'''Emerald Isle''' is a town on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, just south of Morehead City. It is known primarily as a beach resort.

Get in

There are only two ways to drive in and out of the isle:

  • From Northwest: Route 58, which is also marked as Emerald Drive. Route 58 east of Emerald Isle is also called Salter Path Road (Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores) and Fort Macon Road (Atlantic Beach).
  • From Northeast: Morehead Avenue to Route 58 North (Fort Macon Road West).
  • Of the two options, Route 58 is more accessible and direct for most.

    Get around

    New '''bike paths''' were installed throughout 2006 and into 2007. Covers along Emerald Drive and down Coast Guard Road. Great for walking or biking! Bikes can be rented through any of several local agencies! Also great for walking or biking is along ''Ocean Drive''. This is the first road back from the beach, running parallel to the beach. Very small road, 25 MPH. Very little traffic! For the most part, only walkers or bikers can travel this road continuously, as there are dead-ends occasionally with bike trails across. Walk the beach to and from your daily excursions!

    See

  • The water on the west side of the isle ("the Point") during high or low tide. But don't swim in it--the current is dangerously powerful.
  • Take the classic "long walk on the beach" but at night when the stars are out.
  • Look out for military jets as they fly over the isle out to the ocean and back, during routine drills.
  • Views of the Emerald Isle Bridge, and of the soundside towns of Bogue, Cedar Point, and Cape Carteret from Emerald Isle Woods Park. The park is on the west-end of the island off Coast Guard Rd.
  • Do

  • Visit the newly renovated NC Aquarium located in nearby Pine Knoll Shores
  • '''Reel Screamin' Fishing Charters''', +1-910-376-0970 (''email: info@reelscreamin.com''), [http://www.reelscreamin.com]. Inshore & Offshore fishing at it's finest! Chase tailing redfish or tailwalking sailfish with this professional charter company.
  • Rent scooters from [http://www.skooterkingz.com/ Skooter Kingz] and ride along Route 58 as well as neighboring side roads. Don't forget to call in-advance and reserve your scooter(s).
  • Brave the waves in a rented kayak, inflatable raft, or boogie board. If you're looking for something a little more natural, body surf.
  • Deep-sea diving - explore some of the world's best diving.
  • Skim board.
  • Fish.
  • Walk the beach.
  • Catch a movie.
  • Shop.
  • Get to know the locals.
  • Enjoy the town on the new bike paths that run along Emerald Drive.
  • Emerald Isle Woods Park is located on the west end of town down Coast Guard road. The park offers heavily-wooded dune trails and a wonderful wooden walkway to Bogue Sound, as well as the Emerald Isle Bridge and Bogue Sound. You can also launch kayaks off the floating dock.
  • Short day trips (less than 25 miles) to Swansboro, Cedar Point, Cape Carteret, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon, Morehead City, and historic Beaufort.
  • Buy

  • '''Emerald Plantation''', 8700 Emerald Drive. Features the grocery store (Food Lion) and a variety of shops, including a movie theatre, book store, toy store, excellent scrapbooking store, lots of lovely gift shops, clothing and jewelry stores, and also restaurants and coffee shops!
  • '''Bell Cove Village''', at the first intersection after crossing the bridge. New shopping center featuring the new authentic Italian restaurant "Portfino", TLG Frozen Custard, and several gift stores.
  • '''Veranda Square''', on Emerald Drive, across from the BP. Features several high-end clothing and accessories stores, tanning and nail salon, and more!
  • There are two "Bert's" Surf Shops, a local favorite!
  • Several beach supply stores throughout Emerald Isle for souvenirs, towels, suits, and the traditional Hermit Crab! Most stores offer cages, sponges, and all else necessary to care for the crabs!
  • Eat

