When we ask vacationers why they return to Emerald Isle, North Carolina, each summer, the most popular answer is the beach. Our soft sands and crystal-clear waves provide breathtaking views and the perfect place to soak up the sun with family and friends. With so many ways to enjoy the shore, your options are endless, and each beach day can be a new experience.
To help you plan your next coastal getaway, we’ve rounded up some favorite things to do at the beach while in Emerald Isle. From relaxing by the waves to exploring local spots, there’s plenty to keep your days easy and fun. Pack your towel, grab the sunscreen and prepare for a summer trip you won’t forget on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
1. Enjoy a Beach Walk or Jog
The best way to greet the day in Emerald Isle is with a little exercise! Catch the sunrise and get your mind and energy right with a jog on the beach. Starting the day with physical activity can be a refreshing way to clear your mind as the sky shifts from soft pinks and oranges to a radiant blue.
If you prefer going for a stroll during cooler, evening temperatures, we suggest the stretch of beach near Bogue Inlet Pier. With the ambiance of the pier lights, the sound of waves rolling in, and the sun setting behind you, it’s the perfect close to a coastal day well spent.
2. Watch the Sunset Paint the Sky
Locals never skip the sunset, and you shouldn’t either. Every evening in Emerald Isle, the sky lights up with fiery oranges, deep reds, golden yellows, and sometimes a streak of purple. Each one’s a little different, making it worth pausing for. Grab a drink, find a quiet spot on the sand and let the view do the rest.
You can catch a sunset from the comfort of your oceanfront rental or directly from the beach. If you’re out and about, check out our list of the best spots around town to get the best sunset views.
3. Channel Your Inner Sandcastle Architect
As kids, we would build sandcastles to show off. Now it’s more about zoning out and letting the tide do its thing while we shape towers and dig moats like low-key beach artists. It’s surprisingly calming. Just sand, water and a little creativity. Once you’re done, it’s the perfect time to cool off with a float in the waves or head up the beach for a cold treat.
You don’t need fancy tools to get started; your hands and a little creativity go a long way. Of course, you can always pick up a shovel or mold in town if you’re feeling ambitious. Top it all off with seashells and beach-found treasures to make your masterpiece shine.
4. Reel in the Fun with a Fishing Adventure
While fishing in Emerald Isle is a favorite year-round, there’s something extra special about casting a line during the summer. The warm weather, sunny skies, and active waters make it the perfect season to enjoy this timeless coastal tradition.
Whether you prefer offshore, pier, deep-sea, wading or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, chances are good you’ll land a great catch in Emerald Isle! Check out our list of popular fishing spots around town and get familiar with the local regulations that need to be followed while you’re in town.
5. Cool Off and Play in the Waves
Summer is all about soaking up the sun and jumping into the ocean without a second thought. The emerald-green water here is perfect for cooling off and getting your splash fix.
Swim through the waves, relax on a float, or just wade in and let the water roll over your feet. It’s the kind of simple, refreshing joy that makes a beach day feel complete. Just don’t forget to check the tide times and bring a life jacket or flotation device if you need one. Before you dive in, take a moment to review beach safety measures and local rules to help keep your time in the surf safe and carefree.
6. Surf and Boogie the Day Away
Want to add a little thrill to your beach day? Grab your surfboard or boogie board and hit the waves. The Crystal Coast’s beaches are great for beginners, with local shops ready to set you up with lessons and gear.
If you already have the hang of it, the waves are just the right mix of fun and manageable for a laid-back solo session. Here are a few places to go for surfing equipment and lessons.
7. Capture the Fun on Camera
With today’s smartphones capturing near-professional shots, it only makes sense to document your Emerald Isle adventures. From smiling faces to golden sunsets, your camera roll becomes a personal highlight reel of your trip.
