The ultimate guide to vacationing in Emerald Isle, NC

It’s the beach for travelers who don’t need much to vacation


I have spent the past 20 years vacationing at Emerald Isle, NC’s green-water coast as a devoted beach-goer. In my time there, not only have I experienced the peaceful beach, but I have also become quite familiar of what there is (and what there is not) to do around here.

Emerald Isle is a peaceful family vacation spot in the southern Outer Banks. Many locals enjoy coming to this area because it is a nice getaway for the weekend when all you need is a little sun. But what is there to do when you need more than a little sun, but not a lot of the chaos that comes along with any beach destination?

Although Emerald Isle seems to be nothing but beach, there are a few things I have done over the years when traveling to this beach spot.

Camping

Who goes camping at a beach? Actually, a lot of people. It isn’t just your pitching-a-tent camping, though. As a child, my family and I would come to Holiday Trav-L Park which is located right at the edge of the island. We would visit our grandparents who lived in their permanent site trailer when we were young’uns, but now we bring our own camper.

The campground is located right on the beach and all you have to do is walk through the park to reach it. No need to drive any closer, for you are already as close as you can get. Bring your boogie board and sunscreen because the water is right over the dunes.

Don’t like the beach, but enjoy the view? They have a spot for you, too. The gazebo stands high over the dunes and provides you with an endless view from the tip of the island to the Bogue Inlet Pier and beyond. Have no fear if you get awestruck with the scenery. Over the years, they have incorporated a concession stand into their gazebo and there are plenty of snacks to go around.

What comes with camping – shower houses and shower shoes

Yes, it is nice having a personal RV with your own bed, kitchen and bath, but sharing a small space with a family does get tight. Get away by retreating to the bathhouse after a long day at the beach. Shower shoes are not required, but are recommended. You have to share the two bathhouses and eight showers with the rest of the campground. Shower shoes make you miss taking a shower at home, but hopefully won’t deter you from coming back (or boycotting showering altogether).

Beach shopping

Every time we visit a beach, we must spend a night shopping for memorabilia. Although we have been coming to Emerald Isle for years, it is still a priority to go to all of the cheap beach stores. All of the stores seem the same, but each time my sisters and I find something new that we need for the week.

Fortunately, Emerald Isle has a small strip mall called Emerald Plantation that has boutiques that are great for everyone. They may cost a little more, but each year we learn the value of quality over quantity. Our t-shirts are starting to last year-round.

Casual dining

Casual dining is pretty common on the island, and for those who need finer dining, the closest place is 30 minutes away. Although some feel that vacation is the time to spend more on meals, I must say, my family has never been disappointed getting pizza at Michelangelo’s.

Michelangelo’s has recently revamped and is more enjoyable now more than it was before. Their dining space is larger, and so is their pizza. And for children who don’t like the crust, there are turtles out back that will gladly take it off their plates. Behind Emerald Plantation, there are many water turtles who emerge to the top of the water waiting for pizza crust and turtle pellets.

Ice cream

Sweet Spot

The days at the beach sometimes get exhausting, and the only way to rejuvenate after lounging around all day is to get a nice, cold ice cream cone. In the past, Dairy Queen was the go-to spot on the island, but everyone else started to show up so it caused us to reroute.

Sweet Spot right next door, is starting to get more popular, but we definitely found it first. Sweet Spot gives customers all the ice cream possible and only charges for a single scoop (if you do it right). Don’t be fooled by the Dairy Queen line. Although it is good on occasion, Sweet Spot is now where we go every night after baking in the sun all day.

Bike riding

Pictures and bike riding isn’t always easy

Most places worth spending time at are only a few miles down the island, which makes bike riding ideal. We have brought our bikes for the past 10 years and ride them daily to do nearly everything in the evenings. After eating Michelangelo’s or Sweet Spot, a bike ride is necessary. The bike paths have been paved, making our travels easier from stop to stop. Bike riding gets competitive, though, and racing to the ice cream parlor always has always been something the kids look forward to (especially when they leave the parents in the dust).

Family fun

Bike riding isn’t the only family competition around this area. Annually, we mosey over the bridge to play some putt-putt. Although there are various greens on the island, Golfin’ Dolphin has always been the green-of-choice. Putt-putt champions are always a toss-up in my household, so it doesn’t hurt to crown a new winner from time to time. Although we typically go to Golfin’ Dolphin for putt-putt, there is a nice race track for the want-to-be NASCAR drivers as well as a driving range for those who are preparing for their next Masters.

Final stops on the island

Final recommendations when visiting Emerald Isle do require a little more driving than the others mentioned previously. The North Carolina Aquarium is about 20 miles away from the campground and has various exhibits great for the kids. There are nature trails outside with docks overlooking the Bogue Sound. Inside, children can pet stingrays and see many aquatic crabs.

There are also a few restaurants about 20 miles out that I highly suggest, as well. Sanitary, McCurdy’s and the Channel Marker are among the few that are great to stop in for a little higher-end dining.

A pirate in Beaufort

Other than Emerald Isle, there are plenty of touristy destinations that those who visit the island spend a day to visit. The Outer Banks is full of shipwrecks, but ironically full of lighthouses worth looking for. Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras aren’t too far away and are great to visit when everyone needs a break from the sun. Beaufort is also not too much of a drive, and is a great way to learn about Blackbeard and other pirates who have been known around the area.

Emerald Isle is perfect for those who need a getaway for the weekend and even better for those who need a vacation spot that allows for a little more peace and quiet than the average touristy town. It is a quaint travel destination, but it has plenty to do once explored.