Located on North Carolina's exquisite Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle contains some of the state's most crystalline waters and the whitest sand, allowing for truly breathtaking sunsets. It's also close to the famous “Atlantic Cemetery”, one of the largest shipwreck diving sites in the country. Emerald Isle, North Carolina, is perfect for families and couples alike, with delicious seafood, oceanfront homes and beautiful beaches. North Carolina's diverse coastline meets the desires of all beach lovers, whether they're looking for exciting getaways or a serene retreat.
Dive into our detailed guide and let the sun-drenched sands, glistening waters and unforgettable moments of North Carolina's best beaches take you to a coastal dream. Located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is the best destination for beach lovers looking for crystal clear sand and crystal clear waters. Facing south, the beach is protected from the winds and waves of the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for swimming, surfing and diving. As part of the famous Crystal Coast, Atlantic Beach is also home to the magnificent waterfront and historic Fort Macon State Park, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
In Atlantic Beach, enjoy fresh seafood, explore the Oceanana fishing pier, or go fishing at the Captain Stacy Fishing Center. The coastal region offers a wide selection of vacation rentals, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the North Carolina aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and the Walk Atlantic Beach initiative, which has four walking trails around the city. Don't miss Atlantic Beach's regular special events and festivals, which guarantee an unforgettable and fun-filled getaway for everyone.
Whether you're building sand castles, chasing sunsets, or learning about the sea turtles that nest on the shores, Atlantic Beach is the perfect coastal paradise for families and adventurers alike. Emerald Isle Beach, located along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, is the perfect getaway for families and adventurers alike. With extraordinarily crystal clear waters and crystal white sand, this beach offers a paradisiacal environment to relax and have fun. Rent a pontoon at the Emerald Isle Adventure Shop and explore the intercoastal channel, or enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities, from setting sail on the Bogue Inlet fishing pier to adventures on the high seas.
Emerald Isle is also a center for water sports, such as rowing, kayaking, swimming and surfing. The North Carolina Birding Trail, inside Emerald Isle Woods Park, offers a unique opportunity to observe the region's diverse bird species. After a day of beach activities, relax at one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Ideally located near Atlantic Beach and Pine Knoll Shores, staying at Emerald Isle provides ample opportunities to explore sandy beaches, neighboring cities, and attractions such as the North Carolina Aquarium.
Discover the magic of Emerald Isle Beach and create unforgettable memories on your next coastal getaway. A popular North Carolina coastal destination, Wrightsville Beach offers visitors a lively beach experience filled with water sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Known as the birthplace of surfing in the state, Wrightsville Beach provides the perfect setting for surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding with Wrightsville SUP and kitesurfing. With more than 40 access points, the beach offers ample space to relax and enjoy crystal clear waters.
Families will love the children's programs, environmental education and guided tours available at Wrightsville Beach. Fishing lovers can put a line on the Johnnie Mercers pier or board a fishing boat for an unforgettable experience. After a day of fun, dine in one of the beachside taverns and enjoy live music on the pier. Conveniently located east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach combines an active island lifestyle with shopping options ranging from beach boutiques to surf shops.
Relax at the end of the day with resort services or a spa experience in a serene environment. Make your next beach vacation unforgettable in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Carolina Beach, located near historic Wilmington, is the ideal destination for families in North Carolina. Known for its shallow coastline, calm waves, soft sand and attentive lifeguards, the beach offers a safe environment for all ages to enjoy swimming, playing in the sand or strolling along the coast.
Don't miss the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, a classic American promenade with shops, restaurants and game rooms. For nature lovers, explore Carolina Beach State Park and its various hiking trails, including the Flytrap Trail, where you can observe Venus's native flytrap plants. A visit to the Fort Fisher Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience with its open-ocean tank that houses sharks, rays and eels, as well as rare albino alligators. With daily meals for divers, educational programs and annual events such as Valentine's Day and Halloween, Carolina Beach promises a memorable vacation for the whole family.
At Holden Beach, enjoy a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Rent jet skis, kayaks or surfboards for exciting water activities, or just relax and soak up the sun and golden sand. Satisfy your appetite at one of the many delicious seafood restaurants close to the beach, offering panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Bald Head Island, a unique car-free paradise, offers tranquility and unspoiled nature on the east side of the Cape Fear River, in Carolina del North.
Accessible by ferry or private boat, the island is a paradise for both relaxation and adventure. Explore the island's stunning beaches, maritime forests and marshes on foot, by bike, or in a golf cart. Visit North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, Old Baldy, and enjoy panoramic views from above. Immerse yourself in the island's rich wildlife at Bald Head Island Conservancy and take part in turtle rides, kayak tours and fishing tutorials.
