Take a vacation to the breathtaking Crystal Coast of North Carolina and you’ll never want to go anywhere else! The Crystal Coast, includes Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, and has an 85 mile stretch of pristine coast line with endless things to do. Whether you’re looking for a day of sunbathing, kayaking out to witness the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, fishing the renowned North Carolina waterways, or taking a walking tour to explore the historically rich area, the Crystal Coast has these activities and more!
The colorful history of the cities and surrounding waters are available in museums, graveyards, lighthouses, and in over 2000 ships sunk just off the coast. The North Carolina Maritime Museum offers visitors to the Crystal Coast a glimpse into the areas rich history; including the treasures of Blackbeard’s renowned vessel the Queen Anne’s Revenge as well as an impressive collection of shells from coastlines around the world. For the Blackbeard enthusiast, head to the Hammock House in Beaufort, Blackbeard’s local hangout when he was not riding the seas aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge. And, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the shores of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, is both architecturally and historically significant to the area, and is open for viewing as well as a climb to the top! And don’t miss a visit to the Old Burying Ground, one of North Carolinas oldest cemeteries, and the permanent home to some of the areas colorful characters.
Looking for history below the surface? Often referred to as a “wreck drivers dream” and the “graveyard of the Atlantic”, the waters off the Crystal Coast are home to over 2000 ship wrecks. Many local dive shops offer diving excursions to vessels sunk during wartime skirmishes, with a highlight being the U-352 German U-boat, sent to its watery grave during WW II by the US Coast Guard. Seasoned divers visiting the Crystal Coast can visit the local dive shops for supplies, or join up with one of the chartered dive trips to one of the areas local diving treasures. With perfect water temperatures and visibility often reaching 75 feet, diving the Crystal Coast of North Carolina is a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the seas.
The Crystal Coast is a waterman’s paradise…and there’s no better way to explore the local waterways than by kayak or SUP. Great for families and couples you can paddle to small islands nestled close to the coast, and watch dolphins and pelicans in their natural habitat. Local outfitters offer guided tours as well as kayak fishing trips for groups that want the insiders scoop on native flora and aquatic life of the North Carolina coast.
And being a coastal community there are plenty of opportunities to rent a power boat, sail boat, or even a house boat and venture a little further from land. Crystal Coast Charters are also available if you prefer someone else behind the wheel. For those that want to sit back and relax, Crystal Coast boat charter companies offer dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises, and narrated cruises offering insight into the coastal ecosystems of the Crystal Coast. And while you are at the helm take advantage of the coastal towns and local Crystal Coast marinas, tie up, and grab a bite at one of the local restaurants. So whether you want to hoist the sails, or let someone navigate, the Crystal Coast offers a boating trip for any occasion.
And it’s no surprise that the Crystal Coast is home to world class fishing! The experienced captains of Crystal Coast fishing charters offer anglers fishing charters specializing in fly fishing, inshore and near shore, as well as deep sea sport fishing trips; and the warm waters of the Crystal Coast are home to grouper, Amberjack, sea bass, tuna, mahi, and the always popular redfish. Crystal Coast fishing charters have trips for all group sizes, schedules and budgets; and captains welcome all anglers from novice to the most experienced. The Crystal Coast has deep sea fishing charters and sport fishing charters for those that want to land the big one; and light tackle fishing trips often chartered on flats boats, so anglers can get up close and personal to fish hiding in the local waterways. So no matter what your fishing pleasure, Crystal Coast fishing charter captains know all the hiding spots and get you on the fish!
No matter what you choose to do while vacationing in the Crystal Coast the natural beauty is just outside you door. In addition to miles of white sandy beaches just waiting for you to set down your towel, there are quiet coastal tributaries teaming with local fish and water fowl; islands home to herds of wild horses, and 56 acre stretch of protected shore line, the Cape Lookout National Seashore. So whether you want to explore by bus, foot or fin the Crystal Coast is the vacation destination you’ve been waiting for.