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2025 New Bern Nature Spots Guide

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.

Pebble Beach A203, 3BR Condo ~ OCEAN FRO...

Dive into relaxation at this oceanfront condo on the second floor of the Pebble Beach Complex. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this beautiful getaway is ideal for families or groups seeking a coastal escape. The master bedroom features a comfortable queen bed, while the second bedroom offers another queen bed, and the third bedroom is furnished with two single beds.The condo is equipped with central air and heat, a entirely supplied kitchen complete with a dishwasher, microwave, and wet bar, and includes a washer and dryer for convenience. Families will appreciate the added highchair and booster seat, and there’s plenty of entertainment with four Intelligent TVs with Spectrum streaming, a DVD player, and a queen sleeper couch in the living room. Each bedroom opens onto a private balcony, and the furnished deck provides handsome vistas of the ocean and pool.Guests have access to an array of amenities within the complex, including complimentary Wi-Fi, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a weight room. Two parking spaces are available, and linens (linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels) are supplied with beds made upon arrival. Typically, units run from Sunday to Sunday, though flexible stays are allowed. Please note that this property is smoke-complimentary and pet-complimentary, ensuring a comfortable environment for all.Feel coastal comfort and style in this splendid oceanfront condo, where beachside relaxation awaits.Please note: Only two (2) gate cards and two (2) parking passes are supplied per reservation. Additional cards or passes are not available.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Kitty Hawk Kites

Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor recreation venture with more than 28 locations up and down the east coast! With more than 50 years of teaching the world to fly, Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to serve the Crystal Coast as a premier retailer of kites, wind art, toys, apparel, and accessories. Shop great brands like Reef, Prism, Natural Life, Yeti, HeyDude, and more! Visit our locations in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach today.

Pebble Beach B-306, Almost Oceanfront Co...

Pebble Beach B-306 is a Third Floor Almost Oceanfront 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo only 1 building from the ocean located in the the professionally landscaped Pebble Beach Oceanfront Gated Condominium Community off Coast Guard Road within walking distance to family theme parks, kiddy race tracks, arcades & eateries.The Living Area has a Flat Screen TV, Queen Sleeper Couch (linens not supplied) and an ocean view balcony with furnishings. Dining Area. Kitchen/Bar has a microwave & dishwasher.Master Bedroom has a Queen Bed, a Full Bath and an oceanview balcony. Bedroom #2 has a Queen Bed and a modest balcony. Bedroom #3 has 2 Twin Beds and a modest balcony. Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a Full Bath. Central Heat & Air. Ceiling fans in every bedroom! High Chair & Port-A-Crib!Community Conveniences:• Wireless Internet Access• 2 Outdoor Pools• Heated Indoor Pool• Kiddie Pool• Outside Showers• Tennis Courts• Exercise Center• Outdoor Grille and Picnic Area• Beach Access Walkway• The Pebble Beach 2,000 Sq. Ft. Oceanfront Clubhouse can be rented for family get-togethers, weddings, receptions, etc. through the Pebble Beach Home Owners Association if you are a registered guest at the community! Note:-Parking limited to 2 cars - 2 parking passes per rental.-No elevators.-No golf carts allowed.-No family pets allowed.-No boats, trailers, or towed items allowed. Linens and Towels supplied with Beds Made for Weekly stays. Note: Linens for QSS not included.No Smoking.No Animals.Rents Weekly only Saturday - Saturday.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card included at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway - Crystal Coast

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and is a favorite spot for families who want to have a little fun off the sand.

Cute cottage within walking distance to ...
4.8
(44)

This beautiful home, called "No Name Cottage", is located mins. from historic downtown Beaufort with a modern interior and all the amenities of home. Two bedrooms and one bathroom will comfortably accommodate 4. Ample off street parking. Giant fenced-in back yard with room to park a boat trailer if you're looking to spend time on the water, which can be accessed by the public boat ramp down the road. After a busy day on the town or the water, the peaceful backyard is ideal to relax by the fire pit, appreciate meals at the picnic table or read a book on the screened porch off of the master bedroom. Come relax at the Crystal Coast!

  • Beaufort
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.

