One of the best ways to explore the Crystal Coast is on a bike! Besides being a great form of exercise, cycling along the best North Carolina Beaches for biking is a breathtaking experience. Plus, it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together! Feel the fresh sea breezes and listen to the sounds of nature as you cruise past beautiful, unspoiled landscapes. Whether you prefer to go a long distance or ride a few blocks, the possibilities are endless here. To find out everything this gorgeous coastal region has to offer, browse our Things to do page. Inside, you’ll find suggestions on what to do and where to go while you’re visiting. The best part? It’s free!
Explore Things to do on Emerald Isle
These are the Best North Carolina Beaches for Biking
Emerald Isle Bike Path
This 11-mile paved bike path connects much of the island and offers a fun way to explore the area during your stay. The Emerald Isle Path extends from the Indian Beach town limits to The Point at Bogue Inlet. Dotted along the route are many of the island’s best local attractions, parks, beach access points, and more. A ride, walk, or run, along this peaceful paved path is ideal and undoubtedly makes Emerald Isle one of the best North Carolina beaches for biking!
Elliot Coues Trail
At Fort Macon State Park, you’ll find one of our favorite local bike-friendly trails! The Elliott Coues Nature Trail travels along the marsh, through the maritime forest, and through the sand dunes to connect the Fort area to the Swim Beach area. With so much nature surrounding the trail, you’ll get to see some fascinating views of the beaches, the Fort, and the Beaufort Inlet.
Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
If you’re an avid cyclist, a ride along the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is for you! The National Scenic Byway spans 138-miles from the northern tip of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Beaufort, NC. For much of the bike route, you’ll follow NC Highway 12, which is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east side of the road and the Pamlico Sound on the west side. This fascinating stretch is so narrow that you may even feel like you’re peddling right alongside the crashing waves. But that’s not all! The route also includes two ferry rides necessary to reach Beaufort. One ferry is between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island and the other from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island. After the ferry rides, you’ll continue along NC Highway 12 until it becomes US Highway 70 and takes you straight into Beaufort, NC.
Rest Up in a Your Home Away from Home
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After a fun-filled day of adventure, kick back in one of our fantastic Spinnaker’s Reach vacation homes! Our gorgeous vacation rentals are a short bike ride away from some of the area’s best restaurants, local attractions, beaches, and more. We even have rental homes with ocean views, so that you can enjoy the beauty of the ocean from your bedroom window. You deserve an amazing place to spend your vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient.
When you stay with us on Emerald Isle, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Browse our properties, and start planning your next trip to the Crystal Coast!