With miles of pristine beaches and emerald waters, a variety of family-friendly activities, and fresh local seafood, it’s no wonder North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is such a popular beach destination. Whether you’re looking for surf, shells, or simply the perfect beach day, this seaside paradise has it all. If you’re planning a trip to Emerald Isle, use this family vacation itinerary to make the most of your week-long stay.
Day 1: A Classic Beach Day in Emerald Isle
Get Beach Supplies from Island Essentials
Before hitting the beach, grab some supplies to make your day even better. From beach chairs and umbrellas to beach bikes, Island Essentials has everything you need for fun coastal exploration.
Spend the Day on the Sand
Spend your morning relaxing on the beach. Fly a kite and watch it soar with the seagulls. Build a sandcastle in the warm, soft golden sands. Or wander the pristine shoreline in search of unique shells, sea glass, and other treasures.
Want to catch a wave? Grab your boogie board and jump into the water. Emerald Isle’s beaches are perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Try Local Fare or Eat Lunch at Your Rental
If you’re in the mood for local flavors, head to Gaffer’s, a friendly neighborhood spot serving fresh seafood alongside burgers, steaks, wings, and pasta. You’ll find shrimp and grits, lobster-stuffed mahi mahi, and steakhouse ribeye, plus homemade desserts like bread pudding and a giant brownie sundae.
If you’d rather stay close to the beach, head back to your rental for an easy, laid-back lunch. Emerald Isle Realty’s vacation properties are just steps from the sand, so you can eat, relax, and be back by the water in minutes.
Dinner at Caribsea
For dinner, try another local favorite. Caribsea serves tender steaks and fresh local seafood with a Southern flair. Order small plates to sample more of the menu’s delicious items, such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and sushi. Small plates also pair well with Caribsea’s signature cocktails.
Dessert at The Sweet Spot
Indulge your sweet tooth with banana splits, ice cream sundaes, and old-fashioned milkshakes. Offering homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, and other tasty snacks, The Sweet Spot is the perfect place for an after-dinner treat.
Day 2: Day Trip to Beaufort
Learn About Maritime History at the North Carolina Maritime Museum
Learn about pirates, shipbuilding, and more at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Follow the story of notorious pirate Blackbeard and his infamous ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, discovered in Beaufort in 1996. Then view the ship’s many artifacts and learn more about the role pirates played in North Carolina. Across the street, see handcrafted shipbuilding in action at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, where centuries of maritime tradition live on.
Lunch at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub
Step deeper into Beaufort history at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub. From house-smoked baby-back ribs to grilled mahi salads, this restaurant serves a variety of foods in a historic setting, where classic decorations and vintage memorabilia set the mood.
Tour Beaufort Historic Site and Burying Ground
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the third-oldest town in North Carolina at Beaufort Historic Site. Experience the town’s story as it grew from a humble fishing village to a prosperous coastal town, visiting the homes of influential early residents along with notable town sites like the county jail, apothecary shop, and doctor’s office.
Hop aboard the double-decker bus for a narrated overview of the historic district, then head to the Beaufort Burying Ground. On a guided tour, you’ll hear the tales of colorful characters laid to rest in the old cemetery, along with ancient Beaufort legends and ghost stories. Before heading out, stop at the Old Beaufort Shop for local artisan gifts and souvenirs.
Dinner at Beaufort Grocery Company
You can’t go wrong with dinner at Beaufort Grocery Company, a sophisticated bistro serving appetizers, salads, and daily seafood specials. Whether it’s Carolina crab cakes, double-cut pork chop, or smoked sea salt seared tuna, you’re sure to find something to rave about.
Day 3: A Day at Cape Lookout
Make a Stop at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Harkers Island, located less than an hour’s drive from Emerald Isle, is a peaceful, charming community on the way to Cape Lookout National Seashore. Dive into the history of decoy carving at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Watch quilting and decoy carving demonstrations, learn about the types of waterfowl found along the national seashore, and enjoy magnificent views of the coast from the Lookout Tower.
Pack Lunch for a Picnic at Cape Lookout
A picnic lunch lets you enjoy more time at Cape Lookout, and the national seashore’s picnic tables and covered pavilions offer a peaceful break with beautiful scenery.
Depending on your ferry schedule, you may want to prepare food the night before or grab some in the morning on your way to Harkers Island. The Village Market in Emerald Isle sells tasty sandwiches, wraps, and other picnic foods.
Make the Journey to Cape Lookout National Seashore
A ferry ride to Cape Lookout is its own adventure. You can catch a ride from Beaufort, Morehead City, and Harkers Island via the Island Express Ferry Service. Just be sure to check the ferry schedule and rates ahead of time.
Break out your binoculars as you pass Core Sound and its scenic islands. At Shackleford Banks, scan the shoreline for the island’s famous wild horses. While the horses’ origins are unknown, the herd has called this island home for centuries, surviving on native vegetation and freshwater. Scan the water, too: you may spot dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Spend the Afternoon Exploring Cape Lookout
At Cape Lookout, you can spend the day relaxing with scenic views, learning the history of the iconic diamond-patterned lighthouse, and enjoying this remote, undeveloped stretch of shoreline, which is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, and birding.
