2021 Scenic Spots Guide
Dive into an adventure that's teeming with local wildlife and exceptional beachcombing finds with a family-friendly adventure that's provided by the Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari. As the name would readily suggest, this local Beaufort tour company takes passengers on a relaxed but thrilling adventure to the Shackleford...
Morehead City Ferry Service
The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi...
Island Express Ferry Service
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier...
Miss Crystal Coast Cruises
Miss Crystal Coast Cruises is a cutome-made 49 passenger catamaran that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Miss Crystal Coast is specifically built for the purpose of...
Island Ferry Adventures
Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks' most remote shorelines with an excursion that's led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the outlying islands as well as guided tours of some of the region's most wild spots, this tour company has a lot to offer for shell seekers, nature buffs, and...
Lawson Creek Park
Lawson Creek Park is an active destination that's suitable for nature lovers and outdoors fans of all genres. Encompassing a massive 140 acre site surrounded by the waters of Lawson Creek and Trent River, this park is a...
Union Point Park
Visitors to New Bern's historic downtown are advised to take a break from the shopping, antiquing and dining, and enjoy a comfortable seat and a great view at the scenic and newly revitalized, Union Point Park.
Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve
The Rachel Carson Reserve is a stunning stretch of barely-barrier island shoreline that's found just off the coast of historic Downtown Beaufort. Covering 2,205 acres, this collection of three islands that are...
Swansboro's Bicentennial Park may not be the grandest of most extensive park along the Crystal Coast's Inner Banks, but it is certainly one of its most scenic. Surrounded by the deep waters of the White Oak River and...
Cahooque Creek Recreation Area
The waterfront Cahooque Creek Recreation Site, located at the very corner where the Hancock and Cahoogue rivers meet up with the expansive Neuse River, is a water and boat lover's dream destination. With easy access to...
Calico Creek Boardwalk
Though it's located in a fairly busy section of Morehead City, the Calico Creek Boardwalk is a breath of fresh air for birdwatchers, nature fans, and everyday sightseers, thanks to its picturesque location on the...
Cape Lookout Village Historic District
The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks' most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic...
Cedar Street Park
Emerald Isle vacationers who want to explore the wide waters of the Bogue Sound via a kayak, paddle board, or kiteboard rig can head to Cedar Street Park. This soundside park that's almost hidden among the...
Conchs Point
Visitors can enjoy a quiet view of the Calico Bay and Newport River from this refreshingly secluded spot that's tucked away on the outskirts of the downtown Morehead City area. Conchs Point is a public water...
Curtis Perry Public Park
The Curtis Perry Public Park, which is also referred to as the Taylor's Creek Boat Ramp, is one of the most popular launching areas for local and visiting Beaufort mariners. Located on the edge of Lennoxville Road...
Derwood's Landing
Water lovers who are on the hunt for a central and picturesque destination to launch a small vessel or kayak can head to Derwood's Landing – a public park that's known for its instant access to the...
Fisher Landing Recreation Site
Fisher Landing Recreation Site is a unique and stunning natural destination that's attractive to mariners, kayakers, birdwatchers, and all varieties of nature enthusiasts.
Fishermen's Park
Take a breather from an exploration of busy historic Beaufort and enjoy some stunning views of the local waterfront with a visit to Fishermen's Park. This small park that is a popular launching point for easy...
Glenburnie Park
Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that's located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination...
Grayden Paul Park
Beaufort explorers who want an easy launching point in the heart of town, or just a scenic spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch and an incredible view, can head to the centrally located Grayden Paul Park. Tucked away...
Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp
Harkers Island visitors who want to enjoy a waterfront expedition or just a little time on the sand can head to the Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp. Centrally located along the main road that heads to Harkers Island...
Morehead City's Jaycee Park is easily one of the most scenic parks along the Crystal Coast, and perhaps the region's busiest park in the summer season. Located adjacent to the waterfront, with wide open views of the...
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular...
Newport River Pier and Ramp
The waterfront world of Beaufort, Morehead City, the Shackleford Banks, and everything in between is at a mariner's fingertips when they launch from the Newport River Pier and Ramp. Located directly on the water...
The North Carolina History Center, which is part of the extensive Tryon Palace, is a new 65 million dollar complex which transports visitors back in time to explore New Bern's more than 300 years of local history.
Picnic Park
Hitting the seashore in Atlantic Beach is an easy venture, thanks to a number of local public beach accesses, including the sprawling Picnic Street Park. With a prime locale that straddles the borders of the Fort Macon...
Radio Island Beach Access
Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both Morehead City and Beaufort visitors.
Enjoy a gorgeous sunset, a little birdwatching, or just a leisurely and short hike that hovers above the White Oak River with a visit to the aptly-named Riverview Park. Located along NC Highway 24 / Corbett Avenue, in...
The Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and is a barrier island system that is found just off the coast of Beaufort and Harkers Island, and which is a popular offshore beaching destination...
The Circle at Atlantic Beach
Crystal Coast visitors who want an easy-going day on the seashore can head to one of the most convenient public beach accesses in the region, the Circle at Atlantic Beach. Known as the main "Town Beach" and...
Head to the very western edge of Emerald Isle to discover an iconic spot that's been popular with longtime vacationers and locals alike – The Point. This informally named stretch of beach is where the...
Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
Take a walk on Pine Knoll Shores' wild side with a visit to the pristine, undeveloped Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, an expansive 265 acre nature preserve, conveniently located next to the town's most visited...
Thorofare Bridge
Kayakers, mariners, and any visitor who adores an endless waterfront view will want to make a convenient but secluded stop at the boat ramp and launching area at Thorofare Bridge. Situated in the heart of Cedar Island...
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouses along the Outer Banks coastline, due to its black and white diamond-patterned exterior, as well as its remote location along the Cape Lookout...
Topsail Marine Memorial Park
Take a quick pause along the Beaufort waterfront near the NC Maritime Museum and you'll spot the small but scenic Topsail Marine Memorial Park. This tiny parcel of land is a fine spot to take a pause from a...
Other Activity Categories
Birding Spots
Crafting Activities
Hiking Spots
Kitesurfing Lessons
Nature Spots
Paddleboarding Lessons
Paddleboarding Tours
Sailing Tours
Wild Horse Tours
Scenic Spots by Town
Miss Crystal Coast Cruises is a cutome-made 49 passenger catamaran that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Miss Crystal Coast is specifically built for the purpose of sightseeing and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy exploring the beautiful downtown beaufort are, plus unbeatable perspectives of the region's vast array of wildlife, shorelines, and on-the-water views. The Miss Crystal Coast is equipped with a restroom onboard.
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.
The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway - Crystal Coast
Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and is a favorite spot for families who want to have a little fun off the sand.