Crystal Coast Area
Renowned for its untamed beauty, the Crystal Coast area is set in the center of the North Carolina Coast. Hop a ferry to explore undeveloped beaches and the wild horses, sea turtles and dolphins that live there, or go below the surface in one of the top diving destinations in North America.
Cities and Towns in the Crystal Coast Area
Travel & Leisure in the Crystal Coast Area
Best attractions, hotels, and romantic getaways
Our Top 3 Picks
- Visit Fort Macon State Park
- North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
- Go Deep Sea Fishing
Our Top 3 Picks
- North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Fort Macon State Park
Our Top 3 Picks
- Beaufort Hotel NC
- The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
Our Top 3 Picks
- The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores
- Beaufort Hotel NC
- Atlantic Beach Resort
Outdoor Activities in the Crystal Coast Area
Top hiking, water sport activities, and adrenaline activities
Our Top 3 Picks
- Emerald Isle Woods Park
- Fort Macon State Park
- Croatan National Forest
Our Top 3 Picks
- Scuba Diving at the Shipwrecks
- Kayaking in Bogue Sound
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Beaufort
Our Top 3 Picks
- Skydiving with Skydive Coastal Carolinas
- Jet Skiing in Emerald Isle
- Kiteboarding at Bogue Sound
Restaurants & Dining in the Crystal Coast Area
Best dinner, lunch, brunch, and breakfast spots
Our Top 3 Picks
- Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar
- Caribsea
- Beaufort Grocery Company
Our Top 3 Picks
- Beaufort Café
- The Banks Grill
- Yana’s Ye Olde Drugstore Restaurant
Drinks & Bars in the Crystal Coast Area
Best beer, wine, and cocktail bars
Our Top 3 Picks
- Promise’ Land Market
- Arendell Room
- The Growler Bar at Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Co.
Culture & Entertainment in the Crystal Coast Area
Top museums, venues, festivals, and events
Our Top 3 Picks
- North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
- Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
- History Museum of Carteret County
Our Top 3 Picks
- Arendell Room
- Jack’s Waterfront Bar
- The Dock House
Our Top 3 Picks
- Beaufort Pirate Invasion
- North Carolina Seafood Festival
- Crystal Coast Music Festival
Posts Related to the Crystal Coast Area
Editorial Process:
Experts make our reviews before being written and come from real-world experience and research. Read our editorial process here.
Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate us at no cost to you if you purchase from our partners. We’ve personally researched, used, and stand behind these products. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
