Explore
Explore the Crystal Coast
Seven guides to the Southern Outer Banks, written from the island rather than from a search engine — towns, landmarks, ferries, food and the things locals do before breakfast.
Destinations
Where to start
Atlantic Beach
Beach access, food, surf, sunrise and insider parking tips.
Read guidePine Knoll Shores
The aquarium, maritime forest trails and the island's quietest sand.
Read guideBeaufort
Front Street, the Maritime Museum and wild horse tours.
Read guideCape Lookout
Lighthouse, ferries, shelling and the wild horses of Shackleford.
Read guideFort Macon
A restored Civil War fort with free admission and a great beach.
Read guideCrystal Coast Guide
Restaurants, charters, golf, rainy days, packing and FAQs.
Read guideLocal's Guide
Hidden beaches, shelling, sunsets and ready-made itineraries.
Read guide
Plan your trip
Official resources
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
The destination marketing organisation for Carteret County — events, beach access maps and visitor information.
Visit North Carolina
The state's official travel site, with regional trip ideas and seasonal guides.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
National Park Service information on ferries, camping, lighthouse climbs and the wild horses.
Fort Macon State Park
Hours, tour times, trail maps and beach access for the restored Civil War fort.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Tickets, daily programmes and dive show times, ten minutes from both rentals.
Beaufort Historic Site
Guided walking tours, historic homes and the Old Burying Ground in Beaufort.
NC Ferry System
NCDOT schedules and fares for state ferry routes along the coast.
Book direct
Two rentals. One very easy beach week.
Island Beach & Racquet Club B302 in Atlantic Beach and Coral Shores 12 in Pine Knoll Shores both pair direct pool access with a short, flat walk to the sand — the two things that make a family trip effortless.