From empty beaches, sizzling seafood and buckets of Southern charm, this is why North Carolina’s coast should be your next holiday

Indulge in crowd-free beaches, a splash of Civil War history, some hungry plants and a touch of Hollywood on a trip to North Carolina’s easy-going Atlantic shoreline.

Here’s seven reasons why you should make this all-American destination your next holiday.

Beachside reads

Kick off your shoes and wander along the vast vanilla sands of this Atlantic shoreline. In summer, the 45-mile stretch of beach in Brunswick County rivals Florida and the Caribbean – just without the hordes. Upstate, head to the newly renovated Carolina Beach Boardwalk, flanked by an amusement park and Britt’s Donut Shop – whose treats are so loved by locals it has a fan club (). And make sure you drive south to remote Sunset Beach to hunt out the one-of-a-kind Kindred Spirit mailbox (). Since it was placed there almost 40 years ago with a notebook inside, it’s inspired thousands to pen their deepest thoughts. Share your own, and read others’.

Catfish treats

With all the Southern food on offer, you’ll roll back to your hotel room stuffed every evening. PinPoint restaurant was named one of the South’s Best New Restaurants by Southern Living last year, and with good reason. Chef Dean Neff’s local produce menu changes daily. Feast on oysters, crisp smoked local catfish with celery-creamed grits and Mills Family Farm eye of rib-eye and short rib, with mains costing around £22. Just make sure you save room for pastry chef Lydia Clopton’s mouth-watering brownies (). For something more casual, dine alfresco on the waterfront at Southport’s Provision Company. We opted for 1/2lb of steamed shrimp, £9, and a grilled yellowfin tuna sandwich, £7.50 ().

Time-warp towns

If you’ve ever dreamed of being Scarlett O’Hara, you’ll love Wilmington – the NC coast’s unofficial capital is packed with plantation-esque houses. Get your bearings on a carriage tour led by rescued draught horses, £9 for adults (). History and hospitality abound – we were even invited on an impromptu tour of the Miles Costin House, built around 1855. Owner Tony showed us where illegal slaves were hidden after slavery was abolished. For something more official, visit the 1861 Bellamy Mansion, which has one of a few preserved urban slave quarters in the US (). Then head down to Southport for a self-guided walking tour of landmarks like the AE Stevens House, built for a bride-to-be who then jilted her fiancé for his best friend.

Venus flytraps

Work off all the tasty grub at Carolina Beach State Park. With miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, there’s something for everyone (). Feeling extra energetic? The flagship Mountains-to-Sea Trail is more than 1,000 miles long, stretching across the entire state. We hiked a tiny section with Park Ranger Jeff Davis, hoping to spot white-tailed deer and raccoons. Plus, don’t miss the Venus Flytrap Trail – the carnivorous plant is native to the area around Wilmington, and rarely found anywhere else.

Lighthouse views

Spot ospreys on a two-hour cruise on the Cape Fear River (), then climb the 131 steps of the Oak Island Lighthouse for views over Caswell Beach – it’s open sporadically, so book ahead (). Come nightfall take the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, £10 per adult (). Just don’t head home alone!

Capeside vibes

The NC coast has appeared in thousands of films and TV shows – Wilmington alone stars in over 500, most famously Dawson’s Creek. Reminisce over Joey and Pacey’s will-they-won’t-they romance at the University of North Carolina, which served as Capeside High School. The Kabob & Grill, Hell’s Kitchen and Elijah’s were also used as locations. Organise a Hollywood Location Walk tailored to your interests, from £9.50 for 90 minutes ().

Dolphin-spotting rooms

With the Atlantic on one side and the harbour on the other, every room has a waterside view at Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Wrightsville Beach. Get up early to watch a spectacular sunrise, and keep your eyes peeled for the odd dolphin. Rooms cost from £163 per night (). In Wilmington, the homey, traditional Wilmingtonian has three themed properties: the Cinema House, the Maritime House and the Dram Tree House, from £102 per night (). Meanwhile, the Sunset Inn Bed & Breakfast in Sunset Beach is a great pit stop with views of the salt marsh, looking out towards the Intracoastal Waterway from the comfort of your private porch. Rooms cost from £127 per night ().