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Dr. Beach's Choices for America's Top Beaches, 2004

Dr. Beach's #3 pick for America's Top Beach, 2004:

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

One of the barrier islands of North Carolina, this beautiful beach has a pirate past: they say that Blackbeard once roamed these dunes. You and your pirate can enjoy a getaway here with plenty of fun in the sun plus fishing, a look at the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and a visit to the historic community of Ocracoke on the south side of the island. For more on Ocracoke, see www.ocracoke-nc.com.

• For more on romantic getaways in North Carolina, click here.

Photo courtesy Florida International University