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2025 Nature Spots Guide

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Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

  • Featured Profile
  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-8687
  • Map it
Morehead City Ferry Service

Morehead City Ferry Service

  • Website

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...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-504-2488
  • Map it
Lookout Cruises

Lookout Cruises

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-504-7245
  • Map it
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-838-1167
  • Map it
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-7433
  • Map it
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

  • Website

The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 800-832-3474
  • Map it
Grayden Paul Park

Grayden Paul Park

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-2141
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Emerald Isle Woods Park

Emerald Isle Woods Park

  • Website

Emerald Isle vacationers don’t have to venture too far to discover an entirely different coastal environment via the community’s newest park, Emerald Isle Woods Park. Located just off of Coast Guard Road...

  • Emerald Isle
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Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

  • Website

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-838-0883
  • Map it
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

  • Website

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...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 252-726-3775
  • Map it
Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail

Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail

  • Website

An easy walk that is shaded year-round, and can be easily tackled by hikers of all abilities and in virtually any season, the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is a great way for newcomers to uncover the more secluded...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 252-393-8185
  • Map it
Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park

  • Website

Just west of the town of Emerald Isle, and across a maze of marshy terrain off the coast of mainland Swansboro, lies Hammocks Beach State Park, an incredible refuge for beach lovers who want to forego the crowds, and...

  • Swansboro
  • 910-326-4881
  • Map it

Island Water Sports

Island Water Sports is kid tested and family approved! Since 1988 Island Water Sports has been providing vacationers with premium watersports activities on the Crystal Coast in Emerald Isle, NC. We offer...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 252-247-7303
  • Map it

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-4129
  • Map it

Bicentennial Park

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
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Calico Creek Boardwalk

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...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-726-5083
  • Map it

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile long stretch of the Southern Outer Banks barrier island terrain that runs from Ocracoke Inlet to the northeast side of Beaufort Inlet. Comprised of three separate islands...

  • Harkers Island
  • 252-728-2250
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Cape Lookout Village Historic District

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...

  • Harkers Island
  • 252-728-2250
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Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a Mecca for coastal fishermen, hunters, birdwatchers, and everyday explorers, thanks to miles of undeveloped terrain in a uniquely coastal location. Found just northeast of...

  • Cedar Island
  • 252-225-2511
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Conchs Point

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...

  • Morehead City
  • 252-726-5083
  • Map it

Fishermen's Park

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-723-9063
  • Map it

Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp

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...

  • Beaufort
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Lazy Livin Yacht Tours

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-241-7828
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Patsy Pond Nature Trail

Emerald Isle vacationers can take a quick trip across the bridge to the beach to enjoy a scenic trek through a coastal component of the Croatan National Forest with a visit to the Patsy Pond Nature Trail. Located just...

  • Newport
  • 252-393-8185
  • Map it

Radio Island Beach Access

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.

  • Beaufort
  • 252-808-3301
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Riverview Park

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...

  • Swansboro
  • 28584
  • Map it

Shackleford Banks

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...

  • Beaufort
  • Map it

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition offers guests a chance to explore the best of nature on the Cape Lookout National Seashore.Board a ferry for a short, enjoyable road to the shore. Then spend a few...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-504-2628
  • Map it

The Point

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...

  • Emerald Isle
  • Map it

Thorofare Bridge

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...

  • Cedar Island
  • Map it

Topsail Marine Memorial Park

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...

  • Beaufort
  • 252-728-2141
  • Map it
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