If you’re looking for the ideal beach destination, you won’t find anywhere better than the Crystal Coast! This region contains some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as some charming small towns that are perfect for your family vacation. Discover what makes three of our favorite Crystal Coast beaches so special, as well as where to find the best selection of rental properties in the area!
The best tool to plan your trip to these Crystal Coast beaches is our free Vacation Guide. Inside, you’ll find our carefully selected picks for the best restaurants, attractions, family-friendly activities, and more. We understand that planning a week at the beach isn’t always easy, especially if you’re visiting a town for the first time. That’s why our Vacation Guide is such a great tool. You can spend more time enjoying your vacation, and less time planning it! Download it today to get started!
Visit the Best Crystal Coast Beaches
The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of shoreline. It starts at the Cape Lookout National Seashore and ends at Emerald Isle. Why is it called the Crystal Coast? It became popular because of the white beaches and clear water! Within this stretch of land is the Bogue Banks, a barrier island that’s 21 miles long. This island is where you’ll find Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach and Atlantic Beach.
Emerald Isle
Okay, we may be a tad biased when it comes to Emerald Isle, but for a good reason! This beautiful town, located at the southernmost tip of the Bogue Banks, is home to the beast beaches, the best attractions, and the best people around! Whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the shoreline, enjoying the Emerald Isle water park, or shopping at local spots like La Posh Boutique or the Emerald Isle Wine Market, this town is the best vacation destination.
Morehead City
Morehead City is not too far from Emerald Isle and is most known for its fantastic fishing, In fact, every year it hosts the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament as well as the NC Seafood Festival! Morehead City was also the birthplace of the famous Crystal Coast Countdown, an annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza that features events from many of the communities along the coast. You can also visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum here, which is a collection of three historic centers. The first details the history of surfing off the Crystal Coast. The second discusses the legacy of Blackbeard in the area. Finally, the third museum is the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center and includes a collection of maritime artifacts.
Atlantic Beach, NC
Atlantic Beach is a must for any history buffs! Visit Fort Macon State Park, a fascinating historic site with stellar hiking trails, great exhibits, and gorgeous views. Learn about how the original Fort Macon served as protection during the 18th and 19th centuries, through the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I.
Pine Knoll Shores
Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is one of the best things to do in the Crystal Coast, NC. Located in Pine Knoll Shores, this attraction combines education and entertainment with their unique tours and fantastic exhibits. They host a number of special events during the year, so be sure to check their schedule.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Spend a day of fun at the Cape Lookout National Seashore! This beautiful preserve is a 56-mile stretch of undeveloped beach and includes some of the best tours and attractions in the area. The preserve can be a little tricky to access, as it can only be visited by ferry, kayak, or boat. Ferries depart for the seashore from Harkers Island, Davis, Atlantic, Ocracoke, and Beaufort, NC. See wild horses when you take the Horse Sense and Survival Tour on Shackleford Bank or learn about the history of the area at Portsmouth Villiage. The highlight of the park, however, is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Built in 1859, this lighthouse features self-guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday, from mid-May to mid-September.
Walk to the Beach from Your Door When You Stay With Us!
If you vacation in the best Crystal Coast beaches, you need to stay in the best properties available! Spinnaker’s Reach has an amazing selection of home located in one central neighborhood in Emerald Isle. When you book with us, you can feel confident that you’re staying in the most luxurious rentals with the best amenities and a convenient, oceanfront location.
Consider book Sanctuary, our five-bedroom, four-bathroom property that is just a short walk from the shoreline! This home is ideal for families traveling with children; the ground floor has a rec room with a foosball table, sitting area with a TV, and two bedrooms that share a full bathroom. Both of the bedrooms are brightly decorated, with one of the rooms featuring a bunk bed and the other with two twin beds.
The second floor of the home has the rest of the bedrooms, with a king master suite that has deck access, and a room with a queen-size bed that shares a bathroom with another queen room.
Finally, the third floor is the main living area with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll love the open layout, which gives it a breezy feeling. From the fully-equipped kitchen to the living and dining areas, you’ll love spending your time relaxing here.
Check out the rest of our homes and book today! We look forward to having you.