North Carolina's Crystal Coast
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of the southern Outer Banks in Carteret County. It’s centered on Bogue Banks, a 25-mile barrier island home to five beach towns: Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach.
Explore North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
The name ‘Crystal Coast’ comes from Carteret County’s tourism board, chosen to highlight the clarity and appeal of the area’s coastal waters. With the Atlantic surf on one side and Bogue Sound on the other, you’re never far from a sunrise walk on the beach or a sunset paddle on the sound.
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report named Emerald Isle the #1 beach in North Carolina, and it’s easy to believe once you’re here.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway, your trip along the Crystal Coast starts with picking a community, each with its own pace, activities, and events. Start on Bogue Banks, the barrier island linking Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach. From there, it’s a short drive to the waterfront of Swansboro, or on to Beaufort and Morehead City, with Harkers Island further up the coast leading to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Browse the beach communities to find your fit, or start with our Beginner’s Guide if this is your first trip.
Beyond the beaches, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers attractions and activities for travelers of every age. Kayak the marshes, book a fishing charter, or take in the views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Walk the ramparts at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, trace maritime history at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort, or meet a stingray at the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Explore the full range of attractions, activities, and parks and trails, or dig into the region’s museums.
Dining options run from dockside seafood shacks to elegant waterfront restaurants. Order the catch of the day at a Carteret Catch-certified spot, grab a burger near the beach, or book a sound-view table. From family-style waterfront dining to the finest gourmet restaurants, you’ll find something for everyone on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. See the full dining guide before you plan your reservations.
Plan Your Beach Getaway by Season
Map of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
Explore More
Emerald Isle voted #1 North Carolina Beach
2025 U.S. News & World Report
Emerald Isle named Clearest Water & Whitest Sands
2025 Southern Living
Emerald Isle voted Best Beach in North Carolina
2024 Reader’s Digest
Emerald Isle voted #2 Beach in the South
2023 USA Today Readers’ Choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Crystal Coast?
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of scenic coastline and barrier islands located in Carteret County, along the Southern Outer Banks.
Is the Crystal Coast the same thing as North Carolina's Outer Banks?
Yes, the Crystal Coast is the southern stretch of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, running 85 miles and centered on Bogue Banks.
What towns make up North Carolina’s Crystal Coast?
Bogue Banks, the barrier island at the heart of the Crystal Coast, links the communities of Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach. From there, it’s a short drive to Swansboro, Beaufort, Morehead City, and Harkers Island.
Why is it called the Crystal Coast?
The name comes from Carteret County’s tourism board, chosen to highlight the clarity and appeal of the area’s coastal waters
What county is North Carolina's Crystal Coast in?
The Crystal Coast sits primarily within Carteret County, North Carolina, encompassing Bogue Banks and the nearby towns of Beaufort and Morehead City. Swansboro, just across the county line in southeastern Onslow County, is also part of the broader Crystal Coast region.
What is Bogue Banks?
Bogue Banks is the 25-mile barrier island that forms the heart of the Crystal Coast, separating the Atlantic Ocean from Bogue Sound. It’s home to five beach towns, from Emerald Isle on the west end to Atlantic Beach on the east.
Is the Crystal Coast good for a family vacation?
Yes, the Crystal Coast is an exceptional destination for a family vacation, with attractions like the NC Aquarium and Fort Macon State Park, plus activities like kayaking, surfing, and paddle boarding that appeal to travelers of all ages.
