Beaufort, North Carolina (Crystal Coast)

Beaufort – Award-winning Beaufort is the ideal Americana beach town. The quaint beach-town vibe, eclectic stores, and tours to local islands with wild horses make Beauford a memorable beach vacation.

• Crystal Coast Lady – With several tour options, you can see wild horses, look for dolphins, or watch the sunset. Snacks, beverages, bathrooms and lots of seating on board make this my favorite tour. The captains were knowledgeable and engaging.
• Wild Horses – See wild horses, whose ancestors swam ashore after escaping sinking ships headed for the Americas, on an island by taking the Crystal Coast Lady tour, or Island Express Ferry Service (authorized by the National Park Service) to the Shackelford Banks, where the horses roam, on this uninhabited island. Remember to pack in and out your needs for the day. Rent a paddle board or UTV.
• Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitors Center – Closed during winter months, the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitors Center, once a Post Office, now hosts historical museum quality art from the 1940s government initiative to make art accessible to all people in the image of the local culture and lifestyle. There are also a few installations about the local wild horses and wildlife. Hike the Willow Pond Loop self-guided trail. Be sure to take bug spray when entering the marshes. Mosquitoes can be aggressive in these areas.
• Carrot Island – Carrot Island, part of the Rachel Carson Reserve, is located across from the Beaufort Inlet and only accessible by private boat or ferry. Rent kayaks to Carrot Island, walk the trails, look for wild horses and other wildlife. The short boardwalk from the water offers an opportunity to see a variety of bird species.
• Maritime Museum – The Maritime Museum shows an exemplary movie about the recovery of Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and displays many artifacts from the recovery mission.
• Beaufort Water Sports – Ten minutes of flying, high above the sparkling waters of Beaufort and you’ll be hooked on the adventures of parasailing. Beaufort Water Sports provides memories that last a lifetime.
• Beaufort Cart Tours – With many tours to choose from, Beaufort Cart Tours will transport you in a five-seat golf cart, with an experienced guide to some of Beaufort’s historic and noteworthy sites.
• Hungry Town Tours – Walk, bike, sip and snack your way through culinary or historical tours year-round, with many tours to choose from.

Emerald Isle – Stunning grass-filled dunes, pristine sand beaches, and clear waters make Emerald Isle a premier beach destination. After a day of walking for miles on this soft-sand beach until sunset, collecting seashells, sitting in your beach chairs with your toes in the water, you will know why Emerald Isle is the gem of the Crystal Coast.

• Swansboro, NC – A small town just before the intracoastal bridge leading to Emerald Isle, is a great place for shopping and dining. My favorite store was The Sweetest Spot a candy wonderland with an old-style carousel, 50 ice cream flavors, homemade fudge, and even dog treats. I couldn’t stop smiling as the lights, sounds, and decorations brought me “sweet” joy.
• The Bougue Inlet Pier and Beach – The Bogue Inlet Pier is a great place to park for a fee (often no fee in off season). You can walk onto the beach from this entry point or onto the pier for a small fee to enjoy the expansive views of the ocean.
• Pedego Bike Rentals – Pedal your way to Emerald Isle’s beach, shops, and restaurants with Pedego electric bike rentals. Electric bikes are so much fun and Pedego bikes are the premier electric bike brand. Be sure to pedal to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop for a sweet treat.
• North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores – Located a short drive away in nearby Pine Knoll Shores, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores allows you to engage in animal encounters with behind-the-scenes tours. The new Eagle Landing exhibit, a 3,000 sq ft enclosure housing Uwohali and Shagoie Watha, two flightless non-releasable Eagles, is a must-see. Hike the nearby Roosevelt and Hoffman trails, 1.2 and .5 miles, which can only be accessed during aquarium hours.

Surf City – Located on Topsail Island, nesting ground for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, boasts a sublime pier and beautiful public beaches. 

• The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center – Learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, and release program at The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Take a guided tour from one of the expert staff members. You can also support the Rehab Center by adopting a turtle, as we did, pictured above. You can receive a certificate and photo of the turtle you adopt. 
• Surf City Pier – For a small fee, go to the end of the Surf City Pier for an amazing view! Walk the beach, dip your toes in the water, relax and rejuvenate in the sun.

Oriental – Oriental is the sailing capital of North Carolina. To highlight its Oriental flare, the town embraces the dragon as its mascot, including an annual dragon dance to bring in the new year. Downtown Oriental is small, but the shops and hospitality are first class. This town makes a great afternoon outing. 

• Marsha’s Cottage – Marsha’s Cottage sells comfortable ladies’ apparel, easy to dress up or down, for every occasion, made with quality materials.
• The Village Gallery – Looking for an art-worthy card to tell someone you care? The Village Gallery has artistic handmade cards, gifts, jewelry, and art by local artists.
• Art Works Oriental – A collective artistic studio, Art Works Oriental, allows you to watch artists at work and commission custom pieces or just bask in the limitless talent of these nationally recognized artists. While you’re visiting, take a class and learn the artists’ techniques.