Summertime transforms North Carolina’s Crystal Coast into the ultimate location for creating new memories for thousands of vacationers and locals, alike. And, as a local, I am here to fill you in on the many fun-filled activities and beautiful attractions Emerald Isle and the surrounding communities have to offer. While delicious restaurants like my Flip Flops Donut shop speak for themselves, my video today is all about the hidden gems that inspire those who call the southern Outer Banks their home.
First, known for its Diamond Lady and wild Banker Horses, Cape Lookout National Seashore is popular with locals and visitors due to its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. This 56-mile section of the Crystal Coast boasts a variety of activities for vacationers to explore and enjoy. The miles of uninterrupted beaches, the wild horses, green marshland and soft waves create the perfect serene atmosphere. The shallow water is ideal for kayaking through the inlets and creeks, while providing a close-up view of the birds and marine life. The Cape is also known for offering some of the best surf fishing on the east coast where many can cast a line with a peaceful backdrop that is hard not to enjoy. For those who choose to stay on the shore, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and relax. If you’re up for a challenge, be sure to climb up the lighthouse while you visit. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is open seasonally to climbers from mid-May through mid-September. Be sure to purchase your day pass in advance and pack a bottle of water for this experience!
Second, while you’re visiting the Crystal Coast, make sure to add Shackleford Banks to your vacation itinerary. This beautiful island is a premier spot for shelling and beachcombing. Shackleford Banks is a perfect location for catching a glimpse of some of the rarest and most beautiful birds native to the Crystal Coast area as well as migratory shore birds and water birds. These graceful creatures provide great insight into how the undeveloped landscape and nature work hand in glove. Getting to Shackleford Banks is also an exciting experience since the coastal island is only accessible by ferry. Once you arrive, keep an eye out for the 4-legged locals! Shackleford Banks is the natural habitat for more than 110 horses. After spending the day exploring the 9 miles of beaches and maritime forest, head to the shoreline for a quick dip in the water to cool off before making your way back on the ferry.
There’s more to the Crystal Coast than soft sand and refreshing waves. In the charming community of Beaufort lies a little bit of untouched nature at the Rachel Carson Reserve. This more than 2,000-acre area is home to a mixture of North Carolina’s wildlife and Atlantic coastline. More than 200 different kinds of birds call the reserve home. The area is also known to have wild horses that were brought there in the 1940s. Be sure to admire the coastal waters too, you might get a visit from some bottlenose dolphins or a friendly sea turtle! Don’t forget to pack your binoculars to get a closer look, and as always, please refrain from feeding or touching any wildlife you come across while visiting.
Just a few miles away from downtown Morehead City is Sugar Loaf Island. The natural, untapped environment of the island will transport you to another world. Getting to this hidden treasure is an adventure in itself. Nestled within Bogue Sound, the best way to get there is by launching a kayak or canoe from a nearby dock. Once there, you’ll be able to hike nature trails, enjoy the breathtaking Sound views and possibly catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Sugar Loaf Island’s peaceful atmosphere will leave you feeling refreshed and eager to explore other unique locations.
Such as the undeveloped barrier land of Hammock Beach State Park on Bear Island. As you unwind and relax on one of the most peaceful East Coast beaches in the area, you’ll fall in love with the bluest waters that the coast has to offer. Bear Island is an experience for the whole family offering a wide assortment of activities. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board from a local shop nearby and hit the water for a day of fun. You’ll witness an astonishing three miles of undeveloped oceanfront, and a wonderland of marshland and creeks. As your day comes to a close, you may even catch an unforgettable sunset over the marshland in this area.
If you find sand dollars fascinating, Sand Dollar Island is just for you. This island is situated between Carrot Island and Shackleford Banks and has a reputation for having a treasure trove of sand dollars along its shoreline. The best time to find these coastal treasures is during low tides so be sure to plan your visit then.
Radio Island, in Morehead City, is an ideal destination for many outdoor enthusiasts. This breathtaking island provides you with a calm and refreshing beach with shallow waters, perfect for water sports, fishing and swimming. This quaint island is great for families looking to spend the day soaking up the sun!
To learn more about hidden gems and buying real estate in Emerald Isle and the Crystal Coast, go to www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com.
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