Emerald Isle: Ocean Dr. and 24th St.

Emerald Isle: Ocean Dr. and 24th St. is a public beach access point on the North Carolina coast, about 3 miles from the town of Indian Beach. It is a straightforward spot for reaching the sand rather than a hiking route, so there's no climb or distance to plan around. For comfortable beach weather, late spring through early fall works well. At the Newport/Morehead City station about 8 miles away, typical average highs run near 78°F in May and climb to about 87°F in July and August, with September easing back to around 82°F. Trails are close by if you want time off the beach. The Patsy Pond Green Loop and Patsy Pond Blue Loop are each about 3 miles away. Farther out, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Trail is about 7 miles off, and Cedar Point Campground, a saltwater fishing spot, sits about 7.5 miles away.