Wonderful things to do in Atlantic Beach

Located on the barrier island of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, with miles of pristine beaches on both the ocean and sound side, this outdoor recreation paradise offers activities such as going to see the wild horses on Shackleford, visiting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, surfing, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more. From lazy beach days to fun-filled adventures on the water to exciting nights out on the town, it’s easy to see what keeps vacationers coming back year after year.

For long days filled with fun in the sun, there’s no better place for memorable family beach vacations. Discover some of the best things to do in Atlantic Beach, NC during your next visit to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Best Things to Do in Atlantic Beach, NC 

1. Hit the beach.

Situated on a barrier island that is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound, Atlantic Beach offers miles of pristine beaches for vacationers to enjoy a nearly endless list of activities both on and off the sand. The most popular public beach access point is at The Circle at Atlantic Beach, located just across the Atlantic Beach Causeway. Additional public beach access points can be found at Picnic Street Park and in Fort Macon State Park.

2. Stroll the boardwalk.

One of the highlights of The Circle at Atlantic Beach is the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk. Lining the short stretch of boardwalk are numerous beach shops and eateries, along with benches and picnic tables for vacationers to sit, relax and take in the beautiful views. Just off the sand are volleyball courts and a swing set for young children.

3. Visit North Carolina’s most visited state park.

Take a step back in time and explore some of North Carolina’s history with a visit to Fort Macon State Park. Surrounded by a beach that is accessible to the public, this 389-acre park is a perfectly restored Civil War-era fort, first constructed as a defense to thwart the region’s infamous pirate attacks.

Here you can learn about life on the battlefield and how the Civil War took place by the coast. The park is open daily with tours led by knowledgeable park staff. Civil War reenactments are held frequently, offering a unique way for visitors to watch history come to life. The beaches that border the fort on both the ocean and sound side are perfect for leisurely strolls, taking in the incredible views.

4. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from the pier.

A recognizable trademark of Atlantic Beach and a favorite local spot is the Oceanana Fishing Pier. Not only does the pier provide some of the best panoramic ocean views, it’s also one of the best fishing spots along the Crystal Coast. From spots, croakers, flounder and pompano during the summer months to black and red drum during the cooler spring and fall months, anglers have plenty of opportunities to reel in a great catch during any season.

Long strolls down the pier to take in the miles-long view is just as popular activity on the pier as fishing. 

5. Explore the coastal waterways by boat.

Boating is a great way to get out on the water and explore the natural wonders of the coast. Explore the day sightseeing along the coast. Spend a day exploring the Cape Lookout National Seashore and take photos of the wild Shackleford horses that roam the barrier islands.

There are several marinas located in Atlantic Beach including, Anchorage Marina and Fort Macon Marina. With ample parking and multiple boat ramps, you’ll be boating through the waterways within minutes.

6. Eat like a local.

One of the best parts of a beach vacation is the fresh seafood dinners that go along with it. Amos Mosquito specializes in serving modern American seafood dishes with a Southern flair. Situated on the sound side of Atlantic Beach, the restaurant boasts picturesque views of Bogue Sound from its quaint bayou-style setting.

From crab cakes, grilled shrimp and sushi rolls to comfort foods like meatloaf and fried boneless pork chops, enjoy an array of tasty dishes cooked with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. And for a dessert you won’t soon forget, try the tableside ‘campfire’ where you can enjoy make-your-own s’mores!

7. See what’s on tap.

Crystal Coast Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery in Atlantic Beach, NC. Brewed in Eastern North Carolina and made with many local ingredients, Crystal Coast Brewing has been providing visitors to the Crystal Coast with great tasting craft beer since 2017.

The Atlantic Beach Taproom is located just blocks from the beach and offers 17 amazing craft beers on tap, as well as wine, cider on tap and sodas. The whole family can enjoy hours of fun in the game area playing shuffleboard, giant Jenga, video games, corn hole and more. The Atlantic Beach Taproom offers plenty of space both indoors and out, making it the perfect spot for patrons to hang out with friends and family.

8. Venture through the maritime forest.

Looking to get up close with nature on the Crystal Coast? The Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is a 1-mile round-trip hike through the maritime forest that leads to views of a salt marsh and the estuary where Hoop Pool Creek flows into Bogue Sound. Hoop Pole Creek Preserve is listed as a natural heritage area and is protected by the NC Coastal Federation.

The trail is a mix of boardwalk, paved trail and hard ground, making it the perfect hike for people with small children, as well as those with mobility issues. The area is a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants. Hikers have the opportunity to see a variety of songbirds, wading birds and birds of prey, in addition to deer, raccoons, turtles and more.

It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the awesome natural landscapes that make up North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail can be accessed from the parking lot of the Food Lion in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center.

9. Boat, Walk, Beach…Repeat.

While this may not sound like your standard beach activity, it’s actually one of the most popular and truly “Instagrammable” ecology tours offered by H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions.

The BWB Repeat tour is the trifecta of excursions. Travel along the scenic waterways beside Shackleford Banks where Captain Mark will take you on a guided land tour to see the wild Shackleford Banker horses, looking for shells on the beaches along the way, and then stop for a dip in the calm sound waters to cool off as you make your way back to the boat. You’ll then be taken through the north end of the Middle Marshes of the Rachel Carson Preserve, then up Taylors Creek along the historic Beaufort waterfront.

H2O Captain offers a variety of unique and memorable eco-tours that can be fully customized to include activities that your family will enjoy the most. During your next stay on the Crystal Coast, an excursion with Captain Mark is a must!

10. Explore fun things to do nearby Atlantic Beach, NC.

One of the Crystal Coast’s most popular family attractions is just a short drive away, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Take the kids on an aquatic journey to learn more about marine animals and their habitats. See Blackbeard’s infamous ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Touch a stingray. It’s great fun for the whole family!

The information above was written by Emerald Isle Realty