The Crystal Coast - Southern Outer Banks®

The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of beaches known as the Southern Outer Banks. The collection of beaches and towns offers a unique blend of history, family fun, water sports and natural areas. Explore our beaches and activities sections to find areas that appeal to you. Once you choose which areas you'll be visiting on your stay, browse restaurants, venues, places to stay and more to customize your vacation.

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Deals & Specials

Find the perfect addition to your next vacation

oceanfront beach homes along the coastline

Atlantic Beach

Surf, sand and fun are just the beginning at the Crystal Coast’s Atlantic Beach. With easy beach access to one of Coastal Living Magazine’s “Best Beaches” and a...

Places To Stay Things To Do Water Activities Beach Access Restaurants

stairs leading down to the beach on a sunny day

Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle greets Crystal Coast visitors at the western end of Bogue Banks, offering 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean...

Places To Stay Things To Do Water Activities Beach Access Restaurants

An aerial view of a boardwalk on the street with the sun setting in the distance

Beaufort

Named by Travel + Leisure as “America’s Favorite Town” among other accolades, Beaufort brings even more to the table than meets the eye. Dock your boat at a...

Places To Stay Things To Do Restaurants

Morehead City

Things are happening in Morehead City and there couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of this vibrant waterside town! The largest community of the Crystal...

Places To Stay Things To Do Restaurants

a view across the marshland with a horse and lighthouse in the distance

Cape Lookout

Cape Lookout National Seashore offers 56 miles of enticing, undeveloped beach sand, accessible only by boat. The crowned jewel of the area is Cape Lookout...

Places To Stay Things to Do

a boardwalk down to the beach on a sunny day

Pine Knoll Shores

Falling just west of bustling Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores offers a series of condominium accommodations, houses and a few hotels, all nestled into the...

Places To Stay Things To Do Beach Access

two shrimp boats docked as the sun sets in the background

Harkers Island

Harkers Island has the honor of hosting both the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center and the Core Sound Waterfowl and History Museum along its shores,...

Places To Stay Things to Do Restaurants

Salter Path

Located in the middle of Bogue Banks at its narrowest part, Salter Path offers easy access to both the beach and sound for recreation and relaxation.

Places To Stay Things to Do Restaurants

a shell on the railing of a boardwalk leading down to the beach

Indian Beach

Indian Beach is located in the middle of Bogue Banks, in between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. Public beach access is available to this pristine sand at...

Things to Do Beach Access

Down East

Down East refers to the rural waterfront communities east of Beaufort that begins at the North River Bridge, which offer a slower pace of life and picturesque...

Places To Stay Things to Do Restaurants

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Newport

The Town of Newport is the friendly, welcoming “handshake” to the Crystal Coast, your primary point of entry from the west. If you are looking for family fun at...

Places To Stay Things to Do Restaurants Restaurants

waterfront park with picnic tables on a sunny day

Cape Carteret

The Western Crystal Coast region (Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Stella, Pelletier and Newport) offers a relaxed, “down home” atmosphere conveniently located to...

Places To Stay Things To Do Restaurants

Explore the Crystal Coast

The Perfect Activity is Waiting for You

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Restaurants

Few experiences stir the senses like dining on freshly caught seafood along the ocean’s edge. Our long history of fishing combined with North Carolina’s rich culinary culture has...

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Water Activities

With more than 85 miles of coastline and a variety of waterways, the Crystal Coast is a playground for water sports activities throughout the year.

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Places To Stay

From quaint bed and breakfasts, outstanding hotels, historic beachfront homes, to cozy cottages by the sea — you’ll discover your castle near the sand, complete with exceptional...

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