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

You’ve in all probability heard of the Outer Banks—possibly 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 attractive island strips and quaint waterfront communities—probably the most outstanding 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 fashionable locations alongside the Crystal Coast embrace 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 cities and pristine white-sand seashores. We now 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 Seaside. Mark Holbrook, supervisor at Paddle NC, says the world’s “greatest asset” is its Southern attraction—a mixture of slower-paced dwelling and a welcoming ambiance.

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 find out how to plan the proper journey.

Inns & 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. It’s possible you’ll 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 commonplace motel rooms. The property provides 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 procuring, eating, and museums in historic Beaufort,” says Blackwelder. Although the home itself was in-built 1866, it’s been transformed a number of occasions through the years to make sure the rooms and customary areas mix fashionable comforts with historic attraction. 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 resort is your traditional 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 company reap the benefits of the property’s personal seashore entry, however they’ll 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 personal boat, although. The Island Categorical Ferry Service runs passenger ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island. “On the way in which there, you may 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, maintain a watch out for the well-known wild horses. “Along with simply being stunning and enjoyable to discover, our barrier islands are residence to herds of untamed horses. How they received there’s a little bit of a thriller, but it surely’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 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. Preserve your eyes peeled for rabbits, an occasional snake, and tons of of kinds 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, Chicken 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 may as well 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 outdated jail, restored houses, and even an outdated apothecary,” says Howard. She additionally suggests stopping by the North Carolina Maritime Museum to “study boatbuilding and the historical past of Blackbeard the pirate,” who was identified to frequent the Crystal Coast. (Notice: The North Carolina Maritime Museum is quickly 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 methodology 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.” Should you decide to go alone (versus a guided journey), you possibly can hire boats from Island Water Sports activities in Emerald Isle/Indian Seaside or Beaufort Paddle.

Get pleasure from a traditional seashore day.

It’s possible you’ll 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.

Greatest Eating places

Indian Seaside and Salter Path

Should you’re visiting the Crystal Coast for the primary time, Farrington suggests driving “right down to Indian Seaside to the Captain’s Kitchen meals truck to get a brilliant shrimp burger.” Simply you’ll want to verify the meals truck’s Fb web page beforehand to verify its precise location. Blackwelder’s choose for a shrimp burger—or a sizzling canine or barbecue sandwich—is Massive 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 a beautiful job sourcing native merchandise and ensuring all the things is tasty,” says Frey. For what Howard calls an “unparalleled lunch or brunch expertise,” head to Beaufort Grocery Co. They’ve a wonderful wine checklist and fabulous salads and sandwiches. On weekends, their brunch contains bottomless mimosas, eggs Benedict, freshly baked pastries, and fluffy pancakes.

And if you need the perfect pizza on the town? Order from Black Sheep. “It is a vigorous 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 also be a beautiful spot to get appetizers, sit on the rooftop bar, and revel in possibly 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 recent native fish preparations. The eating room is tiny and comfortable and has an amazing vibe. Remember to attempt the curry fried oysters,” she says.

Greatest Procuring 

Atlantic Seaside

Howard recommends a choice 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 all the things 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 Items & Books. This landmark present store has a choice of residence items, books by native authors, and child items,” says Howard, who additionally provides Z & Z Designs, Dorsea, Deepwater Boutique, and Backshore Residing to her checklist of finest shops within the space. Whereas there, you’ll want to 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 quite a lot 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 great choose for fudge, ice cream, and memento T-shirts—plus a wholesome dose of summertime nostalgia. 

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer season stands out as the season most vacationers make their option to the Crystal Coast, however the consensus amongst locals is that the spring and the autumn are the perfect 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 change into much less populated. The water continues to be heat, the sunsets are spectacular, and it appears like you will have all of it to your self.”

Spring is simply as magical. “With all the things 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.”

The best way 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 embrace the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville, North Carolina (somewhat 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 last vacation spot. Irrespective of which airport you fly into, you’ll have to hire a automobile to get to and across the Crystal Coast.

The best way to Get Round

Most journey alongside the Crystal Coast is finished by automobile. Should 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 right down to Atlantic Seaside. All the coastal communities are comparatively flat, so you may as well hire bikes (or a golf cart) to get round your speedy space.