A Family-Friendly Wildlife Tour of the North Carolina Coast

North Carolina is truly a natural playground. For endless animal adventures on and off the water, plan a three-day family getaway to our central coast. 

Day 1: Enter Atlantis

The word “Atlantis” conjures the image of a paradise fit for royalty, and the view at Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach fits the bill. Yet, the vintage beach lodge itself is a playground for families, thanks to pools, hot tubs and lots of on-site activities like kayaks, beach toys and more. Bonus: Many rooms have kitchens, which can help you save a little dough and opt for leisurely mornings over home-cooked pancakes and omelets on your balcony overlooking the Crystal Coast.

After checking in, head to Salty Air Open Market to stroll the stalls filled with fresh produce, unique crafts, and ready-made po’ boys perfect to grab and go or eat while you browse. Then, head to Paddle NC’s Hammocks Beach State Park tour rendezvous point to spend time on Emerald Isle’s water – just be sure to book a reservation.

Families, pat yourself on the back for a first day of vacation well done and head to Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar in Atlantic Beach for its fun atmosphere, reasonable prices and make-at-the-table s’mores.

Day 2: Eco-Hop Around the Crystal Coast

Gear up for a fun-filled day with a quick stop at Sugarloaf Island Bakery, where you can find a pastry, croissant, cinnamon roll or other breakfast sweet to satisfy any palet. Make your pick and take it to go so you can get to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Experiences at the aquarium include Loggerhead Odyssey, Little Minnows Play Area, Living Shipwreck with diver interaction, Queen Anne’s Revenge Feeding Program, Creature Connection, outdoor programs such as marsh exploration and canoeing, and much more.

Onward! Today is not the day for a leisurely lunch – there’s just too much to do and see. And since a family vacation isn’t complete without a pizza pit stop, hit Venice Italian Kitchen on your way to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach for a pizza party. Spend the rest of the daylight hours on a customized ecotour or boat tour with Crystal Coast Ecotours’ Captain Hawkins, whose fun-meets-smart educational trips have earned him a five-star reputation. Dinner means a chance to experience North Carolina’s thriving barbecue tradition at Social Q Smokehouse. Choose from pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and turkey – all smoked all night.

Day 3: End Your Trip on a Sure-Fire High Note

Today’s pace will be set by a leisurely brunch at The Island Grille, which serves bacon twists, brioche French toast and a key lime pie that demands dessert with breakfast. But don’t feel guilty; there’s plenty of exploring to do today on foot. Start at the Lynnwood Park Zoo in Jacksonville for more up-close animal encounters that will delight visitors of all ages. The 10-acre zoo has more than 50 animal exhibits focused on mammals, reptiles, birds and more.

Next, make your way to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, a nonprofit staffed by volunteers who take care of about 40 sick or injured sea turtles at a time. It's a great educational opportunity during your time at the beach. Later, squeeze in one more meal at River View Cafe (hush puppies, fried scallops, catfish) or Lo-Re-Lei's Pub & Grill (crab balls, deviled crab) before saying “goodbye for now.”