There’s no denying North Carolina loves its small towns. In our (very) humble opinion, North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful towns in the nation. Places that are quaint, unique, welcoming, and of course… totally picturesque. It’s no surprise North Carolina has been an inspiration for novelists and the backdrop for over 200 feature length films; it’s a totally lovely and inspiring place to be. With all this natural beauty, some of the most beautiful small towns you’ll ever find are right here in North Carolina… starting with these 17!

1. Bath
Bath, NC 27808, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey : The Uprooted Photographer
Incorporated in 1705, Bath is North Carolina's oldest town and home of former pirate Blackbeard. The history is very much alive here. You'll certainly be in awe at the Van Der Veer house built in 1790 and St. Thomas Episcopal Church (pictured above) built in 1734.
2. Brevard
Brevard, NC, USA
Stay Brevard
Brevard has a cozy downtown with sweeping mountain views. There's plenty to do in and outside the town. You might even catch a glimpse of the elusive white squirrels!
3. Edenton
Edenton, NC 27932, USA
Visit Edenton
Edenton is located on the beautiful Albermarle Sound. You might believe you've stepped back in time after strolling the quaint streets. For an authentic way to see it all, hop on a sailboat!
4. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, NC, USA
Flickr / John Dyer
Blowing Rock is a small, yet gorgeous little mountain town. You'll find unique shops and delicious cafes as well as plenty of hiking and sights to see within a five minute drive.
5. New Bern
New Bern, NC, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey : The Uprooted Photographer
If the beautiful, historic New Bern reminds you of something straight out of Nicholas Sparks' novel....that's because it is!
6. Manteo
Manteo, NC 27954, USA
Outer Banks
Manteo is filled with all that gorgeous, unique, Outer Banks charm...minus the crowd!
7. Saluda
Saluda, NC 28773, USA
Flickr / Frank DiBona
With a population of only 500, the quiet little mountain town of Saluda is one of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina. The town and the surrounding scenery are perfect for capturing unique photographs.
8. Southport
Southport, NC 28461, USA
Southport-NC
Southport isn't too far from Wilmington, but this coastal town has a unique vibe all its own.

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9. Boone
Boone, NC, USA
Jeremy Mikkola/Wikipedia
Home of the Mountaineers, Boone is an extremely charming college town named after Daniel Boone that's surrounded by 360-degree mountain views.
10. Beaufort
Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey : The Uprooted Photographer
Beaufort is certainly a hidden gem where you can experience true coastal culture.
11. Tryon
Tryon, NC 28782, USA
Flickr / dougprowse
Birthplace of Nina Simone, Tryon is a charming little mountain town known for equestrian activities and wine!
12. Mount Airy
Mount Airy, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
Flickr / Allen Forrest
If you're in search of Andy Griffith's Mayberry, you'll find it inMount Airy.
13. Forest City
Forest City, NC 28043, USA
Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia
Come Christmas time, this little mountain town turns into something simply magical.
14. Swansboro
Swansboro, NC, USA
Crystal Coast
It doesn't get more 'quaint coastal town' than Swansboro. This hidden gem is a year-round vacation.
15. Washington
Washington, NC, USA
Flickr / Grauke/O
Another extremely charming, little-known coastal town is Washington, North Carolina. Located on the Pamlico Sound, this town has so much character!
16. Bryson City
Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Great Smokies
Located right on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City is one of those towns you stumble upon and never want to leave.
17. Hillsborough
Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Caroline Culler/Wikipedia
Hillsborough has been called one of the 'coolest small towns' in North Carolina. For starters, they have a thriving literary scene with many authors taking residence here.

 

Did your town make the list? What are your favorite beautiful small towns in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!

For more beautiful places to visit in the Tar Heel State, check out these 10 quaint towns that are under-the-radar gems!

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More to Explore

Beautiful small towns in North Carolina

Sarah | September 11, 2021

What's the most beautiful small town in North Carolina?

While the above list of beautiful small towns in North Carolina has some total stunners, we are also partial to Burnsville, a small town in the western part of the state near Mount Mitchell. Burnsville has a vibrant downtown, amazing restaurants, and some of the most scenic beauty in all of North Carolina! In fact, Yancey County (where Burnsville is located) is home to six of the 10 tallest peaks on the East Coast, making it a popular destination for not only outdoor enthusiasts, but avid hikers, campers, and those looking for a bit of adventure.

What are some of the smallest towns in North Carolina?

One of the many amazing qualities of North Carolina is the wide assortment of different dwellings – from metropolitan hubs like Charlotte to charming, historic small towns like Bath, and then the comfortable middle of small cities like Winston-Salem or Wilmington. We get a bit of everything here in the Tar Heel state, but even if you were born and raised here, these 10 teeny-tiny towns are so small you might’ve never known of their existence!

What are some scenic places to visit in North Carolina?

In keeping with the small town theme, these 10 towns in North Carolina are breathtakingly beautiful. With such varied and vibrant scenery, North Carolina towns can be found in the most scenic areas, from the coast to the mountains -- and everything in between! Beaufort is one of our favorites; this small coastal town is the third oldest in the state of North Carolina. Located in the 'inner banks' Beaufort is still fairly close to the beach. Beaufort even has its own Blackbeard history, too, making it perfect for a day trip adventure in North Carolina!

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