Coastal-Inspired Ways to Get Around North Carolina’s Beach Towns

Coastal scenery, beautiful weather, and a desire for fun are the perfect combination for some exciting ways to get around while staying in coastal North Carolina destinations. Local waterway networks make boating a popular way to navigate the area, while enhanced bike routes and the Loop routes make cycling the preference for leisurists. And for the thrill-seekers, off-roading on the beach and coastal-inspired vehicles make “getting around” the main activity.

Here are a few coastal-inspired ways to get from point A to B during your visit to the NC coast.

But first…a brief history of local transportation

Transportation has always been paramount for the North Carolina coastal region. Historically, the Wilmington Sea Coast Railway expedited travel between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, sparking a boom in the late 1800s as visitors had more access to the beach than ever before. 

While road construction and the decline in railway popularity ended operations on the route, it gave rise to even more ways for visitors to get around in the coastal area.

Best ways to get around Coastal NC

Open-air fun in an electric moke vehicle

Remove the top, leave the gas behind, and you’ve got one of the most stylish, eco-friendly ways to get around. Mokes are open-air electric-powered vehicles that let you feel the refreshing coastal breeze, whether you’re waiting at a stop sign or cruising down Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach.

Check out these local make rental companies near Wrightsville Beach:

• Cape Fear Moke
• WeMoke

Golf cart for true Carolina beach-town vibes

Golf carts have become a staple method for visitors to explore North Carolina’s beach towns. The open-air design lets you enjoy the warm weather, its compact size makes it easy to find parking, and modest speed makes it ideal for sightseeing at a relaxing pace. With 4-seater and 6-seater options, these carts can accommodate just as many passengers as a rental car.

Find nearby gift cart rentals at:

Sun Fun Rentals – Carolina Beach
Got Shade Beach Rentals – Wilmington

Beach cruiser and ebike

From dedicated bike routes in Wrightsville Beach to self-guided art mural bike tours in Carolina Beach, there are plenty of reasons to climb on these two-wheelers and pedal your way around the coast. Coastal North Carolina is very bike-friendly, with designated bike lanes and bike racks installed at multiple beach access points.

Book a stay at Lumina Sands in Wrightsville Beach, which provides complementary beach bikes for guests.

Beach wheelchair for accessibility

Even visitors with limited mobility can enjoy the beach! Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Topsail Beach are a few of the top NC beach destinations that have made their coasts accessible for everyone. Local departments offer beach wheelchairs and occasionally have beach mats to make it easier to navigate on wheels. Additionally, accessible public beach access points provide a convenient ramp to get on the beach.

Here are a few resources for requesting a sand wheelchair:

• Wrightsville Beach
• Carolina Beach
• Topsail Beach

Island-hopping on public ferry shuttles

Public transportation on the coast isn’t your typical packed subways and crowded bus stops. Public ferries are one of the best ways to explore other coastal towns and offshore islands.

Ferries are cost-efficient, fast, and for some locations, the only way to get there! Take the Southport Ferry between Fort Fisher (Kure Beach) and Southport for a 30-minute cruise along the Cape Fear River. Navigate the Motts and Banks Channel on the Masonboro Island Ferry Shuttle for a day trip from Wrightsville Beach to this protected island nature preserve. The Bald Head Island ferry is a 20-minute water service from Southport to this boat-only accessible island.

Some of the ferries are drive-on for visitors with rental cars.

Luxury-grade transportation with private charters

Prefer to experience the luxury side of coastal North Carolina? Private yacht charters let you skip the public ferries and explore the barrier islands on your own terms.

Yacht Source is one of our partners providing guests with personalized yacht charters, organized group tours, and even private events. Local catamaran tours with Soundside Adventures have sunset cruises and full-day excursions.

Reserving a stay at Sea Dog Retreat features a private boat dock on Wrightsville Beach’s sound side (https://seascapevacationhomes.com/wrightsville-beach-ocean-side-sound-side-comparison-guide) for guests bringing or renting their own boat.

Off-roading with beach-friendly UTVs

Rev up your engines and take a four-wheeler from paved roads to sandy shores. Go off the beaten path with Wilmington Adventures for beach-approved UTVs and explore the vehicle-friendly beaches at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Freeman Park. Dust off the sand with guided off-roading ATV forest trails inside the Shallotte River Swamp Park, located in Ocean Isle Beach.

North Carolina is planning a new railway for easier coastal access

With railway travel in America resurging, North Carolina is currently in the development stages of expanding local railway networks to connect Raleigh and Wilmington. This $810 million project will take several years to complete, but will provide an alternative way to travel between the major cities, and bring North Carolinians even closer to exploring the coastal region.

Find vacation rentals in coastal North Carolina featuring amenities such as parking for rental cars, complimentary beach bike use, and special rental offers exclusive to our guests.