Comparable in size to the state of Vermont, this region of northeastern North Carolina contains significant natural areas available for public use that include 10 national wildlife refuges, 2 national seashores and 1 national forest, 7 state parks, and the second largest estuarine system in the United States.

Vibrant communities along the 180 miles of barrier island beaches with amenities for vacationing families, inland small towns with wonderful historic resources and significant fishing and farming operations.

Visit a historic site, take a paddling adventure through a swamp, bird watch on one of our beautiful beaches, go wind surfing, kite boarding, sailing or hiking – there are endless opportunities to both learn and have fun while visiting this incredibly diverse landscape.