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2025 Hiking Spots Guide

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford...

OCEANFRONT TOP FLOOR UNIT at A Place at ...
4.8
(80)

The vistas are definitely gorgeous at this oceanfront condo at A Place at the Beach! This unit is on the top floor (3rd floor) and is DIRECT OCEAN FRONT with one of the best vistas on the beach! The unit was completely modernized with granite...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...

ONCE UPON A TIDE: Top Floor, Oceanfront,...
4.9
(74)

DIRECT OCEANFRONT TOP-FLOORING CONDO (Building E)First rental season 2020.Linens IncludedCLEANED WITH EPA-REGISTERED DISINFECTANT AFTER EACH RENTER :) Overview: Sleeps 6-8 Three Bedrooms: 1. Master: en-suite bath, queen bed, TV, dresser, closet; ...

  • Indian Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the...

Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and...

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the...

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

The Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve is a stunning stretch of barely-barrier island shoreline that’s found just off the coast of historic Downtown Beaufort. Covering 2,205 acres, this collection of three islands that are found along...

Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail

An easy walk that is shaded year-round, and can be easily tackled by hikers of all abilities and in virtually any season, the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is a great way for newcomers to uncover the more secluded natural landscapes of this otherwise...

Emerald Isle Woods Park

Emerald Isle vacationers don’t have to venture too far to discover an entirely different coastal environment via the community’s newest park, Emerald Isle Woods Park. Located just off of Coast Guard Road, and only a few blocks away from...

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on Roosevelt Drive, is an...

Hammocks Beach State Park

Just west of the town of Emerald Isle, and across a maze of marshy terrain off the coast of mainland Swansboro, lies Hammocks Beach State Park, an incredible refuge for beach lovers who want to forego the crowds, and enjoy a parcel of barrier island...

Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park, located outside the eastern borders of Atlantic Beach, is one of the most visited and highly acclaimed destinations along the Crystal Coast, and for good reason. The expansive 389 acre park, which features gorgeous inlet...

Neuse River Recreation Area

The Neuse River Recreation Area is an inviting rustic vacation destination for seasoned campers and newcomers alike, with an equally alluring location that's just steps away from the miles-wide Neuse River, and just a few miles away from New Bern...

Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

Take a walk on Pine Knoll Shores' wild side with a visit to the pristine, undeveloped Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, an expansive 265 acre nature preserve, conveniently located next to the town's most visited attraction, the North Carolina...

Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the...

Though it’s located in a fairly busy section of Morehead City, the Calico Creek Boardwalk is a breath of fresh air for birdwatchers, nature fans, and everyday sightseers, thanks to its picturesque location on the edge of the slightly inland...

The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks’ most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District. Located just inland of...

Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of...

The Morehead City Sports Complex is one of the largest destinations for active Morehead City locals and visitors who want to enjoy a little competition or easy-going fun off the sand. The 27.7 acre complex features a wealth of facilities designed...

Located on the outskirts of the historic downtown area, the New Bern Battlefield Park is a unique destination that served as the site of one of the largest battles in the Craven County area during the Civil War.

Emerald Isle vacationers can take a quick trip across the bridge to the beach to enjoy a scenic trek through a coastal component of the Croatan National Forest with a visit to the Patsy Pond Nature Trail. Located just across the sound from the...

The Pine Cliff Recreation Area can certainly serve as a lovely picnic venue, a wide open area to take the pets out for a well-deserved walk, or simply a scenic locale to take a mile hike through sections of the Croatan National Forest.

Enjoy a gorgeous sunset, a little birdwatching, or just a leisurely and short hike that hovers above the White Oak River with a visit to the aptly-named Riverview Park. Located along NC Highway 24 / Corbett Avenue, in between the central downtown...