Is Emerald Isle Or Atlantic Beach Better?

For those looking to decide whether to vacation to the gorgeous coastal towns of Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach, you have come to the right place!

Both of these charming beach towns have fabulous fishing, gorgeous beaches, and countless phenomenal seafood restaurants so it can be increasingly hard to pick between the two. 

We live just down the road from both of these beaches and visit each one frequently.

As locals, we know the positives and negatives to both Emerald Island and Atlantic Beach.

Below you will find a breakdown of both Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach to help you decide which coastal North Carolina town you should visit for your next beach vacation. Enjoy!

💡 Things to Consider When Choosing Between Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach:

There are countless things to take into consideration when picking between the marvelous towns of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.

Some of these things include their location, various activities and things to do in the area, along with accommodation options. Check out our ultimate guide below!

✅ Location

Location is a huge factor to consider when picking between coastal towns. Some location factors to think about include proximity to beaches and beach access, how close restaurants and shops are nearby, and how close a town, city, or downtown area is. 

If you are searching for a beach town that is close to a “large” downtown area, Atlantic Beach is your best option because of its close proximity to Morehead City. 

The town of Morehead City has countless great restaurants, boutique shops, and various things to do.

Plus, Morehead City is less than 10 minutes away from Atlantic Beach and is just a quick drive over the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

Additionally, if you are willing to drive a little more down the road, you can visit the charming town of Beaufort, North Carolina.

The town of Beaufort has countless things to do and see and is less than 15 minutes away from Atlantic Beach.

Whereas, the closest “large” town to Emerald Isle is Swansboro which requires about a 20 minute drive inland and although the town of Swansboro is quite charming, it is not nearly as big as Morehead City and does not have as many options when it comes to dining and shopping. 

So if you are looking for a coastal town to vacation in that has both the beach and a downtown area nearby, Atlantic Beach is the best option for you!

✅ Things To See

Some people go on vacation with the goal of purely relaxing on white sand beaches and taking dips into tranquil blue waters.

Other people go on vacation and want countless things to see and do.

Then there are the people that would like a mix of both and would like the perfect combination of relaxation and liveliness. 

For those looking to go on vacation and strictly enjoy beach and ocean views, Emerald Isle tends to be the best option.

✅ Activities To Do

Fishing is one of the most popular activities to do on the Crystal Coast so whether you visit Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach, you are in luck so be sure to pack your favorite surf fishing rod, beach fishing cart, rod holders, and saltwater tackle box so that you can reel in some truly great catches!

Another popular activity that you can do in both Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle is go kayaking!

Kayaking is one of our favorite things to do during the warmer months and there are plenty of options to put your kayak in the water and enjoy the views around you in both coastal towns. 

Additionally, for those looking to hit the links, there are countless golf courses near the Atlantic Beach area making it a great place to visit for those looking to hit several courses during your beach vacation!

For another great activity that you can do whether you are staying in Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach is visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

This aquarium is practically in between the two coastal towns and is a great option to explore and learn more about aquatic animals and their ecosystem. 

Emerald Isle vs. Atlantic Beach

Although there are quite a few similarities between the two towns, there are quite a few differences including various activities that you can do.

Emerald Isle

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

The Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier in Emerald Isle is a great place to take in surrounding ocean and beach views.

Additionally, it is a phenomenal location to fish and to catch the sunrises or sunset!

Salty Pirate Waterpark

For those looking for something fun and thrilling to do besides laying out on the beach, the Salty Pirate Waterpark is a great place to visit.

This is an excellent activity to do with children and sure to make for a memorable day while vacationing in the area!

Emerald Isle Woods Park

Emerald Isle Woods Park is a great place to visit for those looking for some different views and would like to be surrounded by some greenery.

This is a great place to get some exercise in as you walk around the many trails in the area and it is also a phenomenal location to enjoy a picnic.

Atlantic Beach

Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant

The Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant in Atlantic Beach is a great place to visit for several reasons.

First of all, this pier is a phenomenal destination to fish and take in the views of the surrounding ocean.

Additionally, it is a great place to visit for sunrise and sunset as you take in the beautiful views over Atlantic Beach. 

Another reason to love this pier is because of the Pier House Restaurant.

This is one of the best restaurants in Atlantic Beach and one of the best restaurants near Morehead City and we highly recommend that you stop by for breakfast one morning!

