Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States.

Recent beach renourishment projects in North Carolina, including Emerald Isle, have been both praised and questioned.

[6] In the 1920s, Henry Fort, who owned the Emerald Isle beaches and land surrounding them, hoped to open a large summer tourist attraction and ocean resort.

Because they wanted Emerald Isle to be family-oriented, the owners limited commercial development and mobile homes to five blocks each.

In 1960, ferry service began, providing wider access to the Bogue Banks beaches of modern-day Emerald Isle.

[9] In 1971, the Cameron Langston Bridge was opened to provide access from Cedar Point to the western end of Bogue Banks and Emerald Isle.

[9] Emerald Isle is a popular vacation spot for families and is also known for excellent fishing and a wealth of marine life.

Emerald Isle is located in southwestern Carteret County at the western end of Bogue Banks, a barrier island.