Crystal Coast NC Vacation Guide for Families: PKS + Salter Path
Looking for a beach getaway without the crowds? Pine Knoll Shores and Salter Path are quiet, laid-back spots on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast—tucked between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, and just minutes from everything. This Crystal Coast NC vacation guide covers the best places to eat, play, and cool off across Bogue Banks, also known as the Southern Outer Banks.
Whether you’re staying in a Pine Knoll Shores vacation rental, booking a Salter Path hotel, or road-tripping along the NC Coast Highway, you’ll find top restaurants, ice cream shops, kid-friendly fun, free playgrounds, and more—all close to where you’re staying.
Check out my related post: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review
Cool Down: Best Ice Cream Near PKS & Salter Path
Simply Natural Creamery
You can look up and find Hershey ice cream in the area, but when you want the good stuff? Head toward Morehead City to get local products from an NC Farm Creamery. Simply Natural Creamy has the best flavors (Double Dark Chocolate is my personal favorite, and my family also loves their Apple Dapple, Fudge Ripple, and Toasted Coconut). Grab some super soft shirts, dairy milk, or other goodies while there!
Top Restaurants Around Pine Knoll Shores & Salter Path
Anchor Drafthouse & Pizzeria (Salter Path)
Dare I say the best pizza on the Crystal Coast! This hidden gem is in the quiet section of Bogue Banks in a city called Salter Path. I’m not sure if it’s true, but a server once told me they make their own housemade sauce and ship in their dough from Italy. It’s not expensive, they also have great wings, an assortment of drinks and a fabulous atmosphere. Sit inside or outside, overlooking the sound side.
Billfish (Salter Path)
Billfish Tacos (with Grouper, Tuna, or Mahi) and some crispy fries. This is the most frequently ordered meal for my family, plus chicken tenders for the kids.
Snapperz Grill and Steambar (Emerald Isle or Morehead City)
Grab one of their famous Steampots! This place has something for everyone.
The Village Market (Emerald Isle)
Usually a great lunch spot when coming into Emerald Isle. A unique set of sandwiches and breakfast favorites connected to a little store to browse after filling up!
Burger Boy (Emerald Isle)
Let me just tell you, if you end up with a migraine while driving to your vacation spot, a greasy burger here will cure you right up! Stop by Publix or Food Lion afterwards to stock up your vacation rental kitchen or grab snacks.
Table9 (Atlantic Beach)
Table 9 will be a splurge, but so worth it! You won’t find better fresh seafood, cooked perfectly!
4Corners Diner (Atlantic Beach)
Comfort food. Don’t go here on a diet!
Idle Hour Biergarten (Atlantic Beach)
This place is great. Sit outside at picnic tables in a sanded area. There’s a fire pit, outdoor games and a great atmosphere. Dinner and drinks for a reasonable price!
Family Fun: Mini Golf & More
- Black Pearl Mini Golf (Emerald Isle)
Crystal Coast Activities Near Pine Knoll Shores
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (Pine Knoll Shores)
I’ve been here 10 times with my family. It’s a great aquarium and perfect for rainy days! Check out my review here.
Fort Macon State Park (Atlantic Beach)
Historic fort, hiking trails, and one of the area’s most scenic beaches.
Take the Island Express Ferry from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses!
Kids will love this experience!
MacDaddys and Golfin’ Dolphin (Cape Carteret)
Arcade, bowling alley, mini golf, driving range, go-karts, and a sky trail.
Carolina Home and Garden with Grace Adventure Park (Newport)
Don’t sleep on this place! It’s a true hidden gem for adults and kids. Carolina Home and Garden is a garden center, but that’s not all. It offers food trucks, coffees, cocktails, woodfired pizzas (on Thursdays), live music and more. Next door is Grace Adventure Park, a very affordable (and sometimes free) playground for kids. They have animals and gem mining, plus picnic tables for adults. It’s a great shaded area, enclosed so you know your kids won’t stray away.
Free Playgrounds
Blue Heron Park (Emerald Isle)
Small but great playground if you want a stop on the shorter side.
Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park (Emerald Isle)
This is a great option and also includes equipment for all abilities like the Aeroglider and Cruise Line. Walk down the pier to see Bogue Sound views!
Atlantic Beach Town Park (Atlantic Beach)
Check out the Splash Pad, mini golf, skate park and plentiful free parking.
Shevans Park (Morehead City)
I just discovered this park, but it gives me old Laurel Hills Park vibes (if you happen to know Raleigh, you’ll know what I mean!) It looks huge and is already marked as a spot we will be heading to on our next trip!
Freebie Free Activity Idea with Kids: Visit a Fire Station
Looking for a memorable—and totally free—experience with your kids? Visit one of the local fire stations along NC 58 on Bogue Banks! While it’s best to call ahead, many departments are happy to welcome families when they’re not responding to emergencies. During our visits to the Town of Indian Beach Fire Department and the Atlantic Beach Fire Department, we were warmly greeted and given informal tours. My daughter got to climb into fire trucks, explore the vehicles they use for beach rescues, pet the firehouse dog, talk with firefighters and paramedics, and even peek inside an ambulance. It’s a fun, educational stop that kids won’t forget—and it’s a great way to meet the local heroes who help keep the Crystal Coast safe.
Grocery Stores on Bogue Banks
- Willis Seafood Market (Salter Path and Emerald Isle)
Pick up fresh seafood from this market to cook at your vacation rental (the Salter Path one is right next to Anchor Pizza, which is a must-try as well!)
- Publix Super Market at Egret Landing (Emerald Isle)
- Food Lion at Emerald Plantation Shopping (Emerald Isle)
- Food Lion Atlantic Station Shopping Center (Atlantic Beach)
- Dollar General (three on Bogue Banks: Emerald Isle, Salter Path, and Atlantic Beach, plus many more inland)
Need-to-Know FAQs: What & Where is PKS & Salter Path?
Pine Knoll Shores and Salter Path are located in Carteret County along Bogue Banks, a barrier island on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. They both sit between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach and are about a 10-15 minute drive to Morehead City.
Is the Crystal Coast part of the Outer Banks?
Though sometimes called the “Southern Outer Banks”, this area should not be confused with the Outer Banks, which is further north and includes cities like Corolla, Duck, Manteo, Hatteras, and Nags Head.
Where is the Crystal Coast/Southern Outer Banks?
The 85 mile stretch of beautiful beaches, towns, and islands reaches from areas as far west as Swansboro and Cape Carteret to Cape Lookout and Harkers Island in North Carolina.
Why is it called the Crystal Coast?
Because of its Crystal Clear waters. This area is full of beauty!
