7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Emerald Isle

1. Day 1: Fort Macon State Park
   10 minutes (3 miles) from Atlantic Beach

   Visit Fort Macon State Park, a historic fort situated on a stunning beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Day 2: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
   9 minutes (4 miles) from Fort Macon State Park

   Discover the marine life of Emerald Isle with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and feeding shows at the North Carolina Aquarium.

3. Day 3: Hammocks Beach State Park
   30 minutes (20 miles) from Pine Knoll Shores

   Take a ferry to Bear Island and explore the undeveloped barrier island with its pristine beaches and excellent shelling opportunities.

4. Day 4: Emerald Isle Beach
   25 minutes (15 miles) from Hammocks Beach State Park

   Spend a relaxing day on the pristine Emerald Isle beach, playing in the surf, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun.

5. Day 5: Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
   10 minutes (5 miles) from Emerald Isle Beach

   Experience fishing on one of the area's longest fishing piers, with tackle rentals and a tackle shop available.

6. Day 6: Water Boggan of Emerald Isle
   10 minutes (5.5 miles) from Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

   Cool off at the Water Boggan of Emerald Isle with water slides, trampolines, and other water-based attractions.

7. Day 7: Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway
   11 minutes (6 miles) from Water Boggan of Emerald Isle

   Cap off your vacation with a round of mini-golf and a go-kart race at Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fort Macon State Park (2 hours, free)
• North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (3 hours, $12 adult, $6 child)
• Hammocks Beach State Park (3 hours, free)
• Emerald Isle Beach (4 hours, free)
• Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier (2 hours, $10 per person)
• Water Boggan of Emerald Isle (2 hours, $20 adult, $18 child)
• Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway (2 hours, $15 adult, $11 child)
Total Estimated Costs: $92 adult, $67 child

Useful Tips

With more time, consider a trip to the nearby town of Beaufort, known for its charming historic homes, waterfront dining, and ferry tours of the Rachel Carson Reserve. With less time, skip the Water Boggan and Lost Treasure mini-golf and spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the area's state parks.