Beach Access

Bogue Banks, where most beach communities are located, is actually a continuous barrier island approximately 25.4 miles long. Public access to the Crystal Coast beautiful beaches can be found along NC Highway 58. Public Beach Access areas are marked with signs that feature blue letters and a sea gull flying in an orange circle. Some access areas have gates that are opened at dawn and closed at dusk; others allow driving on the beach with certain restrictions. Parking availability varies at these access points. Some access points offer restroom and shower facilities.

Several fishing piers and hotels along the island allow for seasonal or paid parking and access. There are numerous additional access points located along Bogue Banks for the overnight cottage renter or similar-type visitor.

Many of these accesses are furnished with wooden walkways, ramps, or overlooks.

Bathhouse at Fort Macon State Park

The picnic area and bathouse at Fort Macon is located on the right before getting to the fort at the end of the road. Provides 335 parking spaces, outside showers, informational kiosk, picnic gazebos, oceanfront gazebo, and bathroom facilities.

From June through Labor Day, a seaside bathhouse and refreshment stand are open and lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Because of strong water currents, visitors are encouraged to swim only in the protected area. Surfing is not allowed in the protected swimming area. Wading, swimming and surfing are not allowed on the inlet beaches.

East Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 726-3775

Blackskimmer Access

4-wheel Drive Access Point in the winter, single handicap parking space.

7500 Ocean Dr.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Cedar Street Park

(Located at the end of Cedar Street on the Sound Side). Parking Available for 10 cars with a pier and Public Sound Access. Launch your kayak from here!

7500 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Channel Drive Access

Provides 16 parking spaces and is located at intersection of Station St. & Coast Guard Road. Access the beach via Channel Dr.

11001 Station Street
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Clamdigger Inn Public Access

20 spaces, is located north of the Clamdigger Hotel at milepost 8.5 with an associated ocean access positioned along the western boundary of the Clamdigger property.

511 Salter Path Road
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Eastern Regional Access

The site of the former old Emerald Isle Pier and provides 245 parking spaces, a picnic gazebo, outdoor showers, bathrooms, and drink machines.

2700 Emerald Dr.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Emerald Woods Park

41-Acre park located off of Coast Guard Road, turn right before reaching Deer Horn Dunes. Walking trails and sound access. Seasons/Hours Open year round from sunrise to sunset.

7500 Emerald Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Fort & Inlet Access

Located at Fort Macon proper Fort & Inlet Access provides 267 parking spaces, bathroom facilities, and an overlook gazebo.

P.O.Box 127
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 726-3775

Hampton Inn & Suites Public Access

A public access along the western boundary of Atlantic Beach with associated parking located along Oakleaf Drive at its intersection with Hwy 58 (10 spaces).

121 Salter Path Road
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Harkers Island Beach Access

Water/Beach Access, no facilities or lifeguards; swim at your own risk.

131 Charles Street
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Indian Beach Regional Public Access

Includes 36 parking spaces and a 4-wheel drive access ramp

1425 Salter Path Road
Indian Beach, NC 28575
1-800-786-6962

Iron Steamer Public Access

A regional, oceanfront area (50 parking spaces) located just west of the former Iron Steamer fishing pier, near milepost 7.5 and includes a bathroom facility.

345 Salter Path Road
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Memorial Park Public Access

An oceanfront facility located just west of milepost 6 and includes 40 parking spaces, an overlook deck, and a picnic table.

201 Salter Path Road
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Ocean Club Access

10 spaces and access are located between The Ocean Club and Grande Villas Condominiums, milepost 11.5.

1701 Salter Path Road
Indian Beach, NC 28575
1-800-786-6962

Old IB Pier Access

An oceanfront facility with 10 parking spaces located at milepost 12

1831 Salter Path Road
Indian Beach, NC 28575
1-800-786-6962

Randy's Way Access

A single handicap parking space with beach access.

9519 Ocean Dr.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Salter Path Regional Public Beach Access

It includes 75 parking spaces, outside showers, picnic tables, and bathrooms located within the Roosevelt State Park area.

1050 Salter Path Road
Salter Path, NC 28575
1-800-786-6962

Sea Isle Plantation Access

(10 spaces) located in wooded area just east of milepost 10

770 Salter Path Road
Indian Beach, NC 28575
1-800-786-6962

Station Street Park

Beach access with parking area

11001 Coast Guard Road
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

The Les and Sally Moore Public Beach Access

Provides 50 parking spaces, bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and outside showers.

177 New Bern Street
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Third Street Access

Furnishes 10 parking spaces in addition to a handicap ramp and an overlook picnic area.

305 Ocean Dr.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Tom Doe Memorial Beach Access

Located on Ocean Boulevard and features outdoor showers, restroom, a foot-washing station, handicap ramp, handicap parking and beach playground. Additional parking along Henderson Boulevard.

205 Atlantic Beach Causeway
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Town Creek Water Access

Town Creek Water Access is located behind the Airport at Turner Street and West Beaufort Road. The Access point offers 2 floating docks, fishing pier, 2 boat ramps and comfort station.

Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
1-800-786-6962

Trinity Center Public Access

Parking (20 spaces) is located underneath the water tower at the Indian Beach/Pine Knoll Shores town boundary, milepost 9.5

697 Salter Path Road
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

West Atlantic Boulevard/Circle Regional Access

Provides 64 parking spaces, bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and outside showers. Paid parking in the summer.

201 West Atlantic Blvd
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
1-800-786-6962

Western Regional Access

Provides 167 parking spaces including bathrooms, outdoor showers, volleyball courts, and a picnic gazebo.

299 Islander Dr.
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
1-800-786-6962

Wyndtree Access