Is Emerald Isle, NC worth visiting?

Boasts the Clearest Waters in North Carolina This coastal location is home to some of the bluest water you'll find in the state, with pristine golden sand beaches to match. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or take a dip in the refreshing waters, Emerald Isle offers an unbeatable coastal experience .

Is Emerald Isle walkable?

If you are willing to walk a few minutes , the Point at Emerald Isle has plenty of space to spread out and explore areas that most beach visitors never see.

Do you have to take a ferry to Emerald Isle?

There is no direct connection from Outer Banks to Emerald Isle . However, you can take the drive to Hatteras Island, NC, take the car ferry to Ocraco*ke, NC, take the drive to Ocraco*ke, NC, take the car ferry to Cedar Island, NC, then take the drive to Emerald Isle. Alternatively, you can take the drive to Emerald Isle.

Does Emerald Isle, NC have a boardwalk?

Emerald Isle NC Boardwalk near Pebble Beach .

Can you drink alcohol on Emerald Isle?

Beer and wine is allowed on the Town of Emerald Isle beaches, however liquor drinks are prohibited . Glass containers are allowed, but must be disposed of in trash cans, which are found at the end of all public beach accesses. Alcohol is permitted in the Town of Atlantic Beach, but glass containers are not allowed.

Does Emerald Isle get crowded?

Emerald Isle Beach Soft, sandy beaches and clear, blue waters draw massive crowds to these beaches , so be prepared to be around many other people and dogs during the summer months. However, even though there will be people on the beach, it never feels overly crowded or like there is no space to move and run around.

Can you swim in the ocean in Emerald Isle?

In Emerald Isle, even the calmest of days on the beach can pose an inherent risk when entering the ocean and the public is always advised to use caution. RED flags indicate that there is a high risk of strong currents or other hazards and the public is advised to stay out of the water.

Do you have to pay to park at Emerald Isle beach?

Town of Emerald Isle Paid Parking Paid parking runs seven days a week from April through September, and the hours are from 8 am to 6 p.m. The cost will be on a sliding scale from $2 to $4 an hour, depending on the time of the season . The maximum a vehicle will pay for the day is $16.

Are there Ubers in Emerald Isle?

The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride from Emerald Isle NC anytime, 24/7 .

Is Emerald Isle NC expensive?

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Emerald Isle is $40,745 a year — greater than the annual cost of living for North Carolina of $38,661 and greater than the national figure of $38,433.

Is the water at Emerald Isle clear?

The water is calm and clear , and the sound is protected from the ocean by the barrier islands of Emerald Isle and Salter Path.

What are the amenities of Emerald Isle beach?

Emerald Isle's oceanfront and soundside public accesses and parks offer a wealth of amenities. From picnic pavilions, boat and kayak launches, to volleyball courts and playgrounds , Emerald Isle has so many opportunities for your family to enjoy themselves!

Is Emerald Isle a quiet beach?

Emerald Isle is a quiet seaside town that combines friendly locals, pristine beaches, gorgeous weather, and family-friendly activities.

How many miles long is Emerald Isle?

Emerald Isle, North Carolina is a 12-mile stretch of island found on the western portion of Bogue Banks. Here you will experience a relaxing family atmosphere, play on some of the most pristine beaches and stay in some of the most comfortable and luxurious vacation rentals on the Crystal Coast.

Emerald Isle – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

Emerald Isle is a beach resort on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, just south of Morehead City. It is in the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina on the island of Bogue Banks, in an area known and marketed as the Crystal Coast.

Get in[edit]

Emerald Isle is about 1½ hours off of I-95, the closest interstate highway for north/south travel. From the east, US-70 is the main route to access Emerald Isle.

Get around[edit]

Emerald Isle does not offer public transportation options; however, taxi companies do operate on the island.

The main road through Bogue Banks is NC-58; the majority of businesses and accommodations are on or accessible via NC-58. This road runs the entire length of the island, from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach. Although only 26 miles long, the speed limit on the road varies between 35 mph and 45 mph, so it can take up to 45 minutes to travel the length of the island.

See[edit]

The water on the west side of the isle ("the Point") during high or low tide. But don't swim in it--the current is dangerously powerful.
Take the classic "long walk on the beach" but at night when the stars are out.
Look out for military jets as they fly over the isle out to the ocean and back, during routine drills.
Views of the Emerald Isle Bridge, and of the soundside towns of Bogue, Cedar Point, and Cape Carteret from Emerald Isle Woods Park. The park is on the west-end of the island off Coast Guard Rd.

