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2025 Pine Knoll Shores Birding 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.

Between Sound & Sea - Private Beachfront...
4.9
(11)

Center of Emerald Isle, private beach parking lot! The beach access is just over a block from Bogue Inlet Pier where there are public bathrooms, shopping, a restaurant and great fishing! Very short walk or drive to the private beachfront parking in gated lot with showers onsite at the access. The access fob used for the gated lot is supplied with the home. Very short walk to “downtown Emerald Isle” where there are stores, eateries and nightlife. 3 min. walk to Cedar Street pier on the sound. Linens included, including bath & beach towels, washcloths and kitchen towels. Charcoal grille onsite. Generous driveway for boats and multiple cars. Outdoor shower at the home. Quiet, dead end street, open floor plan, king in master and queens in 2nd & 3rd bedrooms. Pullout couch in living room. 500 mbps Internet - Spectrum Ultra package! Dish and hand soaps are included. First couple of trash bags are supplied.

  • Emerald Isle
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
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.

Charming 1-bedroom apartment in enchanti...

New Bern is waiting for you at this 1-bedroom apartment. This marvelous space features a comfortable living room with a full bed, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can appreciate the peaceful ambiance of the queen bed in the bedroom. With amenities like WiFi and AC, your stay will be elegant. Kickback, relax, and savor everything New Bern and our apartment has to offer.

  • New Bern
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
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.

Southwinds F17 3rd Floor Direct Oceanfro...

New for the 2024 Season! Southwinds F17 is a non-smoking, 2 bedroom/1.5 bath condo located on the 3rd floor. Unit is oceanfront with vistas of the ocean and the beach. The condo has a full size kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, and coffee maker. A washer and dryer are located inside this condo. There is wireless internet, 1 TVs (one in the living room) The main bedroom has a king size bed. The second bedroom has a queen bed and a single trundle bed. Southwinds does not allow renters to have family pets. This unit is available for weekly and partial weeks with a 2 nighttime-minimum stay. Please contact for prices on partial weeks. Prices include departure maid service, admin fee and linens. Trip insurance is optional and available for an additional cost. Tax is 12.75%.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 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.

Oceanside Interior,Private Pool,Golf Car...
4.2
(5)

HOME HIGHLIGHTS:Bed Linens and Bath TowelsElevatorFull-Size Washer/DryerGas GrilleGolf CartOpen and Covered DecksPrivate PoolWiFi DESCRIPTION:Appreciate the moment and the current situation as you vacation in Emerald Isle. This wonderfully light filled and accommodating home offers 3 private suites and 2 bunk rooms with a shared bath. This home has an painless living floor plan that all will savor during a week’s stay.The easiest way to enter the home is on the ground level.. Just inside the door you will either find the stairs to make your way up or an elevator for easier access. As you continue a few more steps through they entry there is a furnished living room area with a wet bar. The ideal place to stash those pool snacks- for sure. The two guest rooms on this floor both offer twin over double bunk beds and share an adjacent full bathroom. Moving up to the second level you are welcomed into a window filled living, dining, and kitchen area. The kitchen is equipped with the luxuries one would expect on vacation… refreshed appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of space and equipment to prepare meals for all! The guest room on this level offers a queen bed and private bathroom. The wrap around deck is accessible from any of the common spaces. You have the option to dine under the sun with the shade of an umbrella or comfortable up underneath the covered portion to relax the day away.Make your way up to the third level by using the elevator or simply take the steps. This tree top level of the home has both a guest room with queen bed and private bath as well as the primary suite. The primary suite is another room filled with windows, a balcony entrance, as well as a huge bespoke bathroom. All of the beds are made prior to arrival with newly laundered linens, including the comforters, and are supplied with a full week’s stay. The location of this home is within the impressive, private and gated community of Dolphin’s Ridge. The beach access is located at the split of Dolphin Ridge Road and Sandy Court which is where you will be able to leave your cart for a day at the beach. The walk to the beach is roughly a 10 min. walk as you are just around the corner from the access although the golf cart makes it a breeze.SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:FIRST FLOORING:Guest room with twin over double bunk bedGuest room with twin over double bunk bedAdjacent hall bathSECOND FLOORING:Guest room with Queen bed, private bathTHIRD FLOORING:Primary Room King bed, private bathGuest room with Queen bed, private bath

  • Emerald Isle
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
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!

