Emerald Isle

Voted #1 North Carolina beach and named one of the best beaches on the East Coast, Emerald Isle is a family friendly beach destination that will have you kicking off your flip flops and relaxing with your toes in the sand. The southern beach town is located on Bogue Banks Island, part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, also referred to as the Southern Outer Banks.

Emerald Isle offers two main public beach access points. The Western Ocean Regional Access at Islander Dr features parking, showers, restrooms, volleyball, and lifeguards. The Eastern Ocean Regional Access at 2700 Emerald Dr features parking, restrooms, and showers.

The Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle is a popular fishing spot and place for a leisurely stroll while taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean. The on-site restaurant Surf’s Up Grill and Bar is located on the pier and also offers views of the ocean. Another local favorite restaurant is Gaffer’s, offering incredible dining, cocktails, and live music.

The Salty Pirate Waterpark is a locally owned business that has been around for generations. It offers lots of family fun for all ages! There are water slides for adults and kids and even a small pirate-themed splash area for the younger ones in the family.

For family fun just over the bridge in Cape Carteret, visit MacDaddy‘s. They have everything from a ropes course to mini golf, go karts, bowling, an arcade, and an on-site restaurant and sports bar.t.

Emerald Isle Woods Park has a disc golf course and a dock, plus a shoreline and beautiful quiet forest trails, including part of the North Carolina Birding Trail.