Crystal Coast, NC

Travel Guide

This was taken at sunset at "The Point" at Emerald Isle Beach. There's no easy access to this remote area where waves come in to a point from three angles. From where you park the beach access isn't far 1/4mi maybe? Where I was, that's a hike and you need to be careful because parking closes around this time and if you don't make it back in time, guess where you're sleeping? You don't have to go as far as I went, it's all beautiful, the sand is soft, the water warm and if you're in or around Eastern North Carolina... It's a destination you don't want to miss! #emeraldisle #beach #sunset #water #ocean #northcarolina #eastcoast #sky #waves #landscape #travel #explore
This was taken at sunset at "The Point" at Emerald Isle Beach. There's no easy access to this remote area where waves come in to a point from three angles. From where you park the beach access isn't far 1/4mi maybe? Where I was, that's a hike and you need to be careful because parking closes around this time and if you don't make it back in time, guess where you're sleeping? You don't have to go as far as I went, it's all beautiful, the sand is soft, the water warm and if you're in or around Eastern North Carolina... It's a destination you don't want to miss! #emeraldisle #beach #sunset #water #ocean #northcarolina #eastcoast #sky #waves #landscape #travel #explore
You can't beat the view
Sunsets in Emerald Isle, North Carolina are truly spectacular! High-rise hotels aren't allowed in the cute city, only beach houses, so you often have the beach all to yourself 💜#bruisedpassports #beachbound
The view from our campsite in Oyster Point. Nice little spots (except for the mosquitoes) with concrete/ sand tent pads, picnic tables, and lantern stands at each site. Every morning a pair of owls would talk to each other as they made their way through our campsite and back to their nest for the day. Plenty of beautiful wildlife to enjoy!

Where to stay in Crystal Coast

Boardwalk along the Cedar Point

The Point

The Point might not have many top sights, but Emerald Isle Woods Park and Salty Pirate Water Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

The Point
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Island Quay

While Island Quay might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Triple S Marina and Anchorage Marina.

Island Quay
Islander Hotel & Resort

Islander Hotel & Resort

3 out of 5
102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle NC
The price is NT$2,783 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
NT$2,783
NT$3,314 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
We checked out shortly after checking in due to the noisy people they put in the room next to us. We weren't going to get any sleep and for all the wrong reasons.

Reviewed on 2026/2/27

Islander Hotel & Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

4 out of 5
2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
The price is NT$3,064 per night from Mar 7 to Mar 8
NT$3,064
NT$3,455 total
Mar 7 - Mar 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Staff, restaurant, view, location and pier were all strong points.

Reviewed on 2026/2/25

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,531 reviews)
Very clean rooms and super kind staff!! Had an amazing time!! Will be back again for sure!!

Reviewed on 2026/2/24

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
See all 2,923 properties in Crystal Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on 2026/1/24

A Place at the Beach
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
The Hot Tub was broken - no plan to repair it - one of the main reasons we booked this in the winter season.

Reviewed on 2026/1/10

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
See all properties in Crystal Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Birdwatching and wildflowers adorn the dunes.

Fort Macon State Park

4.5/5(115 reviews)

You can take time to visit Fort Macon State Park during your travels to Atlantic Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Fort Macon State Park
Great pier in Emerald Isle

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

4.5/5(106 reviews)

After visiting Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Emerald Isle. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
Beaufort in North Carolina on a Sunny Summer Day

Beaufort Historic Site

4.5/5(112 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Beaufort when you take a trip to Beaufort Historic Site. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Beaufort Historic Site
Salt Marsh

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

4.5/5(118 reviews)

Make time to visit the sea animals who live in North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores during your travels in Pine Knoll Shores. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Aerial View of the Morehead City North Carolina waterfront looking south

Morehead City Port

4.5/5(141 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Morehead City with a trip to Morehead City Port. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Morehead City Port
Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Southern Outer Banks or Crystal Coast of North Carolina viewed from the water; Shutterstock ID 643650031; Purchase Order: -

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Cape Lookout with a stop at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cities near Crystal Coast

Atlantic ocean, front scenic view of waves on the beach, 2026 travel and summer vacations panoramic background, web banner

Atlantic Beach

Early spring scene along the Cedar Point Tideland Trail, located near Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Cape Carteret

Colorful Sunset at ocean coast with silhouette of pier and photographer

Emerald Isle

Salt Marsh

Pine Knoll Shores

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