The Crystal Coast
– Carl’s favorite hotels & other news
The Crystal Coast of North Carolina is a stretch of beaches also known as the Southern Outer Banks. With more than 85 miles of coastline and a variety of waterways featuring the trademark crystal clear waters, the Crystal Coast offers water sports activities throughout the year. And if you’d like to stay a while, you can choose from quaint bed and breakfasts or outstanding and historic beachfront hotels.
Here are my favorite Inns, Hotels and Resorts in no particular order:
Here are my favorite Inns, Hotels and Resorts in no particular order:
The Beaufort Hotel
2440 Lennoxville Road
Beaufort NC 28516
(252) 728-3000
In 2019, The Beaufort Hotel was built on the property of a former menhaden fish processing plants. The menhaden is a type of fish also called Pogey, Bunker, Fatback, Bugfish or Bugmouth. The fish processing plant was long gone by the time the hotel started taking shape, but being environmentally friendly was a major concern. According to their website, the Beaufort Hotel “emerged as a leader in promoting environmental responsibility and has become an outstanding green partner and plans to be a role model as the first full-service hotel in Carteret County that has been recognized by the NC GreenTravel Initiative.”
Today, you can step back in time to the menhaden fishing era in Beaufort through the photos from local photographer Scott Taylor, which can be found inside 34° North Restaurant & Bar. This waterfront restaurant features locally inspired Eastern North Carolina cuisine with fresh local seafood, hand cut steaks, and seasonal ingredients. If you have the chance, dine on the outdoor patio, a covered open-air dining space overlooking Taylor’s Creek and Rachel Carson Reserve, home to over 30 amazing wild horses.
2440 Lennoxville Road
Beaufort NC 28516
(252) 728-3000
In 2019, The Beaufort Hotel was built on the property of a former menhaden fish processing plants. The menhaden is a type of fish also called Pogey, Bunker, Fatback, Bugfish or Bugmouth. The fish processing plant was long gone by the time the hotel started taking shape, but being environmentally friendly was a major concern. According to their website, the Beaufort Hotel “emerged as a leader in promoting environmental responsibility and has become an outstanding green partner and plans to be a role model as the first full-service hotel in Carteret County that has been recognized by the NC GreenTravel Initiative.”
Today, you can step back in time to the menhaden fishing era in Beaufort through the photos from local photographer Scott Taylor, which can be found inside 34° North Restaurant & Bar. This waterfront restaurant features locally inspired Eastern North Carolina cuisine with fresh local seafood, hand cut steaks, and seasonal ingredients. If you have the chance, dine on the outdoor patio, a covered open-air dining space overlooking Taylor’s Creek and Rachel Carson Reserve, home to over 30 amazing wild horses.
Inlet Inn
601 Front St
Beaufort NC 28516
(252) 728-3600
A bit of history from the Inn’s website: “The original Inlet Inn was built in the 1850s by the owners of a dry goods store in Beaufort. It began as a private residence known as the Lowenberg House and was renowned for having one of the “best views on the east coast.” Sold in the early 1900s to the Morris family, the original structure was used as a Summer home and was known as the Morris House until Carrie Dill Norcom operated it as a boarding house named “Norcom House.”
Congressman Charles Abernathy bought the house in 1911, expanded its size with rambling additions and named it New Inlet Inn. He added windmills to pump in freshwater and a second-floor ballroom. His Innkeeper, Mrs. Worth, and her four children along with two other Beaufort boys, made up a small orchestra. There was even a dance instructor!”
Today, Inlet Inn offers “bed and breakfast amenities, charm, and service.” It is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Beaufort NC, directly on Front Street with a fully unobstructed view of Taylors Creek & Carrot Island. Many of their rooms even have their own private waterfront porches and rocking chairs.
601 Front St
Beaufort NC 28516
(252) 728-3600
A bit of history from the Inn’s website: “The original Inlet Inn was built in the 1850s by the owners of a dry goods store in Beaufort. It began as a private residence known as the Lowenberg House and was renowned for having one of the “best views on the east coast.” Sold in the early 1900s to the Morris family, the original structure was used as a Summer home and was known as the Morris House until Carrie Dill Norcom operated it as a boarding house named “Norcom House.”
Congressman Charles Abernathy bought the house in 1911, expanded its size with rambling additions and named it New Inlet Inn. He added windmills to pump in freshwater and a second-floor ballroom. His Innkeeper, Mrs. Worth, and her four children along with two other Beaufort boys, made up a small orchestra. There was even a dance instructor!”
Today, Inlet Inn offers “bed and breakfast amenities, charm, and service.” It is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Beaufort NC, directly on Front Street with a fully unobstructed view of Taylors Creek & Carrot Island. Many of their rooms even have their own private waterfront porches and rocking chairs.
