Emerald Isle, NC Attractions

Are you gearing up to take a vacation to the Crystal Coast? Start planning your trip now and view our Crystal Coast attractions and Emerald Isle, NC, attractions here.
No matter if you’re planning a large vacation, couple’s getaway, reunion or wedding, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Below are our recommended Emerald Isle, NC, attractions. For more area information, download a free vacation catalog.

Beaufort – Voted America’s Coolest Small Town in 2012, this town has it all! It’s the third oldest town in the state and is known for its rich maritime history. Enjoy historic tours, shopping, delicious dining and more. Also, be sure the visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum!
Beaufort Historic Site – Take a tour of the Beaufort Historic Site, home to 10+ historical buildings that were built in the 18th century. Take a tour of the restored homes and buildings or shop around for a unique souvenir. 
Blue Heron Park & Tennis Courts - Located behind the Police Department, this community park features two tennis courts, a basketball court, picnic shelter and playground. A fee of $2 per person, per hour must be paid at the Emerald Isle Community Center for playing tennis.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse & National Seashore – This seashore stretches more than 56 miles, starting at Ocracoke to the Beaufort Inlet. Take a day trip to beautiful remote beaches and watch wild horses along with other rare wildlife. Be sure to bring water and pack a picnic lunch for the day.
Cedar Street Soundside Park – This park is located at the end of Cedar Street directly on Bogue Sound.  There is parking available for 10 cars with a pier and Public Sound Access.  Enjoy the beautiful views or launch your kayak from here!
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum – About an hour from Emerald Isle on Harkers Island is the Coresound Waterfowl Museum where you can learn about the Core Sound’s history, crafts and heritage. The museum is open daily with free admission.
Emerald Woods - This is one of Emerald Isle's newer parks and is located along Coast Guard Road. This soundside park is 41 acres and features walking trails and Sound access with additional amenities.
Fort Macon State Park - This Civil War fort is a historic landmark. See Civil War reenactments on special weekends. Enjoy a gift shop, picnic area and bath house on site. 
Hammocks Beach State Park – Here you’ll discover miles of unspoiled barrier island beaches and maritime forests. Daily passenger ferries are available during the summer months. Experience untouched wild dunes, sand ridges, maritime forests, marshes and wetlands that are full of wildlife. Activities include swimming, picnicking, fishing, camping and boating. Bath house facilities are available. Educational and interpretive programs are offered.
Historic Swansboro – This quaint town features a downtown area with unique boutiques, art galleries, shops, restaurants and more.
The History Place – This museum includes interesting Carteret County artifacts, the best collection of Civil War materials in eastern North Carolina and a notable genealogy collection. 
NC Aquarium - This is the largest of the three aquariums in North Carolina. A must-see for both locals and visitors. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a small admission fee.
NC Maritime Museum - The museum is the official repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge, which ran aground near Beaufort in 1718. Other exhibits and displays feature a spectacular sea shell collection, coastal ecology and boat making workshops.

If you’d like assistance picking out Crystal Coast attractions during your stay with us please call us at (866) 586-6980. We’ll also let you know about the upcoming Crystal Coast events.

Give us a call!

Emerald Isle Realty, Inc.
7501 Emerald Drive    Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Rentals:   getaways@eirealty.com     Sales: (800) 304-4060   sales@eirealty.com
Office Hours: Monday – Sunday (9am-5pm)
New Reservations Phone Only: Open 24 hours