Do[edit]

The state of North Carolina operates one of three North Carolina Aquariums at 1 Roosevelt Boulevard in Pine Knoll Shores, 15 minutes from Emerald Isle on Bogue Banks. The Aquarium is open from 9AM-5PM daily, and offers unique exhibits on aquatic life in North Carolina, from the Mountains to the Ocean. The Aquarium also offers numerous live exhibitions, such as live dives in the Living Shipwreck exhibit and shark feedings, as well as hands-on programs for children and youth.
Brave the waves in a rented kayak, inflatable raft, or boogie board. If you're looking for something a little more natural, body surf.
Deep-sea diving - explore some of the world's best diving.
Skim board.
Fish.
Walk the beach. Emerald Isle offers numerous public access points to the Atlantic Ocean.
Catch a movie. Emerald Plantation shopping center has a 4-screen cinema. The theatre is independently operated and accepts only cash, so make sure you have cash available for the movie ticket and refreshments (there is an ATM in the lobby for emergencies). During the week, the cinema offers evening showtimes (7 and 9PM for most movies), with additional afternoon matinee shows during the weekend. Tickets can, however, be purchased with a credit card online.
Enjoy the town on the new bike paths that run along Emerald Drive.
Emerald Isle Woods Park is on the west end of town down Coast Guard road. The park offers heavily-wooded dune trails and a wonderful wooden walkway to Bogue Sound, as well as the Emerald Isle Bridge and Bogue Sound. You can also launch kayaks off the floating dock.

Buy[edit]

Emerald Plantation, 8700 Emerald Drive. Features the grocery store (Food Lion) and a variety of shops, including a movie theatre, book store, toy store, excellent scrapbooking store, lots of lovely gift shops, clothing and jewelry stores, and also restaurants and coffee shops!
Bell Cove Village, at the first intersection after crossing the bridge. A shopping center featuring the authentic Italian restaurant "Portfino", TLG Frozen Custard, and several gift stores.
There are two "Bert's" Surf Shops, a local favorite!
Several beach supply stores throughout Emerald Isle for souvenirs, towels, suits, and the traditional Hermit Crab. Most stores offer cages, sponges, and all else necessary to care for the crabs.
Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports (Hot Wax Surf Camp), 200 Mallard Drive (3rd right after bridge MM20 1/2), ☏ +1 252-354-6466. Daily in season.

Eat[edit]

Michaelangelos, in Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Local favorite pizza place featuring pizzas, pastas, and subs.
Rucker Johns, in Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Another local favorite for a great variety of American fare.
Great Wall, wonderful local Chinese food, including shrimp and scallop dishes. Located in town center near Bogue Inlet Dr on the South side of Emerald Dr.
Kathryns Martini Bar & Bistro, across from the post office on Emerald Drive. Also has wonderful fare if you are looking for great drinks, food and atmosphere.
Flipperz, in the K & V plaza. Cozy little family owned gem with American fare and lots of special touches.
Sweet Spot, across from Mike's Place on Emerald Drive. The Sweet Spot serves hand-scopped Hershey's Ice Cream treats, and has a great selection of candies (including most any flavor of salt water taffy you can imagine).
Circle Pizza, at the 3100 block on the ocean side offers pizza, pasta, and free delivery.
The Village Market, 7802 Emerald Dr. (down the main drive next to the Reel Outdoors Fish & tackle), ☏ +1 252-354-6592. 8AM-6PM. Great deli with Boars Head cuts and sandwiches , a menu on the website, call ahead or eat outside on in the lovely sea air.
Flip Flops Donut Shop, 7702 Emerald Dr (Down the main drive, shortly after the Bogue Inlet Pier. Should be on your left if coming from the west.), ☏ +1 252 424 8171, FlipFlopsDonuts@gmail.com. One of the best local dessert shops around. They serve donuts and other desserts for a fair price, but they are quite delicious. Highly recommended. (updated Dec 2022)

Drink[edit]

1 The Emerald Club. Local bands, great drinks, and always something happening on the weekend.
Emerald Isle Wine Market (within the gas station at the first light after crossing the bridge). Huge selection of wines.

Sleep[edit]

There are only a few small hotels on the Emerald Isle side of Bogue Banks; most of the hotels on Bogue Banks are located on the opposite side of the island in Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach.

The majority of accommodations in Emerald Isle are condominium, duplex and beach house accommodations. Most rentals, especially during peak-season, are weekly. There are several realty companies in Emerald Isle who specialize in weekly and long-term rentals. Note that Emerald Isle is primarily geared toward family vacations. Many rental companies on Emerald Isle do not rent properties to student groups or others not accompanied by adults.

Go next[edit]

Swansboro is about 15 minutes from Emerald Isle on NC-24. Swansboro has many unique shops along the waterfront, specializing in crafts and nautical-themed items. Yana's Ye Olde Restaurant offers old-fashioned breakfast and lunch items in a classic drug-store lunch counter setting. The Church Street Deli has incredible chicken salad sandwiches.
Morehead City is about 30 minutes from Emerald Isle on US-70. Morehead City has numerous seafood restaurants and shops along the waterfront.
Beaufort is about 45 minutes from Emerald Isle on US-70. Beaufort has a restored shopping district along the waterfront, and numerous historical sites and settings related to the town's close proximity to the wreckage of Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge.

This city travel guide to Emerald Isle is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.

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