Things to Do on Emerald Isle

  Emerald Isle sits at the heart of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, and there's no shortage of ways to fill your days here. Miles of uncrowded beach set the stage, but the surrounding area adds a full menu of options, from kayaking through tidal creeks and fishing off the Bogue Inlet Pier to exploring Cape Lookout National Seashore and dining on fresh local seafood. This guide covers the best activities, attractions, and restaurants near your Spinnaker's Reach rental.  

Watersports & Outdoor Adventure

The water is the main attraction on Emerald Isle, and several local outfitters make it easy to get out on it. Barrier Island Kayaks has offered guided tours and rentals for more than 20 years, making it a reliable starting point for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. South Swell Surf Shop is the go-to spot for board rentals and surf lessons, while Carolina Kitesurfing covers paddleboards, surfboards, and kitesurfing gear for more adventurous guests. AB Watersports rounds out the options with parasailing, boat rentals, and Cape Lookout tours all in one place.

PADDLE YOUR WAY AROUND EMERALD ISLE

One of the best ways to sightsee in Emerald Isle is to do it on the water! Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are all favorite hobbies around town. You’ll have no problem finding beach equipment at these fantastic rental places.

  • Barrier Island Kayaks: This family-owned business has been offering kayak rentals and guided tours for more than 20 years.
  • Blown Kiteboarding: For an adrenaline-filled adventure, try kiteboarding! You can find lessons and equipment rentals at this great shop.
  • Carolina Kitesurfing: If you’re looking for surfboards, paddleboards, or kitesurfing equipment, head to Carolina Kitesurfing. They provide rentals as well as individual and group tours.
  • Olympus Dive Center Scuba Diving: Located in Morehead City, this center boasts the best way to dive in North Carolina.
  • South Swell Surf Shop: The premier surf shop in Emerald Isle, South Swell offers apparel as well as surf lessons and board rentals.
  • AB WaterSports: You’ll find a little bit of everything at AB WaterSport, including parasailing, boat rentals, and even Cape Lookout Tours!

Golf Courses Near Emerald Isle

Several well-regarded courses sit within a short drive of the island. The Country Club of the Crystal Coast offers an 18-hole championship layout with views of Bogue Sound. Silver Creek Golf Club stretches over 7,000 yards of challenging public play, and Star Hill Golf Club in Cape Carteret adds 27 holes for a full day on the course. Brandywine Bay Golf Club in Morehead City rounds out the options with four sets of tees for all skill levels.

Fishing on the Crystal Coast

Fishing is a cornerstone of life on Emerald Isle, and the options span every style and skill level. The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is the local institution — no North Carolina fishing license is required when you purchase a pier pass, and the staff are genuinely helpful for anyone new to the area. For offshore adventures, Captain Stacy Fishing Center out of Atlantic Beach brings more than 50 years of local water knowledge to private charters and shark-hunting excursions. Emerald Isle Adventures combines fishing charters with boat rentals and family photography, and Sandbar Safari offers eco-tours alongside its charter fishing trips.

  • Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier: This Emerald Isle institution is a must for anyone new to the area. When you purchase your pass and fish from this pier, you don’t need a North Carolina fishing license. Plus, you’ll get the knowledge and experience from the friendly staff!
  • Captain Stacy Fishing Center: This Atlantic Beach-based charter has over 50 years of experience of fishing in these waters. From private tours to shark-hunting excursions, you’ll find a little bit of everything.
  • Emerald Isle Adventures: Here, you’ll find boat rentals, fishing charters, and family photography in one easy stop!

Family-Friendly Attractions

Rainy days and afternoons away from the beach are easy to fill. Mac Daddy's Bowling and Arcade and Fun World Arcade and Motorsports both offer solid options for kids of all ages. Lost Treasure Amusement Park in Salter Path adds mini-golf, go-karts, and bumper boats to the mix, and Salty Pirate Water Park is a reliable afternoon out for families with younger kids. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is worth a morning visit at any point in the trip.

