Located behind Town Hall and adjacent to Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Community Center. Shaded…read moreareas for families to relax. Features Include: Basketball Court, Bike Rack, Fossil Pit, Gazebo, Playground (monkey bars, swings, sandbox, slide, little playhouse), Picnic Pavilion, Benches, 2 Lighted Tennis Courts, and Restrooms (with changing tables)

The park is primarily a barrier island with ferry service, though there are some onshore trails…read morethrough the forest and ample picnic space while you're waiting for the boat. The ferry is reasonably cheap and does not take advance reservations. They limit capacity on the way over, but obviously this does create a situation where passengers can build up by the end of the day, to which their solution appears to be to have the last scheduled ferry service double up if need be (they had at least two boats it seemed). The island has ample uninterrupted beach, which had plenty of sea life, including a sand dollar which I would more typically see farther south. There was a modest paved walk through the island to get to the beach, passing primitive campgrounds and some bathroom facilities on stilts. During my visit, they emphasized that the water available on the island was not drinkable; apparently they had to repair facilities after a hurricane and the intent was to produce drinkable running water, but there was still some unsolved technical issue. They cautioned us in advance to bring plenty of water, and there were working fountains on the mainland. Every island is different, and in this region, most of them are settled. The next really wild one heading north is Shackleford I think, and heading south would be Masonboro (which I haven't found practical to get to). The atmosphere here is worth preserving.

Really nice park. Nice trails. Well maintained infrastructure. Top notch campground with very…read morenice bathrooms. This is a good place to check out.

This lovey trail is part of Croatan National Forest. It's free, and there's a small parking lot…read morewith a restroom at the trailhead. I visited on a warm weekday afternoon between Christmas and New Years and saw only a few other folks out on the trail. There's a big loop that's about 1.5 miles, or you could do a shorter loop. The trail is mostly shaded and quite flat, making it an easy stroll and accessible for kids (including strollers) and people who need low intensity hikes; there are many benches along the way. Many parts are wooden bridges out over the marshland; at the right time of day you can see fiddler crabs in the water. (If it's recently rained, don't go at high tide; parts of the trail may be wet or muddy!) You'll find a really nice variety of trees and micro climates- the grasses and small trees in the marsh land are quite different from the hardwood forests and pines just a few feet further inland. This trail would be especially lovely at sunrise or sunset. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Emerald Isle/Swansboro area!

The landscape was beautiful and the trails were clearly marked. I was there by myself and felt very…read moresafe. If you're ever looking for a nice quiet place to go for a nature hike, this is your spot.

This was a great afternoon stretch of the legs. Reading the other review of this natural area one…read morewould expect a smoky pit of desolation and ruin. Much to the contrary, The area is green and the underbrush ample. Also being from the mountains of East Tennessee I have seen what can happen when controlled burns are not done on a regular basis to simulate the natural cleansing of the forest usually created by lightening strikes. The buildup of debris on the ground makes an amazing fuel source when fire finally does come along and the destruction is much greater, but I digress... This trail reminds me of hiking in Florida. Lots of pines, short undergrowth, and sandy stretches that make walking a little more challenging. Think walking on a sandy beach. You will have the occasional views of the ponds that are nice. There are quite a few trails in this park that are not on the official trail map so pay attention to the trail markers and use your smart phone for reference if you are unfamiliar with the area. Otherwise that hour stroll may turn into a couple hours of wandering we're the car is. LOL. Note: Something I always do when hitting an unfamiliar trail is download the official trail map or take a quick photo of the park map at the trailhead. These sometime come in very handy no matter what state or mountain range you find your self in.

If you are a beginner hiker or just looking for an nice walk, here is an excellent start. We walked…read morearound for a good hour and saw some beautiful views.

Great pier for fishing right in the middle of Emerald Isle. I personally have never fished off of…read moreit but I do love to walk out on it to take in the peaceful serenity of the ocean. I know quite a few folks that fish off of it a and bring home some great catches. Love that there is a convenience store and a restaurant attached to the pier for convenience​. Great for grabbing some delicious seafood, snacks, souvenirs and other beach essentials for your day on the pier or beach. It even has showers and bathrooms that are nice and clean. All in all a great attraction on Emerald Isle and definitely worth a visit.

I lived in California for many years and now have lived in North Carolina for a few years. I have…read moreNEVER been to a pier that charges for access to it. They can make up whatever story they want, but when you exclude people and have them pay, it is just wrong. Atlantic Beach has a pier if you want to walk and fish off it and it is completely free. Who ever came up with this idea is keeping people from just enjoying a good day out.

This is a very nice and clean beach area with plenty of space for your beach day out. They have…read morerestrooms at the top close to the parking for you to wash off after being in the sand and water. The parking uses a machine or app, pick your preference, but you really should pay or you might find your vehicle missing on your return. I think this is one of the nicest beaches in NC I have seen.

Plenty of parking and free when it's off-season. Very clean indoor restrooms with one changing…read moreroom. Sheltered picnic area with grills available. Send volleyball, lots of beach during low tide. Trucks drive through the beach, but they have permits. We had a great experience there. People were very polite and respectful. We didn't hear any loud music or smell any cigarette smoke. There is a small wooden platform with an ocean view if you don't want to go into the sand.

The Battle of Newport Barracks Civil War Memorial in Downtown Newport represents the life at a…read moremilitary barracks during the Civil War. Admission is free but they do accept donations. A parking lot is available as well. The Newport Barracks was a Civil War Outpost that guarded a railroad trestle bridge. The railroad was used as a supply line to get supplies and equipment to New Bern. 900 Union soldiers tried to hold off 2500 Confederate soldiers who were there from Wilmington trying to regain control over New Bern. They fought for over ten hours before retreating but set fire to the depot and the railroad and bridges to destroy equipment and supplies. .

This is a great representation of a Civil War Confederate Camp. They have a cannon, several tents…read moreand other items from camp life. I especially like the cooking examples as well as the wash area and blacksmith shop. They have buildings there made of local materials and with craftmanship which has withstood the test of time. I will take some of these ideas home to put into practice in my own yard. The demonstration camp is a sobering reminder of the hard work and ultimate sacrifice Americans gave during this turbulent time in our history. Remembering is important. This camp provides and opportunity for Americans and visitors of all ages to see back in time and reflect. Well worth the time while in Newport, whose old town has other treasures to discover!

Beautiful space for kids to play and close to CHG provides arcade snacks drinks .. with bridges and…read moreropes and adventure and games what kid wouldn't love this space