CrystalCoast.com

2025 Harkers Island Hiking 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 company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.

One Bedroom Carriage House- 131 Craven S...
4.9
(42)

********** DEEP DISCOUNTS FOR MONTHLY RENTALS ************************** GREAT WINTER MONTHLY PRICES *******************Located in the Historic District of Beaufort at 131 CRAVEN STREET, you can park your car for your stay and everything is within a 3 min. walk including The Beaufort Waterfront with transient yachts visiting from around the world, the NC Maritime Museum, the Beaufort Historic Grounds, Old Burying Grounds, 16 eateries and cozy locally owned stores.The Carriage House apartment has a full kitchen with cookware, a quaint bedroom with heart pine floor, a Queen sized bed, and a flat screen HDTV. The completely refreshed bathroom has an updated shower with room for two. The comfortable sitting room is a great place to relax and includes a flat screen HDTV. The screened in porch is a great place for breakfast or evening beverages. **** SLEEPS ONLY TWO (2) PEOPLE - QUEEN BED **** There are also charter services that offer parasailing, kayaking, bicycle units and ferry service to Shackelford Banks. The owners live on the premises and are available should you need anything. They also own a 2 bedroom/sleeps 4 on the adjacent property, 129 Craven Street, listing #3777505ha and a NEWLY listed Bungalow listing#1257580 offering a King bed/sleeps 2. Please search the numbers to view the listings.We have partnered with The Beaufort Cart Company for golf cart units. Please inquire with us for discounts.

  • Beaufort
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 2
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, Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to serve the Crystal Coast as a premier retailer of kites, wind art, toys, apparel, and accessories. Shop great brands like Reef, Prism, Natural Life, Yeti, HeyDude, and more! Visit our locations in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach today.

Salty Dalty & Three Buoys-Near the Beach

Welcome to your dream coastal getaway! This freshly constructed townhome, just steps from the beach, offers the ultimate oceanside lifestyle. With three bedrooms and three and a half baths, there's plenty of space for relaxation and entertaining.Indulge in the convenience of a short walk to local eateries and stores, ideal for appreciating the vibrant coastal community. Plus, with the beach just moments away, you can conveniently spend your days calming in the sun or exploring the shoreline.Forget about stairs with the added convenience of an elevator, ensuring painless access to all levels of the home. Inside, modern finishes and roomy living areas create a comfortable and beautiful ambiance for you to savor.Prepare delicious meals in the gourmet kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances and modren finishes. Gather in the open-concept living and dining area, ideal for entertaining guests or simply relaxing after a day at the beach.Feel coastal living at its best in this gorgeous townhome, where luxury and convenience meet just steps from the sand!BED CONFIGURATIONS:1 King, 1 Queen, and 1 Double Bunk Bed w/ Twin TrundleWHAT IS PROVIDED:Spectrum Rental Properties will provide sheets and bath towels. Beach towels and equipment is not included. If you would like information on beach equipment units, we are more than happy to provide you with a list. Properties will be supplied with a starter kit in each full bathroom and kitchen. Each kitchen starter kit will contain a modest bottle of dish soap, two dishwasher pods, sponge, and two fragrance complimentary laundry pods. The kitchen will also have one additional trash bagEach bathroom starter kit will contain a travel size shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, makeup wipe, and body bar.Spectrum Rental Properties is unfortunately not able to provide additional boxes/bags. This is a starter kit; anything additional will be guests responsibility to provide.OTHER NOTES:-No smoking-No family pets-Cameras located on entry door and back door for security purposes only

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
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 is a favorite spot for families who want to have a little fun off the sand.

Beachfront Condo with Pool, Waterslide a...

