Morehead.com logo

2025 Scenic Spots Guide

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...

Serene Living in New Bern - Your Souther...

Located in the heart of New Bern's beautiful neighborhood, this appealing newly constructed 3-bedroom home offers a ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and style for all travelers.5 mins. drive to downtown New Bern40 mins. to Morehead City7 mins...

  • New Bern
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Kitty Hawk Kites

Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor recreation venture with more than 28 locations up and down the east coast! With more than 50 years of teaching the world to fly...

Good Day Sunshine, Oceanfront Duplex, Lo...

Good Day Sunshine is the ideal home for your family beach vacation.This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom oceanfront duplex is in a impressive mid-island location of handsome Emerald Isle. Not far from the shopping and eateries of downtown, but away from the...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway - Crystal Coast

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and...

New Bern Waterfront Sunset

This location is considered the best Sunset view in all of New Bern as the sun slowly lowers over the handsome Historic Downtown providing an array of colors cascading over the Neuse River. Savor the painted photogenic view from the screened back...

  • New Bern
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown...

20% off~ Beachside~ Family Fun!

Welcome to Cabin By the Sea, a impressive beachside escape. Tucked among lush trees and surrounded by the calming sounds of birdsong, this striking cabin offers a ideal blend of privacy and oceanside appeal. Savor peek-a-boo ocean vistas from the...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Beaufort Pirates Revenge

Jump aboard the pirate ship "REVENGE" at 600 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. Our interactive voyages offer fun and adventure for families and swashbucklers of all ages. Come join our crew, take part in a pirate adventure, and enjoy festive...

Cozy waterfront bamboo retreat, perfect ...
4.6
(7)

This property is really a unique experience. Bring your own skiff(only flat bottom boats) and launch it in your private boat ramp right next to rental, or use one of the supplied kayaks or stand up paddle board. This getaway is located on a private...

  • Beaufort
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 3
Mac Daddys

Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination of choice for countless fun-seeking vacationers of all ages who want a big dose of entertainment...

Barefoot Beach South: Fantastic location...
5.0
(2)

Atlantic Beach just made #16 in the list of Top 100 Beaches in the United States, beating out even beaches in Hawaii! Truly a hidden gem, as this part of the island doesn't have public access, beyond a few cars, so it's just folks staying right...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of...

History of Morehead City

Though not as old as some as its neighbors - like the adjacent and more than 300-year-old town of Beaufort – Morehead City nevertheless has a unique history that’s evident around every waterfront corner. Envisioned by a governor, and...

Crystal Coast Retreat! 2br/2bth Waterfro...
4.9
(18)

Lifetime Memories in this Family-Friendly Water View 2 br Condo Community!Welcome to the Salty Seagull! Admire Spectacular Sunrises w/Coffee & Sunsets w/Favorite Drink. Splash in the Pool, Dip in Ocean, Picnic & Grille, Fish, Visit Attractions, or...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
“Seas The Day” 3 Min walk to beach, ...

“Seas The Day” at our Emerald Isle Beach House Rental!! Oceanside 3BR/2BA Duplex (3 min. walk or 1 min. Golf Cart ride) to private neighborhood beach access with wide sandy beaches and striking Emerald Green water. PROFESSIONALLY SANITIZED...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford...

Top 10 Things to do in Morehead City

There’s much more than meets the eye in Morehead City. Though the town is known in most beach-going circles as the place to shop and dine before hitting the sand, Morehead City also has a treasure trove of attractions and activities that will...

Tidal Treasure 10% of for a 7-night book...
5.0
(2)

Appreciate a 10% discount for a 7-nighttime stay and bring your boat! Feel the coastal lifestyle in the Beau Coast community, offering top-tier amenities. A boat storage area is conveniently located roughly 0.5 miles from your condo, with a wildlife...

  • Beaufort
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
J Chalk Designs

Discover a treasure or two to serve as a timeless reminder of your getaway to the Crystal Coast with a visit to one of the most unique jewelry stores in the Carteret County region, J Chalk Designs. Specializing in fine pieces that are truly one of a...

Crystal Coast Fishing Guide

The Crystal Coast is a well-known paradise for anglers, thanks to miles of water in every direction, and a famed distinction as the locale for some of the biggest fishing tournaments along the East Coast. From heading miles offshore to target the...

Beach Front Condo With Wonderful Ocean V...
4.8
(78)

Spectacular oceanfront, top floor, 3 bedroom, 1,100 square foot condo at the Ocean Club Resort. Check in and departure is very simple from our keypad entry door - no stopping to pickup or drop off keys. There is a master bedroom with a king size...

  • Indian Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Crystal Coast Lady is specifically built for the purpose of sightseeing and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy exploring the beautiful downtown beaufort are, plus unbeatable perspectives of the region’s vast array of wildlife...

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and...

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the...

Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

Take a walk on Pine Knoll Shores' wild side with a visit to the pristine, undeveloped Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, an expansive 265 acre nature preserve, conveniently located next to the town's most visited attraction, the North Carolina...

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

The Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve is a stunning stretch of barely-barrier island shoreline that’s found just off the coast of historic Downtown Beaufort. Covering 2,205 acres, this collection of three islands that are found along...

