Where is Emerald Isle Beach, Emerald Isle, North Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Emerald Isle Beach is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout and is situated on the southern Outer Banks along the Atlantic coast. The beach is famous for its soft white sand, clear water, and family-friendly vacation activities.

Emerald Isle Beach Location Map, Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Emerald Isle Beach

  • Emerald Isle Beach – Wide, sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and family-friendly activities.
  • Fishing Pier – Popular spot for pier fishing and enjoying ocean views.
  • Beachfront Parks & Picnic Areas – Shaded areas with tables and grills for relaxing and outdoor meals.
  • Water Sports & Rentals – Opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing along the coastline.
  • Biking & Walking Paths – Scenic trails along the island for walking, jogging, or biking with ocean views.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot shorebirds, sea turtles, and other coastal wildlife along the beach and dunes.
  • Local Shops & Restaurants – Beachfront amenities offering dining, shopping, and leisure activities for visitors.

Emerald Isle Beach Facts

Official NameEmerald Isle Beach
LocationEmerald Isle, North Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude34.6776° N, 76.9502° W
Total AreaPart of the 85-mile Bogue Banks barrier island
EstablishedDeveloped as a beach town in the 1950s–1960s
Managed ByTown of Emerald Isle & Carteret County
RegionSouthern Outer Banks (Crystal Coast)
AddressEmerald Isle Beach, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA
Zip Code28594
Area Code252
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Beach TypeSandy Atlantic Ocean Beach
Famous FeaturesSoft white sand - Clear blue-green water - Bogue Inlet Pier - Sea turtle nesting areas - Family-friendly shoreline
ActivitiesSwimming - Surfing - Fishing - Paddleboarding - Beachcombing - Biking - Kayaking
Annual VisitorsApprox. 250,000–350,000 annually (seasonal variation)
Entry Fee TypeFree Public Access
ParkingPaid and free public beach access parking (varies by season)
Best Time to VisitMay–September for beach weather; April–October for warm conditions
Nearby AirportCoastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) – 40 miles (64 km)
TransportationCar - Bike - Local shuttles (seasonal) - Limited public transit
Official Websitehttps://www.emeraldisle-nc.org

Distances from Emerald Isle Beach to Nearby Landmarks

  • Emerald Isle Beach Access – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Islander Drive Beach Access – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Emerald Isle Woods Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Rachel Carson Reserve – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Fort Macon State Park – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Beaufort, NC – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Atlantic Beach, NC – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Morehead City, NC – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Swansboro, NC – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Cedar Point, NC – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Hammocks Beach State Park – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Carolina Beach, NC – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Wilmington, NC – 125 km (77.7 mi)
  • Swansboro Marina – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Emerald Isle Town Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Indian Beach – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Emerald Isle Bridge – 1 km (0.6 mi)