Condo FeaturesOceanfront Freshly Renovated Adjacent to Pool1st Floor Bedroom 1: KingBedroom 2: 2 Twins - bunk beds 2 bathrooms Washer & Dryer in Unit Dishwasher Keurig and Full Pot Coffee Maker Linens Supplied Water SlidePoolIndoor PoolMini-golfBeach Volleyball (in season)Basketball CourtTennis Court Games and Live music at the pool (in season)Step onto the balcony and soak in the vistas of the dunes, a ideal backdrop for your morning coffee or evening relaxation. Inside, the condo features a modern layout with a comfortable living area, ideal for gathering with appreciated ones after a day of beach adventures.The master bedroom features a opulent king-sized bed, ensuring a restful nighttime's sleep. The second bedroom is ideal for the kids, with fun bunk beds that will surely make their stay memorable.Ready for some excitement? Take a plunge down the thrilling water slide into the spectacular outdoor pool or challenge your friends to a game of tennis on the courts. Feel like a round of mini-golf? We have that too! What's even better is we are located just steps from the pool and ocean! Our exterior condo could not be closer to the ocean, however there is no ocean view as we are located on the first floor. After a day of outdoor fun, gather around the grilles for a BBQ feast, For those looking to stay active, appreciate a game of ping pong or test your skills with the selection of yard games.When it's time to rinse off the sand and salt, the outdoor shower offers a invigorating way to end the day. And for cooler days or a change of scenery, the indoor pool provides the ideal spot for a swim.Finest of all, you're just steps away from the beach, accepting you to effortlessly savor days of sun, surf, and sand. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, our beach rental offers the ideal blend of comfort and excitement for an memorable vacation! We even have a dishwasher and an in-unit washer and dryer!Parking for two cars only. Guests must display a parking pass in their cars at all times on property.An valid photo ID and signed rental agreement is required to finalize booking.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
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.

Keystone West West - Emerald Isle Paradi...
4.9
(71)

Striking 4 bedroom, 3and 1/2 bath half duplex sitting right on the beach. Nothing to do here except relax and savor the sea breezes from either of our 2 decks. Direct access to the beach and full backyard as an added additional but great for yard games and to keep the little ones entertained when you have had enough beach time.Renovations as of June 2023 include new floor throughout and all bathrooms refreshed. Top floor has impressive vistas from great room, open kitchen and enormous deck. Dining room table seats 8 plus 4 bar stools at kitchen island. Additionally, top floor also has queen bedroom with intelligent TV and full bath with shower.Middle level provides a queen bedroom with intelligent TV, twin room with 2 beds (with 1 trundle bed) and shared hall bathroom with walk in shower. Also on the middle level, master bedroom has direct access to deck facing the ocean. Master has 2 closets and TV with cable. Master bath includes dual vanity, soaking tub with separate shower. Full size washer and dryer on second level.First level family room provides additional living space with cable TV in case of a rainy day or additional guests with a pull out couch and half bath. Outdoor shower, covered picnic table and grilling area, and plenty of parking round out what this home has to offer.The home is also close to stores, eateries, aquarium, mini-golf courses and the Emerald Isle pier. Don t miss out on staying at this little slice of heaven!

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
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 music guaranteed to unleash your inner pirate. But be warned; we may need to enlist your expertise to man the water cannons and help defend our ship!

Relaxing Family Retreat · Poolside Dupl...
5.0
(2)