Blue Crab Retreat, Almost Oceanfront Hou...

Blue Crab Retreat is a impressive 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, nearly oceanfront, coastal getaway located conveniently in the heart of Emerald Isle with access to many local eateries and stores.Blue Crab Retreat is sure to give you painless access to all that Emerald Isle has to offer, at just a short trip away! The beach access is located just across the street for a convenient walk to the shore any time you'd like! If you'd rather stay homebound, take a dip in the private pool, which can be heated for $650 per week at the guest's expense.Total linens includes two kings, two queens, and a double/twin bunk set. A king and two queens can be found on level one of the home. A king can be found on level two of the home. The double/twin bunk can be found on level three of the home. A full-size crib is also available in one of the ground level queen bedrooms.The kitchen and living area can be found on the ground level of the home.Ground Level: On this level, there is a king bedroom with ocean vistas and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. You will also find a queen bedroom with a full-size crib, with access to a full hall bathroom. The third ground level bedroom has a queen bed and ensuite bathroom. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are also on this level.Level One: This level features a sizable and cavernous master suite with a private balcony, handsome vistas of the ocean to be taken in at your leisure before even getting your coffee, and an extraordinary ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, jetted tub and enormous walk-in closet.The entirely-equipped gourmet kitchen has handsome granite countertops and is supplied with everything you need to keep your event eating well throughout your vacation including stainless steel appliances like a five-burner induction stove with double ovens, two fridges, a microwave, a dishwasher, and a stand-alone ice maker, which is great for filling up the cooler before heading off for a day of sand and sea! The kitchen also features a variety of extras including a waffle maker, a Keurig coffee maker, a wine cooler, a slow cooker, and a blender. You will find a vast pantry with tons of open storage. What more could you need?Additional Conveniences: This home is equipped with high-speed wireless internet for your convenience. There are seven flat-screen TVs, two with DVD players. A DVD library and Hulu access are available for guest use! You can find a wet bar in the home and use the gas-powered grille to have an evening cookout with the family! This home has an outdoor kitchen with a gas griller, a sink, and plenty of seating. Appreciate calming on the screened-in porch or outdoor decks as you watch the sun rise and fall! Professional landscaping makes this place look spiffy outdoors while still bringing the best of the beach! The sunroom has a ideal table for fun, games, and puzzles and a great selection of games and puzzles to boot! The pool can be heated for an additional $650/week + tax. Beach access is located just steps from the driveway!Linens and Towels supplied with Beds Made for Weekly stays.No Smoking.No Family Animals.Rents Weekly only Sunday - Sunday.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card supplied at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Beaufort Pirates Revenge

Jump aboard the pirate ship "REVENGE" at 600 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. Our interactive voyages offer fun and adventure for families and swashbucklers of all ages. Come join our crew, take part in a pirate adventure, and enjoy festive music guaranteed to unleash your inner pirate. But be warned; we may need to enlist your expertise to man the water cannons and help defend our ship!

Crystal Coast Condo - Full Amenities!
4.9
(12)

A Place at the Beach unit 288. Renovated in the last few years, our condo has something for everybody. Our two bedroom, two bath condo has so much to offer a family! The condo has a queen bed in the master bedroom and includes a full tile shower in the master bath suite. The second bathroom has a single over full bunk bed. The second bath includes a bath/shower combination.The main area includes a entirely refreshed kitchen with granite counters, full oven and full refrigerator. The washer and dryer are tucked neatly away in the living room closet. The living room includes 2 couches and a 50" TV.Our rental includes bath and bed linens. Pool and beach towels are not supplied!The condo property includes 2 pools: an outdoor with a 150' slide and an indoor pool (heated in the offseason). The indoor pool area also includes a hot tub. There are also many things to do on the property: Tennis courts, basketball court, mini golf, charcoal and gas grilles, a playground and a roomy courtyard.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Mac Daddys

Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination of choice for countless fun-seeking vacationers of all ages who want a big dose of entertainment off the sand. Featuring a bowling alley, sports bar, arcade, and a sister miniature golf course – (the Golfin’ Dolphin) - visitors can expect plenty of good times when they make an outing to this all-around fun amusement center.