Caribbe Inn
309 East Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
(252) 726-0051
The Caribbe Inn isn’t your typical inn. Its colorful aquatic decor with fish murals painted in splashy colors set it apart as fun and funky. Family-owned and operated, The Caribbe Inn is within easy walking distance to the beach, restaurants, shopping, fishing piers, and entertainment. And if you’re bringing your boat to the beach, the Caribbe Inn has a dock with complementary boat slips, a picnic area, and a BBQ area for their guests.
309 East Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
(252) 726-0051
The Caribbe Inn isn’t your typical inn. Its colorful aquatic decor with fish murals painted in splashy colors set it apart as fun and funky. Family-owned and operated, The Caribbe Inn is within easy walking distance to the beach, restaurants, shopping, fishing piers, and entertainment. And if you’re bringing your boat to the beach, the Caribbe Inn has a dock with complementary boat slips, a picnic area, and a BBQ area for their guests.
Atlantis Lodge
123 Salter Path Road
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
(252)726-5168
Another fun, funky, and retro spot is Atlantis Lodge. Family designed, owned, and operated since 1963, the Atlantis is a unique, 1960s vintage beach lodge. But what truly sets Atlantis apart is their pet-friendliness. According to their website, the official North Carolina travel & tourism website “singled the Atlantis out as the pet vacation spot on Bogue Banks (Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, and Emerald Isle), noting we have ‘been a favorite of pet owners for decades.’ We certainly want that to continue, so we’re continually looking for ways to keep your companions happy – a treat upon check-in; a pet-washing station complete with complimentary Mane-N-Tail products; scoops and bags around the property to help keep things tidy; and our very own fenced Atlantis Lodge Dog Park.
123 Salter Path Road
Atlantic Beach NC 28512
(252)726-5168
Another fun, funky, and retro spot is Atlantis Lodge. Family designed, owned, and operated since 1963, the Atlantis is a unique, 1960s vintage beach lodge. But what truly sets Atlantis apart is their pet-friendliness. According to their website, the official North Carolina travel & tourism website “singled the Atlantis out as the pet vacation spot on Bogue Banks (Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, and Emerald Isle), noting we have ‘been a favorite of pet owners for decades.’ We certainly want that to continue, so we’re continually looking for ways to keep your companions happy – a treat upon check-in; a pet-washing station complete with complimentary Mane-N-Tail products; scoops and bags around the property to help keep things tidy; and our very own fenced Atlantis Lodge Dog Park.
Oceanana Family Motel
700 E. Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 726-4111
The Oceanana is currently closed for the season. There have been plans in place to renovate the Oceanana, the pier, and an attached mobile home park, but it is unclear in what stage of redevelopment the site currently is. The motel will reopen on March 9th, 2023.
The Oceanana is a unique family destination originally built in 1959. It features one of the widest private beaches on the coast, a large children's playground, and a 1,000-foot long fishing pier that took heavy damage in a record high tide and tidal surge during Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Oceanana’s guests are provided with complimentary fishing passes before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day weekend. Complimentary passes are not provided during the summer season.
700 E. Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 726-4111
The Oceanana is currently closed for the season. There have been plans in place to renovate the Oceanana, the pier, and an attached mobile home park, but it is unclear in what stage of redevelopment the site currently is. The motel will reopen on March 9th, 2023.
The Oceanana is a unique family destination originally built in 1959. It features one of the widest private beaches on the coast, a large children's playground, and a 1,000-foot long fishing pier that took heavy damage in a record high tide and tidal surge during Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Oceanana’s guests are provided with complimentary fishing passes before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day weekend. Complimentary passes are not provided during the summer season.
bask Hotel @ Big Rock Landing
a Trademark Collection Hotel By Wyndham
814 Shepard Street
Morehead City NC 28557
(252) 499-9200
The bask Hotel @ Big Rock Landing prides itself in offering more! This Morehead City, NC tall waterfront hotel offers breathtaking sights coupled with the sounds of the harbor and its boating life. According to their website, “we have the same services as a hotel (24 hour front desk service, housekeeping, etc.) However, our rooms have the feel and accommodations of a condo. Large windows, beautiful views, full sized kitchens, and kitchenettes to cook if you get tired of eating out or want to save a few bucks!”
Big Rock Landing is famous for fishing on the East COAST AND is the home for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
a Trademark Collection Hotel By Wyndham
814 Shepard Street
Morehead City NC 28557
(252) 499-9200
The bask Hotel @ Big Rock Landing prides itself in offering more! This Morehead City, NC tall waterfront hotel offers breathtaking sights coupled with the sounds of the harbor and its boating life. According to their website, “we have the same services as a hotel (24 hour front desk service, housekeeping, etc.) However, our rooms have the feel and accommodations of a condo. Large windows, beautiful views, full sized kitchens, and kitchenettes to cook if you get tired of eating out or want to save a few bucks!”
Big Rock Landing is famous for fishing on the East COAST AND is the home for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Lighthouse Suites
Best Western Signature Collection
216 Islander Drive
Emerald Isle NC 28594
(252) 764-0980
Experience Emerald Isle and this 12-mile stretch of the island on the western Bogue Banks with a stay at Lighthouse Suites, a brand-new locally-owned boutique hotel that takes pride in being small. Its charming white and turquoise color theme exudes beach vibes and the hotel is just the place for a beach vacation, honeymoon or weekend getaway.
