Crystal Coast, North Carolina, Is 85 Miles of Quaint Small Towns and White-sand Beaches

You’ve in all probability heard of the Outer Banks—perhaps you’ve even visited them. However the Southern Outer Banks, also referred to as the Crystal Coast, is its personal distinct area of North Carolina. The 85-mile stretch of shoreline and barrier islands reaches from Cape Lookout to the mouth of the New River. Inside these boundaries are numerous beautiful island strips and quaint waterfront communities—essentially the most distinguished of that are positioned on Bogue Banks, a barrier island that encompasses Atlantic Seaside, Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, and Indian Seaside and Salter Path. Different in style locations alongside the Crystal Coast embody Beaufort, Harkers Island, Morehead Metropolis, and Swansboro. Irrespective of which a part of the area you go to, although, you possibly can anticipate finding loads of leisure and pure magnificence.

“The Crystal Coast is a quiet stretch of small towns and pristine white-sand seashores. We’ve ample boating, fishing, and scuba diving, and there is a wealthy historical past and ample wildlife,” says Hallock Cooper Howard, co-owner and chef of Amos Mosquito’s restaurant in Atlantic Seaside. Mark Holbrook, supervisor at Paddle NC, says the world’s “greatest asset” is its Southern allure—a mixture of slower-paced residing and a welcoming environment.

To create our official information to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, we tapped a couple of locals all through the area to share their picks on tips on how to plan the right journey.

Accommodations & Resorts

The Atlantis

“The Atlantis … is a Nineteen Sixties beachfront lodge that you’d have grown up going to, however modernized to present requirements,” says John and Beth Blackwelder, proprietor of The Aerie, a bed-and-breakfast in New Bern. You could come for the dog-friendly suites with absolutely outfitted kitchens, however you’ll keep for the superb views out of your ocean-facing porch.

Oceanana Household Motel

“The Oceanana has an assortment of suites and customary motel rooms. The property affords a free continental breakfast in the summertime and watermelon events on the oceanfront garden,” says Howard. Plus, she notes it’s proper subsequent door to the one fishing pier in Atlantic Seaside. “You should definitely stroll out to the tip of the pier and seize a frozen painkiller at The Barnacle,” she says.

Pecan Tree Inn

“Pecan Tree Inn is a brief stroll to downtown buying, eating, and museums in historic Beaufort,” says Blackwelder. Although the home itself was in-built 1866, it’s been transformed a number of occasions over time to make sure the rooms and customary areas mix fashionable comforts with historic allure. When visitors aren’t out exploring Beaufort, they will loosen up on the porches or backyard patio, ideally with a candy tea (or wine) in hand.

Islander Lodge & Resort

When you’re basing your self in Emerald Isle, Ricky Farrington, proprietor of Emerald Isle Paddle Tours, recommends Islander Hotel & Resort. The oceanfront lodge is your basic summertime getaway, with seashore entry, a pool with loungers and cabanas, and areas the place you possibly can grill or picnic when the climate cooperates.

The William & Garland Motel

“The William & Garland Motel in Salter Path is a beachfront motel featured on HGTV’s 100 Day Lodge Problem,” says Blackwelder, who describes it as a “retro-hip motor lodge.” Not solely can visitors benefit from the property’s personal seashore entry, however they will additionally benefit from the motel’s sauna, out of doors grill, fireplace pit, and lounge deck.

Greatest Issues to Do

Enterprise to the Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore.

There are 56 miles of undeveloped seashores, dunes, and marshes on the Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore, a protected chain of three barrier islands: Shackleford Banks, North Core Banks, and South Core Banks. Right here, says Blackwelder, you possibly can “expertise the Outer Banks because it was earlier than it was developed.”

“These barrier islands, referred to by locals as ‘Shack’ and ‘The Cape,’ are solely accessible by boat,” says Howard. You don’t want a non-public boat, although. The Island Express Ferry Service runs passenger ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island. “On the best way there, you may even see dolphins enjoying or rays leaping. As you stroll alongside the shoreline, search for hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, and a dizzying array of shore birds,” she says. Plus, preserve an eye fixed out for the well-known wild horses. “Along with simply being stunning and enjoyable to discover, our barrier islands are dwelling to herds of untamed horses. How they obtained there’s a little bit of a thriller, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to see them strolling alongside and frolicking on the seashore,” Howard provides.

Go to close by state parks and nature preserves.

“If land is extra in your consolation zone, then the historic sights and state parks are plentiful, with trails, seashores, and historic reenactments,” says Holbrook. Howard says Fort Macon State Park is especially nice for “swimming, beaching, fishing, and picnicking,” however, she provides, the “actual gem” of the fort is its nature path. “The Elliot Coues Trail winds by soundside salt marshes and oceanside sand dunes that provide sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. On either side, there are shady passages by the maritime forest. Hold your eyes peeled for rabbits, an occasional snake, and tons of of forms of birds,” she says.

The Rachel Carson Reserve is one other vacation spot the place you possibly can immerse your self within the area’s marshes, dunes, maritime forests, and seashores. South of Beaufort, the world consists of Carrot Island, City Marsh, Chook Shoal, and Horse Island. James Frey, the proprietor of Crystal Coast Oysters in Morehead Metropolis, recommends “getting out and happening a ferry to go to Carrot Island and attending to see the horses.” Whereas there, you too can go bird-watching and stroll alongside the character trails.

Spend a day in historic Beaufort.

