you guys above can have the beaches...Mountains is where its at! we have the oldest mountain range in the US better known as URE (Uwharrie). camping, hiking, ORV trails, horse back, fishing, hunting, target range and more! lets not forget the Blue Ridge mtns. got the parkway which is awesome at any time of the year but fall color change (which is coming soon!!!) is breath taking. great fishing in the new river (which is 1 of 2 rivers in the world that flows north BTW) along with good kayak/canoe trips.
now to bring everyone here...the biggest emerald ever found in North America was found in Hiddenite, NC! there has been 2 huge finds with one rather recently. it was said to rival the best of the best jewelry worn by royalty. a quick search with Google.com will give you more info.
but if you want the beach...OUTER BANKS FTW! clean beaches, beautiful waters and great fishing! and one of the last places on earth to see wild horses roaming in nature.
NC has it all and its all within a few hours drive. proud to be born and raised in a great state