Best Western Signature Collection
216 Islander Drive
Emerald Isle NC 28594
(252) 764-0980
Experience Emerald Isle and this 12-mile stretch of the island on the western Bogue Banks with a stay at Lighthouse Suites, a brand-new locally-owned boutique hotel that takes pride in being small. Its charming white and turquoise color theme exudes beach vibes and the hotel is just the place for a beach vacation, honeymoon or weekend getaway.
Islander Hotel & Resort
102 Islander Drive
Emerald Isle NC 28594
(252) 354-3464
The Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort is Emerald Isle’s only oceanfront hotel. Soak up the beach, relax in an oceanfront hammock or lounge by the pool. No matter your reason for visiting, the Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort has everything you need, whether you’re there on a vacation, for business, a conference or a wedding maybe. The Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort’s relaxed atmosphere pairs well with its upscale amenities.
102 Islander Drive
Emerald Isle NC 28594
(252) 354-3464
The Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort is Emerald Isle’s only oceanfront hotel. Soak up the beach, relax in an oceanfront hammock or lounge by the pool. No matter your reason for visiting, the Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort has everything you need, whether you’re there on a vacation, for business, a conference or a wedding maybe. The Emerald Isle Hotel & Resort’s relaxed atmosphere pairs well with its upscale amenities.
Best Western Plus Silver Creek Inn
801 Cedar Point Boulevard
Swansboro NC 28584
(252) 393-9015
Located in the charming city of Swansboro, the Best Western Plus offers its guests a restful stay, sunrise views over the horizon, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, golfing or hiking. Be sure to check out the Star Hill Golf Club and Swansboro Tideland Trailhead. Marvel in awe of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway or soak up the area’s natural beauty by exploring the Croatan National Forest and Emerald Isle Woods Park. There is much the vibrant local community has to offer.
801 Cedar Point Boulevard
Swansboro NC 28584
(252) 393-9015
Located in the charming city of Swansboro, the Best Western Plus offers its guests a restful stay, sunrise views over the horizon, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, golfing or hiking. Be sure to check out the Star Hill Golf Club and Swansboro Tideland Trailhead. Marvel in awe of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway or soak up the area’s natural beauty by exploring the Croatan National Forest and Emerald Isle Woods Park. There is much the vibrant local community has to offer.
Hampton Inn & Suites
215 Old Hammock Road
Swansboro NC 28584
(910) 325-9000
Just off Highway 24, the Hampton Inn & Suites is a short 5-minute drive from downtown Swansboro's antique shopping and Hammocks Beach State Park, where you can find wildlife-rich marshes, ponds, sandy and rugged dunes, and hop aboard a ferry to Bear Island. Once on the island, you can enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and picnicking.
Swansboro, the "Friendly City by the Sea," started as a settlement around the plantation owned by Theophilus Weeks, a British soldier. It was officially incorporated in 1783 with a population of around 3,000 and is today full of small-town Southern charm. Don’t miss the Arts by the Sea festival (second weekend in June) or the Clyde Phillips Seafood Market.
215 Old Hammock Road
Swansboro NC 28584
(910) 325-9000
Just off Highway 24, the Hampton Inn & Suites is a short 5-minute drive from downtown Swansboro's antique shopping and Hammocks Beach State Park, where you can find wildlife-rich marshes, ponds, sandy and rugged dunes, and hop aboard a ferry to Bear Island. Once on the island, you can enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and picnicking.
Swansboro, the "Friendly City by the Sea," started as a settlement around the plantation owned by Theophilus Weeks, a British soldier. It was officially incorporated in 1783 with a population of around 3,000 and is today full of small-town Southern charm. Don’t miss the Arts by the Sea festival (second weekend in June) or the Clyde Phillips Seafood Market.
In other hotel related news … The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores Sells
On January 06, 2023, the Triangle Business Journal reported that The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, including the Clamdigger Restaurant and a tiki bar, the Cutty Sark Lounge, were sold. The Blue Water Development recently paid $18 million for the 7-story Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, which dates to 1973. The oceanfront inn has 102 rooms.
The article goes on to mention that “while Atlantic Beach is relatively small, the area has grown in recent years and become much more of a year-round destination. The town also has big plans for a new boardwalk and upgraded area around the Circle, which once had a rougher edge to it.”
On January 06, 2023, the Triangle Business Journal reported that The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, including the Clamdigger Restaurant and a tiki bar, the Cutty Sark Lounge, were sold. The Blue Water Development recently paid $18 million for the 7-story Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, which dates to 1973. The oceanfront inn has 102 rooms.
The article goes on to mention that “while Atlantic Beach is relatively small, the area has grown in recent years and become much more of a year-round destination. The town also has big plans for a new boardwalk and upgraded area around the Circle, which once had a rougher edge to it.”
