Vacation Rental FAQ: Planning Your TripVacation Rentals vs Hotels
Why vacation rentals are better than hotels?
When it comes to overall space, privacy and saving money, vacation rentals are the ideal choice for a place to stay while on vacation. Hotels can be great for an individual, but once you add more people to the equation you will find that a vacation rental is the best option. Explore even more reasons why vacation rentals are better than hotels.
Emerald Isle Location
Where is Emerald Isle located?
Emerald Isle is a 12-mile stretch of island on Bogue Banks in the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Just a half-mile wide, Emerald Isle boasts a relaxing, family atmosphere, with the most comfortable and luxurious vacation rentals set amidst the most amazing beaches. You can get to Emerald Isle by either driving or flying.
What is Emerald Isle known for?
Emerald Isle and North Carolina’s Crystal Coast are known for their crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches. Families return to Emerald Isle year after year to vacation on the long stretch of coastline and enjoy all the fun activities that are available both on and off the water.
What county is Emerald Isle in North Carolina?
Emerald Isle is in Carteret County, North Carolina. Nearby beach communities include Atlantic Beach, Swansboro, Morehead City and Beaufort.
Is Emerald Isle an island?
Emerald Isle is in the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina on Bogue Banks, a barrier island that stretches for 23-miles and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. The town of Emerald Isle is located on the southwestern end of Bogue Banks and Atlantic Beach on the eastern end, with the beach communities of Indian Beach, Salter Path and Pine Knoll Shores located between them.
How far is Emerald Isle from Raleigh?
Emerald Isle is located about 150-miles southeast of Raleigh. Drive time from Raleigh to Emerald Isle is approximately 2.5 hours.
How far is Emerald Isle from Charlotte?
Emerald Isle is located about 300-miles east of Charlotte. Drive time from Charlotte to Emerald Isle is approximately 5 hours.
How far is Emerald Isle from Greensboro?
Emerald Isle is located about 187-miles southeast of Greensboro. Drive time from Greensboro to Emerald Isle is approximately 4 hours.
How far is Emerald Isle from Richmond?
Emerald Isle is located about 250-miles south of Richmond. Drive time from Richmond to Emerald Isle is approximately 4.5 hours.
How far is Emerald Isle from Washington DC?
Emerald Isle is located about 360-miles south of Washington DC. Drive time from Washington DC to Emerald Isle is approximately 6 hours.
Nearby Airports
What airport do you fly into for Emerald Isle, NC?
The two closest airports to Emerald Isle are the Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville, North Carolina and the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. Both are less than an hour’s drive away from Emerald Isle. Flights from Raleigh/Durham and Greensboro are serviced by the Albert J. Ellis Airport and flights from Atlanta or Charlotte are serviced by the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.
What airports are located near Emerald Isle?
There are several airports located near Emerald Isle, North Carolina to choose from. Driving time from the Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville, NC or the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, NC to Emerald Isle is approximately 45 minutes. Driving time from the Wilmington International Airport in Wilmington, NC to Emerald Isle is approximately 1.5 hours. Driving time from the Raleigh Durham International Airport in Raleigh, NC to Emerald Isle is approximately 3 hours. Find more information on area North Carolina airports.
Getting to Emerald Isle
Can you drive to Emerald Isle, NC?
No matter which direction you’re coming in from, driving to Emerald Isle is a breeze. From Charlotte, the shortest route to Emerald Isle is via US-74 E, although this route does have toll roads. An alternate route without toll roads is via I-85 N and I-40 E. From Raleigh/Durham, the shortest route to Emerald Isle is via US-70 E and NC Hwy 58 S, with an alternate route via I-40 E.
How do I get to the Emerald Isle Realty office?
Once you cross the Emerald Isle Bridge on NC Hwy 58 S, the Emerald Isle Realty office is located 3.2 miles down at 7501 Emerald Drive, on the corner of Emerald Drive and Black Skimmer Road, across from Emerald Isle Town Hall.
Address: 7501 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
What is the Crystal Coast?
The Crystal Coast, also known as the southern Outer Banks, spans 85-miles along North Carolina’s coast. This region encompasses the entire area along Bogue Banks, a barrier island that stretches for 23-miles. Known for its pristine waters and white sand beaches, the Crystal Coast is a popular family beach destination.
What beaches make up North Carolina’s Crystal Coast?
Several quaint beach communities can be found along the 85-miles of coastline that make up North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. This region encompasses the entire area along Bogue Banks, a barrier island that stretches for 23-miles. Emerald Isle is on the southwestern end of Bogue Banks and Atlantic Beach on the eastern, with the beach communities of Indian Beach, Salter Path and Pine Knoll Shores sprinkled in between.
Swansboro sits along the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway just 5 miles from Emerald Isle. Just east of Atlantic Beach is Beaufort, which is about 20 minutes from Emerald Isle, and Harker’s Island, which is about 30 minutes from Emerald Isle. Morehead City can be found a few miles north of Atlantic Beach. Learn more about the beaches along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast to see what fun awaits you.
Packing List
What to bring to a vacation rental?
Most vacation rentals offer well-equipped kitchens, flat screen TVs in nearly every room, Internet access and either covered or open decks with outdoor seating. All beds are provided with pillows and bedspreads. Guests should bring all paper products, cleaning supplies, condiments, staple items and bed and bath linens. Download our Beach Vacation Packing List to ensure you have everything you need on your next family beach vacation.
Download our Beach Vacation Packing List to ensure you have everything you need on your next family beach vacation to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
Beach Vacation Packing List
PERSONAL ITEMS
Driver’s licenses
Credit/debit cards and cash
Insurance documents, health and auto
Fishing license
Cell phones and chargers
Camera and memory card
Prescriptions and any other medicines
Reservation information
FOR GETTING TO EMERALD ISLE
GPS or maps
Drinks and snacks
Laptops, iPads and DVD players
Headphones
FOR THE BEACH
Plastic baggies to keep phones dry
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Beach chairs*
Beach umbrella*
Beach towels*
Surf board*
Boogie boards, raft*
Fishing rods and tackle box
Stocked cooler
Beach games
Sandcastle supplies*
Kites for windy days
Bucket for shell combing
Reading materials
Insect repellent
Aloe for sunburn
BEACHWEAR
Swim suits
Beach hat
Rash guard
Sunglasses
Beach cover-up
Flip flops / sandals
Water shoes
Tennis shoes
Lightweight jacket
FOR YOUR VACATION HOME
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Standard coffee filters
Laundry and dish detergent
All-purpose cleaner
Crockpot, griddle, etc.
Baby equipment
Groceries, condiments, spices
Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc)
Bed and bath linens*
JUST IN CASE
Sanitized hand wipes
First-aid kit
Batteries
Binoculars
Jumper cables
Address book for postcards
Golf clubs
Flashlight for ghost crabbing
*Refer to property description for any beach gear items included with your vacation home rental.
