Though many beaches in the United States have rules against the consumption of alcohol on the beach, there are a few towns that still allow it. These six beaches in North Carolina that allow people to drink alcohol on the shore, so you can enjoy some cocktails on the sand.
You Can Bring Alcohol To These 6 North Carolina Beaches
1. Oak Island Beach
Oak Island Beach is a ten-mile stretch located on a barrier island in New Brunswick County, North Carolina. The beach, a part of the town of Oak Island, has more than 60 public beach-access points, two fishing piers, two marinas and a miniature golf course. Visitors can take a ferry from the mainland or one of two bridges to get to the island. Oak Island beach has no laws against drinking or smoking on the beach. However, no glass containers of any kind are allowed on the beach or in beach accesses. This means alcoholic beverages should be of the canned variety, or brought in a non-glass receptacle.
Oak Island Beach
Photo: Russell Harrison Photography/Flickr
2. Oak Island Beach
Topsail Beach is located on an island in the southeastern part of North Carolina. One of the quieter beach destinations in the state, the greater Topsail area is also popular among boaters. North Topsail Beach is a haven for sea turtles, with nesting season from mid-May to August. The consumption of some types of alcohol, such as beer and unfortified wines (wine coolers) are allowed at Topsail Beach. However, glass bottles or containers of any kind are not allowed on the beach. Hard or spirituous liquors and fortified wines are not allowed for public display or consumptions without a state permit.
Oak Island Beach
Photo: Zach Frailey/Flickr
3. Oak Island Beach
Emerald Isle is a tranquil resort and residential community often called “the best family beach in North Carolina.” The isle is part of Bogue Banks, a 21-mile barrier island located in Carteret County. Emerald Isle allows beer and wine on the beach strand, although liquor drinks are prohibited. Glass containers are permitted, but the town asks beach goers to properly dispose of their trash.
Oak Island Beach
Photo: j van cise photos/Flickr
4. Oak Island Beach
The Outer Banks are a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. “Outer Banks” beaches refers to beaches in the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. All Outer Banks beaches allow beer, but do not allow wine or liquor. Beverage containers should be in cans or plastic containers. No glass is allowed on the beaches.
Oak Island Beach
Photo: rewhitt/Flickr
5. Oak Island Beach
Ocracoke is an island that’s part of Hyde County, North Carolina. Though the island is only accessible by air or water, Ocracoke is a booming tourist destination for its rich history involving shipwrecks, pirates and offshore battles. The island is also home to one of the state’s oldest lighthouses in operation. Ocracoke Island beaches allows alcohol on the beach, as long as it’s not a spirit, distilled liquor or fortified wine.
Oak Island Beach
Photo: Luke Wisley/Flickr
6. Oak Island Beach
Known as the place to “truly get away from it all,” Bald Head Island is a village located in Brunswick County. Don’t be surprised if you see almost everyone walking, biking or riding on golf carts. Visitors can only get to Bald Head by ferry, and there are no vehicles allowed on the island. Alcohol is allowed on Bald Head Island beaches, but remember that the rules for drinking and driving apply to operating golf carts as well.
Oak Island Beach
This article was written by Hanna Choi.