There’s a host of reasons to explore a creative side, as well as the picturesque Swansboro waterfront, at the Swansboro Arts by the Sea Festival. This unique and day-long festival has a wealth of activities, entertainment and enticements for everyone in the family, and with plenty of food, crafts, children’s activities, shopping opportunities and more, the festival is sure to be a highlight of any Crystal Coast vacation.
If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.
Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.
Here is a list of some of our favorite beach toys for kiddos. We gravitate to unique, high-quality toys that inspire creativity. Some of these toys are classics, and some add a twist.
Savor laid-back coastal living in this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom oceanview beach home—ideal for families or friends looking to relax just steps from the shore. With 3 Queen beds, King, and a Twin, the home comfortably sleeps your group, and...
- Emerald Isle
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Savor a amazing vacation to Emerald Isle when you rent C-Sea and Sound! This gorgeous, 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath nearly oceanfront home has extraordinary ocean and sound vistas and an elevator and Hot Tub! Bring your family pets because Animals Stay Free...
- Emerald Isle
- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
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...
This property books Saturday to Saturday during peak season.Discover Hot Mess, the ultimate coastal getaway for families—furry members supplied! Located in the heart of Emerald Isle, this striking home is just steps away from pristine beaches...
- Emerald Isle
- 3 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
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...