Charming New Bern Home, Walk to Historic...
5.0
(5)

Feel the historic town of New Bern up close and personal when you stay in this 3-bedroom, 3-bath vacation rental! Ideally located within walking distance of downtown, this appealing home provides simple access to all your sightseeing bucket list items, like Tryon Palace and The Birthplace of Pepsi. When it’s time for a break from exploring, return to your comfortable abode to prepare a meal in the entirely equipped kitchen and gather around the outdoor dining table to recount the day's memories!-- THE PROPERTY --Central Location | Game Room | Recently Remodeled Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Bedroom 3: 2 Twin Beds | Living Room: Full Sleeper Couch | Office: Twin Sleeper Couch | Additional Linens: Pack ‘n Play HOME HIGHLIGHTS: Intelligent TVs, laptop-friendly workspace, pool table, board games, arcade game, outdoor dining table KITCHEN: Fridge, stove, dishwasher, coffee maker, microwave, cooking basics, toaster, dishware/flatware, trash bags/paper towelsGENERAL: Free WiFi, washer/dryer, keyless entry, central heating & A/C, complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, linens/towels, iron/board, ceiling fansFAQ: 4 exterior security cameras (facing out)SUITABILITY: Stairs required to access, bathroom on 1st floorPARKING: Driveway (2 cars)-- THE LOCATION --HISTORICAL SITES: Governor’s Palace | Tryon Palace (0.1 miles), New Bern Firemen’s Museum (0.4 miles), Union Point Park (0.8 miles), New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park (5.1 miles)FAMILY TIME: Birthplace of Pepsi Cola (0.3 miles), Bear Towne Escape Room (0.4 miles), North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (42.8 miles)ON THE WATER: Lawson Creek Park (1.0 miles), Glenburnie Park (3.2 miles), Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park (8.3 miles), Neuse River Recreation Area (13.6 miles), Fort Macon State Park (39.4 miles), Radio Island Public Beach (39.6 miles)TEE TIME: Emerald Golf Club (4.8 miles), Taberna Country Club (4.9 miles), Carolina Colours Golf Club (7.9 miles), River Bend Country Club (8.0 miles)AIRPORTS: Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (3.0 miles), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (130 miles)-- REST EASY WITH US --Evolve makes it painless to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.-- POLICIES --- No smoking- No family pets allowed- No events, events, or sizable gatherings- Must be at least 25 years old to book- Additional costs and taxes may apply- Photo ID may be required upon check-in- NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features 4 exterior security cameras. The cameras are facing toward the entrance, driveway, side of home, and back porch. The cameras are outward facing and do not look into interior spaces. The cameras actively record video and sound - NOTE: The property requires stairs to access

  • New Bern
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Crystal Coast Lady is specifically built for the purpose of sightseeing and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy exploring the beautiful downtown beaufort are, plus unbeatable perspectives of the region’s vast array of wildlife, shorelines, and on-the-water views. The Crystal Coast Lady is equipped with a snack bar, and 2 restrooms onboard. 

Crystal Coast Museums

Considering that the Crystal Coast has centuries of history as well as one of the most unique environments along the North Carolina coastline, it should come as no surprise that the region is home to an array of fascinating and thoroughly engaging museums. For a fun and educational rainy day activity, (or just a little excuse to get out of the sun), be sure you check out these “must see” museums that are found throughout the Crystal Coast.

AfterDune Shade at Emerald Isle

NEW ON THE RENTAL MARKET!!! 5% off 7 nights or more!! Savor this newly remodeled coastal beach bungalow in Emerald Isle and get your afternoon shade at "AfterDune Shade"! This dog and family friendly bungalow has three bedrooms and two full baths for plenty of room for 8 people. The open living room, dining room and kitchen gives everybody tons of space to spread out and play games, watch TV or just visit. The huge deck gives you a place to appreciate the morning sunrise or evening breeze while reading a book.Unwind and savor the private beach access only two blocks from the home. Private entrance with parking available or take a 6 min. walk to the beach through a private wooded access. Centrally located in Emerald Isle, you are able to walk to numerous trendy eateries and coffee stores. Spend a day with rented water equipment like paddleboards, boats, and Kayaks to make the most of your time. Or discover close by attractions like Fort Macon State Park, the Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores, or take a ferry from Beaufort to see the wild horses. So much to do and not enough time to do it all.Come join us at AfterDune Shade so you can be sure your vacation will be exceptional!This property only accepts one dog under 35 lbs. In consideration of future guests, please make sure they stay off the furnishings and the beds. There is a $35 per nighttime fee.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Seacluded Tree House, Oceanfront House i...