Studio Cottage 214**

Studio bungalow includes : 1 bed queen bed complete with linens and a 1/2 bathroom including towels, etc.. There is a mini refrigerator, microwave and a coffee maker in the bungalow as well. We offer complimentary wifi, an indoor pool/spa, exercise equipment, arcade games and a catch & release pond! We also have laundry facilities on site. We are located away in the country but only 10 min from downtown New Bern, the Neuse River, Trent River and only 1 hour from 3 different beaches. We offer both short and long term units. Family Animals welcome for additional $10 per pet, per nighttime cleaning fee and a returnable $100 deposit.

  • New Bern
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 2
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.

Barefoot Beach South: Fantastic location...
5.0
(2)

Atlantic Beach just made #16 in the list of Top 100 Beaches in the United States, beating out even beaches in Hawaii! Truly a hidden gem, as this part of the island doesn't have public access, beyond a few cars, so it's just folks staying right there. https://www.wect.com/2023/06/21/100-best-beach-towns-us/Full kitchen, enormous 36' x 12' patio with charcoal grille and enormous sectional, multiple rocking chairs, and porch swing, dining area, living room, full bathroom, queen bedroom, dual twin bedroom, two rollaway beds, laundry in unit, beach outdoor shower. Home away from home!The entire unit of the duplex will be yours. This property is smoke-complimentary, meaning you must leave the property completely if you wish to smoke. This is a pet-complimentary property.My favorite spot in the home is the massive 36' x 12' patio with the porch swing, and giant sectional seating area. I adore that I can hear the waves crash from here. Things To Do:• Fort Macon State Park: This fort dates back to the 1800s, offers guided tours, hiking trails, & picnic areas.• Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: See a wide variety of marine life & exhibits.• Water Sports: Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, & jetskiing.• Fishing: You can fish from the beach, the pier, or take a charter boat out for deep-sea fishing.• Island Time Dolphin & Sunset Tours: Sunset or dolphin-watching tour.Message for more ideas!The spaceThis is a two-unit home, located between the sound and the ocean. You’ll be in the bottom unit. Please see all the photos of the space for bedrooms, bathroom, outside living, and more.Parking:If there is no reservation in the other unit, please feel complimentary to use the entire driveway. It will fit six cars. However if there is another reservation, please be sure to park your car(s) on the right of the driveway, leaving left side for the other unit. The driveway fits a total of six cars, so if you were to have more than three, you can park in the street as well.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 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.

Sea Wolfe Oceanview Home with Elevator i...

HOME HIGHLIGHTS:Located in Ocean CrestSunday to SundayOceanviewElevatorBed Linens and Bath TowelsFull-Size Washer/DryerGas GrilleDog FriendlyOpen and Covered DecksWiFi throughout HomeWelcome to Sea Wolfe! This 5 bedroom Oceanview home is a 2 min. walk to the beach and located near the heart of Emerald Isle. Just a walk, golf cart (not supplied), or simple bicycle ride away from shopping, eateries, and more! As you enter the home you will find access to the elevator which services all 3 levels. Heading up one flight of stairs you are welcomed to the bedroom level complete with 4 guest rooms and laundry area with full sized washer and dryer. There are two Guest rooms with Queen beds, one offers deck entrance with a private bath while the other offers a peaceful, tucked away feeling with plenty of space for a weeks stay. The other two guest rooms offer two twin beds in each room both with deck entry and one with a connected bath. The hall bathroom is adjacent to both the queen guest room and one furnished with the twins.Heading up one more flight of steps and you may feel like you are on top of the world! You will quickly notice the expansive vistas and light filled great room. The open concept living, dining, and kitchen area is anchored by a enormous TV and an electric, mood setting fireplace. The deck is completely furnished with a dining set and lounge chairs.The Guest room on the top level is the Master Suite. There ocean vistas from the King Bed- so please, take your time and appreciate waking up on vacation. The master bathroom offers a soaking tub and separate shower.As part of the Spinnaker’s Fresh Bed Promise all of the bed linens will be laundered between guests, even the comforters.As mentioned above; if cruising around town on a bicycle or golf cart is of interest that is possible as the home is located off Reed Drive in the Ocean Crest community which is a short distance to Emerald Plantation or accessible to other areas. Bicycles nor a golf cart is included but guests can rent a street legal cart through various local companies. There are a few beach chairs supplied with the home as well as a propane grille. Sleeping Arrangements:SECOND FLOORING: Guest room with queen bed and private bath, Guest room with 2 twin beds and private bath, Guest room with queen bed and shared bath, Guest room with 2 twin beds and shared bathTHIRD FLOORING: Master Suite with king bed and private bath

  • Emerald Isle
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Charming ocean view 2 bedroom condo in w...

