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2025 Nature Spots Guide

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Towns
Lookout Cruises

Lookout Cruises

  • Featured Profile
  • Website

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 company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-504-7245
  • Map it
Morehead City Ferry Service

Morehead City Ferry Service

  • Website

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...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-504-2488
  • Map it
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-7433
  • Map it
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

  • Featured Profile
  • Website

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Crystal Coast Lady is specifically built for the...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-8687
  • Map it
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-838-1167
  • Map it
Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-838-0883
  • Map it
Emerald Isle Woods Park

Emerald Isle Woods Park

  • Website

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...

  • Emerald Isle
  • Map it

Tryon Palace

The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront...

  • New Bern
  • 252-639-3500
  • Map it

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-4129
  • Map it

Island Water Sports

Island Water Sports is kid tested and family approved! Since 1988 Island Water Sports has been providing vacationers with premium watersports activities on the...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 252-247-7303
  • Map it

Bicentennial Park

Swansboro's Bicentennial Park may not be the grandest of most extensive park along the Crystal Coast's Inner Banks, but it is certainly one of its most scenic. Surrounded by the deep...

  • Swansboro
  • Map it

Calico Creek Boardwalk

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...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-726-5083
  • Map it

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile long stretch of the Southern Outer Banks barrier island terrain that runs from Ocracoke Inlet to the northeast side of...

  • Harkers Island
  • 252-728-2250
  • Map it

Cape Lookout Village Historic District

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...

  • Harkers Island
  • 252-728-2250
  • Map it

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a Mecca for coastal fishermen, hunters, birdwatchers, and everyday explorers, thanks to miles of undeveloped terrain...

  • Cedar Island
  • 252-225-2511
  • Map it

Conchs Point

Visitors can enjoy a quiet view of the Calico Bay and Newport River from this refreshingly secluded spot that’s tucked away on the outskirts of the downtown Morehead City area. Conchs...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-726-5083
  • Map it

Creekside Park

Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in...

  • New Bern
  • 252-636-6606
  • Map it

Fishermen's Park

Take a breather from an exploration of busy historic Beaufort and enjoy some stunning views of the local waterfront with a visit to Fishermen’s Park. This small park that is a popular...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-723-9063
  • Map it

Glenburnie Park

Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the...

  • New Bern
  • 252-639-2927
  • Map it

Grayden Paul Park

Beaufort explorers who want an easy launching point in the heart of town, or just a scenic spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch and an incredible view, can head to the centrally...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-2141
  • Map it

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...

  • Swansboro
  • 910-326-4881
  • Map it

Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp

Harkers Island visitors who want to enjoy a waterfront expedition or just a little time on the sand can head to the Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp. Centrally...

  • Beaufort
  • Map it

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...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 252-393-8185
  • Map it

Latham Whitehurst Nature Park

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...

  • New Bern
  • 252-636-6606
  • Map it

Lazy Livin Yacht Tours

The Lazy Livin is a private charter docked in the historic port town of Beaufort, North Carolina.  We can comfortably accommodate 6 persons.  Our standard charter...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-241-7828
  • Map it

New Bern Battlefield Park

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...

  • New Bern
  • 252-638-8558
  • Map it

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...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 800-832-3474
  • Map it

Patsy Pond Nature Trail

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...

  • Newport
  • 252-393-8185
  • Map it

Radio Island Beach Access

Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-808-3301
  • Map it

Riverview Park

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...

  • Swansboro
  • 28584
  • Map it

Shackleford Banks

The Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and is a barrier island system that is found just off the coast of Beaufort and Harkers Island, and which is a...

  • Beaufort
  • Map it

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition offers guests a chance to explore the best of nature on the Cape Lookout National...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-504-2628
  • Map it

The Point

Head to the very western edge of Emerald Isle to discover an iconic spot that’s been popular with longtime vacationers and locals alike – The Point. This informally named stretch of beach is...

  • Emerald Isle
  • Map it

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...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 252-726-3775
  • Map it

Thorofare Bridge

Kayakers, mariners, and any visitor who adores an endless waterfront view will want to make a convenient but secluded stop at the boat ramp and launching area at Thorofare Bridge...

  • Cedar Island
  • Map it

Topsail Marine Memorial Park

Take a quick pause along the Beaufort waterfront near the NC Maritime Museum and you’ll spot the small but scenic Topsail Marine Memorial Park. This tiny parcel of land is...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-2141
  • Map it
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Nature Spots by Town

  • Atlantic Beach
  • Beaufort
  • Cedar Island
  • Emerald Isle
  • Harkers Island
  • Morehead City
  • New Bern
  • Newport
  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • Swansboro
Crystal Coast Map

Crystal Coast Areas

  • 1. Emerald Isle
  • 2. Indian Beach
  • 3. Pine Knoll Shores
  • 4. Atlantic Beach
  • 5. Morehead City
  • 6. Beaufort
  • 7. Harkers Island
  • 8. Shackleford Banks
  • 9. Cape lookout
  • 10. Cedar Island
Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites

  • Website
  • $ Coupons

Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-504-2039
  • Map it
    • Atlantic Beach
    • 252-648-8301
    • Map it
(More Locations)
Mac Daddys

Mac Daddys

  • Website
  • Menu

Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination...

  • Cape Carteret
  • 252-393-6565
  • Map it
J Chalk Designs

J Chalk Designs

  • Website

Discover a treasure or two to serve as a timeless reminder of your getaway to the Crystal Coast with a visit to one of the most unique...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 252-726-5559
  • Map it
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