Southern Shores North Carolina Map

About Southern Shores, North Carolina

Southern Shores is a locality in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. It has a population of approximately 3,139. The population density is 305.2 people per km². Southern Shores is located at 36.1391°N, 75.7316°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 27949.0.

Southern Shores is a sliver of land where the Atlantic's breath is a constant, whispering presence, a place defined by its sandy soil and the tenacious green of maritime forest. It lies 30.9 miles east-southeast of Elizabeth City, NC (from Elizabeth City, NC: bearing 110°T), and is situated 8.1 miles north-northwest of Kill Devil Hills. The landscape here is a delicate balance, a narrow strip of barrier island where the dunes rise like sleeping giants, their sandy flanks softened by sea oats that sway in a perpetual, gentle dance. Behind these sandy ramparts, the terrain dips into a lush, almost secretive world of ancient live oaks, their gnarled limbs draped with Spanish moss, creating a cool, dappled canopy that filters the bright Carolina sun. Salt marsh grasses, a vibrant emerald when the tide is high, fringe the western side, their feathery tips brushing against the brackish waters of the Currituck Sound, reflecting the wide, open sky in their still surfaces. The air itself carries a unique perfume – a blend of salt spray, pine needles, and the faint, sweet decay of fallen leaves, a fragrance that clings to the skin and settles deep in the lungs. The story of Southern Shores is one of careful stewardship and a desire to preserve the wild beauty that first drew settlers to these shores. Though its roots are shallower than many inland towns, its history is deeply intertwined with the ebb and flow of the ocean and the ingenious ways people have learned to live alongside it. Originally conceived as a planned residential community, it has retained a character distinct from its more bustling neighbors, fostering a strong sense of neighborhood and a commitment to its natural environment. The local economy, while not built on heavy industry, thrives on the seasonal influx of visitors drawn to the pristine beaches and the allure of the Outer Banks, supporting a network of small businesses that cater to the coastal lifestyle. There's a quiet pride here, a recognition of the unique ecosystem that sustains Southern Shores, a place where the rhythm of life is set not by clocks, but by the tides and the ever-present song of the sea.

About This Southern Shores Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Southern Shores, North Carolina — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 36.139053, -75.731572. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Southern Shores and Dare County.

Detailed location data for Southern Shores includes the ZIP code (27944), telephone area code (919, 984), county seat of Dare County (Manteo), and school district assignment (Dare County Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Southern Shores is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.