Highlands North Carolina BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Highlands, North Carolina.
1. Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
Mountain lake beach. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, Cliffside Lake Recreation Area boasts a sandy swimming beach, crystal-clear mountain waters, and shaded picnic spots. Families enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking scenic trails, and relaxing lakeside in this tranquil high-elevation haven.
MORE INFO2. Lake Glenville Recreation Area
Lakeside sandy beach. Lake Glenville Recreation Area features a public swim beach and picnic area on one of the highest lakes east of the Mississippi. Visitors enjoy sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, and scenic mountain views just a short drive from Highlands.
MORE INFO3. Lake Chatuge Recreation Area
Expansive lakeshore beach. Set on the border with Georgia, Lake Chatuge offers sandy beaches, swim areas, and picnic shelters surrounded by rolling hills. The vast lake provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation for all ages.
MORE INFO4. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
Family-friendly lakefront. Lake Lure Beach features a sandy shoreline, water slides, and a scenic mountain backdrop, perfect for a summer day trip. The inviting water park and gentle swim area make it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
MORE INFO5. Morganton Point Recreation Area
Mountain lake swimming. Morganton Point Recreation Area sits on Lake Blue Ridge and features a sandy swimming beach, picnic tables, and clear mountain water. Visitors enjoy swimming, paddle sports, and fishing in a peaceful, forested setting.
MORE INFO6. Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area
Charming lakeside retreat. Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area offers a cozy beach, swim area, and picnic facilities on a picturesque Georgia mountain lake. Guests enjoy swimming, canoeing, and relaxing beneath towering pines in a serene atmosphere.
MORE INFO7. Julian Price Memorial Park
High country lake beach. Julian Price Memorial Park features a sandy beach on Price Lake, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and canoeing along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The surrounding trails and mountain scenery draw nature lovers and families alike.
MORE INFO8. Fort Macon State Park
Historic coastal beach. Fort Macon State Park boasts a pristine oceanfront beach, perfect for swimming, shelling, and wildlife observation along the Crystal Coast. The park's historic fort, nature trails, and family picnic areas make it a top beach destination.
MORE INFO9. Atlantic Beach
Classic ocean getaway. Atlantic Beach offers wide sandy shores, lively boardwalks, and gentle surf for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. This vibrant beach town is ideal for family fun, water sports, and seaside relaxation.
MORE INFO10. Lake James State Park
Scenic lakefront oasis. Lake James State Park features a spacious sandy beach, swimming area, and shaded picnic spots on a sprawling mountain lake. Outdoor lovers flock here for boating, hiking, and cooling off in clear, refreshing water.
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