It’s a free keepsake that captures the moment and brings back memories of time spent with family or friends in Emerald Isle. Keep your camera close while you’re out exploring. You never know what might catch your eye. Maybe it’s Cape Lookout in the distance, a sandcastle built by someone you’ll never meet or a rare bird passing through! There’s always something worth snapping.
8. Read with a Sea Breeze Backdrop
If you love a good book, setting up a chair and umbrella by the water is about to become your new favorite way to read! There’s something about being near the ocean that makes getting lost in a story even more relaxing and enjoyable. Whether it’s a novel or a gripping thriller, the beach vibe and sounds of the waves add something extra to your reading time.
Not sure what to read? How about picking up a Nicholas Sparks novel? Many of his bestsellers, like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, were inspired by North Carolina’s coastal landscapes. The picturesque beaches and laid-back atmosphere of this region are woven into the settings of his books, so reading one of his stories by the coast feels like you’re living the dream. Immerse yourself in the town and the beach and check out our summer reading list that features other stories written with Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast as the backdrop.
9. Savor a Picnic by the Shore
Nothing beats fresh air and tasty food, especially when you’re on the coast. Emerald Isle Realty’s vacation properties come complete with fully equipped kitchens, making your picnic prep so much easier. Whether you’re putting together your family’s favorite dish or whipping up some sandwiches, you are sure to have everything you need at your fingertips.
If you’re in a pinch and looking for a quick bite, check out a few of our favorite local spots to pick up something delicious to go. We even have some of the best picnic spots already laid out around town, all you need to do is pick one!
10. Bond Over Beach Games
Vacations are all about having fun, and what’s more fun than a little friendly competition?
Beach games like spike ball, horseshoes, ladder ball, paddleball and volleyball are perfect for getting some lighthearted rivalries going in the sand. And when the sun starts to set, you don’t have to stop the fun. Browse our vacation rentals with game/rec rooms where you can play a video game on the big screen or a few games of billiards to cool down after a day out at the beach.
11. Hunt for Shell Treasures
If photos are keepsakes that capture the moment, then a seashell is a keepsake that captures the experience. These little treasures you find along the shoreline make perfect reminders of your time in Emerald Isle. With hundreds of different types to discover, every walk on the beach offers a new chance to find something special. The best shells are usually the ones you stumble upon when you least expect them!
Looking for local spots to find these awesome shells? We got you covered with our list of best shelling beaches on The Crystal Coast.
12. Look for Sea Turtles by the Shore
Catching a glimpse of a sea turtle is one of the most magical experiences you can have on the beach. They’re rare, graceful and protected because they’re endangered, which makes seeing one feel extra special. It’s like the ocean is letting you in on a little secret.
If you’re lucky enough to witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean, it’s a moment you’ll remember forever. Be sure to learn how to identify sea turtle nests on the beach and follow safety tips to ensure you don’t disturb their natural journey back to the sea. Our golden rule is admire but don’t touch.
13. Fly a Colorful Kite and Watch It Soar
You’re sure to see a few kites flying high in the sky during summer beach days. Whether they’re soaring for fun or helping someone mark their spot in the sand, colorful kites are always a cheerful sight along the shoreline. Plenty of shops in town have kites you can purchase if you want in on the action, or you can watch the more professional kite flyers hone their intricate and complex kites.
14. Stretch Out and Soak in the Sunshine
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of lying in the sand, letting the sun warm your skin as the ocean breeze brushes by. Sometimes the simplest beach moments bring the most peace. Just stretch out, close your eyes, and let the waves do the work of relaxing you.
This is how that vacation glow starts—easy, effortless and sun-kissed. Our favorite spot to lay out in the sun is anywhere on the beach, but a close runner-up would be at one of our vacation rentals with a pool. Lounge poolside on a chair with the beach in the background and all your comforts from home easily within reach.
If you’re ready to hit the beaches of Emerald Isle and try out a few of these fun ideas, be sure to find the perfect vacation rental for your stay from our extensive list of properties. We hope to sea you soon!
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