For an even more memorable experience, customize your own ecology tour. Crystal Coast Ecotours offers personalized, guided ecotours with hands-on experiences like clamming, crabbing, and fishing, helping you make the most of your Cape Lookout adventure.
Grill Up a Fresh Seafood Dinner at Your Vacation Rental
Having your own vacation rental makes it easy to cook when you don’t feel like going out. Stop by one of the Crystal Coast’s many fish markets and grocers, such as Cap’n Willis Seafood Market in Emerald Isle, then come home to your gourmet kitchen and outdoor grill. There’s nothing quite like admiring the ocean or the calm waters of Bogue Sound while you enjoy fresh seafood.
Day 4: Water Sports Fun for Everyone
Grab Some Snacks Before Heading Out
Before your big day of beach fun, stop at 4J’s Café and Bake Shop for coffee and baked goods. Located right on Emerald Drive, this café is a convenient (and delicious) stop no matter where you’re headed.
Catch a Wave or Cast a Line
From fishing and surfing to kayaking, paddleboarding, and even scuba diving, the Crystal Coast offers countless options for enjoying the water. Hot Wax Surf Shop provides surfboard rentals and lessons so even first-time surfers can enjoy Emerald Isle’s warm, beautiful waves.
Surf fishing is also a popular pastime on the Crystal Coast. For offshore fishing, take a guided charter in search of Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, and red drum. Or cast a line at scenic Bogue Inlet Pier, a favorite fishing spot for generations of Emerald Isle visitors.
Go On a Guided Paddleboarding Tour of Bogue Sound
A paddleboarding tour of Bogue Sound lets you enjoy the peaceful waters of the marshes and estuaries along the Crystal Coast. Rent a paddleboard or take a guided tour from Emerald Isle Paddle Tours. With the wind and tide slowly propelling you through serene coastal waters, this is an easy, rewarding option even if you’ve never been paddleboarding before.
Day 5: Sightseeing and Souvenir Shopping
Go Exploring on a Family Bike Ride
Part of Emerald Isle’s charm is its peaceful, small-town feel, and you can experience that first-hand on the Emerald Path: a bike trail that runs from Indian Beach all the way to The Point at Bogue Inlet. Rent bikes for the whole family and make your way along the coast, or try biking on the sand with beach wheel rentals.
Shop for Gifts and Souvenirs to Take Home
Take a piece of Emerald Isle home with you. The shops along Emerald Drive offer souvenirs, gifts, and treats to help your beach vacation last a little longer.
Elly’s Gifts sells jewelry, apparel, and gifts with a distinct Emerald Isle touch. Sample different varieties of fudge and visit the Christmas shop to pick out ornaments, browse garlands, and enjoy year-round holiday cheer.
Flip Flops Gift Shop is the place to go when you need flip flops for your beach stay, but it’s also a great spot for beach-themed clothing, jewelry, and home décor. Stop in and grab some beach souvenirs for the whole family.
Dinner at Flipperz
Where better to wrap up your trip than at Flipperz Family Bar & Grill? This Emerald Isle restaurant caters to all ages, serving up classic seafood, salads, sandwiches, and more with a fun coastal ambience. Its secret sauce is something called “George’s Mix”: a delicious seasoning you can take home with you from the Flipperz Retail Store.
Plan Your Family Vacation Today
Pristine warm-water beaches, a fascinating maritime history, and laid-back coastal charm make the Crystal Coast a great spot for your next family vacation. Whether it’s the magic of spotting wild horses or the thrill of catching a wave, there’s something here for the whole family. Find your perfect vacation rental and start planning your trip today.
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FAQ: Family Vacation to Emerald Isle
What’s the best vacation rental company on the Crystal Coast for a family beach trip?
Emerald Isle Realty offers hundreds of vacation rentals on the Crystal Coast, making it easy to find a place that fits your family’s style and budget. Our properties range from cozy beach cottages to oceanfront villas and condos.
Do you need a car to get around Emerald Isle with kids?
While Emerald Isle is walkable and bike-friendly, a car makes travel much easier, especially if you plan to go grocery shopping or visit locations like Beaufort and Cape Lookout. A majority of properties are within walking distance of the beach, so you can step outside and feel the sand between your toes in minutes.
Are the beaches in Emerald Isle safe for young children?
Yes, the beaches in Emerald Isle are considered some of the safest for young children in North Carolina. Soft sand, wide coastlines, and shallow waters make it a fun playground for all ages, while the area’s laid-back atmosphere is ideal for kids.
Is Cape Lookout accessible for families with toddlers?
Yes, Cape Lookout can be a fun day trip for families with toddlers. Many trails and boardwalks are stroller-friendly, though stronger strollers work better on the beach, and toddlers may enjoy playing in the sand, picking up shells, and wading in the warm water. Packing snacks, water, and trash bags will help everyone have a good time.
