Visiting Emerald Isle, NC? This popular beach destination along the Crystal Coast is known for its laid-back vibe and gorgeous water, a perfect playground for families and couples alike. Shibumi founder Dane Barnes recently visited to get the inside scoop on this coastal community. From favorite attractions and boutique shops to the best restaurants and places to stay, here’s what to do in Emerald Isle.
Emerald Isle Bucket List
- Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are a must if your baby is going in the water, and both disposable and reusable versions are available. Tip: they only hold solids, not liquids, so keep regular diapers on-hand for the car. - Sun Hat
A wide-brimmed sun hat is perfect for protecting your baby from the sun’s hot UV rays. Choose a hat with a chin strap so it stays on throughout the day. - Rash Guard
A rash guard that covers your baby’s arms and legs provides excellent protection and minimizes the amount of sunscreen you’ll need to apply. - Sunscreen & Makeup Brush
You know your baby needs sunscreen (SPF 50+) after six months (pediatricians don’t recommend using it any earlier), but did you know a makeup brush makes application a breeze? Many moms swear by this baby beach hack. - Sun Hat
A wide-brimmed sun hat is perfect for protecting your baby from the sun’s hot UV rays. Choose a hat with a chin strap so it stays on throughout the day.
Emerald Isle Bucket List
Bogue Inlet Pier
Walk or fish along this historic 1,000-foot pier.
Visit the Aquarium
Dive deep beneath the sea at North Carolina’s largest aquarium.
Bike the Trails
Take a leisurely ride along the 11-mile Emerald Path.
Try Paddleboarding
Explore the coastal waters.
Hunt Shells or Shark Teeth
Discover unique natural treasures hidden in the sand.
Boutique Shopping
Splurge on chic dresses or souvenir shirts.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Fish Hut Grill is one of our favorites.
Get Ice Cream
For our money, you can’t beat the Sweet Spot!
Watch Egrets at Sunset
Shhh! We found the perfect location (see below).
What to Do
Bogue Inlet Pier
Behold the awesome Atlantic from the observation deck at the end of this historic 1,000-foot-long pier. Originally built in 1957, the Bogue Inlet Pier has survived multiple hurricanes to remain an Emerald Isle favorite for families and fishing enthusiasts. The pier also features a store, the Surf’s Up Grill & Bar, and nearby parking. Dane says it makes an excellent morning or afternoon destination during your Emerald Isle vacation.
North Carolina Aquarium
With more than 306,000 gallons of saltwater teeming with sharks, sea turtles, and starfish, Dane says this aquarium is absolutely worth the short 15-minute drive to Pine Knoll Shores. Be sure to check out the habitats featuring replicas of two famous North Carolina shipwrecks: a 1942 German U-boat and Queen Anne’s Revenge, the flagship of Blackbeard the pirate.
Putt-Putt at The Golfin’ Dolphin
Dane recommends this year-round family fun center for its Sky Trail – an aerial adventure featuring balance beams, rope bridges, and a sky slide all ages can brave. Adjacent to Mac Daddy's, the facility also boasts mini golf, a driving range, and go-karts.
Bowling and Arcade at Mac Daddy’s
Who knew there were so many ways to bowl? In addition to classic bowling lanes, Mac Daddy’s also features luxurious boutique bowling, immersive spark bowling, and blacklight-glow cosmic bowling. Compete for the high score in the 4,000+ square-foot arcade, then satisfy grumbling tummies at the on-site sports bar & grill.
Fort Macon State Park
Get a fascinating glimpse into history when you tour Fort Macon, built in 1826 to guard the coast from foreign attacks. The 389-acre park also features hiking and biking trails, a concession stand and visitors center, and activities such as swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastal waters. Dane recommends renting from Hot Wax Surf Shop or, if you’re interested in a guided tour, check out Emerald Isle Paddle Tours.
Bike the Emerald Path
“Emerald Isle is really bicycle friendly with 11 miles of paved bike path!” Dane says. The Emerald Path weaves its way from Indian Beach through natural environments and downtown Emerald Isle before ending at The Point. Rent a bicycle from Isle Cycle on Emerald Drive, just a short jaunt from the beach.
The Salty Pirate Water Park
From water slides to wave pools, The Salty Pirate is Emerald Isle's premier water park. Dane says it’s a fantastic place for families seeking fun in the water – without the sand.
Woods Park
Catch a glimpse of local wildlife along the hiking and birding trail at Woods Park, home to white-tailed deer, egrets, and wading birds. This 41-acre park is handicap-accessible, dog-friendly, and features a picnic pavilion and 9-home disc golf course.
Shelling
Head to The Point and sift through the sand to find beautiful shells that have washed up on the Crystal Coast. Common shells found at Emerald Isle include sand dollars, moon snails, clams, and oysters. If you’re lucky, you might even find a scotch bonnet – North Carolina’s state shell.
Shark Tooth Island
Take a kayak tour to Shark Tooth Island, a treasure trove of shark teeth between the mainland and Emerald Isle. Dane says you might even encounter a few dolphins during the 15-minute trek!
Watch Egrets at Sunset
Dane will tell you the best-kept secret in Emerald Isle is to go to this spot (34.661792, -77.056367) just before sunset and watch dozens of white great egrets fly into the trees to roost for the night. “It’s magical,” he says.
Get a Massage
What better way to unwind after a long day at the beach than a massage at one of Emerald Isle’s spas? Emerald Isle Massage gets rave reviews and offers couples massages, perfect for romantic getaways.
Where to Eat
Fish Hut Grill
Enjoy fresh local seafood like ahi poke tacos, yellow fin tuna, or softshell crab or opt for beach burgers and other American fare at this island-themed restaurant featuring tropical tables and a surfboard counter. “It’s a new restaurant that is slammed during the summer,” Dane says.