The Seacluded Tree House is an oceanfront 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom beach home located in the Maritime Forest with its own private beach access. Here you will get the best of both worlds! Imagine being tucked away surrounded by trees only steps from the ocean.Upon entering the home you will be greeted by a charming staircase that leads up to the main living area and a bedroom with its own private bathroom. Venture up the stairs to the open concept living area and find a completely equipped kitchen, vaulted ceilings, porch off of the dining area and plenty of room for calming after a day at the beach. The grandiose room features a sunroom that is ideal for your morning cup of coffee for when the ocean breeze is a little too chilly. The third floor is home to the enormous master bedroom with a private sunroom, private bathroom with spa tub and walk-in closet. Down the hall of the third floor is two other bedrooms and a shared bathroom.Total Linens: 3 Kings, 2 Twins, and 1 Twin Bunk beds Set.Additional Conveniences: 6 Intelligent TVs; High-Speed Wireless Internet; Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Fridge; Cold Outdoor Shower, Charcoal Grille.Complex Details: McGinnis Point offers an outdoor swimming pool, playground and tennis courts.Linens and Towels Included with Beds Made for Weekly Stays OnlyRents Weekly Only From Saturday To SaturdayNO SMOKING. DOGS ACCEPTED with our All-Inclusive Pet Policy - max 2 Dogs at no additional cost.Please Note: Even though this is a keyless rental, guests must stop by the AB check-in office to pick up parking passes.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card included at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast. 

Crystal Coast Vacation Rentals

Visitors who are heading to the Crystal Coast will find a scattering of hotels and motels throughout the shoreline and inland communities, but will soon discover that the primary type of accommodations available are vacation rentals. Located all along the Crystal Coast beaches from Atlantic Beach to the town of Emerald Isle, a vacation rental is the generally preferred accommodations option for vacationers thanks to ample space, exceptional locales close to the water, and plenty of homes and condos to choose from.

Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cotta...
4.4
(55)

Dunecastle West is a duplex with an adjoining door which give access to the east side. Please view Dunecastle East to review and savor both sides for availability if this side shows booked.Oceanfront with spectacular view. Entirely furnished 4 Bedroom including 1 King, 3 Queens and 2 twins in the Loft. 2 full Baths with outside shower. Full equipped kitchen with three HD Flat Screen TVs and DVD Player. Laundry Room with Washer and Dryer. Game room with Ping Pong. Nearby Fishing, Golf Course, Library, Public Boat Ramp, Resturants, Stores and Grocery Stores. There is also a Dollar General around the corner for the additional convince.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.

The 7 Best Beach Chairs 2025

You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.

The HoneyComb - Blocks from Historic Wat...

Freshly modernized, blocks from historic waterfront, in season farmers market one block away, walk to many stores and eateries. Quaint, peaceful, gorgeous community. Plenty of parking for your boat. Public boat landing close by.

  • Beaufort
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Tryon Palace

The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront, this historical recreation of a late 1700s governor's palace caters to visitors with a variety of tastes, from local history to exceptional gardens. Charming and altogether opulent from the gated entryway to the formal hedges and historic homes that border the property, a trip to Tryon Palace is a full immersion into the opulent lifestyle of North Carolina's original movers and shakers.

Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in 1997, is one of the most popular destinations for a myriad of both youth and adult sporting events.

Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike who want to enjoy a wild and natural day by the water.

Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of all varieties, including hikers, kayakers, birdwatchers, fishermen, and everyone in between.

Located on the outskirts of the historic downtown area, the New Bern Battlefield Park is a unique destination that served as the site of one of the largest battles in the Craven County area during the Civil War.

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