Crystal Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

This was taken at sunset at "The Point" at Emerald Isle Beach. There's no easy access to this remote area where waves come in to a point from three angles. From where you park the beach access isn't far 1/4mi maybe? Where I was, that's a hike and you need to be careful because parking closes around this time and if you don't make it back in time, guess where you're sleeping? You don't have to go as far as I went, it's all beautiful, the sand is soft, the water warm and if you're in or around Eastern North Carolina... It's a destination you don't want to miss! #emeraldisle #beach #sunset #water #ocean #northcarolina #eastcoast #sky #waves #landscape #travel #explore
This was taken at sunset at "The Point" at Emerald Isle Beach. There's no easy access to this remote area where waves come in to a point from three angles. From where you park the beach access isn't far 1/4mi maybe? Where I was, that's a hike and you need to be careful because parking closes around this time and if you don't make it back in time, guess where you're sleeping? You don't have to go as far as I went, it's all beautiful, the sand is soft, the water warm and if you're in or around Eastern North Carolina... It's a destination you don't want to miss! #emeraldisle #beach #sunset #water #ocean #northcarolina #eastcoast #sky #waves #landscape #travel #explore
You can't beat the view
Sunsets in Emerald Isle, North Carolina are truly spectacular! High-rise hotels aren't allowed in the cute city, only beach houses, so you often have the beach all to yourself 💜#bruisedpassports #beachbound
The view from our campsite in Oyster Point. Nice little spots (except for the mosquitoes) with concrete/ sand tent pads, picnic tables, and lantern stands at each site. Every morning a pair of owls would talk to each other as they made their way through our campsite and back to their nest for the day. Plenty of beautiful wildlife to enjoy!

Where to stay in Crystal Coast

Boardwalk along the Cedar Point

The Point

While The Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Emerald Isle Woods Park and Salty Pirate Water Park.

The Point
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Island Quay

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Island Quay and surrounding area, you can visit Triple S Marina and Anchorage Marina.

Island Quay
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,532 reviews)
Other than one of the front entrance doors and one of the elevators being broken it was a good stay. The staff on the restaurant and bar are amazing. We had lots of laughs with them

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Islander Hotel & Resort

Islander Hotel & Resort

3 out of 5
102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle NC
The price is £78 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
£78
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
All around perfect

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Islander Hotel & Resort
Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

3 out of 5
118 Salter Path Road Pine Knoll Shores NC
Stay at this golf hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,315 reviews)
wonderful staff, great location, clean and big rooms

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

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Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach
See all 2,915 properties in Crystal Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
The Pinnacle - OCEANFRONT Home. Amazing Views, Pool, Hot Tub, 2 Kitchens, Deck

The Pinnacle - OCEANFRONT Home. Amazing Views, Pool, Hot Tub, 2 Kitchens, Deck

Emerald Isle NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Emerald Isle. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
This home's location was perfect and the home accommodated my large family of children, grandchildren and me. We celebrated Thanksgiving with walks on the beach, some beach football, warming up in the hot tub and of course, turkey and all the fixins'. Plenty of room for my whole crew. Couldn't ask ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

The Pinnacle - OCEANFRONT Home. Amazing Views, Pool, Hot Tub, 2 Kitchens, Deck
Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle

Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle NC
Stay at this holiday home in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
We were a family of 10 staying here for a week for Thanksgiving. We had the best time ,it was so comfortable and you felt so welcomed. Amy was very accommodating for anything I asked for. The house was beautiful. The kitchen was stocked with anything you would need to cook a Thanksgiving meal. The ...

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Birdwatching and wildflowers adorn the dunes.

Fort Macon State Park

You can take time to visit Fort Macon State Park during your travels to Atlantic Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Fort Macon State Park
Great pier in Emerald Isle

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

After visiting Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Emerald Isle. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
Salt Marsh

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Make time to visit the sea animals who live in North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores during your trip to Pine Knoll Shores. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Beaufort in North Carolina on a Sunny Summer Day

Beaufort Historic Site

Learn about the local history of Beaufort with a stop at Beaufort Historic Site. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Beaufort Historic Site
Aerial View of the Morehead City North Carolina waterfront looking south

Morehead City Port

Explore the waterfront in Morehead City with a trip to Morehead City Port. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Morehead City Port
Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Southern Outer Banks or Crystal Coast of North Carolina viewed from the water; Shutterstock ID 643650031; Purchase Order: -

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Learn about the local history of Cape Lookout when you spend time at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cities near Crystal Coast

JB3E24 Cape Lookout National Seashore

Atlantic Beach

Colorful Sunset at ocean coast with silhouette of pier and photographer

Emerald Isle

Morehead City showing a lighthouse, tranquil scenes and general coastal views

Morehead City

Pretty pier and boats early in the morning

Swansboro

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