Sat-Sat units during summer and NO SUMMER CLEANING FEES!Escape the summer hordes and join Crystal Shoals Vacation Units at the Jackson located in the peaceful, family-friendly The Point neighborhood on Emerald Isle, NC. Totally modernized in 2021, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1/2 duplex sleeps 10 and offers 270 degrees of ocean, inlet, and sound vistas from multi-level decks - a ideal hideaway for multiple couples or families. This professionally maintained space is less than a one min. walk from access to the widest, most pristine beach on the Crystal Coast.The ground floor entryway offers plenty of storage and entirely furnished kid room for the little ones or the young-at-heart. Up the stairs on the second level, guests will find a huge king room, one double room, and one bunk room featuring a twin over full bunk bed with a twin trundle below - all with plenty of closet space to hold a week's-worth of bathing suits and beachwear and a shared, full bath. At the end of the hallway, an broad master suite with a wrap-around private deck is ideal for calming to the sounds of ocean. Natural light fills the third floor from sizable windows or sliding glass doors on every wall. The well-appointed kitchen has everything you'll need to make a home-cooked meal while you savor incredible sound vistas over top the local Coast Guard station. This level also boast a huge living room and dining area that opens to a massive deck, ideal for relaxing after dinner. Just 70 feet from the drive way is a public access to the biggest, widest beach on the Crystal Coast. You'll be hard-pressed to find another second or third row property with such ease-of-access to the beach. The receding tide reveals some of the best sea shell finds on the island. Carry your finds, along with all the family beach gear, back to property with the included beach wagon. Choose the beach or our beautiful 16’x30’ LED-lit pool. Shared by both sides of the duplex, this pool is as enormous as most condominium pools with its sprawling 42’x46’ turfed deck, ample swimming space, and a large wading area for little ones or sun bathing - big enough to accommodate everybody in your group. This addition gives you the option of the beach or the pool as a place to relax and cool off, so come swim with us this summer! Please note that this pool is not heated. Guest appreciate complimentary, on-site parking. Guest enjoy complimentary, high-speed internet throughout the property. The property has two sets of stairs that may be difficult for some guests to navigate. The entrances and parking lot are under 24/7 video surveillance for your security. There are no cameras inside the home or private areas.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
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 off the sand. Featuring a bowling alley, sports bar, arcade, and a sister miniature golf course – (the Golfin’ Dolphin) - visitors can expect plenty of good times when they make an outing to this all-around fun amusement center.

2br Loft River Fun for the Whole Family!

Summary:New Bern, a beautiful city founded in 1710, is home to Fairfield Harbour, a community located on the banks of the Neuse River. Fairfield Harbour offers an array of amenities, including land and water sports, river cruises, live entertainment, and opportunities to discover New Bern's 300 years of historical treasures.The Space:At Fairfield Harbour step into your new home away from home. You'll appreciate your 2 bedroom Loft that is 1500 sq ft! The master bedroom has a queen bed, an attached en suite and jetted tub. The second bedroom and loft have 4 twin beds. The living room has a queen couch beds. This Loft can accommodate up to 8 guests!  A full kitchen and a dining room, accepts you the option to prepare your own meals and appreciate the convenience of dining in. It also includes a washer and dryer in-unit. With all the necessary amenities, and so much fun to have at the resort, you're sure to make many incredible memories! Photos may not be of the specific suite you are renting and your suite may vary slightly from the photos.Guest Access:The Harbour Pointe Golf Course is open. The Shoreline Golf Course is closed. Please contact the guest services staff for more informationActivities CenterActivities DeskArcade GamesBarbecue AreaBasketballBoat DockBoat Launching RampBoat Slips (Fee)Bocce BallCasual DiningCatch-And-Release PondKids's PlaygroundConcierge ServicesConference RoomFire PitExercise CenterGame RoomGift ShopGolf Course (18-Hole)Golf Driving RangeHorseshoesHot Tub (Indoor)LakeLaundry FacilitiesLive EntertainmentLocker RoomsMarinaMiniature Golf (Outdoor)Movie UnitsPicnic AreaPool CabanaSaunaSunbathing AreaSwimming Pool (Heated/Indoor)Swimming Pool (Outdoor/Seasonal)Tennis CourtVolleyball CourtWi-Fi Internet AccessSome may incur a fee You expressly understand and agree that the resort may charge your credit card for any violation of the resort’s Rules and Regulations, including but not limited to violations of the smoking and pet policies and any damages to your room or the resort caused by you or your guests. Any violation of the resort’s Rules and Regulations may result in additional fines and penalties, including but not limited to the right to remove you and your guests from the resort premises without a refund.Family Animals are not allowed.Daily housekeeping might be available at an additional charges.No shows and early departures will not receive a refund. The entire balance (100%) will be forfeited.This is a non-smoking resortThe Neighborhood:Here are a few activities you can savor in New Bern:Bicycle UnitsBoatingKids's ActivitiesFishingGolfMuseumsGetting Around:Grocery store within 15 mins. Car recommended: some activities within walking distance, but most of resort is a campus-like settingBeach is about an hour’s drive awayIf you are using your car's GPS system or an online mapping service for driving directions, please enter the following address: 475 Broad Creek Road New Bern, NC 28560Other Things to Note:This is a time-share resort. You will be a guest of the owner. You might be offered a gift for listening to the Wyndham timeshare presentation. This is NOT obligatory.Photos and descriptions are accurate but might not match your exact room. Similar to a hotel, condos are assigned at check-in. Upon arrival, you may request a specific building, floor, or view, and the resort staff will do their best to accommodate based on availability