Salty Winds of the Crystal Coast is a year round beach hideaway calling your name. Recently refreshed and conveniently located in Atlantic Beach, NC with 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms. This bright and comfortable condo has that beach feel and features a private ocean view balcony and 2 queen beds and 1 twin bed, ideal for a outstanding stay. Appreciate the convenience of a completely outfitted kitchen, dining seating for four and a washer and dryer. The primary bedroom has a private half bath the other bathroom has a tub and shower combo. This unit comfortably sleeps two couples with a twin bunk for an additional family member. The community beach access boardwalk and pool are just steps away from the unit. A new HVAC system in 2024, two new intelligent tv's with cable tv and complimentary Wi-Fi insure the inside is as accommodating as the beach and pool outside. The Crystal Coast of NC offers striking weather year round.

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
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.

Cozy, Cute, and Peaceful!

Your comfortable hideaway awaits in New Bern at this handsome home. With 3 bedrooms, this terrific property offers plenty of space for guests to relax and relax. The home is equipped with heating, WiFi, AC, and a washing machine, ensuring a ideal stay. The bathroom is well-appointed with all the necessary amenities. Appreciate your time in New Bern at our alluring home.

  • New Bern
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
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.

5+4 Heated Pool Home, Steps from Beach, ...
5.0
(3)

You and your family are going to have a outstanding time at this heated* pool home. 2 min. walk (6 homes down) to beach access! *Please see note at bottomBonus Ground Floor Apartment: 1+1 with a queen bed and bath/shower combination. With 940 square feet, it has everything: living/dining area, outfitted kitchen, full laundry, and even foosball. Intelligent TV in living room. Ideal space for those with limited mobility or for those wanting some additional space all their own. 2nd Floor/Main Floor: Living Room with a Intelligent TV Delightfully remodelled, entirely-supplied Kitchen and Dining Area. Enclosed PatioQueen Boho BedroomQueen and Twin Boho BedroomTwin Daybed off Dining Room Shared Full Bathroom with Shower/Tub Combo3rd FloorFormal King Bed Master with attached bathroom, shower only. Intelligent TV. Includes a twin daybed with trundle.King Master and Game Room with separate full bathroom. Includes Twin Daybed with trundle. This room is for the young at heart. Shuffleboard, toys, and wall games means play is close at hand.Outside: Heated pool surrounded by a great deck area. Parlor chairs, picnic table with umbrella, and a lawn with a numerous classic games to provide a wide range of outdoor fun in the sun. We provide everything you need so you can start appreciating your vacation right away:- All bedroom and bath linens are supplied. - 6 towels, beach chairs, umbrella, beach cart, and sand toys- For the littles - high chair, umbrella stroller, and pack'n'play- Paper products, linens, hand soap, and body wash- Dish soap, laundry tabs, dishwasher tabs- 6 adult bicycles to savor the 12 miles of alluring bicycle paths on the island. - Keurig with a variety of k-cups and selection of tea in both kitchens- Variety of games, toys, and puzzles for rainy days- 2 Paddleboards with adult life vests---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Please note: The pool will be heated Mar 15 - May 30 and Sept 15 - Nov 15. The heating does not function if temperatures drop below 55 degrees. The pool temperature will be set for 86 degrees, but the temperature can vary depending on weather. **Property has 2 security cameras in front, and Noiseaware inside which detects sound decibel only. *** Our son has chronic bronchitis/asthma and a SEVERE dander allergy to ALL animals. Unfortunately, NO ANIMALS allowed including emotional support animals. If you have a trained service animal, please reach out***

  • Emerald Isle
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 13
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

Take a walk on Pine Knoll Shores' wild side with a visit to the pristine, undeveloped Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, an expansive 265 acre nature preserve, conveniently located next to the town's most visited attraction, the North Carolina Aquarium.

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