Tourism

‘Tourism Is Everybody’s Business Here’

The tourism industry provides nearly 3,200 jobs in Carteret County, but in a true sense, “tourism is everybody’s business here.”

“Tourism reaches every single soul in this county,” says A.C. Hall of the Atlantis Lodge in Pine Knoll Shores, an icon on the Crystal Coast since 1963.

Tourism has an annual economic impact of almost $325 million in Carteret County with a direct payroll of more than $57 million. Additionally, many small business owners make their living catering to tourists, guests and visitors.

The Chamber works closely with the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority to promote the diversity of attractions that make the Crystal Coast a popular tourism destination.

The Chamber encourages all of our businesses to extend the “Hand of Hospitality” all year-round.

At the Beach: Where Family Memories Are Made

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Robert Wyland, American artist

: Relax. When you’re here, you’re on “Beach Time.” (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: Here’s the professional sand sculpting artist at work – Ed Moore of Sandy Feat. (Photo by Dylan Ray, Carteret County News-Times)

: Own or rent: You can have the Atlantic Ocean in your front yard…and all the “water toys” you’ll need to unwind. (Photo by Cheryl Mansfield)

: Sunsets are just better here at the Crystal Coast…as Mother Nature paints her canvas in a rainbow of hues. The palette is ever-changing as one looks from Morehead City across Bogue Sound toward Atlantic Beach and Pine Knoll Shores. (Photo by Sally Lumpkin)

: Relax. When you’re here, you’re on “Beach Time.” (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: Boaters here are a friendly bunch. You’re invited to join in the fun. (Photo by Wes Daniels)

: Surf fishing is a popular sport as well as a form of relaxation…as the sun goes down. “It don’t matter if it’s day or night…the best time to fish is when it’s rainin’ and when it ain’t.” (Photo by Cheryl Mansfield)

: Dolphins are a common sight as they feed, frolic and flip in the waters along the Crystal Coast. (Photo by Dan Williams)

Landmarks of the Crystal Coast Await Your Visit

: Wild horses inhabit Shackleford Banks at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Most scientists believe the herd descends from the Spanish horses of Hispaniola that were brought here by colonists in the 1500s. Others may have swum ashore off sinking ships that were wrecked along the shoals. The National Seashore offers 56 miles of magical ocean shoreline – undisturbed, uninhabited and pristine. (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: Carteret County’s most scenic view is from the top of the 169-foot tall Cape Lookout Lighthouse. During the warm-weather months, you can climb it – all 188 spiral steps – the equivalent of a 12-story building. (Photo by Sam Bland, North Carolina Coastal Federation)

: The Cape Lookout Lighthouse signal light is visible for 19 miles out to sea. It appears to flash every 15 seconds as it revolves. With white diamonds facing east and west…and black diamonds facing north and south, is the only lighthouse in America that indicates direction. (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: Old Fort Macon, at right, is a five-sided garrison, built between 1826-34 to protect the U.S. coast from British invasion. Today, it’s a main attraction of Fort Macon State Park at the eastern tip of Bogue Banks. (Photo by Tracey Brinson)

Enjoy the Culture & Heritage Side of Our Communities

: The maritime heritage of Carteret County is all around us. (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: For more than 100 years, Carteret County fishermen have deployed their nets along the ocean beach to harvest the hardhead (striped) mullet when water temperatures cool in the fall and the “Mullet Blow” occurs. (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

: Fishing boats are docked at Harkers Island. (Photo by Carolyn Temple, Coastal Image Photography)

Dive Right in…and Get ‘Kayaktive’

: The waters off the Crystal Coast are known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” and rank as one of the world’s best wreck diving locations. The USS Spar is a former Coast Guard vessel sunk as part of the artificial reef program. It came to rest on its keel in 100 feet of water and has been colonized by sand tiger sharks. These toothy-but-docile sharks grow to about 13 feet in length, yet they are safe to approach. (Photo by Karen Doody, Karen Doody Photography)

: Carteret County is one of the best kayaking destinations in the United States, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe who want to enjoy the serene beauty found in the streams, rivers, marshes and estuaries. (Photo by Kevin Geraghty)

Be Sure to Visit Our ‘Great 8’ Attractions

Beaufort Historic Site – Beaufort Historical Association:
Safrit Historical Center, 100 Block of Turner Street, Beaufort
Mailing Address: 150 Turner St., Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-5225; 1-800-575-7483
www.beauforthistoricsite.org

Cape Lookout National Seashore
Visitor Center
131 Charles St., Harkers Island, NC 28531
(252) 728-2250
www.nps.gov/calo

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
1785 Island Road, Harkers Island, NC 28531
(252) 728-1500
www.coresound.com

Croatan National Forest
Business Office: (252) 638-5628
www.fs.usda.gov

Fort Macon State Park
2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 726-3775
www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/foma/main.php

History Museum of Carteret County
1008 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 247-7533
www.thehistoryplace.org

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
1 Roosevelt Drive, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 247-4003; 1-800-832-3474
www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores

North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
315 Front St., Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-7317
http://ncmaritimemuseums.com/beaufort/

For More Tourism Information…

About all there is to see and do year-round at the Crystal Coast, contact the staff at the:

Crystal Coast Visitor Center
3409 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-8148; 1-800-SUNNYNC (786-6962)
www.crystalcoastnc.org

Crystal Coast Visitor Center (Satellite Office)
Merchants Park
8401 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
(252) 393-3100