The 10 Best Things to Do in Emerald Isle, United States

February 15, 2018 Leonarda Pillsbury

Located about a 2 ½-hours drive from the state capital of Raleigh, this welcoming strand of coastline is the perfect blend of solitude and activities. Emerald Island is by no means desolate. There are plenty of funky shops that sell traditional beach trinkets, including T-shirts, toys and water toys for the entire family. If it’s outdoor activities you want, you will find plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, sailing and more. Kids love flying kites along these sandy white beaches. You can also enjoy a plethora of sightseeing, shopping, golf and other fun activities.
Restaurants in Emerald Isle

1. Hammocks Beach State Park

1572 Hammock Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584-9523 +1 910-326-4881
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 196 reviews

Hammocks Beach State Park

Located on Bear Island, this is a great swimming beach.

Reviewed By wecacnna - Surf City, North Carolina

Writing this review so others will know that from time to time they have extremely informative events- most that even children would appreciate. Many need to have reservations. Even in December this park has events and if you want you can venture to bear island. Great place for those who love to camp. My walk ability and health does not allow me to enjoy all the benefits - but for those who love nature and a island life this is not to be missed. Sadly not so many places like this left in the world.

2. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

1 Roosevelt Blvd, Cary Nc 27511, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512-6813 +1 252-247-4003
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 874 reviews

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Dive into adventure. Take a tour of North Carolina’s aquatic life “from the mountains to the sea.” Talk with divers as they swim with sharks in the Living Shipwreck, featuring a WW II German U-boat replica. Laugh at the antics of playful river otters, touch a stingray or enjoy programs free with admission. Field trips and other activities are available for additional fees. On-site snack bar and gift shop.

Reviewed By krissybee1979 - Wilmington, North Carolina

I’ll three of North Carolina aquariums are different. They have some similarities, but also unique. I like this one because it’s organized by region of the state and it flows nicely. It’s very educational and relaxing. I love the outside walkway and it’s great views. The kids love the climbing nets and the tire swing on the playground.

3. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway

976 Salter Path Rd, Salter Path, NC 28512-5938 +1 252-247-3024
Excellent
43%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 134 reviews

Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway

Reviewed By Susan T - Mars, Pennsylvania, United States

We went mini golfing and rode the go karts. The go karts were a big hit. At $8.75 a person it was worth it. The golf was $10 per person. There are two 18 hole golf courses to choose from. The courses are well maintained and lots of fun.

4. MacDaddy's Entertainment Center

130 Golfin Dolphin Dr, Cape Carteret, NC 28584-8500 +1 252-393-6565
Excellent
43%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 65 reviews

MacDaddy's Entertainment Center

Reviewed By Jackattack7051 - Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Me and my son ended up here after the other place he wanted to go to was closed. I have seen other people complain about service being slow but definitely not the case last night. The burgers are not just big but really good. Monday nights in the off season is a really good time to go and get away for a while.

5. Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

100 Bogue Inlet Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594-2701
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

Reviewed By DaveVWV - Marlinton, West Virginia

I think I was think California style pier when we said we were going to the peir. In So Cal piers have shops and resturants along wit fishing. This one is just fishing although fun to walk and see the ocean.

6. Island Water Sports

1960 Salter Path Rd, Indian Beach, NC 28512-5931
Excellent
54%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
26%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 15 reviews

Island Water Sports

We offer a wide range of water sports activities in the area. Family owned for 29 years. "Kid tested and family approved". We are always offering something new to our fleet of activities and strive for innovative ways to provide the perfect experience for all of our guests, young and old. We offer a unique dolphin observation deck with handicap access, if you just want to sit back relax and just watch. We welcome your input and if you are not happy with your experience, please, give us the opportunity to make it right.

Reviewed By Jacob L

Had a blast at water sports. We bought 4 jet skis $100 an hour. The money was well spent. You can use GoPro and phones, just make sure it's secure! Go check it out!

7. The Golfin Dolphin

134 Golfin Dolphin Dr, Carteret Crossing, Cape Carteret, NC 28584-8500 +1 252-393-8131
Excellent
43%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 54 reviews

The Golfin Dolphin

A Family Entertainment Center that is fun for everyone.The activities are,driving range,mini golf,batting cages, bumper boats,and go-karts. Driving Range & Mini Golf is open year round.

Reviewed By gojusensei - Cape Carteret, North Carolina

This is one of our favorite golf courses because it has been so well designed and is actually very beautiful. Adjacent is the driving range for golf and batting cages and close by is MacDaddy's so you can easily spend several hours enjoying yourselves. If you don't mind getting wet, go to the bumper cars in the pool by the mini-golf course or head over to the go-carts. Have fun!

8. Blown Kiteboarding

3205A Highway 24, Newport, NC 28570-5501
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Blown Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding/ Kitesurfing lessons, Stand Up paddleboarding lessons and kayak rentals. We have one of the best teaching locations in the world for kiteboarding lessons.

Reviewed By DC12345678 - Washington DC

I called last minute to schedule a kiteboard lesson. Michael was more than accommodating to get me in the water quickly. He is very thoughtful and careful instructor, with good equipment and an almost perfect spot for teaching. We ended up cutting the lesson short due to wind dying out, but I will be back for more.

9. The Point

Emerald Isle, NC
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 41 reviews

The Point

Reviewed By Mel K

Stop at the Point, it's a breathtaking view and you can park free if you are not there long. Get a drink and use the restroom, this is a nice stopping point if you are traveling through and need a break.

10. Star Hill Golf Club

202 Club House Dr, Cape Carteret, NC 28584-9240 +1 252-393-8111
Excellent
33%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 18 reviews

Star Hill Golf Club

Reviewed By navybng - Cumberland, Maryland

I played here with a friend. The staff in the pro shop was very friendly and efficient. The course was in good shape. Fairways were decent and greens well maintained. Our only problem was inability to find our balls in the fairway on most of the front nine, but that was entirely the result of morning dew and sun in our face and had nothing to do with the course or its management. I will definitely play here again if I am in the area.

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