Rainy Day Activities on the Crystal Coast
When the sun takes a break on the Crystal Coast, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Rainy days here are a chance to explore different facets of this gorgeous area, offering unique experiences that shine just as brightly as the sunny ones! Here are some activities to keep you entertained and cozy when the weather turns gray.
1. Head to the Beach
Rainy days give you a chance to see incredible rainbows! Before you head to the beach check the tides. Low tide means you’ll find seashells, shark teeth, and sea glass. Stock up on treasures before your trip home. Remember, a rainy on the beach is better than a sunny day at work!
2. Indulge in a Cozy Café, Local Brewery, Distillery, or Wine Bar
There’s nothing like sipping a hot drink while listening to the rain. The Crystal Coast boasts numerous cozy cafés where you can relax with a good book, enjoy conversations with friends, and get to know some of the locals! Try Reed’s in Morehead City housed in a historic building that was once the local library. Coffee shop by morning, wine bar with fun events by afternoon.
Sol Bowls in Emerald Isle has a great beach atmosphere with good coffee drinks, acai bowls and smoothies. Cru in Beaufort specializes in coffee and wine and occasional karaoke nights. Across the street from Cru, you’ll find Fishtowne Brew House with great local beer, board games, and even occasional cribbage tournaments.
Bogue Sound Distillery in Newport has local craft cocktails, live music, and featured food trucks. Try the Signature Bluewater cocktail #BluewaterForMe with local vodka, pineapple, Blue Curacao, and Sprite.
3. Explore Local Museums
The Crystal Coast is rich in history and culture, from historic forts to infamous pirates. Fort Macon State Park is centered on an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort that offers daily guided tours and extensive exhibits indoors.
Pirate fans should head to the free North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort where they can discover the maritime heritage of the area including artifacts from Blackbeard’s infamous ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Dive into the wonders of the deep sea without getting wet! The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers fascinating exhibits featuring local marine life. From playful otters to sharks, there’s plenty to see and learn. Kids and adults alike will enjoy interactive displays and the mesmerizing beauty of underwater ecosystems.
The History Museum of Carteret County features long and short-term exhibits on nearby history, a genealogical research center, and programs that highlight stories past. Finally, head Down East and visit the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. They offer hands-on demonstrations of decoy carving and quilting, touchable community exhibits, and a beautiful museum store.
4. Try Indoor Activities and Games
Many of our Bluewater Vacation Rentals offer family-friendly indoor activities like board games and puzzles. It’s a great way to bond with family or friends and pass the time in a fun and engaging manner.
Rainy days are also perfect to escape in a book. Scope out a great book nook in your vacation rental and curl up to a book by a local best-selling author like Kristy Woodson Harvey. Two Nicholas Sparks novels feature the Crystal Coast. A Walk to Remember and The Choice are set in the historic town of Beaufort. And if you’re in the mood for a laugh, the comedy Calypso by David Sedaris is set in Emerald Isle.
5. Cook up a Storm
Many of our Bluewater properties feature amazing kitchens and if you enjoy cooking, a rainy day is perfect for trying new recipes.
Visit a local farmer’s market like Garner Farms in Newport to pick up fresh ingredients.
Then stop at a local fish market like Blue Ocean Market in Morehead City, Cap’n Willis Seafood Market in Emerald Isle, Willis Seafood Market in Salter Path, or Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market. Finally, make a stop at MF Chappell Wine Merchant in Atlantic Beach for great wine pairings. Spending the day creating a delicious meal in the comfort of your vacation rental is a great way to make the most of indoor time and enjoy local flavors.
6. Carolina Home and Garden
Carolina Home and Garden in Newport is a one-of-a-kind destination that combines a garden shop, event venue, live music hotspot, arcade, botanical gardens, and alpaca haven.
Originally starting as a garden shop, it has grown into a beloved local spot where visitors can enjoy a range of activities. Parents can relax in the inviting indoor sunrooms with a botanical cocktail, beer or wine while enjoying live music.
Meanwhile, kids can feed the fish in the koi pond, play board games, or check out the vintage arcade games featuring over 20 pinball machines. Carolina Home and Garden often invites artists to host classes, and popular food trucks feed guests. The best way to experience the magic of this place is to visit and explore the grounds yourself.
7. Shop Till you Drop
Rainy days are perfect for indulging in a little retail therapy. The charming coastal towns of the Crystal Coast make a great backdrop to shop. Grab an umbrella and stroll through the historic streets of Beaufort, Morehead City, and Swansboro to soak in the waterfront atmosphere. There’s something for everyone, from boutique clothing stores and artisan crafts to antique shops and specialty stores. Visit the local shops to discover one-of-a-kind items that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
8. Visit Local Entertainment Spots
For a fun-filled day indoors, head to the local movie theatre in Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle to catch the latest blockbuster. For something more creative, attend a Wine & Design session where you can sip wine while painting your masterpiece. If you’re up for some action, try your hand at laser tag for an adrenaline-pumping experience or test your skills at an escape room.
Mac Daddy’s in Cape Carteret is a fantastic choice for bowling or playing in the Arcade.
Rainy days on the Crystal Coast are just another part of its charm. With so many indoor activities to explore, you’ll find that even the stormiest days can be filled with joy and discovery. As the rain clears, you might be lucky enough to witness a beautiful rainbow stretching across the beach, a perfect reminder of the beauty and magic that the Crystal Coast holds in all weather. So, next time the forecast predicts rain, embrace the opportunity to see the Crystal Coast from a new perspective.