The Circle at Atlantic Beach

Crystal Coast visitors who want an easy-going day on the seashore can head to one of the most convenient public beach accesses in the region, the Circle at Atlantic Beach. Known as the main “Town Beach” and located in the heart of the...

Grayden Paul Park

Beaufort explorers who want an easy launching point in the heart of town, or just a scenic spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch and an incredible view, can head to the centrally located Grayden Paul Park. Tucked away along the waterfront on Front...

Newport River Pier and Ramp

The waterfront world of Beaufort, Morehead City, the Shackleford Banks, and everything in between is at a mariner’s fingertips when they launch from the Newport River Pier and Ramp. Located directly on the water in between Morehead City and...

Lawson Creek Park

Lawson Creek Park is an active destination that's suitable for nature lovers and outdoors fans of all genres. Encompassing a massive 140 acre site surrounded by the waters of Lawson Creek and Trent River, this park is a perfectly scenic locale that...

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouses along the Outer Banks coastline, due to its black and white diamond-patterned exterior, as well as its remote location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only...

Union Point Park

Visitors to New Bern's historic downtown are advised to take a break from the shopping, antiquing and dining, and enjoy a comfortable seat and a great view at the scenic and newly revitalized, Union Point Park.

Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the...

Swansboro's Bicentennial Park may not be the grandest of most extensive park along the Crystal Coast's Inner Banks, but it is certainly one of its most scenic. Surrounded by the deep waters of the White Oak River and Swansboro Harbor, patrons to...

The waterfront Cahooque Creek Recreation Site, located at the very corner where the Hancock and Cahoogue rivers meet up with the expansive Neuse River, is a water and boat lover's dream destination. With easy access to all three of these rivers, in...

Though it’s located in a fairly busy section of Morehead City, the Calico Creek Boardwalk is a breath of fresh air for birdwatchers, nature fans, and everyday sightseers, thanks to its picturesque location on the edge of the slightly inland...

The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks’ most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District. Located just inland of...

Emerald Isle vacationers who want to explore the wide waters of the Bogue Sound via a kayak, paddle board, or kiteboard rig can head to Cedar Street Park. This soundside park that’s almost hidden among the neighboring beach homes may be tucked...

Visitors can enjoy a quiet view of the Calico Bay and Newport River from this refreshingly secluded spot that’s tucked away on the outskirts of the downtown Morehead City area. Conchs Point is a public water access point, but it also has a ton...

The Curtis Perry Public Park, which is also referred to as the Taylor’s Creek Boat Ramp, is one of the most popular launching areas for local and visiting Beaufort mariners. Located on the edge of Lennoxville Road and Front Street on the...

Water lovers who are on the hunt for a central and picturesque destination to launch a small vessel or kayak can head to Derwood’s Landing – a public park that’s known for its instant access to the sparkling local waters.

Take a breather from an exploration of busy historic Beaufort and enjoy some stunning views of the local waterfront with a visit to Fishermen’s Park. This small park that is a popular launching point for easy treks to the adjacent Rachel...

Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike...

Harkers Island visitors who want to enjoy a waterfront expedition or just a little time on the sand can head to the Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp. Centrally located along the main road that heads to Harkers Island, this popular local spot...

Morehead City's Jaycee Park is easily one of the most scenic parks along the Crystal Coast, and perhaps the region's busiest park in the summer season. Located adjacent to the waterfront, with wide open views of the Bogue Sound and neighboring...

Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of...

The Lazy Livin is a private charter docked in the historic port town of Beaufort, North Carolina.  We can comfortably accommodate 6 persons.  Our standard charter begins with a cruise down Taylors Creek where you can take in views of...

The North Carolina History Center, which is part of the extensive Tryon Palace, is a new 65 million dollar complex which transports visitors back in time to explore New Bern’s more than 300 years of local history.

Hitting the seashore in Atlantic Beach is an easy venture, thanks to a number of local public beach accesses, including the sprawling Picnic Street Park. With a prime locale that straddles the borders of the Fort Macon State Park and the town limits...

Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both Morehead City and Beaufort visitors.

Enjoy a gorgeous sunset, a little birdwatching, or just a leisurely and short hike that hovers above the White Oak River with a visit to the aptly-named Riverview Park. Located along NC Highway 24 / Corbett Avenue, in between the central downtown...

The Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and is a barrier island system that is found just off the coast of Beaufort and Harkers Island, and which is a popular offshore beaching destination for summertime Crystal Coast...

Head to the very western edge of Emerald Isle to discover an iconic spot that’s been popular with longtime vacationers and locals alike – The Point. This informally named stretch of beach is where the borders of Emerald Isle ends, and...

Kayakers, mariners, and any visitor who adores an endless waterfront view will want to make a convenient but secluded stop at the boat ramp and launching area at Thorofare Bridge. Situated in the heart of Cedar Island, this little-known destination...

Take a quick pause along the Beaufort waterfront near the NC Maritime Museum and you’ll spot the small but scenic Topsail Marine Memorial Park. This tiny parcel of land is a fine spot to take a pause from a self-guided walking tour, and to...