Shopping
Crystal Coast Chic
The Crystal Coast is a whole lot more than just surf and sand—it is a true shopping haven, with a wide variety of eclectic boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, surf shops and much more.
From home décor to souvenirs, area shops are chock-full of unique items that echo the spirit of the Crystal Coast. Find fashionable clothes and accessories at area boutiques. Browse galleries that feature original paintings, sculptures and crafts by local artists. Or search for one-of-a-kind antiques in the historic downtown districts.
Aside from souvenirs, Crystal Coast stores also carry everything you need for the perfect beach vacation. Find recreational equipment such as kites, surfboards and boogie boards as well as all the essentials for a week at the beach such as umbrellas, towels, coolers and more. Grocery stores and gourmet food markets are numerous, so you’ll always have something tasty to eat when you don’t feel like eating out. From casual shoppers to serious spenders, visitors are invited to enjoy the wonderful variety of shops across the Crystal Coast.
But where do you begin? Here are some tips on shopping in each community across the Crystal Coast.
Morehead City
As the unofficial capital of the Crystal Coast, Morehead City has the largest variety of shops in the region. Stroll through the inviting waterfront district to find gift shops, bookstores, art galleries and more. The historic downtown area has many similar shops, selling local handmade crafts, clothing and accessories and other unique items. Beyond the downtown and waterfront, the retail options in Morehead City are almost limitless—find nautical supplies, pet products, furniture, jewelry, wine shops, seafood markets and traditional grocery and convenience stores across the town, supplying any need (or desire!) that might arise during your Crystal Coast vacation.
New Bern
The historic town features many unique shops and galleries. Stop by the pharmacy now known as the “Birthplace of Pepsi” and pick up an old-fashioned Pepsi souvenir while enjoying some cola from the recreated soda fountain. A farmer’s market featuring local produce and handcrafted items takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. But the main shopping attractions in New Bern are the antique stores and art galleries. There is a good variety of antique shops in the historic downtown area alone as well as numerous galleries featuring arts and crafts. Unique gift stores offer everything from home and body essentials to cast iron pots and pans.
Bogue Banks (Atlantic Beach to Emerald Isle)
From beachwear to novelty items, surfboards to colorful kites, shopping in the beach communities of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle—as well as the mid-Island towns of Indian Beach and Pine Knoll Shores—is mostly centered on enjoying the beach lifestyle. However, there are many boutiques with fashionable clothing and accessories for the beach and beyond that are well worth browsing. Surf shops in this area are also well known and respected for their wide variety of merchandise. Beyond surfboards and bikinis, find clothing, sandals, accessories, sunglasses, bags, hats and more.
Beaufort
Strolling around Beaufort’s historic waterfront district is appealing in itself. But add to that a plethora of unique shops and galleries, all within walking distance, and you’ve got one special place. There are also numerous activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained while the serious shoppers get to business. So while the kids are exploring a museum or visiting historic homes, discover treasures and unique items in the many specialty shops that line the two main thoroughfares—Front Street and Turner Street. Find handmade dolls and china at the Beaufort Historic Site’s gift shop, regional cookbooks, works by local artists, fashion apparel, nautical accessories and much more.
Swansboro
Old-fashioned shops line the main street of the historic riverfront town of Swansboro. Enjoy lunch with a view of the White Oak River, and then browse through the quaint stores and galleries on Front Street and the adjacent blocks. Find plenty of antiques as well as 1950s-era treasures, reproductions and vintage apparel. Gift stores and art galleries feature a variety of locally made crafts, paintings, pottery and other collectibles. Small, scenic and easy to walk around, Swansboro is a great place to take your time in each store and chat with the storekeepers. You’ll find their friendliness and charm quite refreshing.