Crystal Coast | North Carolina

Make the most of the sun, sand and sea in Crystal Coast, North Carolina. With plenty of attractions and a beautiful atmosphere, this is an excellent destination for any reunion

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Crystal Coast, NC

Highlights

85 miles of coastline with pristine beaches and hidden gems
Great deals on oceanfront hotels and condos, camping and RV parks, and beachfront cottages
Exciting outdoor adventures like birding, hiking, boating, and kayaking
Premier fishing, including charter boat excursions, piers, and favorable seasons
Vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene and unique local shopping
The abundance of attractions and activities presents the perfect bonding atmosphere for groups and families

Why Choose Crystal Coast, NC, for Your Family Reunion?

Located in North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks, the Crystal Coast is an inviting, family-friendly destination. It’s where the sea, sun, and sand meet and the perfect place for your next reunion with many exciting things to do in Crystal Coast. At Cape Lookout National Seashore, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, birding, boating, windsurfing, and kayaking. Explore the second most visited state park in North Carolina, the Fort Macon State Park, where the Battle of Macon was fought in 1862. Your group can even go swimming in a protected area and explore on nature walks.

Families with little ones will be thrilled to see the variety of aquatic flora and fauna at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. With an impressive 306,000-gallon ocean habitat teeming with many different species of fish, sharks, and turtles, the aquarium also has a replica of the U-352 German submarine that was sunk off the North Carolina coast. Visit the Harkers Island Visitors Center with interactive displays and exhibits centered around island ecology and take a ferry to Shackleford Banks and see wild horses roaming freely.

Not to be missed is Beaufort, also known as “America’s Favorite Town,” with its lively waterfront. Take a cruise down to the waterways, pick up treasures at the local community market, and take a double-decker bus tour of the historic district to see the Carteret County Jail, built in 1829, and the Apothecary Shop and Doctor’s Office dating back to 1857.

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A Proven Destination for Reunions

“With so many things to do and see at North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, there’s something for your whole family or group to enjoy!”

– Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority

FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES, GOURMET DINING AND MORE

Crystal Coast is the perfect beach destination with plenty to see, do and eat

Connect and Celebrate in Crystal Coast, NC

Numerous lodging options for families and groups

Reunion groups of all sizes have a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Groups staying at the beloved Beaufort Hotel will be graced with elegant Southern hospitality and the incredible amenities of this waterfront boutique hotel. Harkers Island RV Resort offers campers exceptional island adventures surrounded by coastal beauty. Bed & breakfasts include quaint stays at places like Beaufort’s Pecan Tree Inn, the Langdon House, and others. The Emerald Isle Inn Bed & Breakfast is also a favorite island choice. Vacation rentals throughout the Crystal Coast are numerous, providing everything from oceanfront properties to vibrant beach cottages.

Crystal Coast, NC, Climate

The 30-mile stretch of pristine beaches along North Carolina’s southern Outer Banks offers year-round adventures and exciting things to do in Crystal Coast. The region’s temperate climate is conducive to fair-weather activities no matter what season.

With temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees, Spring in the Crystal Coast boasts unspoiled beaches to explore, fishing charters and hikes along the lush trails at Fort Macon State Park. Seasonal events during the spring include the Beaufort Wine and Food Festival, which highlights the local flare of the coastal region. Summer is the premier beach season, with temperatures averaging 70 to 85 degrees and abundant sunshine. Groups can enjoy swimming in the Atlantic’s warm waters, paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching tours. Coastal towns, including Beaufort and Emerald Isle, dazzle visitors with vibrant festivals, seafood markets and family fun.

In the Fall, the temperatures fall to a pleasant 55 to 75 degrees, perfect weather for hiking and peaceful beach strolls. Shell collecting on Shackleford Banks is a favorite pastime. Groups exploring during the autumn months also have an opportunity to attend the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City. On a crisp autumn evening, gather around a beach bonfire and listen to the ocean waves. Winter along the Crystal Coast affords less crowds and quieter towns. Mild temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees, perfect for a visit to the Rachel Carson Reserve to see the horses or enjoy waterfront dining with fresh-caught seafood.

Crystal Coast is the perfect beach destination for reunions, offering plenty of activities, dining options, and scenic spots to bring everyone together for an unforgettable gathering.

Comprising communities like Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Cape Lookout, Pine Knoll Shores, and Harkers Island, the Crystal Coast is the hub of activity all throughout the year with sporting events, seasonal festivals, concerts, and shows.

When it’s time to eat, you might have difficulty choosing from the wide variety of culinary delights the Crystal Coast offers. You don’t have to cast your net far to find fresh seafood prepared any way you like it. Local eateries such as Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar in Morehead City, Caribsea in Emerald Isle, and Bahia Beach House & Surf Bar in Atlantic Beach offer their own takes on our favorite food group. For dock-to-dish delights made with fresh seasonal ingredients, including hand-crafted sushi, don’t miss Amos Mosquito’s in Atlantic Beach. And at Black Sheep in Beaufort, you’ll enjoy an elevated take on the most classic of dishes: pizza. Grown-ups can sip on refreshing cocktails at most restaurants or enjoy craft brews at Crystal Coast Brewing Company in Atlantic Beach.

Activities for all ages and unique things to do in Crystal Coast abound. Take a boat ride to the Rachel Carson Reserve and witness wild horses roaming freely. The beautiful beaches comprising the Crystal Coast provide numerous outdoor fun in the sun. Multiple water activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing on Bogue Banks, kiteboarding, and boating excursions. For a leisurely group experience, tour one of the quaint towns by bicycle for fun sightseeing. Explore the charming local shops, cafes and

Fishing charters take groups into the open waters for some of the best Atlantic fishing and memorable angling adventures. Popular group attractions include golfing, go-karts, touring lighthouses, shopping, art, nightlife, museums and tours. Not to be missed are the majestic parks and coastal nature at the Rachel Carson Reserve, Fort Macon State Park, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Traveling to Crystal Coast, NC

Multiple transportation options suitable for travelers near and far make getting to the Crystal Coast effortless.

Flying to Crystal Coast, NC, brings passengers to one of two airports. The nearest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) in New Bern, a 40-minute drive from Emerald Isle. They offer flights from major hubs like Charlotte and Atlanta. Alternatively, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is approximately 2.5 hours away and provides additional flight options for groups flying across the country.

Driving to Crystal Coast, NC, is equally convenient, with the area being accessible via US Highway 70, which connects Interstate 95 for drivers heading from the north or south. For a scenic route, take Highway 58, meandering through stunning coastal landscapes.

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an exceptional coastal region boasting vibrant beach communities, plenty of water activities, and some of the most beautiful nature and scenery in North Carolina. We look forward to hosting your reunion event at the Crystal Coast!