Admittedly, Emerald Isle is my personal favorite town on the Crystal Coast. Why you ask? Allow me to share with you what makes Emerald Isle so special. The first thing you notice when you enter this family-friendly town whether you are coming from Cape Carteret across the B. Cameron Langston Bridge or via Highway 58 from the far end of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle has a unique vibe. Named for its “emerald green” maritime forest that covers this western end of the Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle has been hosting family vacations for generations.

History of Emerald Isle

Until the 1950’s, Emerald Isle remained mostly undeveloped and uninhabited. The island slowly began to come to life in the early 1970’s when the state of NC completed the Langston Bridge which replaced the Ferry that traversed the Intracoastal Waterway from Cape Carteret to the present location of the marina and boat ramp on Ferry Road . Our family would come to Emerald Isle often during the late 1960’s up until the present time. Needless to say, much has changed in Emerald Isle and thankfully it has all been for the better.

The Vacation Destination for Much of the East Coast

Drive around Emerald Isle today and you’re just as apt to see license plates from Ohio and Pennsylvania as you would see plates from the Tar Heel state. Obviously, the word has gotten out about the great vacations families experience in this Crystal Coast oasis. Here you’ll find few hotels, many low-rise condos, duplex beach cottages, a few older single-wide mobile homes and luxury oceanfront homes.

No Shortage of Emerald Isle Fun Things To Do

On Emerald Isle, the lack of something to do is never a problem. This Crystal Coast town is the ultimate playground for young and old alike. Below are a few of the many attractions, fun things to do and opportunities available:

  • Putt-putt miniature golf
  • Water slide
  • Biking (the town of Emerald Isle has a bike path that spans the length of the town)
  • Movies
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis courts (provided by the town of Emerald Isle)
  • Basketball courts (provided by the town of Emerald Isle)
  • Windsurfing
  • Kite surfing
  • Surfing
  • Boating
  • Batting cages
  • Go-cart racing
  • Amusement rides
  • Sensational shopping
  • Excellent dining options
  • Numerous local events (many sponsored by the town of Emerald Isle)
  • Pier fishing and surf fishing
  • Sun bathing
  • Shell collecting
  • Kayaking

It’s no wonder families far and wide come to the Crystal Coast town of Emerald Isle for a relaxing and invigorating vacation. Some visitors even relocate here permanently while others choose to make Emerald Isle their seasonal second home.