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Dubbed the “Family Beach”, Emerald Isle, North Carolina is a town that truly lives up to the name. Come for the peaceful island atmosphere and friendly residents and stay for the rejuvenating ocean views, calm waters, and astounding scenery.
From its location at the western end of Bogue Banks, this 12-mile stretch commands a superb view of the pristine Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound at multiple locations.
Unlike other island communities where overgrowth and unplanned development creep over and ruin the natural beauty of the environment, Emerald Isle has maintained and preserved the beauty of the island and its unspoiled views.
This makes it the perfect family holiday setting both for out of state vacationers and nearby North Carolina residents alike, and our Crystal Coast vacation rentals on Bogue Banks provide you direct access to it all.
History of Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is steeped in history. Long before whalers and fishermen settled in it in the late 19th century, the area was home to Native Americans. But its location and magnificent views soon attracted the interest of developers.
In the early 20th century, it was bought by a wealthy developer named Henry Fort who had plans to build a summer resort and some tourist attractions on the island. His plans, however, didn’t see the light of day and after his death, the land went to his daughter.
In 1951, a group of seven developers bought the 12-mile stretch of island and divided it equally among themselves. They designed the area as a family-oriented resort right from the start.
This meant that the lot size was increased during the development and the streets were numbered much like in any major city at the time. They also restricted the size of the commercial development to 5 blocks each.
This made Emerald Isle a highly desired vacation spot of families across the country for decades. Add to that the reputation for great fishing spots, outdoor parks, historic sites, and a wealth of marine life on Bogue Banks and you can get an idea on why it has been so popular among vacationers and residents.
Emerald Isle Attractions and Things to Do
Because this is an island intimately surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, expect to have a tranquil holiday. But tranquil doesn’t mean boring — far from it. Emerald Isle, NC and the rest of Bogue Banks offer a lot of activities to suit all ages and inclinations.
At the top of the list of Emerald Isle attractions and things to do is “The Point”. This is the westernmost section of the island and a place where you can really revel in the majestic presence of the surrounding scenery and ocean.
Let the balmy breeze wash over you as you take in the scents of the ocean and the sights and sounds of the wildlife. That moment will turn into an everlasting memory that you will recall fondly every time you think of Emerald Isle.
From there you can collect seashells; there are plenty of them and the ocean keeps bringing in more. And since the area is rarely crowded, you can enjoy all this beauty as if it was your own private beach.
Other attractions include kitesurfing and stand up paddleboarding. The ocean here is notoriously calm so this sport is quite safe even for beginners, with local companies like Carolina Kitesurfing guiding you along the way.
And of course, we can’t forget mention the famous Bogue Inlet Pier. Fish right from the pier to catch a huge variety ranging from albacore to black drum, flounder, king mackerel, and more.
Make sure you go on an empty stomach because the local seafood is incredible at the restaurants and diners along the pier, including the all-new Surf’s Up Bar and Grill at the pier.
The Salty Pirate Waterpark in Emerald Isle is always worth a visit with the family with its low-cost admission, arcade, snack bar, pizza, ice cream, water slides and play area.
For the adventurous souls, there are always exciting fishing charters: both inshore or deep sea.
Make Your Next Vacation Unforgettable on the Crystal Coast
Our Crystal Coast, NC, vacation rentals have enough Atlantic Beach attractions to keep everyone happy. And for a waterfront vacation destination, it offers so much more that you wouldn’t normally find in similar coastline resorts.
From wildlife preserves to fascinating historic sites like the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Blackbeard’s last battle, museums, beaches, parks, boat tours, ocean and outdoor activities, and aquariums, the Crystal Coast was made for vacationing in any season!
These are just some of the attractions available to you during a stay at one of our Crystal Coast vacation rentals. If you plan a nice long vacation, you’ll be able to explore a lot more of what we have to offer.
Book one of our vacation rentals online today and get some of the best prices you’ll find by saving on third party fees, while also getting full support from us to find your absolute dream home away from home on the Crystal Coast!
