EMERALD ISLE • ATLANTIC BEACH • MOREHEAD CITY • BEAUFORT • CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C. – This summer the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority is offering a great beach getaway with family or friends along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. The flip-flop friendly towns of Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Lookout present experiential and affordable attractions, events and accommodation offerings for "kids" of all ages.

Cyrstal Coast Cape Lookout. Image courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.

From exploring wild Spanish mustangs on Shackleford Banks to climbing the diamond lady lighthouse at Cape Lookout and strolling the streets of Beaufort, recently named "America's Coolest Small Town,” as well as discovering hundreds of species at the Aquarium and taking a glimpse back into historic maritime history, the Crystal Coast remains one of North Carolina’s best values. Promising plenty of wallet-friendly adventures for the entire family, the 85 miles of silken shoreline bid the perfect backdrop for a summer escape with local attractions all under $10, including:

Fort Macon State Park, FREE
Beaufort Maritime Museum, FREE
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, Adults $5/ Children FREE
Cape Lookout Ferry, Adults $8/Children $4
Beaufort Double Decker Tour Bus, $8/Children $4 Adults
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Adults $8/Children $6
Old Burying Grounds, Adults $8/Children $4

Cyrstal Coast fishing. Image courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.

There’s never a dull moment on the Southern Outer Banks, but instead days filled with outdoor recreation, sightseeing and cultural possibilities - all thanks to the wind and the waves.

Special Events for Summer 2013:
• 3rd Annual Kayak and Paddle Board Race – June 1
• Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament – June 10-18
• Emerald Isle Summer V2 Volleyball Tournament Series – June 22
• Great 4th of July Underwater Bike Race – July 4
• Beaufort Independence Day Parade – July 4
• Crystal Coast Music Festival – July 13
• Historic Beaufort Road Race – July 16

Cyrstal Coast lodging offers B&B inns, condos, inns, lodges, and hotels. Image courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.

Along with a wide range of attractions and events, the Southern Outer Banks offer year-round affordable accommodations options, ranging from mammoth beach mansions - known locally as “sand castles” - and quaint B&B’s to seaside cottages and comfortable condos.

Dangling like a delicate strand of pearls off the coast of North Carolina, the favored Atlantic beach destination of generations represents one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the World. The Islands are strung together with 85 miles of silken coastline along the southern Outer Banks, 56 miles of which are in the protected Cape Lookout National Seashore. Miles of shimmering water reflects countless tiny suns during the day and shatters the moon into a thousand pieces at night.

For more information on “Getting Away Together” at the Crystal Coast call (800) 786-6962 or visit www.crystalcoastnc.org or www.facebook.com/crystalcoast.

Source: TripAdvisor, May 2013.