Carteret County has some of the most varied coastline in North Carolina. Bogue Banks offers miles of easy-access beach, Fort Macon pairs a Civil War fort with a swimming area, and the Cape Lookout National Seashore protects wild, undeveloped islands where the Shackleford Banks horses still roam.
Our outdoors guides cover the best beaches town by town, how to reach Cape Lookout, respectful wild horse viewing, fishing from piers, surf, sound and offshore, and calm-water paddling. Safety matters here: rip currents, summer storms and tides change fast, so each guide notes what to watch for. Planning a full day out? Our things to do and weather and seasons guides help you pick the right day.
Every beaches & outdoors guide
-
Oceanana Pier and Atlantic Beach Fishing Guide
Fishing the Oceanana Pier in Atlantic Beach, NC: what to expect, species by season, nearby surf spots, licenses and local…
-
Renting a Vacation Home in Emerald Isle: Areas, Costs and Tips
Planning Emerald Isle vacation rentals? Compare oceanfront vs soundside, east vs west end, typical weekly costs by season, booking timing…
-
Fishing Charters in Morehead City: Inshore, Offshore and Head Boats
Fishing charters in Morehead City: inshore, offshore and head boats, typical prices, what bites by season, licenses, tipping and how…
-
The Point at Emerald Isle: Beach Driving, Fishing and Safety
The Point at Emerald Isle explained: where it is, how 4×4 beach driving permits work, rip current and inlet safety,…
-
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, Emerald Isle: Fishing, Fees and Tips
Planning a trip to the Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle? What bites by season, pier pass vs walk-on, rules,…
-
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Crystal Coast
Kayaking Crystal Coast NC guide: calm-water launches, marsh paddles, tide and wind safety, and whether to rent or buy a…
-
Fishing on the Crystal Coast: Piers, Surf, Sound and Offshore
A local guide to fishing on the Crystal Coast: seasonal species, piers and surf spots, sound fishing, offshore charters and…
-
Fort Macon State Park: Beach, Fort and Trails
Fort Macon State Park guide: the Civil War fort, the lifeguarded swimming beach, trails, parking and crowds, plus seasonal tips…
-
Seeing the Shackleford Banks Wild Horses: A Local Guide
How to see the Shackleford Banks wild horses: ferry or own boat, the 50-foot viewing rule, best seasons and times,…
-
Cape Lookout National Seashore: How to Visit From Carteret County
Plan a trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore from Carteret County: ferries from Beaufort and Harkers Island, the lighthouse, camping,…
-
Best Beaches on the Crystal Coast, NC: A Town-by-Town Guide
A town-by-town guide to the best beaches on the Crystal Coast, NC: Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Fort Macon and more,…