The Crystal Coast encompasses pristine coastal barrier islands and maritime estuaries that feed directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The area includes stunning coastal marshlands, direct Bogue Sound access and some of the finest beaches on the eastern seaboard. Enjoy exploring uninhabited barrier islands or touring historical fishing villages. Families can play on the beach or go crabbing on the Sound. The unique Bogue Banks Island and its communities are host to a variety of protected wildlife, porpoises and turtles. Indian Beach and other island villages are protected by a lush maritime forest and large primary dunes. The weather is perfect year round.
Adventures on the Crystal Coast include a little of something for everybody who is visiting. Here are just a few ideas for enjoying the clean ocean air, abundant sunshine and friendly people on the Crystal Coast.
There are nearly 3,000 critters to see in 38 exhibits. Open daily year round, 9 AM - 5 PM, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day.
Beaufort
Established in 1709. Steeped in history, Beaufort's waterfront location, great shopping and restaurants make it a must see.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Remote beaches, wild horses and abundant wildlife await you on this pristine 56 miles of the Outer Banks. The Seashore protects one of the few remaining natural coastal barrier island systems in the world. Ferry service is available.
Charter Boats
Numerous small vessels can be hired to accommodate 4-6 fisherman on either half-day or full-day excursions. Typically, grouper, red snapper, triggerfish and grunts are available in the closer offshore locations while tuna, wahoo, dolphin, marlin and sailfish are caught farther out in the Gulf Stream. Daily fees start at $500 for a full party.
Head Boats are larger vessels that take larger groups of fisherman out for deep-sea fishing. You pay "by the head" so this is a lesser expensive way to go deep-sea fishing.
Ferry Services
Visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Shackleford Banks, New Drum Inlet, Cedar Creek, Portside Marina, Morehead City.
Fort Macon State Park
Built in 1826-1834, the fort was the scene of a significant Civil War battle when the Union's artillery attacked Confederate troops from March 23 - April 26, 1862. The Union prevailed, giving the Northern forces complete control of the entire North Carolina coast.
Star Hill Golf Club
202 Clubhouse Drive, Cape Carteret, NC 28584
252-393-8111
Hammock's Beach State Park
One of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic Coast. Accessible by ferry and private boat.
Kayaking & Kitesurfing
Kayaking along the coast is a pleasant way to explore the naturally shallow waters of the many inlets, creeks and estuaries, home to an abundance of wildlife. The coastal winds and wide open seas give kitesurfers and windsurfers the ideal place to play.
The History Place fosters and promotes public knowledge of the history and culture of Carteret County and surrounding areas.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
With an average summer temperature in the 80's and visibility of 50-150 feet, the Crystal Coast offers some of the best diving locations in the U.S. Tropical fish are more likely to be seen during the summer months.
Swansboro
Located on the White Oak River, Swansboro is a friendly village with great shops, boutiques and dining.
Windsurfing
Mild temperatures, comfortable water temperatures, steady year-round winds make this sport ideal on the southern Outer Banks.