  • New Bern
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
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, shorelines, and on-the-water views. The Crystal Coast Lady is equipped with a snack bar, and 2 restrooms onboard. 

Crystal Coast Museums

Considering that the Crystal Coast has centuries of history as well as one of the most unique environments along the North Carolina coastline, it should come as no surprise that the region is home to an array of fascinating and thoroughly engaging museums. For a fun and educational rainy day activity, (or just a little excuse to get out of the sun), be sure you check out these “must see” museums that are found throughout the Crystal Coast.

Suits Us Too - 3BR, 2BA - soundside in E...

Find ample amenities to make your vacation way beyond suitable when you stay at Suits Us Too! With its Soundside location convenient to downtown Emerald Isle's stores, eateries, and activities, this 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Home is waiting for your next fun-filled family beach trip!Central Heat and Air and ceiling fans throughout keep you cool in the summer heat! The main entry deck ramp makes for simple access into the open floorplan layout including the living area with Intelligent TV and Double Sleeper Couch; Wireless High Speed Internet; and well equipped Kitchen with Oven, Fridge with Attached Ice Maker, Microwave, Dishwasher, Coffee Bar with Keurig Coffee Maker, Wine Fridge, Ice Cream Maker, Toaster Oven, Slow Cooker, Blender, and Air Fryer!Bedroom #1 is a Master Bedroom with Queen bed, Intelligent TV, and private en suite bath with separate tub and walk-in shower. Bedroom #2 provides a Double bed, Intelligent TV, and mermaid theme. Bedroom #3 offers a Twin over Double Bunk Bed and Intelligent TV. A shared full hall bath is also supplied.Interior Laundry Room with Washer/Dryer for your convenience. Appreciate family time in the Rec/Game Room wih Intelligent TV, have your favorite beverages at the Tiki Bar, appreciate the oceanside breeze on the Screened Porch or Open Deck areas, and sit by the fireside at the Fire Pit in the Enclosed Yard. Gas Grille for your use is ideal for your surf and turf cuisine. Outside Shower with Hot and Cold Water and Off Street Paved Driveway Parking simply add to this home's appeal.The Sun Room is an exterior room with a portable air conditioner that is designed to heat and cool the space. However, it is not expected to keep the room comfortable in extreme temperatures.Linens and towels supplied with Beds Made for Weekly and Nightly stays.No Smoking.Don't forget your canine family! Up to 2 Dogs Accepted with All-Inclusive Pet Policy for Weekly and Nightly stays - No fee! It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure that they clean up after their family pets (i.e., picking up waste from property grounds). Should the guest fail to do so, an additional fee of $100 will be charged to the credit card on file. Rents Weekly Sunday - Sunday. Year Round Nightly Stays 4 nighttime minimum mid-June to mid-July; 3 nighttime minimum otherwise.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card included at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Beaufort Retreat, with pool, pickle ball...
5.0
(17)

