The Crystal Coast of North Carolina has 86 miles of beautiful beaches. Kids love the incredible land and water activities here, and it’s exactly the right family vacation mood for 2025.
Wild horses, Shackleford Banks, North Carolina
See the Crystal Coast wild horses on Shackleford Banks
If you only do one thing during your visit to the Crystal Coast, go see the wild horses!
horses roam free on the shores of Shackleford Banks living entirely off the small island. This area is only accessible by boat or ferry and the land is protected to let the wild horse population thrive.
Editor’s advice: Be sure to bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet as you’ll get off the boat in very shallow water, then take an easy hike to get a peek at the horses. The ground is a little muddy and the shrubs are prickly, so flip flops are a no-go. The banks themselves are very flat and easy to navigate, so even kids will be able to see the horses.
Here are some North Carolina beaches we think you might like
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Crystal Coast, North Carolina
Climb “Diamond Lady” for views of the Crystal Coast
Cape Lookout is right next to Shackleford Banks on the Crystal Coast. A national seashore with 56 miles of protected shoreline, Cape Lookout is a beautiful, nearly untouched beach perfect for swimming, shell collecting and getting the best view of the coast from the top of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Called the “Diamond Lady” for the black and white diamond pattern painted on the side, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse has 207 steps and an unbeatable view. It is a climb, so it’s not suitable for very young children or people not up for climbing the equivalent of 12 stories. But, the steps are not as forbidding as they seem and if you’re up for an adventure, it’s well worth the effort. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, where you’ll be given a specific time to ascend the steps (and a complimentary history lesson).
Editor’s advice: The easiest way to get to both Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout is through the Island Express Ferry Service. The ferry takes you to both destinations and has easy pickup times and locations.
Where to Go Next: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Paddling, Rachel Carson Reserve, Crystal Coast
Paddle to the Rachel Carson Reserve to see the untamed Crystal Coast
There’s nothing like paddling the beautiful waterways of the Crystal Coast and at Beaufort Paddle, they include a safety briefing and quick lesson before you hit the water, so the whole family will feel comfortable navigating in kayaks.
A guide will also help you paddle to the Rachel Carson Reserve, where you’ll encounter a variety of birds, plant life, and maybe even a wild horse or two.
Editor’s advice: Be sure to bring sunscreen! The cool breeze off the water feels great (and you can swim off the beaches at Carrot Island), but you might burn in summer without a little extra SPF.
Cycle round Beaufort, North Carolina
Bike through the charming North Carolina town of Beaufort
The town of Beaufort is adorable and ripe for exploring by bike. Go slowly to catch the Victorian style homes and rows of delightful shops, and think about stopping off at the Maritime Museum which explores the seafaring history of this part of the Crystal Coast. It’s all immediately charming, and a really safe cycle for kids.
Editor’s advice: Bike rentals are available all throughout the area and the flat landscape makes it an easy ride for all ages.
See our recommended family hotels in Beaufort
Offshore fishing, Crystal Coast
You can fish off a pier or go offshore on the Crystal Coast
Due to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, you can fish year-round along the Crystal Coast. It’s easy to charter a boat to try your luck catching a big bluefin tuna, or you can opt for a more relaxed fishing adventure off the Oceanana Fishing Pier in Atlantic Beach. The 1,000-foot long pier juts out into the Atlantic, making it an ideal place for dropping your line.
Editor’s advice: The Oceanana Pier House has all your fishing equipment needs, so you won’t have to haul rods and tackles all across the beach. Even if your family doesn’t fish, the pier is a great spot to enjoy the ocean views and take in a spectacular sunset.
The perfect beach for sun salutations
Sun salutations are more rewarding on a North Carolina beach
After all the Crystal Coast fishing, boating, hiking, and wild horse adventures, it can be great to stretch your body and relax with some beachside yoga. NC Coastal offers private and group classes right on the beach. If you have a large family gathering, or just want some private yoga coaching, NC Coastal Life can also cater classes to the needs of the group.
Editor’s advice: One of the perks of beachside yoga is if kids decide they’d rather run around than find their zen, it’s no problem.
The Pirate Treasure Cruise, Beaufort
Take a Pirate Treasure Cruise in the Black Beard town of Beaufort
Though Beaufort is an idyllic small town, it’s also home to a real-life history of Crystal Coast piracy. Black Beard’s infamous ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was wrecked just offshore here.
Editor’s advice: Incorporating the actual pirate history with playtime pirate fun, the Pirate Treasure Cruise is perfect for all the little plunderers in your family. During the 90-minute cruise, kids get a bandana, a sword fighting lesson and witness a water cannon battle while on the hunt for great treasure. Parents can join in on the fun or relax and enjoy the scenery.
Best end to every day on the Crystal Coast
Ice cream is the best way to end the day in Beaufort
After all that activity, you’ve earned a scoop of ice cream…or two! The General Store in Beaufort is a cute shop that features homemade fudge, local gifts and 32 different flavors of ice cream to choose from, there’ll definitely be something for every sweet tooth.
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