Hammocks Beach State Park - Bear Island, North Carolina

Address:Bear Island, North Carolina

The fact that Bear Island is accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat makes the feeling of seclusion and tranquility even more exciting at this awesome beach getaway. Aside from 33 acres on the mainland, Hammocks Beach State Park is located on Bear Island, an 892 acre barrier island that is 3.5 miles long and bordered by the Atlantic to the south and by salt marshes, creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway to the north. Visitors can enjoy strolling the beach and listening for gulls and sandpipers or go fishing in the rows of foaming breakers for Puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish. Kids will love exploring the cool marine life in the tidal pools and mudflats as well as exploring the sand dunes. And of course, let's not under-estimate the simple pleasure of basking in the sun and doing absolutely nothing—because you'll have opportunity for plenty of that here, as well. There's a covered shelter to enjoy cool picnics and a concession stand which offers cold drinks and snacks. If you choose to spend the night, primitive campsites are located near the beach and water and other facilities are available on the island all summer long.

Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all.