  • '''Portofino''', in Bell Cove Village shopping center. High-quality authentic Italian fare.
  • '''Michaelangelos''', in Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Local favorite pizza place featuring pizzas, pastas, subs, and more!
  • '''Rucker Johns''', in Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Another local favorite for a great variety of American fare.
  • '''Jordans'''. Local casual seafood restaurant, featuring great food at a great price! Has a full bar and friendly staff!
  • '''Great Wall''', wonderful local Chinese food, including shrimp and scallop dishes. Located in town center near Bogue Inlet Dr on the South side of Emerald Dr.
  • '''Kathryns Martini Bar & Bistro''', across from the post office on Emerald Drive. Also has wonderful fare if you are looking for great drinks, food and atmosphere.
  • '''TLG Frozen Custard''', in Bell Cove Village. Has delicious custard, shakes, and sundaes.
  • '''Mikes Place'''. great place for breakfast, wonderful family restaurant for any meal! Casual American fare.
  • '''Flipperz''', in the K & V plaza. Cozy little family owned gem with American fare and lots of special touches!
  • '''El Zarape''', across from the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Wonderful Mexican restaurant. Definitely a must-have!
  • '''South Banks Grill''', located in the K & V plaza. Has great food and good prices! Casual American fare.
  • '''Sweet Spot''', across from Mike's Place on Emerald Drive. Great candy/ice cream store.
  • '''Beans-N-Screens Internet Cafe''', in the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Friendly little coffee shop with wonderful coffee and great Frozen Frappes to cool you off after a day at the beach! A flurry of flavors and great atmosphere with Free Wi-Fi Internet!
  • '''Ben & Jerrys''', just down the road from Mike's Place on Emerald Drive. A great addition to the beach!
  • '''Flip Flops''', located further into Emerald Isle on Hwy 58. This gas station was recently given an overhaul and added a gift store! They also have great lunch fare, making this a great stop to grab a lunch to-go and some drinks for the beach!
  • '''Circle Pizza''', the newest pizza place on in town at the 3100 block on the ocean side offers pizza, pasta, and free delivery.
  • '''Dairy Queen''', burgers and sandwiches, as well as the famous Blizzards and other ice cream treats. Located in town center on the South side of Emerald Dr.
  • Drink

  • '''The Emerald Club'''. Local bands, great drinks, and always something happening on the weekend.
  • '''Emerald Isle Wine Market''', within the gas station at the first light after crossing the bridge. Huge selection of wines.
  • '''Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar'''. Amazing selection of drinks, specializing in martinis. I would not recommend this - please read on line reviews regarding rude service and poorly cooked steaks.
  • '''Paddy's Pub''', Located in K&V plaza across from CVS. Open year-round.
  • '''El Zarape''', Mexican restaurant with a full bar. They have daily specials, and feature regular, jumbo, and monster size Margaritas.
  • Sleep

    Vacation rentals

  • '''Bluewater GMAC''', +1-800-258-9287, [http://www.bluewatergmac.com]. Offers the largest selection of rental properties in the area - ranging from condos to single-family homes to our luxury blue pearl properties (http://www.bluepearlhomes.com)! For those with dogs, Bluewater GMAC has over 150 dog-friendly rentals! Awarded "Best Rental Agency" in 2006 and 2007 by Coaster Magazine. Website features full interior photos, descriptions, aerial maps, and complete rates and availability. Search online for properties and then book or hold them online.
  • '''Emerald Isle Realty''', +1-800-849-3315, [http://www.emeraldislerealty.com]. Offers hundreds of rental houses from apartments to ten bedroom houses.
  • '''Prudential Sun-Surf Realty''', +1-800-396-0124, (''e-mail: guestservices@sunsurfrealty.com''), [http://www.sun-surf.com]. Manages over 300 Emerald Isle resort rentals, offers a great selection of annual rentals and has one of the strongest sales teams on the Crystal Coast. Whether your lifestyle allows you a getaway for a few days or a week long vacation, we are ready to accommodate your family and friends.
  • '''Playtime Vacation Rental''', +1-919-336-2397, (''email: playtimeatthebeach@nc.rr.com''), [http://www.playtimeatthebeach.com]. A popular oceanfront vacation rental with pool, hot tub, theater, billiards, pinball, and much more. Website includes details, pictures, rates and availability.
  • Get out