Emerald Isle, NC

Travel Guide

A pier extending into the ocean at sunset.
A coastal town with a beach, clear turquoise waters, and lush green hills in the background.
A pier extending into calm waters at sunset with a clear sky.
A coastal city with a long beachfront, dense residential area, and a clear sky.
A beach with gentle waves and a sunset sky.

Where to stay in Emerald Isle

Find the best Emerald Isle areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Emerald Isle
Learn more about Emerald Isle
A wooden boardwalk over a marshy area with tall trees and a cloudy sky.

The Point

The Point might not have many top sights, but Emerald Isle Woods Park and Salty Pirate Water Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Islander Hotel & Resort

Islander Hotel & Resort

3 out of 5
102 Islander Drive Emerald Isle NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$114 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$129 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"We truly enjoyed our stay at the Islander, nothing negative to say about this hotel. The room was spacious, clean and only a few steps to the beach! Can’t wait to visit again!"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2026

Islander Hotel & Resort
Oceanview Inn

Oceanview Inn

2 out of 5
122 Fairview Drive Emerald Isle NC
$80 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$91 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Oceanview Inn
Lighthouse Suites - Best Western Signature Collection

Lighthouse Suites - Best Western Signature Collection

2.5 out of 5
216 Islander Drive, Emerald Isle NC Emerald Isle NC
$154 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$174 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (418 reviews)
"The lighthouse stay was excellent. It was our anniversary and my wife and I had decided to stay for 2 nights. Upon arriving at the hotel we were greeted by a wonderful staff member at the front desk by the name of Dyan. She greeted us and checked us in and gave us information on what’s near by as ..."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Lighthouse Suites - Best Western Signature Collection
See all 1,167 properties in Emerald Isle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sandlot- OCEANFRONT House w/ Pool & Hot Tub, Amazing views. Beach access.

The Sandlot- OCEANFRONT House w/ Pool & Hot Tub, Amazing views. Beach access.

Emerald Isle NC
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Emerald Isle Adventures and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"The property is just as described with plenty of room for people to spread out or gather together. The kitchens are well equipped for feeding a large crowd. We enjoyed the pool and the hot tub! The walk to the beach is close and easily navigated. The only detriment I can think of is the laundry, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

The Sandlot- OCEANFRONT House w/ Pool & Hot Tub, Amazing views. Beach access.
Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Emerald Isle NC
Book a stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (231 reviews)
"Very nice condo with excellent amenities. Great balcony view. Really enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle

Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle NC
Stay at this vacation home in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and Emerald Isle Adventures ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Fantastic trip! Wonderful location and well kept property."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

Oceanfront stunner in Emerald Isle
See all properties in Emerald Isle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Emerald Isle attractions

A person walking on a sandy beach under a wooden pier.
Photo by crissibeth
Open Photo by crissibeth

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

9.0/10 (523 reviews)
After visiting Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Emerald Isle. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Emerald Isle worth visiting?
Emerald Isle is worth visiting for its family-friendly attractions and diverse dining. Travelers can enjoy the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and Salty Pirate Water Park, along with Italian cuisine featuring dishes like pasta and pizza, and North American options such as burgers and fresh seafood.
What is Emerald Isle known for?
Emerald Isle is known for its Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, a popular spot for fishing. Travelers can also find family-friendly fun at Salty Pirate Water Park and discover various excursions and activities through Emerald Isle Adventures.
What is a good itinerary length for Emerald Isle?
A good itinerary length for Emerald Isle is two to three days to enjoy key highlights like Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, Salty Pirate Water Park, and Emerald Isle Adventures. For a more relaxed trip, or to explore the area more deeply, consider four to five days.
What are the top things to do in and around Emerald Isle?
Emerald Isle offers outdoor fun, from ocean views to nature trails and family entertainment:


How do I plan a trip to Emerald Isle?
To plan your Emerald Isle trip, book flights and rental cars in advance, especially during peak times. Search Expedia for hotels and activities like Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, Salty Pirate Water Park, and Emerald Isle Adventures. For outdoor fun, remember to plan activities for early morning or late afternoon.
What cuisines can you find in Emerald Isle?
In Emerald Isle you can find Italian cuisine, offering classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood options, from local catches to grilled favorites, alongside a variety of North American and Latin American flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Emerald Isle?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Emerald Isle by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Emerald Isle with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Emerald Isle trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Emerald Isle?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Emerald Isle can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Emerald Isle trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Emerald Isle trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Emerald Isle trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Emerald Isle trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Emerald Isle?
If it's your first trip to Emerald Isle, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Emerald Isle hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Emerald Isle hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Emerald Isle

A beach with waves crashing onto the shore under a clear sky.

Atlantic Beach

A sand marker with '2018 RIP' inscribed, a sandy beach, and waves in the background.

Cape Carteret

A large bridge spanning a river with a dock and a small building in the foreground.

Cedar Point

A waterfront at sunset with a pier extending into the water, buildings along the shore, and a water tower in the background.

Swansboro

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