Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Emerald Isle, NC

  • Published 2021/07/19

Emerald Isle is a place steeped in historical significance.

Native Americans lived in the area for thousands of years before fishers and whalers began to settle there in the late nineteenth century.

However, because of its prime location and breathtaking views, it quickly became a popular development site.

A very rich land developer named Henry Fort purchased the island in the early twentieth century with plans to build summer lodges and some tourist attractions that have never been completed on the island.

The land passed to his daughter following his death.

In 1951, a group of seven real estate developers purchased the 12-mile area of the island and split it equally between them.

From the beginning, the area was intended to be a family-friendly vacation destination.

This implied that the lot size had also been increased during the project development, and the roads were labeled in the same way that they would have been in any other city in the country at the time.

For years, this has made Emerald Isle a long-coveted vacation destination for families from all over the country.

The island is especially famous for excellent fishing, outdoor recreation areas, heritage sites, and an abundance of aquatic life on Bogue Banks.

All this makes it clear why the area has become so popular for tourists and also the residents.

So if you are planning your next trip to Emerald Isle and are unsure what fun activities to do there, keep reading as in this article, we will go through the top 15 things to do in Emerald Isle.

Visit The Point

The Point

Vahurzpu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The beach impact is a genuine phenomenon. This place, with its warm winds, lulling sound of waves crashing, and cries of gulls, beckons you in with its allure, like a mermaid melody.

Despite being just a short distance out into the ocean, The Point maintains to highlight all of these treasures while also making you want to stay there forever.

Since there are no other beaches on the planet that have as many seashells and as little crowding, it’s difficult to compare this one to everything else in the world.

Taking in even one morning sunrise on all these gentle shores will be enough to relieve your soul if you can handle it.

The Point is among the best Emerald Isle attractions and is a must-see on any trip to this region of the world.

Go Fishing At The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

David Louis Econopouly / Shutterstock.com

What do you think a four-sea mullet would taste like?

That is a new state history for this popular fishing pier with plenty of activities.

Hook and handle, drinks and snacks, beach equipment, and restrooms are all available for you to use while catching a new catch on one of the afternoons there.

Bring all of that back to your hotel and savor the flavor of genuinely lasting memories for a long time.

Now that it has been expanded, you will be able to extend out on Bogue Inlet for a lovely, long evening and relish the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family.

Enjoy Water Sport At AB Watersports

AB Watersports is situated in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy the water.

It will guarantee that both you and your family have a safe but exciting journey on the Crystal Coast.

You can have fun all day while exploring the secluded watercourses of the Crystal Coast on one of the many rentals available from AB Watersports, which include jet skis, sailboats, pier boats, as well as paddleboards, among others.

Paddleboards and sailboats are delivered right to your door by the only rental agency that does so.

AB Watersports also offers amazing and informational jet ski tours with guidance on Cape Lookout National Seashore’s underdeveloped beaches.

You can then learn about the area’s rich history and observe the beautiful scenery of Cape Lookout Lighthouse which is considered to be among the state’s most stunning lighthouses.

Explore The Emerald Isle Beaches

Emerald Isle Beaches

Madelyn Hart / Shutterstock.com

Emerald Isle is renowned for having some of the most breathtaking beautiful family beaches in the world, all with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you want to get away from the chaos and hectic life of some of the cities on the East Coast, travel to the Emerald Isle beaches for a relaxing getaway.

In Emerald Isle, there are numerous things to do at the beach.

For example, you can relax and enjoy the sun or take a lesson to learn more about kayaking or paddle boarding in the tranquil waters of Bogue Sound.

Enjoy some Biking Trips

Along with some of the most beautiful and sandy beaches in North Carolina, Emerald Isle provides walking and cycling trails and nature trails where visitors can witness the area’s wildlife.

Let Your Heat Out At Salty Pirate Water Park

The Salty Pirate Water Park, located just a few steps from Emerald Isle beaches, is an excellent location to have great times with the family and let your heat cool off throughout those hot summer days.

This waterpark is a family-owned waterpark that is relatively small compared to other waterparks, so you will not be overwhelmed by its size.

You’ll also find a beautiful cafe nearby in which you can refuel with food and drinks or ice cream before getting down into the water.

You would be in immediate contact with many other attractions in Emerald Isle due to the park’s excellent location.

Visit The Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park

Zack Frank / Shutterstock.com

Fort Macon State Park, which is situated on the east side of Atlantic Beach, is among North Carolina’s most popular state parks and is among the most visited in the country.

Located at Fort Macon, you can see the recreated ancient Fort Macon built in the 1820s to protect the Beaufort Inlet from pirate attacks.

The Fort is a fantastic representation of 19th-century military architecture, expressing an intimate feel of the period while also portraying extraordinary military architecture.

Mostly during warmer months, visitors to the state park also can take part in civil war dramatizations which are held on the grounds.

