Crystal Coast, North Carolina, Is 85 Miles of Quaint Small Cities and White-sand Seashores

You’ve most likely heard of the Outer Banks—perhaps you’ve even visited them. However the Southern Outer Banks, also called 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 various 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 standard locations alongside the Crystal Coast embody Beaufort, Harkers Island, Morehead Metropolis, and Swansboro. Regardless of which a part of the area you go to, although, you’ll be able to anticipate finding loads of leisure and pure magnificence.

“The Crystal Coast is a quiet stretch of small cities 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 dwelling and a welcoming ambiance.

To create our official information to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, we tapped just a few locals all through the area to share their picks on the best way to plan the right journey.

Motels & 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 totally geared up kitchens, however you’ll keep for the wonderful 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. “Remember to stroll out to the top 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 purchasing, eating, and museums in historic Beaufort,” says Blackwelder. Although the home itself was inbuilt 1866, it’s been reworked a number of occasions through the years to make sure the rooms and customary areas mix fashionable comforts with historic allure. When company aren’t out exploring Beaufort, they’ll loosen up on the porches or backyard patio, ideally with a candy tea (or wine) in hand.

Islander Lodge & Resort

Should you’re basing your self in Emerald Isle, Ricky Farrington, proprietor of Emerald Isle Paddle Excursions, recommends Islander Lodge & Resort. The oceanfront lodge is your traditional summertime getaway, with seashore entry, a pool with loungers and cabanas, and areas the place you’ll be able to 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 company make the most of the property’s non-public seashore entry, however they’ll additionally benefit from the motel’s sauna, outside grill, fireplace pit, and lounge deck.

Finest 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’ll be able to “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 Categorical Ferry Service runs passenger ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island. “On the best way there, you might 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 a watch out for the well-known wild horses. “Along with simply being stunning 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, 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 Path winds via soundside salt marshes and oceanside sand dunes that provide sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. On each side, there are shady passages via the maritime forest. Maintain your eyes peeled for rabbits, an occasional snake, and a whole bunch of kinds of birds,” she says.

The Rachel Carson Reserve is one other vacation spot the place you’ll be able to 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 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 infinite leisure in downtown Beaufort, to not be confused with the South Carolina vacation spot of the identical identify. The Crystal Coast city has a waterfront with all types of outlets, artwork galleries, and eating places. “There are stunning yachts and sailboats moored within the inlet, and the Beaufort Historic Affiliation has grounds with an previous jail, restored properties, 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 identified to frequent the Crystal Coast. (Be aware: 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 suggestion,” says Holbrook. Farrington additionally suggests “renting a paddleboard and exploring the marshes.” Should you decide to go alone (versus a guided journey), you’ll be able to hire boats from Island Water Sports activities in Emerald Isle/Indian Seaside or Beaufort Paddle.

Take pleasure in a traditional seashore day.

You could be tempted to fill your days with actions, however don’t neglect to go away time to take pleasure in what Blackwelder calls the area’s “off-the-beaten-path vibe.” For some, that 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.

Finest Eating places

Indian Seaside and Salter Path

Should 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 a brilliant shrimp burger.” Simply make sure you verify the meals truck’s Fb web page beforehand to verify its precise location. Blackwelder’s decide for a shrimp burger—or a scorching canine or barbecue sandwich—is Huge 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

“Probably the greatest 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 every little thing is tasty,” says Frey. For what Howard calls an “unparalleled lunch or brunch expertise,” head to Beaufort Grocery Co. They’ve a wonderful wine listing and fabulous salads and sandwiches. On weekends, their brunch contains bottomless mimosas, eggs Benedict, freshly baked pastries, and fluffy pancakes.

And if you’d like 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 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 also 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 keen on Full Circle. “The menu ranges from burgers to pizza to contemporary native fish preparations. The eating room is tiny and comfy and has an ideal vibe. Remember to strive the curry fried oysters,” she says.

Finest Buying 

Atlantic Seaside

Howard recommends a collection of independently owned outlets in Atlantic Seaside, together with The Posh Pelican, Atlantic Seaside Surf Store, and Marsh’s Surf Store. Between the three, you’ll discover every little thing 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 Presents & Books. This landmark reward 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 Dwelling to her listing of finest shops within the space. Whereas there, make sure you cease by Core Sound Retailer, which Blackwelder recommends for native handmade items, offered to help the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Heart.

Beaufort

You’ll discover a wide range of native outlets down on the Beaufort waterfront. Howard suggests popping into Island Correct and Beaufort Linen Co. The Beaufort Normal Retailer can also be a very good decide for fudge, ice cream, and memento T-shirts—plus a wholesome dose of summertime nostalgia. 

Finest Time to Go to

Summer time often is 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 yr 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 appears like you’ve gotten all of it to your self.”

Spring is simply as magical. “With every little thing 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 lively with critters.”

Learn 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. Should you’re flying to the area, different choices embody the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville, North Carolina (slightly over an hour away), and Wilmington Worldwide Airport (ILM) in Wilmington (about two hours away). Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU) is the biggest airport within the space, though it’s about three hours out of your last vacation spot. Regardless of which airport you fly into, you’ll must hire a automobile to get to and across the Crystal Coast.

Learn how to Get Round

Most journey alongside the Crystal Coast is finished by automobile. Should you’re planning to discover just a few of the cities, you’ll take the principle connection throughout the space, U.S. 70; it passes via 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 speedy space.