The sun sparkles on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, crystals drawing your eye into the beauty and power of the sea. This is the Crystal Coast. Anybody who has visited North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks immediately understands why millions flock to this mix of mainland and barrier island every year.

Life on the Crystal coast revolves around the water. It’s surrounded by the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Bogue Inlet and Sound, White Oak, Cape Fear, Neuse and Trent Rivers, and countless creeks, streams, and saltwater marshes brimming with plant and animal life where you can explore and play.

Hiking, Walking, Fishing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Surfing, Shelling, Crabbing and, of course, sunning eating, searching, and playing! With many south-facing beaches, you can walk along the waters edge and enjoy an inspiring sunrise, or humbling sunset as you dream and plan about your perfect life.

But it’s not all beaches. Coming inland just a little way brings you to historic towns and a different kind of life on the water surrounded by mighty rivers, some almost a mile wide. Many people begin their experience here with a weekend getaway, or a temporary stay at one of the military bases (Cherry Point and Came Lejeune).  Weekend getaways often turn into annual week-long vacations where you discover how life is supposed to feel: Unhurried. Relaxed. Inspired. In touch with nature.

Explore the many cities and towns that make up the Crystal Coast!