News Summary
Frugal Flyer, a travel blog, has highlighted Carova Beach and Bald Head Island as two of America’s best secret beaches. Carova Beach, known for its tranquil setting and wild mustangs, ranked 14th, while Bald Head Island, a car-free island featuring North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, earned the 91st spot. Both locations offer unique coastal experiences and attract travelers looking for less crowded destinations.
Carova Beach, North Carolina – Frugal Flyer, a travel blog based in Canada, has recently recognized Carova Beach and Bald Head Island in North Carolina as two of the best secret beaches in America. Carova Beach earned a spot as the 14th best secret beach, while Bald Head Island was ranked 91st in the compilation.
Carova Beach, located at the northernmost tip of the Outer Banks, is known for its tranquil wide beaches and the unique sight of free-roaming wild mustangs. This setting makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking solitude and distinctive coastal experiences. Activities in Carova are abundant, with visitors enjoying hiking in the 4,500-acre Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, biking through the nearby Currituck Banks Reserve, kayaking, birding, and surfing. Tourists are encouraged to engage in four-wheel drive tours to search for the celebrated wild horses, but should exercise caution and not attempt to approach any horses that appear injured or dead, as these animals can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Significantly, wild horses are commonly found along the beaches of North Carolina and Virginia. Previous encounters between humans and these horses have led to dangerous situations. For instance, an incident in 2020 resulted in a woman being kicked by a horse after she approached it too closely.
On the other hand, Bald Head Island, ranked 91st, is a car-free barrier island located just two miles off the coast of Southport and is accessible only by passenger ferry. Visitors to this serene location can explore the island using golf carts, bicycles, or simply walking. The island is home to North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, constructed in 1817. Visitors can admire sweeping views of the surrounding area from the top of Old Baldy, which consists of 108 steps.
Further enriching the visitor experience on Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Museum of History offers insights into the island’s past with admission available for interested guests. Adventurous tourists can hike the Mitchell Nature Trail or rent kayaks to paddle through local creeks, where they can observe a variety of wildlife native to the area.
The rankings of these secret beaches were determined through a survey conducted in May 2025. The survey involved responses from over 3,000 adults across the U.S. population, providing insights into locations that may not be widely known but are treasured by those who venture to discover them.
Both Carova Beach and Bald Head Island exemplify North Carolina’s rich coastal landscape with their unique characteristics and offerings. Travelers looking to escape the more crowded tourist destinations might find these hidden gems an appealing choice for their next getaway.
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Hit-and-Run Incident Leaves Wild Horse Injured in Carova
Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Carova Beach
- Travel + Leisure
- Google Search: Bald Head Island
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- World Atlas
- Google News: North Carolina beaches
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
