The North Carolina coast , which ranges through salt marshes, beaches, barrier islands and estuaries, holds most of the state's more interesting historic sites . The continent's earliest English colonists vanished inexplicably from Roanoke Island in 1590; just over three centuries later, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight a few miles up the road. The Outer Banks , the long reef of barrier islands that stretches down from Virginia, are in parts tacky and elsewhere beautifully unspoiled.

North Carolina coast

• North Carolina coast

Explore North Carolina coast

• Albemarle Peninsula
• Beaufort
• Outer Banks
• Wilmington

North Carolina cities


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