Renowned for its untamed beauty, the Crystal Coast is set in the center of North Carolina’s coastline. Hop a ferry to explore undeveloped beaches and the wild horses, sea turtles and dolphins that live there, or go below the surface in one of the top diving destinations in North America.

Look & Feel

Highlights

  • 85 Miles of Coastline
  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse
  • Home of “America’s Favorite Town”
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore
  • Wild Spanish Mustangs
  • Scuba Diving & Water Sports

Weather

Winter 58°
Spring 71°
Summer 86°
Fall 76°

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

U.S. Route 70
N.C. Highway 12
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)
Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)

Things To Do

Things To Do

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Morning Light on the Stars and Stripes, Light from the sun rising shines brightly on the flag at Fort Macon NC. I like the way there are clouds in the background but the flag is brightly lit. #MaxStansellPhotography #funwithphotography #Getoutandshoot #awesomestuffisee #SonyA6300 #alphashooter #NorthCarolinaPhotographer #NorthCarolinaLiving #visitNC #NorthCarolina #sunrise #flag #starsandstripes #cannons #Clouds #fortmacon #fortmaconstatepark #easternnc

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11 Real-Life Ways to Experience ‘The Choice’ by Nicholas Sparks

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Inshore Fishing at the Crystal Coast

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Attractions & Activities in this region

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform
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Places to Stay in this region

Firsts That Last

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Horse Pen Ranch

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Newport

Walk in Blackbeard’s Footsteps in North Carolina

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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

location markerCape Lookout Lighthouse
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location markerCape Lookout Lighthouse
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Happy Birthday to you, Cape Lookout Lighthouse! On this day, November 1st, 1859, the lighthouse was lit for the very first time by Keeper John Royal. After 159 years of withstanding hurricanes and nor'easters, changing from whale oil to a solar-powered beacon, and even surviving a bombing during the Civil War, the lighthouse at Cape Lookout National Seashore stands tall, welcoming visitors with its distinctive checkered pattern and brightly shining light! #myfavoritelighthouse #lighthouse #capelookout #capelookoutlighthouse #capelookoutnationalseashore #nationalpark #nationalparkphotography #nationalparkgeek #findyourpark #visitnc #northcarolina #wow_america #theamericancollective

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Events in this region

Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

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Fishing & Dining on Ocean Piers

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Feast at Fall Oyster and Seafood Festivals

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Under the Sea: Family Fun at Aquariums

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North Carolina Maritime Museum - Beaufort

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Beaufort
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Throwing back to Sunday where I was chillin out maxin and relaxin all cool while dining at beaufortgrocery 😎 • Donna, our waitress, kept the service consistent, friendly and enjoyable. The food and view was top shelf. Time well spent. • • • #tbt #throwback #throwbackthursday #sundayfunday #sundaydinner #beaufortnc #crystalcoast #beaufortgrocery #dinner #outdoordining #viewforview #ncweekend #daytrip #instagram #instafood #instagood #latergram #visitnc #finedining #greatservice #neighborhood #restaurant #explore #eatlocal #supportlocal #seafood #killingtime #goodlife #lovinglife #travelling

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Grab Your Friends for a Getaway to the North Carolina Coast

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Choose Your Perfect Beach Vacation

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Roland’s Barbecue

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Beaufort

15 Coffee Shops and Cafés You’ll Like a Latte

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location markerShackleford Banks
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location markerShackleford Banks
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Wild horses on deserted island🐴🏝️ . . #wildhorses #shacklefordbanks #harkersisland #outerbanks #northcarolina #nc #usa #traveldiary #traveltips #visitnc #whitebeach #travellove #travelwithme #igtravel #naturelovers

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2/1/2025 - 2/2/2025

22nd Annual Carolina Chocolate Festival

Morehead City
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11 Iconic North Carolina Music Venues

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