Pine Knoll Shores is one of the most genuinely quiet seaside communities along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Set on Bogue Banks — the barrier island that runs along Bogue Sound — the town is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its southern side and Bogue Sound on its northern side. The result is a peaceful coastal town with open beaches on one side, protected sound waters on the other, and a thoughtful mix of maritime forest in between.
The town’s character leans into the quiet end of the Carteret County coastal experience. Pine Knoll Shores is best known for two major attractions: the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where visitors can see marine life, including otters and sea turtles, and the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, a protected maritime forest preserve with shaded hiking trails.
The combination of accessible beach access, a preserved maritime forest, and a family-friendly aquarium makes Pine Knoll Shores a natural base for visitors seeking a quieter side of the broader Crystal Coast.
Click on the attractions image below to dive deeper into the spots we’ve personally explored around Pine Knoll Shores.
Things To Do in Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Resources
The Crystal Coast – Pine Knoll Shores Webpage