You really can have the beach and Atlantic Ocean as your backyard if you get an Emerald Isle vacation rental house in the front row. Just a quick walk from your relaxing deck across the walkway and down the steps. A great way to relax and play with your family and friends in the relaxing beautiful vacation playground that is Emerald Isle. This photo was taken around the 2200 block.

This little girl was playing down near the water's edge. We saw her run over and grab her sand castle bucket. She very determinedly turned it on its side and climbed upon it, then proceeded to dance atop it.

Emerald Isle had a bit of a warm spell today, rising into the 60s. Here's a pic I took in September 07 at one of the Emerald Isle beach access points.

Beach driving is legal in Emerald Isle during the off-season, which runs from September 15 through April 30, with a couple of exceptions around the Easter holiday. From the Town of Emerald Isle website:

Beach driving is allowed during the period from September 15 through April 30. Beach driving is not allowed, however, between the Thursday before Easter weekend and the Monday that occurs 8 days after Easter Sunday.

Permitted daily times for vehicular travel upon the beach are as follows:

a) From 5 am until 9 pm daily from and including September 15 until and including October 31.
From 5 am until 7 pm daily from and including November 1 until and including March 31.
c) From 5 am until 9 pm daily from and including April 1 until and including April 30.

Permits and window decals may be obtained from Town Hall during normal business hours (8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday) Call 252.354.3424 if you have any questions.

Annual beach driving permit fees are $40 for all Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers under 65 years of age, and $80 for all NON-Emerald Isle residents and taxpayers under 65 years of age. Any citizens age 65 years of age or older, and handicapped persons of any age are eligible for a free permit and will be issued a unique decal.

If you've never spent time on the beaches of North Carolina, you've missed some of the most gorgeous sunsets on earth. In an hour's time in Emerald Isle, you'll see everything from bright Carolina blues to delicate peachy corals to stark purples and oranges. With beautiful Emerald Isle locations such as The Point, the pier, and the sound-side parks, you have unlimited views of breathtaking colors and infinite sunsets.