As temperatures start to rise and vacationers' plans for summer getaways are underway, people may be looking for a way to cool down in the blazing heat, and what better place to do that than at the beach? Some beachgoers may prefer their fun in the sun in popular tourist spots, but others might find their peace and relaxation away from the crowds.
LoveExploring compiled a list the 25 "best secret beaches" around America, "from little-known stretches of coast to quiet coves only reachable by boat." While several of the sandy shores are found in coastal paradises like Hawaii and California, one beach on the list is right here in North Carolina.
Lifeguarded Beach, located on Ocracoke, ranked No. 5 overall thanks to its clean shores and secluded nature. Here's what the site had to say about this "beautiful" beach:
"Ranked America's best beach a few years ago by coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr Beach) is his annual awards, Ocracoke's Lifeguarded Beach is praised for its cleanliness and safety. It also happens to be beautifully secluded and tucked away on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina's wonderfully wild Outer Banks. The sand is soft and smooth — and you might just have it all to yourself. Also in the region is Carova Beach, a tiny community where herds of wild horses roam the rolling dunes."
See the full list at loveexploring.com to read up on more of the best secret beaches in the country. You can also see our previous coverage of the North Carolina spots named among America's "most beautiful mountain towns."