Kure Beach offers charming accommodation options, including beach cabins, antique motels and inns, making it the perfect destination for a memorable beach vacation. Discover the hidden gem of Ocracoke Island, a secluded haven in the Outer Banks, accessible only by ferry or private boat. With 25 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches, enjoy water activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking and surfing, or relaxing in the sun. Explore the charming town of Ocracoke, home to the historic Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, exclusive shops and delicious seafood restaurants.
Rent bikes or golf carts to visit the Ocracoke Pony Pen, where you can admire the island's wild ponies. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset over Silver Lake Harbor, which will make your experience on Ocracoke Island truly unforgettable. Relax on Oak Island, a picturesque paradise off North Carolina's southern coast, just 30 miles from Wilmington. With more than 60 entry points along its 10 miles of pristine sandy beaches, this island promises an ideal combination of leisure and excitement for families.
Enjoy panoramic views of Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island from the Oak Island Lighthouse, or learn about the region's wildlife at the Oak Island Nature Center. Go fishing on the docks, use the marina and launch boats for an unforgettable vacation by the sea. Savor delicious seafood at local Southport restaurants and keep an eye out for charming and friendly sea turtles as you stroll along the magnificent coastline. Enjoy the serenity of Corolla Beach, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, on the Outer Banks from North Carolina.
Discover pristine shores and golden sand, perfect for swimming, surfing or sunbathing, and pets are also allowed on a leash. Explore the fascinating wild Spanish Mustang horses that roam freely on the beach. Opt for a guided tour or a four-wheel-drive adventure to get to know them more closely. Don't miss the majestic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which has stunning panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings.
The Corolla offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as golf, kitesurfing and kayaking, as well as delicious oceanfront dining and shopping experiences. Immerse yourself in North Carolina's rich biodiversity and local wildlife at the Center for Wildlife Education or take on exciting challenges at Corolla Adventure Park. Escape to Topsail Island, a 26-mile-long tranquil sanctuary off the coast of North Carolina, with pristine, uncrowded beaches perfect for a family vacation. Enjoy the wonders of nature as loggerhead turtles nest and lay eggs along the coast from mid-May to August.
Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Surfing, boating, fishing and water skiing are popular activities at Topsail Beach. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset views at Serenity Point, the southernmost tip of the island. Immerse yourself in local history at the Museum of Missiles and More and explore the rich maritime past, including stories of pirates hiding behind the cove. Jockey's Ridge State Park is a must see, as it has the highest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast.
Take part in exciting activities such as hang gliding, kitesurfing or exploring nature trails. Anglers will bask in the Nags Head and Outer Banks fishing piers, which promise memorable fishing experiences. While in the area, stop by the famous Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Wright Brothers National Monument, which pays homage to the pioneers of aviation. With its stunning beaches, enthralling history and a wide range of activities, Nags Head offers an enchanting North Carolina coastal getaway.
Explore the fascinating national coastline of Cape Lookout, a stunning 56-mile stretch of beach along multiple barrier islands in North Carolina. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shackleford Banks, a perfect place to swim and observe the more than 100 wild horses that inhabit the island. During summer, climb the iconic Cape Hatteras lighthouse with diamond print to enjoy of incomparable views. Enjoy the area's wildlife and natural beauty through ranger-guided tours, canoe or kayak trips, or birdwatching adventures.
The Cape Lookout National Shore offers an idyllic getaway to untouched nature and a captivating landscape. Emerald Isle, located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, is famous for its crystal clear waters. The pristine coastline and captivating blue waters make it the ideal destination for beach lovers looking for a beautiful and refreshing swimming experience. The ideal months to visit North Carolina's beaches are from May to September. These months offer warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and pleasant water conditions, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water activities.
Carova Beach, located on the Outer Banks, is one of the most tranquil beach destinations in North Carolina. Accessible only by all-terrain vehicles, this secluded beach offers a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, ideal for those they are looking for tranquility and relaxation. Get the most out of North Carolina by discovering local businesses, attractions and restaurants across the state. Visitors rave about Carolina Beach's waterfront, which has that nostalgia-filled old-time beach feel.
Other picturesque beaches along the North Carolina coast include Topsail Island, which has 26 miles of pristine coastline. However, there is one beach in North Carolina that has sand and waves that rival even the dreamiest beaches on the Gulf Coast, and It's the Emerald Isle. Choose from a variety of vacation rentals and oceanfront homes to enjoy a comfortable stay and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in Holden Beach, North Carolina. All you need to do is book a trip to Emerald Isle, a quiet coastal town and popular vacation spot on North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
Topsail Beach is a quiet coastal town ideal for families, with restaurants, a lively live music scene, shopping and wide beaches. I still don't understand how anyone could classify a North Carolina beach as having the bluest waters, especially ahead of Clearwater and Hawaii.
