Crystal Coast Vacation Guide

Discover North Carolina’s Premier Family Beach Destination

Free time is precious and rare in today’s world. We are honored that you’ve decided to spend your vacation on our beautiful coast, soaking in the pure salt air and sunshine. We look forward to welcoming families each year from near and far, some that have vacationed with us for generations. We love that so many folks who grew up with their toes in the Carolina sand every summer are now bringing their children and grandchildren to learn the simple joys of island life. Our island is accessible by bridge at either end and for many visitors, the moment they look forward to most in their whole year is cruising over the bridge with their windows rolled down and the salty air and Carolina sunshine tumbling in.

We hope that you enjoy your stay with us, and that our little “gem” will earn a place in your heart, too.

The Crystal Coast

Over 85 miles of sand on one of the only south-facing coastlines on the eastern seaboard, made up of small communities brimming with Southern charm - that’s the Crystal Coast. Aptly named for the shining waters and unique qualities our region is blessed with, we are proud to say that we truly believe this is the “gem” of North Carolina’s coast. It’s unusual to find a beach escape that captures something for everyone in the family. History, nature, sightseeing, shopping, antique and art hunting, wine and dining and of course - sugar soft sands under stunning sunrises and sunsets...

What more could you ask for in a fun family vacation?

Meet Our Towns

Swansboro

This “Friendly City by the Sea” is a beautiful and historic community overlooking the water and is home of Hammocks Beach State Park. This whimsical downtown village is the perfect place to shop, dine, and relax on the waterfront. Host to the Arts by the Sea Festival, the Mullet Festival, and numerous fishing tournaments, Swansboro offers some of the greatest hospitality to its visitors on the North Carolina coast.

Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle boasts the most to its adventurous guests with the perfect places to kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard and much more. Venture through the miles of bike path and nature trails with your family and friends to enjoy the naturally pristine environment with a variety of waterfowl, birds, and whitetail deer. The Point in Emerald Isle is a must-see when you visit the western shores of the Crystal Coast; the views and sunsets are truly breathtaking!

Indian Beach

Located in the center of the Bogue Banks, Indian Beach is the perfect place to visit the beautiful sights and sounds throughout the island. Shopping, dining, and attractions for the entire family are easily found in just a few minutes in either direction. With public beach access to the soft sands of the Crystal Coast as well as easy access to the lush green maritime forest lining the Bogue Sound, you are sure to enjoy this quaint community.

Salter Path

Historically a fishing village, Salter Path lies on the Bogue Banks as an enclave within Indian Beach. Family beach cottages are easy to spot as you cruise through Salter Path. This coastal refuge stands apart from the rest because it is home to a large dune system, excellent beaches, breathtaking soundfront views, and even a small maritime forest. This quaint, quiet beach community offers easy access to the brilliantly blue ocean and calm waters of the sound and is perfect for recreation and relaxation for the entire family.

Pine Knoll Shores

Just west of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores has wide beaches and soundside access perfect for swimming, shelling, clamming, or kayaking along this beautiful stretch of island. Nature trails lead you above a tidal marsh where marine creatures live and shore birds wade. The North Carolina Aquarium hosts a wide array of fish, crabs, seahorses, river otters, and sharks - you’ll even get to see Nimbus, the albino loggerhead sea turtle!

Atlantic Beach

At the eastern end of Bogue Banks is Atlantic Beach, a laid-back beach town with wide, sandy shores, a boardwalk, and a commercial district with plenty shopping and dining. Nature trails, public parks, a splash pad, a skate park, and several beach accesses are fun for the entire family. Atlantic Beach is also home to historic Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War fort which remains the most visited state park in North Carolina.

Morehead City

Downtown Morehead City has an alluring waterfront appeal lined with charter boats, legendary seafood restaurants, and delightful shops all overlooking Sugarloaf Island. Home of the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, Morehead City brings sport fishermen from all over the country together each June to see which boat will bring in the biggest blue marlin, white marlin, mahi and more! Morehead also hosts the annual North Carolina Seafood Festival on the first weekend in October. Vendors line the waterfront with all types of fresh, delicious seafood, arts & crafts, along with carnival rides and activities! This city is a home-run when you go out to the ball game and see the Morehead City Marlins play. With all of the things Morehead City has to offer, there’s fun for everyone!

Beaufort

The 3rd oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort brings more to the table than meets the eye, including close ties with a notorious pirate. It offers a beautiful sandy shore as well as stunning waterfront views. Dock your boat at a downtown marina and walk from one charming boutique to the next, taking in the nautical scene with cocktails and awardwinning seafood overlooking the water at sunset. You can even watch the wild horses from the banks or board a ferry to see them in their unspoiled habitat. You can hop atop an English Double-Decker bus for a tour around this historic fishing village to see Pirate Blackbeard’s home and the mysterious Old Burial Ground. It’s no wonder so many people call Beaufort their home away from home.

