Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City & Beaufort, North Carolina - The Crystal Coast
Along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, beaches, nature and history all wait to be explored, and a new definition of vacation escape is yours to discover.
From the sands of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, to the history and quaint accommodations of Beaufort, Morehead City and the Down East area, this unspoiled stretch of the Southern Outer Banks coast is rich with beauty, heritage and activities in, on and around the water. World-class fishing, some of the top scuba diving in the country, and the Cape Lookout National Seashore offer the perfect way to enjoy the ocean, while the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores brings wonders of the sea to shore.
Life on North Carolina's Crystal Coast has always revolved around the water, and the variety of activities you'll find in, on and around the ocean is almost endless. They say there are at least 101 things to do on the Crystal Coast, and we can say for sure that's true! With the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and meandering rivers, the on-the-water options are almost limitless. On-the-water activities include diving, surfing, kayaking and boat rentals and much, much more…there are endless ways to explore the waters! For anglers, the deep-sea and pier fishing is some of the best in the country. And the natural environment is the perfect backdrop for ecology tours.
Divers know the Crystal Coast for the shipwrecks that lie on the ocean floor. "The Graveyard of the Atlantic" is a collection of the remains of freighters, tankers and even a German U-boat waiting for them to explore. And watching over it all is the Lighthouse at the Cape Lookout National Seashore, one of seven famous North Carolina lighthouses. Here, there are miles of beautiful beaches for strolling, shelling and sunning.
Even with so much water and history, there's plenty to do and discover on land. For golfers, there are a number of courses, some right on the water, to challenge players of any skill level. And families will find as many things to do as there are miles of beach.
With so much to experience and explore, the Crystal Coast is the place to leave life as you know it behind and let your imagination run free.