Brunswick County had three beaches in the top 10, but Emerald Isle was named the best beach in North Carolina by USA Today.
Oak Island and Holden Beach came in at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, and Sunset Beach made a showing at No. 9.
According to 10Best.com, a panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote of USA Today readers.
The top 10 winners in the category Best North Carolina Beach are:
1. Emerald Isle