Save Your Spot

Filter It Down

Our search tool offers several filters to help narrow down the perfect vacation rentals for your family. Choose an arrival month or a specific week, property size, amenities, location and budget. You can sort and compare what matches your criteria in a list, grid or on a map.

All Of The Details

Claim Your Spot In The Carolina Sand

Once you’ve chosen your favorite home, it’s time to make your reservation! If you’re ready, just click the "Book It" button next to the available week. This leads you through booking your stay, opting for travel insurance coverage and making a payment. Depending on the property and week you’ve chosen, payment plans may be eligible for your stay. If your family needs a little more time to make the final decision, simply click "Hold It" to place a complimentary 24 hour hold on the week while you organize the family plans.

Sign & Go

Everything for your reservation is done digitally. Each reservation has a GuestWeb account online where you and your family can access and sign your rental agreement, make payments on your stay and send secure messages to our vacation rentals staff.

Throughout the booking process, you will receive emails regarding your stay. Prior to arrival, you’ll receive an email with details on how to check in and pertinent information for your stay such as Wi-Fi network login details. Keyless entry equipped homes will receive their code and instructions on using the lock system prior to arrival as well. After your stay, you will also receieve an email with a link to complete your guest survey on your vacation experience.

Crystal Coast Seasons

Spring

Spring on the Crystal Coast is the perfect way to have fun in the sun on an early getaway! As the water and the salty air warms up, the local birds and dolphins return to our coast. Warmer weather and waters mean comfortable weather for fishing. If you enjoy laying out in the sun with a nice cool breeze running across you, this is the time of year for you. Pods of dolphins arrive and even a whale or two are known to skirt the coast in spring. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are finally reasonable activities for those of us who like a little sun on their outing. Walking along the waterfronts of Beaufort, Swansboro and Morehead City becomes a relaxing way to spend a day of sunshine. The piers open, flowers bloom, and baby deer are sighted on Coast Guard Road - spring has sprung!

Temperature Average High: 70° F | Average Low: 55° F

Water Temperature Average High: 71° F | Average Low: 65° F

Summer

Summer on the Crystal Coast means being outside - from the various water sports in Emerald Isle to conquering Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, the things to do are limitless! Whether you’re attending Fourth of July events, summer concerts, The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament or just laying on the beach, the Crystal Coast has much to offer for your summer beach vacation. Try something new - such as a ferry over to Shackleford Banks to watch the wild ponies, shelling and hunting for sand dollars, a boat tour with the pirates, kayaking the Intracoastal or a fishing charter into the gulf stream for a big catch. Summer on the coast is sure to be the highlight of your year, no matter how long you’re here for. Be sure to book early though, because the peak season weeks are the first to fill up.

Temperature Average High: 85° F | Average Low: 73° F

Water Temperature Average High: 83° F | Average Low: 80° F

Fall

Though summer may be over, fall is the perfect time to visit the Crystal Coast! The weather is still beautiful and perfect for a day at the beach while avoiding the busy summer crowds and enjoying the water still being warm. Fall in the Southern Outer Banks is a fisherman’s dream as some of the favorite-to-catch species are swimming wild. Those in the know make it a point to hit the sand in the fall. Secretly, it is the locals’ favorite time of year. The beaches are clearing out, festivals have begun and the milder temperatures make it a great vacay for your furry friends. Also, oyster season is back in full swing; a must-have indulgence when you are here on the coast. Grilled, steamed, fried or raw - whatever your fancy may be, fall is one of the best times to enjoy seafood on the coast.

Temperature Average High: 73° F | Average Low: 58° F

Water Temperature Average High: 77° F | Average Low: 73° F

Winter

Make like the birds and fly south to the Crystal Coast for the winter! You may not want to dive in the water, unless you like a polar plunge, but the weather is still warm enough to take a relaxing stroll on the beach. Crystal Coast sunrises and sunsets are a breathtaking sight in the winter. If you want to stay a little warmer, the Crystal Coast also has countless indoor attractions like the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores or the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The holiday festivities abound during this time of year. Catch a flotilla - a floating light parade where boats are decorated in themed lighting and drift by our many waterfronts. Or snuggle up to your loved ones on an indoor dinner cruise, where you can see a pony or two and the water from the comforts of your cruise seat.

Temperature Average High: 57° F | Average Low: 40° F

Water Temperature Average High: 66° F | Average Low: 61° F