The Crystal Coast... It's called "North Carolina's Gem," with its clear blue ocean waters and an 85-mile stretch of pristine coastline, 56 of it protected by the National Park Service as a National Seashore. Located in the Southern Outer Banks, a five hour drive from the Hickory area, the Crystal Coast is one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the world and incorporates the communities of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, and Cape Lookout. Offering the perfect setting for a beach getaway that allows for both fun activities and relaxing down-time, it was the ideal place for my family's most recent vacation to kick off summer break. You too can find something for everyone to enjoy here.
For the beach bum: With endless miles of coastline, the Crystal Coast is a great place to spend a day at the beach. Build castles, sunbathe, swim and collect seashells. A ride on the Island Express Ferry to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout is a must for undeveloped shorelines, solitude and some of the best shelling in the state, a highlight of our recent trip. At Shackleford Banks you may also encounter the Spanish wild horses that have roamed free on the secluded island for over 400 years. At Cape Lookout, a visit to the lighthouse offers breath-taking 360 degree views of the surrounding area. 
For the water sport enthusiast: There are many ways to enjoy the crystalline waters the area was named after. Cool off by getting wet or take in the sights while staying dry; the choice is yours! From paddle sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, to swimming, surfing, fishing, boating and scuba diving, there are plenty of activities to choose from. We tried stand-up paddle boarding for the first time and quickly picked up the skills required to stay afloat thanks to the wonderful instruction from Hot Wax Surf Camp.
For the nature lover: From the mustangs at Shackleford Banks to the marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, nature lovers can learn about wildlife from land and sea (the behind-the-scenes tour at the aquarium was especially interesting and informative). For an upclose and personal look at the area's native maritime forests, enjoy a hike at any of the preserves, parks or recreational areas where we also caught sight of an osprey nest with young chicks. The Outer Banks are ideal for bird and dolphin watching and the east-west orientation of Shackleford Banks and Bogue Banks allow for stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, which we took every opportunity to soak in.
For the history buff: The Crystal Coast is one of the most historically important areas in North Carolina, with a rich history of pirate activity and Civil War battles. Explore Fort Macon, the second most visited state park in North Carolina and the site of a historic skirmish in 1862. Walk the streets and boardwalk of the waterfront town of Beaufort, ranked as "America's Coolest Small Town" by Budget Travel Magazine and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We spent the day touring Beaufort's historic homes, some over 200 years old, aboard a vintage double-decker bus, getting an inside look at the restored buildings within the town's historic site, and hearing a telling of the personal stories of those buried at the Old Burying Ground. Not to be missed while in Beaufort is a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the official repository for the artifacts from Blackbeard's Queen Anne’s Revenge discovered in 1996 off the coast of nearby Atlantic Beach.
After a full day of exploring the area, find plenty of options for food and shelter. Choose from over 100 restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines including fresh local seafood. Our family especially enjoyed Amos Mosquito's with its fun atmosphere and delicious food options, including campfire s'mores for dessert. Overnight accommodations at the Crystal Coast include few chain hotels, but rather cottages, condos, bed & breakfasts, and beach mansions known as "sand castles." We were treated to a relaxing getaway with a personal touch at the Harborlight Guest House and loved the beautiful scenery at its waterfront setting, the delicious breakfasts served each morning, spacious suites with all the amenities and caring attention and hospitality from the staff.
This summer, discover the gem that is North Carolina's Crystal Coast. I promise it will be a vacation the whole family will enjoy and remember! To learn more, visit https://www.crystalcoastnc.org/.
Disclaimer: I was a recent guest of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority for three nights during which accommodations, activities and some meals were complimentary. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