Nature trails, unpolluted beaches with lifeguards on duty in which you can go swimming or surf fishing, loop paths to discover the coastal habitat, as well as a parking lot are all available at the park.

Taste The Amazing Food At The Trading Post

This Emerald Isle restaurant is a local favorite because it serves up some amazing plates in the area while also providing warm southern hospitality.

The Trading Post opened in 2016 and has a large indoor area and an outdoor terrace that provides a southern meal with an eastern North Carolina twist.

You’ll find everything on their menu, from roasted green tomatoes to all the seafood and everything in between.

However, they are well-known for their chicken wings and shrimp and grits, so keep that in mind when planning your order!

They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that you can visit them at any time of the day or night, and they will provide you with the best service.

Relax At The Growler Bar

If you enjoy craft beer, make a point of stopping by The Growler, a bar that specializes in craft beers on tap, champagne, and growler filling.

They first opened their bar and restaurant in the summer of 2016 and since then have become a local favorite!

They are open seven days a week until midnight and two hours later on weekends.

This place is indeed a great way to experience one of their rotating draught beers while enjoying some delectable food.

Take A Walk At The Hammock Beach State Park

Sunset at Hammock Beach State Park

jane simpson / Shutterstock.com

Interested in learning about one of North Carolina’s finest secrets?

If that’s so, then pay a visit to Hammock Beach State Park, which is situated on the island near Bear Island and offers a tranquil setting.

This tiny island is only 4 miles in length which offers visitors beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast in a remote as well as ethereal setting, despite its small size.

A ferry, kayak, or boat are your only modes of transportation to and from the park.

The North Carolina state park offers a full-service visitor center complete with a food stand as well as a bathhouse.

It also provides boat, ferry, and kayak facilities to allow visitors to explore marshlands and unspoiled maritime forests by paddling through them.

Hammock Beach State Park offers year-round camping options close to the beaches of Bear Island, which is accessible from the park.

There are more than 14 family campsites and three group campsites available on the property.

Different educational programs and exhibits will familiarise you with the endangered species which live on the island and also provide you with a deeper understanding of the park’s ecological environment.

Relax With Your Kids At The Blue Heron Park

Breakaway from the beaches and unwind in the tranquillity of Blue Heron Park’s beautiful surroundings.

There are swings and sketchy awnings, as well as delicate green lawns and lovely trees throughout the park.

Allow your children to have a great time sliding down the slides and climbing on the playground equipment.

Have a picnic and relax in the peace and quietness of the park, away from the noise and bustle of the city.

A couple of relaxing hours in the silent and orderly park will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next adventure.

While you take a break under a shady garden area, your children can play in the fossil pit or even on the basketball court nearby.

The kids will be able to blow off some energy.

Drop By The Famous Hot Wax Surf Shop

Another must-see attraction in Emerald Isle is the Hot Wax Surf Store, which caters to thrill-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

At the shop, you’ll find a wide variety of the best water sports equipment for rent.

There’s something for everyone here, from paddleboarding to surfing to kayaking to bodyboarding to skimmers, not to mention swimsuits and accessories like life jackets, rash guards, and much more.

Hot Wax is a one-stop shop for all your needs!

Aside from being a great stop for tourists, the Emerald Isle surf shop is also a great stop for families because it provides self-guided paddling adventures, surf classes, and numerous other tours.

Surf camps with professional trainers will ensure that you have a memorable experience, despite your skill level.

They also provide eco-tours that include kayaking and paddleboarding.

Educate Yourself At The Emerald Isle Wood Park

Emerald Isle Woods Park, situated along Coast Guard Road, is the ideal location to spend an interesting day packed with adventures while also being surrounded by beautiful greenery and crystal-clear waters.

This 41-acre park might encourage you to start enjoying the day as you participate in the numerous activities this park has to offer.

Passing through instinctual birding paths, you can observe the park’s wild animals, gain entry to Bogue Sound by kayaking or using the kayak paddle, start exploring the park’s loop paths, or simply walk and appreciate the maritime woodlands while on a hiking path.

Visit a Golf Course

Another activity that you should consider trying while planning to visit Woods Park is to visit the recently installed 9-hole disc golf course, which winds its way through the maritime forest. It is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

As a bonus, there is a pier on a link in the park in which you can relax and participate in your favorite activity while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding natural environment.

Explore The North Carolina Aquarium

You can participate in all of the seaside fun at the North Carolina Aquarium, which features touch pools, submarine tanks, as well as live sea otter encounters.

You can also try exploring shipwrecks without ever getting wet in this location.

Plan a trip to this marvelous aquarium during one of your sunny afternoons; we guarantee that you won’t regret it!

Emerald Isle is a place worth visiting if you want to take a break from the world and rejuvenate.

There are many fun and interesting activities that you can do during your trip to Emerald Isle, and each of them offers an unforgettable experience.

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