Guests with an affinity for historical past and native tradition will discover countless leisure in downtown Beaufort, to not be confused with the South Carolina destination of the identical identify. The Crystal Coast city has a waterfront with all kinds of retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places. “There are stunning yachts and sailboats moored within the inlet, and the Beaufort Historic Affiliation has grounds with an outdated jail, restored houses, and even an outdated apothecary,” says Howard. She additionally suggests stopping by the North Carolina Maritime Museum to “find out about boatbuilding and the historical past of Blackbeard the pirate,” who was identified to frequent the Crystal Coast. (Observe: The North Carolina Maritime Museum is briefly closed for development; the 2025 opening date has but to be introduced.) For an additional dose of historical past, hop aboard the Beaufort historic double-decker bus tour.

Get out on the water.

Ferries aren’t the one technique of traversing the waterways alongside the Crystal Coast. “Kayaking the waters the place Blackbeard sailed in is my highest advice,” says Holbrook. Farrington additionally suggests “renting a paddleboard and exploring the marshes.” When you choose to go alone (versus a guided journey), you possibly can hire boats from Island Water Sports in Emerald Isle/Indian Seaside or Beaufort Paddle.

Get pleasure from a basic seashore day.

You could be tempted to fill your days with actions, however don’t overlook to depart time to take pleasure in what Blackwelder calls the area’s “off-the-beaten-path vibe.” For some, which may imply fishing or crusing, however for others, it’s merely grabbing a lounge chair or two and spending all day on the seashores of Emerald Isle or Atlantic Seaside.

Greatest Eating places

Indian Seaside and Salter Path

When you’re visiting the Crystal Coast for the primary time, Farrington suggests driving “all the way down to Indian Seaside to the Captain’s Kitchen meals truck to get an excellent shrimp burger.” Simply you should definitely examine the meals truck’s Facebook page beforehand to examine its actual location. Blackwelder’s decide for a shrimp burger—or a sizzling canine or barbecue sandwich—is Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ down the road in Salter Path.

Emerald Isle

“Fish Hut Grill in Emerald Isle is my favourite restaurant to get seafood,” says Farrington. The menu options all types of North Carolina favorites, like peel-and-eat shrimp, dry rub wings, and fried fish. Holbrook additionally suggests RuckerJohns, a waterfront eatery serving up burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and ribs.

Beaufort

“Among the best eating places I discovered in North Carolina is positioned proper in Beaufort. It is known as Blue Moon Bistro. The chef, Josh, does a beautiful job sourcing native merchandise and ensuring all the pieces is tasty,” says Frey. For what Howard calls an “unparalleled lunch or brunch expertise,” head to Beaufort Grocery Co. They’ve a superb wine listing and fabulous salads and sandwiches. On weekends, their brunch contains bottomless mimosas, eggs Benedict, freshly baked pastries, and fluffy pancakes.

And in order for you one of the best pizza on the town? Order from Black Sheep. “It is a energetic spot with enjoyable decor. Along with pizza, they’ve quite a lot of charcuterie, salads, and sandwiches. Don’t miss the scrumptious beet salad or the decadent macaroni and cheese,” Howard provides. “Moonrakers can be a beautiful spot to get appetizers, sit on the rooftop bar, and luxuriate in perhaps a dolphin [spotting] or a sundown,” says Frey.

Morehead Metropolis

Parrott’s on Eleventh in Morehead Metropolis is one other considered one of Farrington’s picks, and Howard is keen on Full Circle. “The menu ranges from burgers to pizza to recent native fish preparations. The eating room is tiny and comfy and has a terrific vibe. You should definitely strive the curry fried oysters,” she says.

Greatest Purchasing 

Atlantic Seaside

Howard recommends a collection of independently owned outlets in Atlantic Seaside, together with The Posh Pelican, Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, and Marsh’s Surf Shop. Between the three, you’ll discover all the pieces you want for a laid-back trip on the seashore—bathing fits, sandals, surfboards, memento T-shirts, and extra.

Morehead Metropolis

“In downtown Morehead, you should not miss Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books. This landmark present store has a collection of dwelling items, books by native authors, and child items,” says Howard, who additionally provides Z & Z Designs, Dorsea, Deepwater Boutique, and Backshore Living to her listing of finest shops within the space. Whereas there, you should definitely cease by Core Sound Store, which Blackwelder recommends for native handmade items, bought to assist the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center.

Beaufort

You’ll discover quite a lot of native outlets down on the Beaufort waterfront. Howard suggests popping into Island Proper and Beaufort Linen Co. The Beaufort General Store can be a very good decide for fudge, ice cream, and memento T-shirts—plus a wholesome dose of summertime nostalgia. 

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer time would be the season most vacationers make their approach to the Crystal Coast, however the consensus amongst locals is that the spring and the autumn are one of the best occasions to go to this a part of the state. “My favourite time of 12 months is early fall,” says Howard. “After the busy summer season season, the seashores and waterways turn into much less populated. The water remains to be heat, the sunsets are spectacular, and it seems like you’ve all of it to your self.”

Spring is simply as magical. “With all the pieces beginning to come again to life, you get to see the seagrass change from brown to a pleasant inexperienced,” says Frey, including that the water additionally “begins to get extra energetic with critters.”

Tips on how to Get There

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern is the closest airport to the cities and seashores that make up the Crystal Coast—about 45 minutes away—however flights are restricted. When you’re flying to the area, different choices embody the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville, North Carolina (just a little over an hour away), and Wilmington Worldwide Airport (ILM) in Wilmington (about two hours away). Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU) is the most important airport within the space, though it’s about three hours out of your closing vacation spot. Irrespective of which airport you fly into, you’ll have to hire a automobile to get to and across the Crystal Coast.

Tips on how to Get Round

Most journey alongside the Crystal Coast is completed by automobile. When you’re planning to discover a couple of of the cities, you’ll take the primary connection inside the space, U.S. 70; it passes by Morehead Metropolis and all the way down to Atlantic Seaside. The entire coastal communities are comparatively flat, so you too can hire bikes (or a golf cart) to get round your instant space.