North Carolina Beach Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

Public Beach access on Kure Beach on North Carolina's Atlantice coast.

Sunrise as seen from the sand dunes at the Outer Banks, NC around Corolla Beach in September, 2014.

Avalon Pier and sandy beach at the Outer Banks of North Carolina at sunrise

Two empty Adirondack chair on a balcony deck overlooking the beach and the ocean in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

A planted dune stands amongst others out at Wrightsville Beach, NC.

A view of the Cape Lookout lighthouse just before sunset.

Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

Outer Banks sand dunes and grass along the coast of North Carolina

Sunset over Banks Channel on the Intercoastal waterway from Wrightsville Beach, NC.

Moved from its original location along the coast in 1999.

A beautiful sunrise filled with shades of pink, magenta and blue. The colors of the sky reflected on the wet sand and smooth surface of the ocean. Long exposure gives a softness and sense of motion.

August 14, 2015 Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Center, Kure Beach, North Carolina, USA: A family views the sunset from a canoe on the Cape Fear River.

The wetlands surrounding Charleston, South Carolina provide some of the most beautiful scenes for both sunrise and sunset. The big, wide-open, Lowcountry landscapes give way to huge skies and many reflective opportunities within the marshes. The changing of the tide levels allow an array of compositions.

Couple walk hand in hand on a boardwalk towards a beach pavilion. Horizontal shot.

Aerial view of beautiful water and shoreline of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, on a sunny winter day.

Turquoise blue ocean water at sunrise with color filled cloudy sunrise at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Beach and coastline at Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head North Carolina

Outer Banks sand dunes and grass along the coast of North Carolina

A beautiful Indian woman flying a kite from the top of a hill on a beautiful summery day at the beach in North carolina.

Atlantic Ocean viewed between sand dunes. North Carolina.

A sailboat heads into dock on Banks CHannel in Wrightsville Beach, NC.

Sunrise at beach on Oak Island, NC

Beach at Hilton Head

A historic lighthouse guiding ships away from rocky shoals.

North Carolina postage stamp design. Vector illustration of lighthouse on the outer banks. Grunge postmark on separate layer

Aerial View of Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park in Onslow County, North Carolina

Beach chairs and umbrellas sit unattended on a clean, sandy beach.

A rare snow and ice storm in Kure Beach North Carolina

Adirondack chairs on deck looking towards beach on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

Two birds looking for breakfast at a beach sunrise.

A long beach fishing pier on the horizon with beautiful spattered clouds.

Waterfront homes, Surf City.

second ave entrance

August 14, 2015 Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Center, Kure Beach, North Carolina, USA: Tourists watch the sunset from the pier jutting out over the Cape Fear River.

Ocean waves roll over stretching to the horizon beach leaving white foam that sparkles in the sun light.

Color DSLR stock picture of pair of men's leather strap sandals on boardwalk steps leading to the beach at sunset, with waves, sand, shore and horizon in the background; Sunset Beach, North Carolina. The image is very relaxing, in horizontal orientation, with ample copy space for text.

Entrance to the beach over sand dunes with blue sky background

Man walking on the beautiful beach at sunrise. Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.

Pea Island national wildlife refugee, North Carolina.

Two brothers enjoying the surf on vacation in North Carolina.

A remote and beautiful beach in the summertime on Ocracoke island, North Carolina.

Beach fence and sand dunes with Atlantic Ocean horizon, scenic landscape in the Outer Banks at Nags Head, North Carolina, USA.

The rising sun paints the sky over the sea with vivid colors as seen from beneath the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

FREEMAN PARK

Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Rocking chairs grace a upper porch in a large lake front home in the Southern USA.

N.C. written in the sand at the shore of the ocean on a fall day

A panoramic view of the beautiful beach resort in Oak Island, North Carolina. This is one of the best beaches of Brunswick County, about 45 minutes away from Wilmington, home of the basketball legend Michael Jordan. Because it's low tide, you can see a wide view of the finely textured sand partly lit by the orange glow of the sun. Using long exposure to produce a silky smooth effect in the water, this image was taken during spring season.

Red vintage bicycle with basket and flowers leaning on wooden fence at beach.

A beach access leads through the dunes to the beach and the atlantic ocean. The path is surrounded by sea oats, grasses and dune fencing. Oak Island, North Carolina

Stock photo of sand dunes at the ocean cost