Emerald Island

Emerald Island or Emerald Isle, depending on who you talk to, has The Point, one of the best spots to catch a spectacular sunset along the entire coastline. Emerald Isle greets Crystal Coast visitors at the western end of Bogue Banks, offering 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet. With a variety of lodging options and a focus on family fun, Emerald Isle is a haven for watersports, fishing (onshore, offshore and on the Bogue Inlet Pier), or simply sitting on the sand and enjoying the sound of the waves rolling in.

Emerald Island is a family-friendly beach destination with things to do for all ages on and off the beach, including the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, extensive walking and biking trails, a waterslide park, and mini-golf courses.

Emerald Island was named for the green maritime forest that covers the area. To experience this firsthand, you can take a walk along one of several nature trails that wind their way through the forest. Accommodation here is plentiful, with an extensive selection of rental homes, cottages, and condominiums either right on or just back from the beach.

Website: www.emeraldisle-nc.org

Address: 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Phone: 252-354-3424

Entrance fee: $10 Daily Pass

Google rating: 4.8/5.0