A long strip of barrier islands lies along North Carolina's eastern seaboard. Tourists flock there to take advantage of the Tar Heel State's temperate climate and panoramic ocean views. Numerous attractions on Emerald Isle bring thousands of visitors each year to this area of the Crystal Coast.
By far, the best attraction on Emerald Isle is its long stretches of Atlantic coastline, providing panoramic vistas, clean sand, crystalline waters and azure sky. Sand bars off the coast provide plenty of places for children to play on the beach and older folks to frolic in the waves. You can fly kites, do a little surfing or wave-boarding, lie on a beach towel or under a colored umbrella. You can walk on the beach, collect sea glass and seashells and enjoy a moonlit stroll with your favorite companions.
Emerald Isle, although popular, is not overly commercialized. You can enjoy a leisurely pace there along its shores.
Bogue Sound provides ideal kayaking, jet-skiing, boating and fishing locations.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the gigantic waterpark Water Boggan of Emerald Isle. A half-mile from the Emerald Isle Bridge, the park features water slides, a game room, snack bar, ice cream stand and plenty of tables and lounge chairs where you can watch smaller kids in the wading pools or bigger kids sliding down the water slides. Bring lots of sun screen--it might be difficult getting the kids to leave.
Water Boggan of Emerald Isle
8915 Reed Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
252-354-2609
Emerald Isle's centrally located shopping mall is Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. It houses a bevy of small shops that include a bookstore, clothing boutiques, candy shops and movie theaters.
Emerald Plantation Shopping Center
Mile Marker 20
North Carolina Highway 58
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
(See Reference 5 under shopping page)
Emerald Woods is a 41-acre park on Coast Guard Road along the sound side of the narrow island. Nature trails, walking and bicycling trails and access to beautiful Bogue Sound are within easy reach.
Cedar Street Soundside Park is also on the sound side of the island. A small pier with public access and parking lot allows you to launch a small boat, jet ski or kayak.
Blue Heron and Tennis Courts, behind Town Hall, has courts for tennis, basketball, a playground and picnic areas.
The old pier complex at Emerald Isle is a victim of age and hurricanes but remains an area attraction. The town of Emerald Isle currently owns this 4.1-acre tract of land at the Eastern Ocean Regional Access. Emerald Isle, along with the neighboring town of Pine Knoll Shores, is restoring the Emerald Isle Pier as part of a $16 million complex whose mission is to aid the state's three aquariums. Pine Knoll Shores is home to the largest North Carolina aquarium. Planning for the pier complex began in 2009. A new 1,000-foot pier will replace the old one; plans include tackle shops, kayak launching platforms, bath houses, fishing docks and educational exhibits.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
1 Roosevelt Blvd.
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
252-247-4003
ncaquariums.com/aquarium-piers/emerald-isle
