The Crystal Coast Winter Guide

The beach is only fun in the summer? Think again! Life on the Crystal Coast means year-round activities for any weather, without the busy summertime crowds. From visiting historical sites in Beaufort to fishing in Morehead City, the beach communities that make up the Crystal Coast each offer their unique flair. We’re proud that Emerald Isle is a four-season destination – a haven you can visit year-round with your loved ones.

Winter Weather

Between December through March, the average high temperature is around 60 degrees, with the average lows around 38 degrees. These temperatures are perfect for afternoon strolls along the breathtaking beaches or outdoor shopping and dining.

Colder days may appear, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, thanks to the plenty of indoor recreational activities that stretch along the coast. Locals can enjoy a winter wonderland by the shore that offers the perfect balance of nature and recreational activities, along with crowd-free beaches.

Things to Do in The Winter

Shopping

Grab your wallet; it’s time for some retail therapy! Shopping on the Crystal Coast comes in many different styles, whether that be holiday gift shopping, souvenir shopping, or antique shopping, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Morehead City has some of the best shopping opportunities on the Crystal Coast with everything from thrift shops to shopping plazas. Be sure to swing by Seaport Antique Market for some of the best antiques and collectibles for even the most detailed collector. And when strolling through the quaint seaside town of Southport, you’re sure to see several boutiques or art galleries, such as Lantana’s Gallery & Fine Gifts, with gorgeous items to fill up your cart.

Museums

Looking to take a step back in time? The Crystal Coast is home to many museums and historical districts where you can learn a little more about the area. In the heart of downtown Beaufort is the Beaufort Historic Site where you’ll find historic buildings and architecture in North Carolina’s third-oldest town. Also in Beaufort is the North Carolina Maritime Museum where a variety of environmental and educational programs are held throughout the year. Channel your inner pirate when you come across Queen Anne’s Revenge, which was Blackbeard’s famous pirate ship located at the museum. Let the area tell the historical details of the 18th and 19th centuries on the Crystal Coast.

Aquarium

A visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will take you and your family on an indoor aquatic journey “from the mountains to the sea.” Become one with the aquatic animals as you immerse yourself in the different ecosystems native to North Carolina and explore the wildlife with interactive displays such as a stingray touch-tank, river otter exhibit, rare sea turtles, different species of sharks, and more. The Aquarium is open year-round, just waiting to show you the magic of the ocean.

Dining

When living by the sea, it’s only right to indulge in the local delicacies of the Crystal Coast. Fresh local catches and other culinary dishes are easy to find at our unique dining experiences along the coast, from Yana’s 1950’s diner-inspired breakfasts in Swansboro to Caribsea’s sustainable local seafood dinners in Emerald Isle. While dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Emerald Isle, NC, look for the locally branded seafood – Carteret Catch. The Carteret Catch brand guarantees that you are getting local seafood direct from Carteret County fishermen. For all our oyster lovers, the prime oyster season takes place from October to March, making winter the prime time to dive into the special North Carolina oyster flavors.

Parks

Get outdoors during the winter months and explore the beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and mesmerizing wildlife that calls the Crystal Coast home. Grab your camera and spend the day exploring Shackleford Banks, the isolated barrier island located between Beaufort Inlet and Cape Lookout. The locals of Shackleford Banks are the wild horses who have called this place home for many years. While admiring their beauty, spend the day shelling for the North Carolina State Shell, the Scotch Bonnet, and for the always coveted Sand Dollars. If you’re looking for a day exploring history, stop by one of the most visited national parks, Fort Macon State Park, for a guided tour of the restored fort, or conduct your own to see bunks, cannons, a rations storage room, Civil War artifacts and more.

Winter Events

Downtown Countdown in Morehead City

The Downtown Countdown is a fun family-friendly event perfect for all ages. Enjoy the views along the Morehead City waterfront before the festivities begin. There will be children’s activities, local downtown businesses and restaurants, live music, and fireworks shot from Sugarloaf Island.

Penguin Plunge – Atlantic Beach

Start New Year with a splash at the annual Penguin Plunge, where hundreds of participants dip into the icy Atlantic Ocean to raise money for local charities. Risk the chilly waters at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina for a rewarding cause.

Chocolate Festival – Morehead City

Taste the magic of the annual Carolina Chocolate Festival that takes place each February at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. This charitable event includes a Chocolate Festival event that features vendors from across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia who tempt festival-goers with an assortment of all things chocolate. Other fun activities at the Carolina Chocolate Festival include a Pro/Am Bake Off and Cocoa 5K Run.

Taste of Core Sound – Harkers Island

We hope you’re hungry! The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center in Harker’s Island hosts the Taste of Core Sound event featuring a savory local seafood dinner that celebrates Core Sound food traditions cooked by Down East volunteers. Stick around and enjoy the food and a silent auction, music, and entertainment.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – Emerald Isle

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Emerald Isle is an all-day event held at the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center for guests of all ages. Be prepared to enjoy a petting zoo, amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painting, plus over 75 arts and crafts vendors, clowns, festive food, and much more.

Don’t let the thought of the winter weather deter you from experiencing the magic of living on the Crystal Coast. There’s a new adventure waiting in every community from Swansboro to Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Are you ready to experience year-round fun by the sea? Our experienced and top-performing agents at Emerald Isle Realty are available to start your journey – please give an agent a call at (800) 304-4060 for assistance in the buying/selling process!