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Cape Lookout National Seashore
History comes alive at Cape Lookout National Seashore, where a unique lady at the helm has been navigating seafarers since the mid-1800s. Cape Lookout Lighthouse, aka “the Diamond Lady,” stands 163 feet tall, ensuring its light can be seen at least 12 miles out to sea. Though it’s currently closed to climbers, don’t let this stop you from admiring its beauty, especially at night when it sheds one of Cape Lookout’s only lights in this International Dark Sky Park. If you’re visiting April through September, stop in at the Keepers’ Quarters Museum to learn about the daily lives of those who called this historic building home. Up for a more adventurous visit? Tour Cape Lookout via UTVs provided by Island Express Ferry Services.
Shackleford Banks
As the Diamond Lady watches over the Shackleford Banks (the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore), look for one of the continent’s oldest documented populations: a herd of more than 100 wild horses. While humans also once lived here, it’s unclear whether these beauties were left behind or if they’re the descendants of Spanish horses from centuries ago. While you’re admiring their wild beauty, just remember to keep at least 50 feet between yourself and the horses.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center
Pro tip: Both Cape Lookout and the Shackleford Banks are only accessible by boat or passenger ferry. If you're hopping on in Harkers Island, stop into the Cape Lookout Visitors Center beforehand for an interactive map, kids games and more informational materials on the area. Plus, adjacent to the visitors center is the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Waterfowl decoys, hunting memorabilia, community exhibits, rare books and periodicals, a lookout tower and so much more are all on display at this museum celebrating Core Sound life.
Beaufort
Named one of "America's Best Small Towns" by Travel + Leisure, Beaufort’s a charming town you’ll want to make time for with its acclaimed restaurants, strollable harbor and great shopping. History lovers can also visit an ancient jail, former county courthouse and the original cemetery at Beaufort Historic Site. While there, opt for a self-guided walking tour, or hop aboard a double-decker city tour bus to explore this district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Morehead City
Stroll the working waterfront of Morehead City, where Sugarloaf Island is well within view. Once a railroad and shopping hub, this Main Street America-accredited port city welcomes you at its scenic waterfront Jaycees Park. Wander the water’s edge dotted with dive shops, charters and public art — including a larger-than-life sculpture of King Neptune (photos encouraged). Once inside the city, admire the coastal cottages and historic buildings among the bounty of restaurants, pubs and galleries. Prefer sea over land? Just offshore, the Graveyard of the Atlantic delivers a rush for dive enthusiasts, with up-close encounters with marine life and haunting views of WWII-era shipwrecks.
Atlantic Beach
In this popular waterfront town — home to one of Coastal Living magazine’s picks for best beaches in the Southeast — there’s fun to be found on and off the sand. For classic beach activities, follow a circular stretch of road in the heart of Atlantic Beach known as the Circle. Lined by local eateries, shops and amusement rides, the Circle also sports three seasonal lifeguard stands, volleyball courts and a playground. If casting a line is part of your plans, the nearby Oceanana Pier reaches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, offering prime access to a variety of fish and unbeatable ocean views. As the sun sets, nightlife hops with hot spots galore.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The largest of North Carolina’s three aquariums, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, sits just west of Atlantic Beach and features more than 50 exhibits showcasing 4,000-plus animals. Watch river otters play, look a shark in the eye or feel the spray of a mountain waterfall in an expansive exhibit that takes you from North Carolina’s mountaintops to the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. For a closer look at local ecosystems, explore the nearby Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area’s trails.
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle’s colorful beach homes of every size dot the 12 miles of pristine shoreline. These homes sport amenities such as pools, hot tubs and movie rooms that make it the perfect place to lounge after a day in the sun. Add in watersports, beach days and fishing off the Bogue Inlet Pier, and you’ve got the makings of a family tradition that spans generations.
Fort Macon State Park
Head to Bogue Banks to find one of North Carolina’s most visited state parks, Fort Macon State Park. It offers an immersive history lesson alongside protected natural habitats on the eastern end of Atlantic Beach. Start at the perfectly restored 19th-century Civil War fort presenting battle re-enactments during summer months and daily guided tours. Then the nearby Elliot Coues Trail invites you to walk or bike the 3.2-mile singletrack trail looping around dunes, maritime forests, and marshes with beachside views and soundside boardwalks. Cool off afterward with a swim on the lifeguarded beach, complete with bathhouse and picnic tables.
A vacation well-spent on the Crystal Coast is clearly a breeze with ideas like these.
This article was produced in partnership with Crystal Coast Tourism.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Stop 2
Shackleford Banks
Stop 3
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center
Stop 4
Beaufort
Stop 5
Morehead City
Stop 6
Atlantic Beach
Stop 7
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Stop 8
Emerald Isle
Stop 9