Crystal Coast Travel Guide

Tourist 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
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!
A great tribute to the families and history of Core Sound.

Where to stay in Crystal Coast

Boardwalk along the Cedar Point

The Point

While The Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Emerald Isle Woods Park and Salty Pirate Water Park.

The Point
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Island Quay

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Island Quay and surrounding area, you can visit Triple S Marina and Anchorage Marina.

Island Quay
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,541 reviews)
The staff was kindly and cordial. The facilities are dated and required work.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
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 Rp2.136.245 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
Rp2.136.245
Rp2.408.617 total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
Islander Hotel & Resort

Islander Hotel & Resort

3 out of 5
102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle NC
The price is Rp1.505.612 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
Rp1.505.612
Rp1.792.878 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Check in was a breeze, location very nice, but had a few issues. One the faucet in bathroom was a bit tricky had to manipulate it to get the warm or hot water. Toilet area has no fan vent. The room was very clean and spacious but seemed empty needed a comfortable chair added so much wasted space. ...

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Islander Hotel & Resort
See all 2,963 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
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
We were never informed that they had planned a roofing company working on the roof every day at 7:am until 5pm the entire week. It was cold outside so we listened to the ponding of nails all day long. Also they had someone with a security shirt walking around outside and taking pictures of everyone’s ...

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

A Place at the Beach
Atlantic Beach Resort

Atlantic Beach Resort

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
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 10 Jan 2026

Atlantic Beach Resort
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

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(1 review)

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

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
Salt Marsh

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

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

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Beaufort in North Carolina on a Sunny Summer Day

Beaufort Historic Site

4/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Beaufort with a stop at Beaufort Historic Site. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Beaufort Historic Site
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

Learn about the local history of Cape Lookout when you spend time at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Aerial View of the Morehead City North Carolina waterfront looking south

Morehead City Port

4/5(1 review)

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