From upscale condos to high-end beach houses, an Indian Beach vacation rental can set you up in comfort and luxury and provide access to beautiful beaches and maritime forests. Surf, parasail, boogie board or just soak in the sun on Indian Beach’s white sand beaches. Look out on its turquoise green waters, and you just might see dolphins at play. Indian Beach also has a loggerhead sea turtle program in partnership with the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the Bogue Banks Sea Turtle Project. If visiting in the summer, you may be lucky enough to witness baby turtles hatching at night. Below the waters, enjoy some of the country’s best diving near your Indian Beach vacation rental. Explore historic shipwrecks and swim with tropical fish and game fish. If you prefer the land, find championship links at Country Club of the Crystal Coast, not far in Pine Knoll Shores.
On a rainy day, drive 15 minutes north and visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, which showcases sharks, eels, sea turtles, and hundreds of fishes in its 306,000 gallon ocean tank, The Living Shipwreck. To see where the Civil War began and remnants of one of Blackbeard’s pirate ships, Fort Macon and historic Beaufort are only 25 minutes away. For time by the beach, outdoor adventure, and a rich history, an Indian Beach vacation property awaits you.
If staying in an Indian Beach vacation rental in the spring, expect average highs in the 60s and 70s with lows ranging from the 40s-60s, perfect for golfing and hiking. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Emerald Isle’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, featuring kid’s activities and amusement rides, over 75 arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of food and beer. In late April, witness a commemorative Civil War Reenactment of the bombardment of Fort Macon at Fort Macon State Park. In early May, enjoy live music and family fun in downtown Beaufort at the Beaufort Music Festival.
With average high temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s, it’s no wonder that Indian Beach beach rentals are in high demand in the summer. Fishing enthusiasts may want to take part in many summer tournaments, including the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in early June. See history bloom at the annual Beaufort Home and Garden Tour the third weekend in June. Enjoy Carteret County’s biggest firework’s display at Atlantic Beach’s Independence Day Celebration. On July 4th, the fireworks will launch again from nearby Emerald Isle’s Bogue’s Inlet Pier.
The warm weather continues in the fall with typical October highs in the mid-70s and lows in the upper-50s and November highs in the upper-60s and lows in the upper 40s. Nearly 200,000 seafood lovers converge on Morehead City the first weekend of October for the annual NC Seafood Festival. If visiting near Halloween, enjoy Emerald Isle’s Halloween Carnival in late October and Trick-or-Treating on the 31st.
From BBQ to lump crab cakes, you’ll find great local flavors and bars minutes from your Indian Beach rental.
RESTAURANTS
Big Oak Drive-In and BBQ 1167 Salter Path Road, Salter Path, 252-247-2588, www.bigoakdrivein.com
This Crystal Coast landmark is tops for pulled-pork, shrimp burgers, and scallop burgers.
Crab Shack 146 Headen Ln, Salter Path, 252-247-3444
Fried scallops, shrimp, not to mention the crab, Crab Shack is a great place for local seafood.
Rucker Johns 8700 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle, 252-354-2413
If looking for an alternative to seafood, Rucker John’s Rib-eye Blackjack Steak special is a must.
Yana’s Ye Olde Drug Store Restaurant, 9 Front St., Swansboro, 910-326-5501
It’s worth the wait for the amazing burgers at this kitschy Swansboro institution. Don’t forget the banana fritters.
Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar 8002 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle, 252-354-6200, www.kathrynsbistro.com
For the Crystal Coast’s best fine dining, Kathryn’s offers good flavors and a martini great bar. Expect your meal to be on the pricier side.
BARS
Ballyhoo’s Island Sports Grill 140 Fairview Dr., Emerald Isle, 252-354-9397
A great place to kick back and watch the game, Ballyhoo’s has a good beer selection, too.
Emerald Club 2001 8102 Emerald Dr., 252-354-2929, www.emeraldclub2001.com
You’ll find live music, good beer, and an interesting mix of people at the Emerald Club 2001.
If you plan to make your Indian Beach vacation rental a hub to visit the best of Southern Outer Banks, stay a week. An Indian Beach beach house also makes a wonderful retreat for a few days or over a weekend.
