Along the same story as my lack of history with visiting Fort Macon (no pun intended), visiting The Point at Emerald Isle is also something I never knew about until I did my own research on the area as an adult. We would simply go to the beach closest to our rental house and not think much else about it. But one visit to The Point and you know you have found a special place.
The Point is located on the western end of the island of Bogue Banks - the Emerald Isle end. To get there, you will cross the bridge onto the island and take the first right on Coast Guard Road. You will follow the road all the way to almost the end - a flag pole and sign announcing your arrival to The Point will be your first sign of arrival. Just after that on the right, you will find a small parking lot at Station Street. There are not many spaces so you must plan ahead to get there early (on a recent July day, we arrived at 8:30 am and there were only a few spots left). The alternative is to visit later in the day once the initial crowd has left. This is the only parking lot to access this area unless you rent a property in the surrounding neighborhood for your stay. If you are lucky, you will be able to park under one of the Live Oak trees to give your car some shade.
From there, on foot you will make a right onto Coast Guard Road until it ends within a block. From there make a right on Inlet Drive. There are two beach access points along Inlet Drive, as well as a large access at the end where you are able to drive on the beach during the off season with a permit. Once you pick your access, be ready to keep walking a bit. The sand is very wide here and you will walk a bit before even reaching the water. If you want to walk to the end of the island (which I highly recommend), be ready for even more walking. But it is well worth the effort and journey. Here you will find the best shelling in the area by far, as well as a pristine white sandy beach and scenery at every turn. There are often tidal pools for your little ones to explore. It is a beach walkers paradise as the sands are changing every day - one visit you may be walking where there may be water the next. Walking along the curve of the island can truly take you to a place where you may forget you are in Emerald Isle - or even civilization.
Emerald Isle is known for its green and aqua waters on a sunny day, and the water at The Point is no exception. Be sure to bring your camera for some spectacular pictures to remember your day. Also be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. There are no public restrooms at the beach access so plan accordingly. Don't forget to return for sunset for an unforgettable view. Since the island is situated more west/east, the sunsets and sunrises are amazing.
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