Special Attractions on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina This is just a small sample of the thousands of incredible things to see and do. Cape Lookout National Seashore A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches. Cape Lookout Lighthouse Cape Lookout Lighthouse is an aid to navigation, a symbol of home, a vacation spot, a place of work, and a welcome beacon for visitors coming to Cape Lookout National Seashore. Thousands of visitors cross the sound every year to visit Cape Lookout, and to explore the surrounding seashore. Beaufort Historic Site Turn back the hands of time. Tour 10 historic buildings and homes in the downtown area of Beaufort, the third oldest town in North Carolina. North Carolina Maritime Museum The three North Carolina Maritime Museums preserve, protect and present North Carolina’s coastal history. They paint a picture of the history and maritime culture that includes fishing, boat building, piracy, decoy carving, life-saving, war, underwater archaeology, shipwrecks, boating, the seafood industry, and marine life, science and ecology. Each of the museums is unique, and offers year-round public programming, and free admission. Donations are appreciated. Learn about the history of the Crystal Coast, including artifacts from Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Trace the historic roots of Harkers Island and its centuries-long life on the water with a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of Harkers Island along Island Road, (an authentic Crystal Coast community that is a far cry from the bustling beaches), this uniquely surprising museum shines a light on how fascinating and essential this small-town community is to the Southern Outer Banks landscape. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a Mecca for coastal fishermen, hunters, birdwatchers, and everyday explorers, thanks to miles of undeveloped terrain in a uniquely coastal location. Found just northeast of Beaufort along NC Highway 12, and surrounded by the miles-wide Pamlico Sound waters, this protected refuge serves as a haven for local wildlife, and local or visiting explorers alike. Shackleford Banks For more than 400 years the wild horses of Shackleford Banks have taken care of their young, frolicked on pristine deserted beaches and foraged for food with not a saddle or fence in sight. The horses have enjoyed the protections afforded by Cape Lookout National Seashore in cooperation with the Foundation for Shackleford Horses dedicated to maintaining the animals’ way of life. Scientists, historians and nature lovers alike have speculated the origins of the Shackleford horses, or “Banker ponies” -- the most popular being that the horses swam ashore after a Spanish ship exploring the new world met with a tragic fate off of North Carolina’s shores. Visitors make their way to the island by private boat or ferry running from Harkers Island, Beaufort and Morehead City – and the captains of Island Express Ferry Service are more than happy to dish most their secrets to shelling during the ride. Emerald Isle Adventures We are Emerald Isle's #1 Adventure Specialists, and we are committed to ensuring that our clients have amazing experiences! From Emerald Isle Charter Fishing for the catch of a lifetime with Captain Roy or a pontoon boat rental or boat cruise from Captain Lisa, you're guaranteed a fun filled day. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on Roosevelt Drive, is an impressive collection of typical North Carolina coastal species, rare aquatic residents, and hands-on activities that will surely garner a full morning or afternoon of off-the-beach adventure. Fort Macon State Park Located in Carteret County 39 miles southeast of New Bern, Fort Macon State Park is centered on an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort that offers daily guided tours and frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural surroundings. Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier *** CLOSED for 2024 SEASON ..... Re-opening on Friday, March 14, 2025 *** Rachel Carson Reserve The Reserve is a network of 10 protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This program protects more than 44,000 acres of estuarine land and water, which provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public, trainings for professionals; and serves as living laboratories for scientists. The Beaufort Club Live, Play, Relax. From our championship golf course, to our brand new clubhouse, resort-style pool, and nature trails, the Beaufort Club and community offers coastal living at its best. Located minutes from historic downtown Beaufort, our club is semi-private, offering daily fee play and memberships for golf and social. Crystal Coast Country Club From our picturesque sound front setting, to a championship golf course and luxury amenities, Crystal Coast Country Club is a premier club on the North Carolina coast. Beaufort Pirates Revenge Jump Aboard The Pirate Ship "revenge" At 600 Front Street In Beaufort, North Carolina. Our Interactive Voyages Offer Fun And Adventure For Families And Swashbucklers Of All Ages. Come Join Our Crew, Take Part In A Pirate Adventure, And Enjoy Festive Music Guaranteed To Unleash Your Inner Pirate. But Be Warned; We May Need To Enlist Your Expertise To Man The Water Cannons And Help Defend Our Ship!