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2026 Beaufort Birding 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
4 BR Cottage w/ Pool, Hot Tub, Tiki Bar,...

This striking four-bedroom coastal bungalow offers the ideal setting for a calming Emerald Isle hideaway. Located in a peaceful neighborhood just 120 yards from simple beach access, this one-level home combines comfortable living spaces with...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Easy Breezy-Oceanfront 1st floor condo i...

Simple Breezy welcomes you to The Crystal Coast! Pretty ocean vistas from this 2 bedroom, 2 bath first floor condo. The master bedroom has a king size bed, and vistas of the ocean with your own private patio. The second bedroom has a bunk bed with a...

  • Indian Beach
  • 2 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...

Pebble Beach E-102, Oceanview Condo in E...

Pebble Beach E-102 is a First Floor Oceanview 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo conveniently near the tennis courts located in the professionally landscaped Pebble Beach Oceanfront Gated Condominium Community off Coast Guard Road within walking distance to...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
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...

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 outlying islands as well as guided tours of some of the region’s most wild spots, this tour company has a lot to offer for shell seekers, nature buffs, and everyday adventurers alike.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...