
• Wilmington, North Carolina 
• St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida 
• Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida 
• Traverse City, Michigan
• The Palm Beaches, Florida
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Miami, Florida
• Curacao

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.