Salty Air & Secret Spots: Why Sneads Ferry, NC is the Laid-Back Coastal Life You Didn’t Know You Needed

Tanja Rieck
Jul 1
2 min read

There are beach towns, and then there’s Sneads Ferry — the kind of place where shrimp boats rock gently in the harbor, your neighbors wave like they’ve known you forever, and the sunsets look like something out of a Nicholas Sparks novel (probably because they were).

Tucked between North Topsail Beach and the calm waters of the New River, Sneads Ferry isn’t flashy. But that’s exactly what makes it magical.

Here’s what makes this coastal fishing village with serious charm one of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina:

1. It’s Water Life Without the Crowds

Sneads Ferry is surrounded by water — making it a paradise for boating, fishing, kayaking, or just sitting on the dock and doing absolutely nothing. Launch your kayak into Fulcher’s Landing, drop a line off a pier, or cruise through the inlet toward the Intracoastal. You won’t find touristy chaos here — just peaceful tides and locals who know how to live slow.

2. Seafood Is a Way of Life Here

This town was built on shrimping — and it still celebrates its roots. If you’re lucky enough to visit in August, the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival is a small-town event with big flavor, featuring fresh-caught shrimp, live music, and some serious small-town pride.

Hungry year-round? Try:

Riverview Café – Waterfront views, fresh catches, and hushpuppies that locals swear by.

Salty Sistas – A quirky, casual spot with coastal bites and creative flair (plus great vibes).

Dixon Seafood Market – For grabbing your own fresh haul to cook at home.

3. It’s Small-Town Living with a Coastal Upgrade

Sneads Ferry might be quiet, but it’s growing — and people are taking notice. You’ll find a mix of old-school cottages, new coastal builds, and military-friendly neighborhoods (thanks to nearby Camp Lejeune). It’s a place where front porch sitting is a lifestyle, and the beach is always a few minutes away.

This is the kind of town where people come to “just check it out” — and end up calling their realtor.

4. You’re Always 10 Minutes From a Beach Day

The best perk? North Topsail Beach is just over the bridge. Soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to spread out. It’s the kind of beach that still feels like a secret — and you’ll never have to fight for a parking spot.

Pro tip: stick around for golden hour. Whether you’re on the sand, on a boat, or back in Sneads Ferry with a front porch view — the sunsets here are next-level.

Sneads Ferry Is Easy to Love — and Even Easier to Photograph.

From marsh views and shrimp docks to breezy porches and sunlit kitchens, this town just knows how to glow. It’s no wonder more people are falling in love with it — and deciding to call it home.

And when that happens? We’ll be here, camera in hand, capturing every listing, every angle, and every bit of that Sneads Ferry feeling.