They serve up excellent fluffy pancakes and scrumptious savory omelets with incredible views of the ocean and beach. 

Fort Macon State Park

For those interested in learning about fort history or would like to learn more about cannons and muskets, you must check out Fort Macon State Park.

Not only is this a great place for history buffs but it is also a fantastic area to walk around, bike, fish, and picnic!

Atlantic Beach Town Park

The Atlantic Beach Town Park is an excellent place to visit in Atlantic Beach and has something to offer for everyone!

Not only can you walk around the park and enjoy some time outdoors off the beach but they also offer a seasonal mini golf course, picnic areas, a splash pad and much more. 

This is a great place for people of all ages to visit but it is an especially great option for those looking for something fun to do with kids besides going to the beach!

So… All Things Considered: Does Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach have more things to do?

When it comes to things to do in Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach, both towns are pretty equal and have about the same options!

However, we believe that Atlantic Beach may have a few more options if you take into consideration its close proximity to the “large” town of Morehead City!

✅ Accomodation Options

Accomodation options is another major factor to take into consideration when comparing Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.

You tend to find smaller houses, more hotel rooms, and condo rentals in Atlantic Beach.

Whereas, in Emerald Isle there are more large scale rental options and bigger houses to pick from! 

Emerald Isle

If you have a larger party or are vacationing with a big group of family and friends and would like to stay in one big house together, Emerald Isle tends to be the best option. 

Atlantic Beach

If you are traveling with a smaller group, Atlantic Beach tends to be the best option due to the immense amount of hotel rooms, smaller houses, and condo rentals available.

✅ Restaurants

Both Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle have some truly phenomenal and delicious restaurants to choose from.

Below you will find a list of some of our favorites in each area!

Emerald Isle

Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar

For those searching for a more upscale and fine dining experience while on vacation in the area, Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar is a great option for you!

They serve up some truly delicious steaks and seafood and you cannot go wrong with one of their delicious martini options. 

Surf’s Up Grill & Bar

Surf’s Up Grill & Bar is a great place to visit for those looking for some classic fried shrimp, hush puppies, or other delicious bar foods.

This is a great place to visit for some delicious and casual bites to eat and you cannot beat the impeccable views of the ocean and beach right from the restaurant!

Gaffer’s

Gaffer’s is another one of the best restaurants in Emerald Isle. They are known for their seafood, fabulous bloody mary’s, and for having live music!

Atlantic Beach

4 Corners Diner

The 4 Corners Diner in Atlantic Beach is one of the best restaurants in the area.

They are known for whipping up some incredible diner classics and we highly recommend that you stop by for breakfast!

They serve some delicious french toast, omelets, and home fries and the location is phenomenal. 

Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant

For those looking for a great place to grab dinner, you must head to Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant.

They serve up incredible seafood and American classics. We recommend trying their shrimp and grits or meatloaf.

Plus, they have some amazing outdoor seating to enjoy your meal with a great view!

The Shark Shack

The Shark Shack is a great place to stop by for a quick lunch on a beach day.

They serve up fabulous fried seafood, various sandwich options, and classic American lunch options such as burgers and hot dogs. 

Emerald Isle vs. Atlantic Beach: Which has the best restaurants?

This truly comes down to personal preference. Both of these small coastal towns have great restaurants and bars to choose from!

✅ Crowds

Another big consideration when picking between Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach is the crowds.

In general, both of these coastal towns get pretty packed during the high tourist season from June to August. 

However, Atlantic Beach tends to be a bit more crowded than Emerald Isle due to its close proximity to Morehead City, the main public beach access is right across from the Atlantic Beach Bridge, and this main area of Atlantic Beach has more shops and dining options which tend to draw bigger crowds. 

For those looking for a vacation spot that is a bit more spread out and does not have as many tourists, Emerald Isle tends to be your best bet. 

Conclusion: Is Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach Better?

Honestly, both Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach are absolutely phenomenal crystal coast towns and we love both of them! 

Atlantic Beach tends to be the best option for those looking for an abundance of things to do and would like to be close to a “large” city. 

For those looking for a more laid back experience that is a bit more spread out with a few less crowds, Emerald Isle tends to be the best option. 

In general, when it comes to which coastal town is better… it is completely up to you and your personal preference! You truly cannot go wrong with either coastal town.

We hope you enjoyed this article on “Is Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach Better?” Happy Exploring!