Just 30 Minutes From Morehead City, The Crystal Coast Is The Perfect North Carolina Day Trip Destination
By Carolyn Harmon|Updated on April 29, 2024(Originally published April 28, 2023)
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
The Crystal Coast, an 85-mile stretch of beaches, is a perfect day trip destination in North Carolina. Known as the Southern Outer Banks, this gorgeous place is comprised of such towns as Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and Pine Knoll Shores. While the trip is fairly short from many cities, it makes you feel like you are thousands of miles away. Let’s see some of why the fascinating Crystal Coast is ideal for a day-trip destination where the salty wind blows.
1. Barrier Island Kayaks
Barrier Island Kayaks Rentals and Guided Tours!, 160 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NC 28584, USA
One way to see the beauty first hand is by traveling on the intercoastal waterway with the family-owned Barrier Island Kayaks in Emerald Isle. This outfit has double and single kayaks for rent. See the rental opportunities on Barrier Island Kayaks website.
2. Inn On Turner
Inn on Turner, 217 Turner St, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
You may want to spend the night at the charming Inn On Turner, which offers a home away from home complete with pillow-top mattresses and complimentary "field to fork" breakfasts. Make a reservation at the Inn on Turner’s website.
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3. The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
If history moves you, or just learning more about coastal life, this interesting place is full of education about both. And an exciting exhibit is the repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship Queen Anne’s Revenge. Discover more about this exciting place on North Carolina Maritime Museum’s website.
It's time for lunch where you can enjoy waterfront dining at this gorgeous restaurant with stunning views. Eat the locally-sourced ingredients in the delicious cuisine.
Look at the freshness of this appetizer, Tuna Tataki, and be sure to review the extensive wine list.
It's back out on the beach, with a naturalist this time, for a two-mile hike to find wild horses. Then scour the beach for seashells on Shackleford Banks. Reserve this excursion on the Shackleford Banks Wild Horse and Shelling Safari website.
6. Scoops of Salter Path
Scoops Ice Cream, 1194 Salter Path Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA
It's time for a cold treat after all of that exercise and exploring. This seasonal ice cream shop opens in early April. Check out photos of the deliciousness on the Scoops of Salter Path Facebook page.
As you can see, the Crystal Coast in North Carolina is loaded with fun, and these are only a few highlights of the perfect day trip destination. Before embarking on your trip, be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials packing list!
Looking for more scenery on the opposite side of the state? Check out this stunning footage from Clingman’s Dome!
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