While there’s tons to do in Asheville, sometimes you just want to get away and spend some time at the beach! Thankfully there are many great options to choose from, all within a day’s drive of Asheville. 

For sandy shores you won’t forget, make sure to check out our picks for the 14 best beaches near Asheville! From sunbathing and swimming to kayaking and picnicking, these beaches offer a little something for everyone.

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The 14 Best Beaches Near Asheville

1. Lake Lure Beach

Approximately one hour from Asheville, Lake Lure Beach offers activities such as swimming, sunning, paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, and more! Fees are required for entry, including adults at $10, seniors at $9, children ages 4 and older at $8, and no charge for children under 4 years old. It’s also important to note that no dogs are permitted on Lake Lure Beach, so you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home. 

Lake Lure is known for its scenic mountain backdrop and family-friendly atmosphere. With multiple attractions close by, including Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, you can easily make a day of it!

2. Lake James State Park Beach

Lake James State Park Beach offers another lake beach option within close proximity to Asheville. Just 1.5 hours from downtown, this spacious and sandy beach offers diverse recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and more. 

While there is no fee to get into the park, swim passes are required when lifeguards are on duty – $6 for adults, $4 for children, and an annual pass option for people who visit frequently. Well-behaved pets are allowed on the beach, while alcohol is strictly prohibited. Nearby attractions include Linville Gorge and Catawba Falls. 

3. Fontana Lake Beach

Approximately two hours from Asheville, Fontana Lake Beach includes 240 miles of remote shoreline to stun its visitors. From swimming and boating to kayaking and fishing, this lake beach near Asheville has it all! 

What’s great about Fontana Lake Beach is that there are no fees, making it an affordable getaway for all. Pets are allowed on leash, and there are many different secluded beach areas to choose from. Some nearby attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam.

4. Lake Jocassee Beach

Known as the “Caribbean of the South,” Lake Jocassee Beach offers stunningly clear water just 2.5 hours from Asheville. With scenic mountain vistas and abundant wildlife to observe, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. 

Parking admission is required at $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children older than 5 years old. Pets are allowed on leash, while alcohol and glass containers are not permitted. While you might not want to leave Lake Jocassee, there are other nearby attractions to check out, including Jocassee Gorges and Whitewater Falls!

5. Wrightsville Beach

Roughly 5 hours from Asheville, NC, Wrightsville Beach is a popular destination for those looking for some wave action. From swimming and surfing to looking for seashells and sunbathing, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at this popular ocean destination. 

Most sections of the beach allow dogs on leashes and showcase stunningly soft shorelines in a vibrant coastal atmosphere. With no fee to access the beach, you can splurge on other nearby attractions, such as shopping in Historic Wilmington or spending an afternoon at the Airlie Gardens. 

6. Myrtle Beach

In the opposite direction as Wrightsville is Myrtle Beach, a popular South Carolina shoreline approximately 4.5 hours from Asheville, NC. Here, you can swim, tan, fish, and check out a variety of amusement parks. 

Other nearby attractions include Broadway at the Beach and Ripley’s Aquarium. With a lively boardwalk, endless entertainment options, and a gorgeous dog-friendly beach, you can’t go wrong at Myrtle! 

7. Hilton Head Island

Another South Carolina beachfront gem is located on Hilton Head Island. About 5.5 hours from Asheville, Hilton Head is a great place for families and beach vacationers alike. 

The entire town is extremely bike-friendly with rentals throughout, allowing you to bike from your hotel all the way to and along the pristine, pet-friendly beaches. 

With many activities ranging from swimming and golfing to biking, kayaking, and more, people love Hilton Head for its exceptionally clean beaches, world-class golf courses, and scenic, beach-cruiser biking trails. 

If you’re looking for some more things to do, some popular nearby points of interest include Harbour Town Lighthouse and the Coastal Discovery Museum. 

8. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park

Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park is yet another beautiful South Carolina beach to check out that just happens to be within a day’s drive of Asheville. Just 4.5 hours from Asheville, Kiawah Island Beach Park offers swimming, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and more. 

There is a vehicle parking fee which changes throughout the year, so you’ll want to check that out before going. Additionally, dogs are generally allowed on leash, though some areas may have restrictions during nesting season to protect the local habitat. 

Visitors love Kiawah Island for its uncrowded beaches, natural beauty, and abundant birdlife. Some nearby attractions include Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina.

9. Lake Hartwell State Park Beach

Just 2 hours from Asheville is Lake Hartwell State Park, a stunning recreational lake with sandy beaches and scenic shorelines. Admission fees are $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and $1 for children ages 6 and up (children under 6 are free). 

With countless activities to enjoy, including swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and more, you could easily spend an entire day here while heading back to Asheville for the night. 

Pets are allowed if kept on leash, while alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. Some nearby points of interest may include Clemson University and T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena.

10. Lake Norman State Park Beach

With no shortage of beautiful lake beaches near Asheville, Lake Norman State Park Beach should be on your list of beaches to explore. Roughly 2 hours from Asheville, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and more for a small fee.

Attractions close by include Davidson College and Historic Downtown Mooresville. While pets are allowed on the beach on leash, alcohol is not permitted. With expansive lake views, shaded picnic areas, and well-maintained facilities, you may never want to leave!

11. Oak Island Beach

If you’re looking for a relaxed coastal vibe roughly 4.5 hours from Asheville, you might want to check out Oak Island Beach. With wide sandy beaches and a family-friendly atmosphere, Oak Island is a lesser-known ocean gem just begging to be discovered. 

Typical beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. While dogs are allowed on leash, some areas do have restrictions during peak season, so make sure to check that out if it pertains to you. Nearby destinations include Fort Caswell and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. 

12. Lake Glenville Beach

When you’re looking for beaches close to Asheville, you’ll want to check out Lake Glenville Beach, another fantastic lakeshore to enjoy. Just a 2-hour drive from Asheville, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and more! What’s even better is that there’s no fee to spend the day there, and your furry friends are allowed to join you, as well. 

For a tranquil mountain lake with scenic shorelines and uncrowded beaches, look no further than Lake Glenville. If you find yourself with some extra time, you may also want to check out Cashiers Farmers Market and High Falls, which are both close by. 

13. Badin Lake Recreation Area

Approximately 3 hours from Asheville, Badin Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and sunbathing for a small fee. Pets are allowed on leash, while no alcohol or glass containers are allowed on these relaxing shorelines. 

Visitors marvel at Badin Lake Recreation Area for its pristine lake setting, secluded beach areas, and abundant wildlife. With nearby attractions like Uwharrie National Forest and Morrow Mountain State Park, Badin Lake is the perfect destination for the Asheville-loving outdoor enthusiast! 

14. Lake Wylie Beach

With multiple beach options to choose from along Lake Wylie, you can find a place that suits your recreational needs. Approximately 2.5 hours from Asheville, Lake Wylie offers activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and more. 

To explore spectacular swim spots that are only accessible by boat, look into rental options and start exploring! While you’re in the area, you can also check out Rock Hill Park and Dreamery Creamery. 

There you have it! The 14 best beaches near Asheville, NC. What’s your favorite beach destination near Asheville? Let us know so we can check them out!

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