There are plenty of ways to see the beautiful sights in Emerald Isle. Hopefully, it's not just a drive-by in your car as you go out for dinner. The island and the town itself deserve more attention than that! This 13-mile stretch of the most westernmost portion of Bogue Banks, a barrier island paradise, is well worth exploring. Emerald Island offers abundant coastal scenery in a variety of forms from sand and sea to lush greenery here in the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Here are my favorite ways to see the town and its surroundings by land. Maybe I'll do a follow-up to this post with the best ways to see Emerald Isle by sea and by air, too? Stay tuned!
Run It!
A run on the beach is like nothing else! Crashing waves, salty sea air and coastal breezes surround you as your feet make impressions in the sand. You can't beat the views, that's for sure. Whether you run on our beautiful stretch of beach, on the streets in town, or on our local hiking trails, you're sure to find the scenery to be captivating. Your options are limitless when it comes to running on our island; it's really a matter of preference. Map My Run is an app that gives you running routes, distances, elevations and descriptions so you'll have a good idea of what to expect before you go.If you're more of a trail runner, Emerald Isle and the surrounding Crystal Coast area offer at least eight trail circuits.
For the more competitive runners, the Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K could be right up your alley. These races happens late in March or early in April and offers flat and fast courses in the perfect setting while benefiting two great causes. More than 1500 runners registered last year, so it keeps getting bigger and better every time. Enjoy the island beauty as you achieve your running goals on an early spring morning in Emerald Isle at the race.
Walk It
Walking through Emerald Isle is also a wonderful way to see the town, spend time on the beach, and enjoy the breathtaking coastal sunrises and sunsets. Again, your walking options are limitless here. The above-mentioned Crystal Coast hiking trails are also great places to walk, as well as run or bike. Step out of your home and start walking to see where you end up! The next day, choose the opposite direction and have another new adventure.
The Emerald Isle Community Center offers a Spring Walking Club every Friday morning at 9a.m. from April 1 through May 20. Meet up with local friends and neighbors in Emerald Isle for a sociable and healthy walk. The route is different each and every week and covers about 2-3 miles, beginning and ending at the Emerald Isle Community Center. It's free and open to everyone of every age. (Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guarding, though.) What a great way to start the day! No excuses!Bike It
Bike It!
Cycling along the Crystal Coast is an awesome way to see the natural beauty while getting some good old-fashioned fresh air and exercise. The Emerald Path is approximately 11 miles of biking bliss that runs from the Indian Beach town limits all the way to The Point at Bogue Inlet. The path winds through grassy areas along Coast Guard Road to Loon Drive, snakes through wooded areas from Loon Drive to the Welcome Center, meanders through the downtown district and passes the Municipal Complex at Black Skimmer Drive and ends at the eastern town limits. The bike path provides an alternative means of transportation to key destinations in Emerald Isle, as well as providing an additional recreational opportunity in town. It's not restricted to only bikes but also open to joggers, walkers and in-line skaters. There aren't any motorized vehicles allowed on the path, so it's perfect for all of the above-mentioned.
Think about joining in on the annual Bike the Banks event in Emerald Isle held each May. The event features three rides of varying length, all beginning at the Emerald Isle Community Center. Cyclists can choose from the 10-mile Fun Run along the bicycle and pedestrian path in Emerald Isle; the Fort Macon 50-miler a roundtrip ride to Fort Macon along Highway 58; or the Crystal Coast Century, a 100-mile roundtrip to Cape Lookout.
As you can see, whether you run it, walk it, or bike it—Emerald Isle gives you plenty of exciting and healthful opportunities to see the town, its beaches and the surrounding areas. Take full advantage next time you're here! To learn more about Emerald Isle, NC go to my website and request my free Guide to Living Where You Vacation or text your email address to: 919-308-2292. And subscribe to my YouTube channel, Emerald Isle Vacation Home Specialist.
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