The coastal-themed 1,877-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3-1/2-bath townhome is in Beau Coast Resort, a gorgeous new community designed for the ultimate vacation lifestyle.The community has a clubhouse, pickle ball, and resort-style pool. In or near the clubhouse, you will find a local deli with great craft beers and wines, outdoor dining and a fire pit, corn hole boards, a shuffleboard table, ping-pong tables, a community kayak dock, and more to make your vacation memories.The owners have over 400 5-star reviews on this and two other personal rental properties.Beaufort Retreat at Beau Coast Resort offers everything you would want in a coastal resort. This 3-story townhome has three bedrooms, each with its connected full bath and 43-inch wall-mounted intelligent TVs. - Bedroom 1 (3rd level): King bed, desk, TV- Bedroom 2 (3rd level): Bunk bed, TV- Bedroom 3 (1st level): Queen bed, desk, TVThe home can sleep six adults or four adults and three kids comfortably. It has an open floorplan common area on the 2nd floor with a completely equipped kitchen, living room with 65-inch intelligent TV, dining area, and half bath. There is a grille on the 1st level patio and a washer and dryer on the 3rd level.High-speed Internet is supplied with mesh wireless access points on all three floors. If you must catch up with work, there are desks in two bedrooms equipped with monitors.There is a single-car garage and space for one car in the driveway. Additional street parking is available around the corner if needed.Downtown Beaufort is a short bicycle ride away if you want to bring your bicycles or rent from a local vendor. You can also bring or rent kayaks to launch in the Beau Coast community pond or on Taylor's Creek from the Beau Coast community dock.Bicycles, beach chairs, and beach towels are available from BikeBeaufort. They have both delivery and pick up.Traveling with modest kids? We know how difficult that can be! Ask us about our partnership with BabyQuip - the nation's #1 infant equipment rental company. Other things to noteYou will be visiting in an established community. Have fun, but keep the noise down after 11 PM so everybody can appreciate the next day!

  • Beaufort
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
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 best shelling destinations on the East Coast. 

Crystal Coast Vacation Rentals

Visitors who are heading to the Crystal Coast will find a scattering of hotels and motels throughout the shoreline and inland communities, but will soon discover that the primary type of accommodations available are vacation rentals. Located all along the Crystal Coast beaches from Atlantic Beach to the town of Emerald Isle, a vacation rental is the generally preferred accommodations option for vacationers thanks to ample space, exceptional locales close to the water, and plenty of homes and condos to choose from.

Gorgeous Townhome w\/Ocean Views
  • Atlantic Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
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 shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.

The 7 Best Beach Chairs 2025

You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.

Ocean front Condo with ocean views, beac...

Southwinds, Unit H13Our calendar is refreshed in real-time & our nightly prices are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'Located right in the middle of all of the Crystal Coast's action, the Southwinds Condominiums offer a comfortable, extravagant, and family-friendly hideaway! When you aren't utilizing the resort's shared grille or pool, check out the plethora of world-acclaimed attractions close by including the North Carolina Aquarium, Fort Macon State Park, and the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk. Inside, the sun-filled living room offers a pleasant space to sit back and relax with those you appreciate. When you aren't hanging out here, sit on the water view balcony, or prepare up some tasty treats in the well-equipped kitchen. Central air-conditioning and a private washer/dryer ensure that you have all of the amenities you need to make your vacation great! Things to KnowFree/Paid parking for 2 car(s) allowed. The parking permits must be displayed on the dash of cars.Check in time: 4:00 pm.Check out time: 10:00 am.All guests shall abide by Vacasa’s good neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.No smoking is allowed anywhere on the premises.This property is managed by Vacasa North Carolina LLC.Parking notes: There is complimentary parking available for 2 cars.This rental is located on floor 3.Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4

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 the area’s beaches and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this collection of historic homes is fascinating reminder of the island’s former prominence as a small coastal community.

settings->site_id=='1') { ?>