Crystal Coast, North Carolina, Travel Guide

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 quite a few attractive island strips and quaint waterfront communities—essentially the most outstanding of that are positioned on Bogue Banks, a barrier island that encompasses Atlantic Seashore, Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, and Indian Seashore and Salter Path. Different fashionable locations alongside the Crystal Coast embrace Beaufort, Harkers Island, and Morehead Metropolis. Irrespective of which a part of the area you go to, although, you possibly can anticipate finding loads of rest and pure magnificence.

“The Crystal Coast is a quiet stretch of small cities and pristine white-sand seashores. Now we have ample boating, fishing, and scuba diving, and there is a wealthy historical past and considerable wildlife,” says Hallock Cooper Howard, co-owner and chef of Amos Mosquito’s restaurant in Atlantic Seashore. Mark Holbrook, supervisor at Paddle NC, says the realm’s “largest asset” is its Southern allure—a mixture of slower-paced residing and a welcoming ambiance.

To create this information to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, we tapped just a few locals all through the area to share their suggestions and suggestions for tips on how to plan the proper journey.

Accommodations & Resorts

The Atlantis

“The Atlantis…is a Sixties beachfront lodge that you’d have grown up going to, however modernized to present requirements,” in keeping with John and Beth Blackwelder, house owners of The Aerie, a bed-and-breakfast in New Bern. It’s possible you’ll come for the dog-friendly suites with totally 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 Seashore. “Remember to 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 procuring, eating, and museums in historic Beaufort,” says Blackwelder. Although the home itself was inbuilt 1866, it’s been transformed a number of instances through the years to make sure the rooms and customary areas mix trendy comforts with historic allure. When visitors aren’t out exploring Beaufort, one of many most charming towns on the NC coast, they will loosen up on the porches or backyard patio, ideally with a candy tea (or wine) in hand.

Islander Resort & Resort

If you happen to’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 Resort Problem,” says Blackwelder, who describes it as a “retro-hip motor lodge.” Not solely can visitors benefit from the property’s personal seashore entry, but additionally 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 National 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 personal boat, although. The Island Express Ferry Service runs passenger ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island. “On the way in which there, you might even see dolphins taking part in 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, hold an eye fixed out for the well-known wild horses. “Along with simply being lovely and enjoyable to discover, our barrier islands are house to herds of untamed horses. How they bought there’s a little bit of a thriller, however 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 each 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 realm consists of Carrot Island, City Marsh, Hen Shoal, and Horse Island. James Frey, the proprietor of Crystal Coast Oysters in Morehead Metropolis, recommends “getting out and occurring 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 outlets, artwork galleries, and eating places. “There are lovely yachts and sailboats moored within the inlet, and the Beaufort Historic Affiliation has grounds with an previous jail, restored houses, and even an previous 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 recognized to frequent the Crystal Coast. (Observe: The North Carolina Maritime Museum is briefly closed for building; the opening date has but to be introduced.) For an additional dose of historical past, hop aboard the Beaufort Historic District 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 suggestion,” says Holbrook. Farrington additionally suggests “renting a paddleboard and exploring the marshes.” If you happen to decide to go alone (versus a guided journey), you possibly can hire kayaks and different tools from Island Water Sports in Indian Seashore or Beaufort Paddle.

Take pleasure in a basic seashore day.

It’s possible you’ll be tempted to fill your days with actions, however don’t overlook to depart time to get pleasure from 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 Seashore.

Greatest Eating places

Indian Seashore and Salter Path

If you happen to’re visiting the Crystal Coast for the primary time, Farrington suggests driving “right down to Indian Seashore to the Captain’s Kitchen meals truck to get an excellent shrimp burger.” Simply make sure to test the meals truck’s Facebook page beforehand to test its actual location. Blackwelder’s choose 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 every kind 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

“Top-of-the-line eating places I discovered in North Carolina is positioned proper in Beaufort. It is known as Blue Moon Bistro. The chef, Josh, does an exquisite 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 wonderful wine record and fabulous salads and sandwiches. On weekends, their brunch consists of bottomless mimosas, eggs Benedict, freshly baked pastries, and fluffy pancakes.

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

Morehead Metropolis

Parrott’s on Eleventh in Morehead Metropolis is one other one in all Farrington’s picks, and Howard is a fan of Full Circle. “The menu ranges from burgers to pizza to contemporary native fish preparations. The eating room is tiny and comfy and has an important vibe,” she says.

Greatest Procuring 

Atlantic Seashore

Howard recommends a collection of independently owned retailers in Atlantic Seashore, 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 house items, books by native authors, and child items,” says Howard, who additionally provides Z & Z Designs, Dorsea, Deepwater Boutique, and Backshore Living to her record of finest shops within the space. Whereas there, make sure to cease by Core Sound Store, which Blackwelder recommends for native handmade items, bought to help the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center.

Beaufort

You’ll discover a wide range of native retailers down on the Beaufort waterfront. Howard suggests popping into Island Proper and Beaufort Linen Co. The Beaufort General Store can be an excellent choose for fudge, ice cream, and memento T-shirts—plus a wholesome dose of summertime nostalgia. 

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer time could be the season most vacationers make their solution to the Crystal Coast, however the consensus amongst locals is that the spring and the autumn are the perfect instances 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 continues to be heat, the sunsets are spectacular, and it seems like you may have 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.”

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. If you happen to’re flying to the area, different choices embrace the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville, North Carolina (a bit of 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 remaining vacation spot. Irrespective of which airport you fly into, you’ll must hire a automotive to get to and across the Crystal Coast.

Get Round

Most journey alongside the Crystal Coast is completed by automotive. If you happen to’re planning to discover just a few of the cities, you’ll take the principle connection inside the space, U.S. 70; it passes by Morehead Metropolis and right down to Atlantic Seashore. All the coastal communities are comparatively flat, so you too can hire bikes (or a golf cart) to get round your rapid space.