Historians believe Cedar Island to be the original American “lost colony of Roanoke”, as its unique atmosphere appeals to both wilderness nature lovers and coastal fans.
Uncover an area that brings back fond memories of simpler times. This charming coastal community boasts miles of unspoiled beaches and offers a slower pace of life.
What Makes Cedar Island So Special?
Cedar Island on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast serves as an entranceway to Cape Lookout National Seashore’s wild horses and stately lighthouse, but it also holds hidden gems of its own: miles of barrier island beaches provide plenty of vacation fun, while there’s even a state-run ferry to Ocracoke Island for extra convenience!
It’s a real treat to travel up the coast aboard the Cedar Island/Ocracoke Ferry.
Over half the area is part of Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, providing outdoor enthusiasts with an array of outdoor adventures. Kayaking, shelling, and other watersports activities can be enjoyed while beach walkers may discover rare finds along both Pamlico Sound and Core Sound shorelines.
If you’re looking for an escape from more bustling North Carolina vacation spots, you will find it here. But if that isn’t enough activity for you, day and weekend trips are within driving distance – be sure to stop at the Country General Store first to stock up!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s sandy beaches, wild horses, and relaxing atmosphere make it a beloved spot for both locals and vacationers. This 56-mile section of the Crystal Coast is protected from ocean waves by barrier islands as well as dunes and grasslands along its length.
The park offers an abundance of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, shelling, beach driving, and bird watching – not to mention Portsmouth Village! Additionally, park ranger programs such as searching for horses on Shackleford Banks or tours of the lighthouse run throughout the summer months.
Visitors to the seashore can reach it via passenger or 4WD vehicular ferry from the Atlantic, Davis, and Harkers Islands. The trip typically lasts around two hours and provides a memorable way to kick-start an Outer Banks adventure! Please remember this is a dynamic environment so visitors must abide by all rules in order to help preserve it for future generations.
The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks offer endless adventures on land or water. From Kitty Hawk’s Wright Brothers Memorial to boogie boarding and windsurfing, visitors can experience adrenaline-pumping thrills. And for a more tranquil experience, there are miles of beaches where visitors can stretch out in the sun or watch waves come crashing in.
Outer Banks vacations provide the ideal way to retreat from modern life and reconnect with nature and history. Magnificent lighthouses, wild horses, and charming villages dot this coastal destination, making an Outer Banks vacation a truly unique experience.
The Outer Banks (often abbreviated OBX) of North Carolina consist of wide sand beaches separated by tidal marshes and the Atlantic Ocean; a popular tourist destination featuring miles of open beachfront including Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and nature enthusiasts flock to these beaches while history buffs often discover state parks or shipwrecks.
Harkers Island
Kayaking along the coasts of Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge provides an opportunity to witness some of the region’s secretive marsh birds, such as McGillivray’s seaside sparrow – an endangered species – at close quarters. Kayaking offers an ideal way to experience this habitat.
Harkers Island was first settled by Native Americans of the Coree tribe prior to European colonial settlement. These individuals lived together closely within their community, often using wooden boats for transportation and speaking in a dialect believed to resemble Elizabethan English in speech patterns and vocabulary.
The Island still offers visitors an immersive glimpse into its past with its small town charm and welcoming locals. Fishing and boat building remain central to its economy, though tourism has played an increasingly vital role. Fishing remains a mainstay activity here while tourism is on the rise.
Harkers Island also hosts its very own museum. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum highlights traditional decoy carving techniques as well as boat building. Every year they host their Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend and Decoy Festival which gives visitors a true coastal North Carolina experience without all the crowds they would encounter at Emerald Isle or Morehead City!
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