News Summary
Several beach towns in North Carolina, including Atlantic Beach and the Outer Banks, have been recognized as top summer destinations. While accolades roll in, a shark bite incident at Sunset Beach raises safety concerns. A 26-year-old man was bitten but is recovering. Officials advise caution while enjoying the beaches, emphasizing the importance of marine safety amid the growing tourist interest.
Sunset Beach, North Carolina – Several beach towns along the North Carolina coast have recently been recognized as some of the top summer vacation destinations in national rankings. The Outer Banks was highlighted in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, landing at No. 14 for its stunning natural scenery and rich historical offerings. Meanwhile, Atlantic Beach was voted the No. 1 beach in North Carolina in the USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere and attractions like Town Park’s 18-hole mini golf course.
In addition to Atlantic Beach and the Outer Banks, other beaches have also gained recognition. Avon was noted as a “most sought-after” vacation spot in a 2023 report by HomeToGo. Duck, a charming town located at the northernmost point of the Outer Banks, has been ranked among the best coastal small towns in a recent 10Best report. Furthermore, Ocracoke Island was named one of America’s 50 most charming small towns by HGTV, while towns like Nags Head, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Hatteras Island received accolades as some of the best beach towns in the South according to Southern Living.
In the wake of this acclaim, a shark bite incident occurred at Sunset Beach on Wednesday around 11 a.m. The victim, a 26-year-old man named Sean Barton from New Mexico, was swimming near the 31st Street beach access when he was bitten by a shark. Lifeguards and firefighters arrived to find him conscious and alert. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he received 11 stitches for a laceration on his leg.
In response to the incident, the Sunset Beach Fire Department has reminded visitors to exercise caution while swimming, particularly due to the potential presence of marine life, including sharks. Statistics from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) reveal that in 2024, there were 88 reported shark attacks globally, with 47 classified as unprovoked. Among these, 28 occurred in the United States, where only one unprovoked shark attack was recorded in North Carolina for the entire year.
These incidents serve as a reminder for beachgoers to remain vigilant while enjoying the ocean, despite the heightened interest in North Carolina’s beautiful coastal destinations. With numerous accolades highlighting the region’s appeal, officials emphasize the importance of safety measures in conjunction with celebrating the incredible experiences these beaches offer.
As visitors flock to North Carolina’s beaches this summer, the emphasis will likely remain on both enjoying the recreational opportunities and being mindful of marine safety, ensuring a safe and enjoyable vacation for all.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: Possible Shark Attack in North Carolina
- KOAT: North Carolina Shark Bite
- WBTV: Swimmer Bitten by Shark
- WSOC TV: Swimmer Bitten by Shark Incident
- News Observer: North Carolina Shark Incident
- Wikipedia: Shark Attack