  • Lost Treasure Amusement Park: Located in Salter Path, this mini-golf course spins a story of Professor Duffer A. Hacker and his discoveries on Fogclift Islands. This amusement park also features go-karts, bumper boats, and other kiddie rides.
  • Golfin Dolphin Miniature Golf and Driving Range: With year-round attractions, this site is one of the best things to do near Emerald Isle during the offseason.
  • Mac Daddy’s Bowling and Arcade: Enjoy an afternoon of bowling and arcade games! Discover one of the best things to do near Emerald Isle when it rains.
  • Fun World Arcade and Motorsports: Located off Coast Guard Road, Fun World is an amusement park with arcade games, go-karts, and so much more!
  • Salty Pirate Water Park: Formerly called the Water Boggan of Emerald Isle, this wonderful water park is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.

Local Restaurants Worth Trying

merald Isle has a solid dining scene for a beach town its size. Caribsea is the standout for a special night out, with fresh North Carolina seafood and aged prime cuts in a fine dining setting. Flipperz Family Grill works well for groups with varied tastes, and Rucker Johns brings classic Southern comfort food to the table with shrimp and grits as the headliner. For a late evening after the kids are down, Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar keeps things going with cocktails and seafood.

  • Caribsea: This fine-dining establishment utilizes fresh North Carolina seafood and aged prime cuts of beef to create an outstanding experience. It’s one of the most romantic things to do on Emerald Isle, NC.
  • Flipperz Family Grill: This family-friendly restaurant features a diverse menu (perfect for those picky eaters) and a great selection of drinks.
  • Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar: After the kids go to bed, head to Kathryn’s Bistro and Martini Bar for a delicious cocktail and scrumptious seafood.
  • Rucker Johns Restaurant: It’s not a trip to the south without some down-home classics, like shrimp and grits.

Day Trips to Atlantic Beach, Beaufort & Beyond

The Crystal Coast extends well beyond Emerald Isle, and several nearby destinations are worth a day away from the rental. Cape Lookout National Seashore offers wild horses on Shackleford Banks and a climbable lighthouse on a stretch of protected beach that feels genuinely remote. Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro is a top spot for kayaking and paddleboarding with guided paddling trails and wildlife programming. History-minded guests will find plenty at Fort Macon State Park, the Beaufort Historic Site, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Admission to the History Museum of Carteret County is free, making it one of the easier day trip additions.


  • Beaufort Historic Site    : If you’re in the area, stop by the Beaufort Historic Site to get a peek into the past. Learn about the history of this former fishing village and what life was like back in the 18th and 19th centuries. This is one of the best things to do in Beaufort!
  • Core Sound Waterfowl Museum: Enjoy art, history, and culture when you visit this amazing attraction. Located on Harkers Island, the museum offers fascinating exhibits and some outstanding events.
  • Fort Macon State Park: Civil War history buffs shouldn’t miss the chance to tour the grounds of Fort Macon State Park!
  • North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: Without a doubt, visiting the NC Aquarium is one of the best things to do with kids along the Crystal Coast. Before you visit, check the calendar of events to see if there are any fun tours or special parties happening during your visit!
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum: So much of life in North Carolina revolves around the water. Nowhere showcases that better than the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Learn about the history of boating, surfing, fishing, and so much more when you visit.
  • The History Museum of Carteret County: Learn about the history of this region, from the Native Americans who originally lived in this region to North Carolina’s role in World War II. Best of all, admission is totally free, so this is one of the best attractions to visit on a budget!
  • Tryon Palace: Visit North Carolina’s first permanent state capital. From the 14 acres of gardens to the interactive and educational exhibits, this attraction is sure to spark your interest.
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore: From seeing the wild horses on the shores of Shackleford Banks to climbing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, you’ll have no problem spending a day at this famous stretch of protected beach.
  • Hammocks Beach State Park: This pristine slice of beachy paradise is a fantastic place to go for a day of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Located in the nearby town of Swansboro, this park features paddling trails educational programs, and fascinating exhibits on local wildlife.

Ready to plan your Crystal Coast getaway? Browse the full Spinnaker's Reach collection of Emerald Isle vacation rentals and book direct for the best available rates.