Michaelangelo’s Pizza
If you’re looking for pizza in Emerald Isle, Dane says you can’t go wrong with Michaelangelo’s, which sells whole pies and pizza by the slice. Famous for its New York style pizza with a full menu including calzones, stromboli, and subs, Michaelangelo’s is a crowd-pleaser that has something for everyone’s palate.
The Shark’s Den
Prefer a sports bar atmosphere? The Shark’s Den delivers with award-winning burgers and wings plus fresh seafood and beer on tap. A local favorite, this pub also hosts game nights, music bingo, and trivia nights throughout the week.
The Village Market
Pick up lunch (or breakfast) at the Village Market, which boasts an extensive deli-style menu featuring handcrafted sandwiches, salads, bagels, and soups. “The Village Market is a great lunch spot for salads and sandwiches,” Dane says.
Sweet Spot
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Spot, Emerald Isle’s famed ice cream shop. Enjoy a scoop of your favorite flavor or tickle your tastebuds with gourmet milkshakes while you sit on the colorful rocking chairs that line the shop’s exterior.
The Trading Post
In our opinion, The Trading Post has the best breakfast on Emerald Isle, hands-down. The family-owned diner is known for its southern hospitality and has indoor and outdoor seating. Give their shrimp-and-grits a try – we think you’ll love this unique dish!
Flip Flops Donuts
If donuts are more your style, stop in at Flip Flops for glazed, iced, and filled donuts plus a tasty selection of kettle boiled bagels and kronuts. Dane says you shouldn’t let the line deter you – these pastries are worth the wait.
Rucker Johns
Dane loves the atmosphere at Rucker Johns, a delectable dinner destination featuring burgers, steaks, ribs, salads, pasta, and fresh seafood. Get a table or saddle up to the U-shaped bar for a nice selection of brews, wines, and specialty cocktails.
CaribSea
First-class dining, live music, and a rooftop bar make CaribSea a must-see when you’re in Emerald Isle. The restaurant is proud to offer premium-quality steaks and locally sourced seafood – be sure to try the oysters!
Stir It Up Coffee Shop
Try a specialty latte at Stir It Up – which has 24 unique flavors – or grab a muffin or quiche for breakfast. Either way, we think this is one of the best coffee shops in Emerald Isle.
The Growler Bar
If you want to find a Shibumi founder, check out the Growler Bar for happy hour, where you’ll likely run into Dane with friends and family! Come for the craft beer, stay for the outstanding service, live music, and lively crowd.
Where to Shop
Emerald Isle Wine Market
Oenophiles will love the selection of wines from 13 different countries – get a bottle to sip back at your hotel or Airbnb. Dane says the Wine Market also sells microbrews, and you can pick up a sandwich or crab cake from The Beaufort Grocery Co. while you’re there.
Village Ice Cream and Candies
You can’t beat Village Ice Cream and Candies for flavorful family fun. According to Dane, this shop boasts a massive assortment of candy, over 40 flavors of ice cream, Belgian waffles, and more. Let the kids fill bags with candy to bring back to the hotel, and don’t leave without trying the ice cream nachos!
Bert’s Surf Shop
From T-shirts and sweatshirts to hats, sunglasses, and beach blankets, Bert’s Surf Shop has stylish souvenir apparel and more to show off your Emerald Isle vacation when you return home.
La Posh Boutique
Shop this popular Emerald Isle boutique located in the Emerald Plantation shopping center for a trendy selection of chic dresses, scarves, and jewelry.
Elly’s Gifts
In business for more than 30 years, Elly’s sells gifts, home décor, and personal care items. As much as we love Elly’s unique, thoughtful gifts, we think the best part is the shop’s homemade cream and butter fudge!
Emerald Isle Apparel
From fashionable shirts to classy windbreakers and snazzy hats, Dane says Emerald Isel Apparel is a great place to shop for clothing with local flair.
Where to Stay
Emerald Isle Vacation Home
Rent a vacation home from Emerald Isle Realty or Bluewater Associates and get a beach home all to yourself! Dane has had outstanding experiences with both companies, which offer a wide selection of oceanfront beach homes with pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and elevators for couples, families, and groups of all sizes.
Islander Hotel and Resort
The Islander is Emerald Isle’s only oceanfront hotel, featuring amenities such as a pool with seasonal bar, private beach access and complimentary beach chairs, and on-site bicycle rentals. If you’re recently engaged, the hotel also hosts outdoor weddings and has a 4,000 sq. ft. ballroom.
Lighthouse Suites
Though it's off the beach (but not far), this boutique Emerald Isle hotel gets outstanding reviews for its spacious suites, modern amenities, outdoor pool, and property-wide accessibility.
Holiday Trav-L-Park Resort
This oceanfront campground and RV park is known for its well-maintained grounds and hospitality. The resort has multiple beach accesses, a swimming pool and playground, on-site go-kart track, and a store stocked with specialty foods, craft beer, and fine wine.
Helpful Information for Your Emerald Isle Vacation
Weather
Average highs range from 81 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit from June through September, with average lows between 68 and 71. Check the current weather in Emerald Isle here.
Water Temperature
On average, Emerald Isle’s water temperature ranges between 75 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit from June through September. Check current water temperature here.
Tide Chart
Wondering about high and low tide times in Emerald Isle? Check out this tide chart.
Beach Cams
- EI Live Cameras: Beach access and parking webcams
- Bogue Inlet Pier: Live view of the Bogue Inlet Pier
- Emerald Isle Flyover: Pre-recorded aerial views of Emerald Isle
Ready for your Emerald Isle beach vacation? Don’t forget your Shibumi Shade!