We know that life can be a little stressful. To help you relax and do a little dreaming about the travels you and your family will soon be able to make, we’ve put together this virtual “photo”cation of Emerald Isle. We’re sure you’ll enjoy scrolling through photos of some of the most picturesque places that can be found throughout North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. And remember, Emerald Isle will be waiting for you!
There are precious few places like North Carolina’s Bogue Banks, a 23-mile stretch of gin-clear waters, emerald green cord grass and some of the most celebrated beaches in the world.

Whether it’s from the deck of your oceanfront vacation home or aboard a catamaran set sail for a morning dolphin watch, observing these beautiful creatures playing in their natural habitat is one experience you won’t soon forget.
Cast a line off Bogue Inlet Pier, a popular spot to fish for wahoo, king mackerel and a variety of other fish species or just relax and unwind at the end of the day with a walk down the pier to take in some of the fresh ocean air and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is home to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, also known as “Our Diamond Lady,” where visitors can climb to the top for some of the most stunning views of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
Set sail at the end of the day and enjoy a truly memorable experience with stunning scenery and views of some of the most colorful and picturesque sunsets over the coastal waters of North Carolina’s southern Outer Banks.
Explore the natural surroundings and unspoiled beauty of Bogue Sound, with its vast mazes of tidal creeks and saltwater marshes, for a view of the wildlife and other coastal creatures that abound.

The Point in Emerald Isle is a secluded beach area where Bogue Inlet meets the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway and offers some of the most beautiful ocean and sound views, in addition to great fishing and shell hunting.
Rich in natural beauty and boasting an abundance of outdoor recreation and activities, the island of Bogue Banks is a cherished destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Get an up-close look at these large and stocky seabirds, known as brown pelicans, that forage along the shallow waters of the coastal estuaries that stretch for miles along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
For a truly unique experience, take in some of the fresh ocean air at night and catch a glimpse of a beautiful moon rise over Bogue Inlet Pier from atop the observation deck.

One of the allures of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, said to be descendants of Spanish mustangs, who have roamed the shoreline and maritime forests of the remote island for hundreds of years.

From the muted hues of red, orange and pink, to the quiet whisper of the sun dropping behind the horizon, North Carolina sunsets are one of the best natural wonders you can experience outdoors.
Special thanks to Sam Bland & Jim Snyder for their photo contributions.