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Major city · United States

Cape CarteretCape Carteret, North Carolina

Skip as a base: Cape Carteret is a residential crossroads with almost no beds or restaurants. Stay in Emerald Isle or Swansboro and drive through.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Cape Carteret is a small residential town on Bogue Sound at the junction of NC-58 and NC-24, the roads that link Emerald Isle, Swansboro and Morehead City. It has a handful of golf courses, a kayak outfitter and one family restaurant, but nearly all lodging and dining sits in the neighbouring towns. Treat it as a 1–2 hour stop, or as the address you pass on the way to the beach.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
avoid Jul–Aug (heat, humidity, hurricane season peak), late Aug–Oct for storm risk
Airports
OAJ · EWN · RDU · ILM
Nights
1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cape Carteret911 ▾

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Cape Carteret, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeUS$3–5
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekUS$15–30
  • Budget bedBeach rental (Emerald Isle, per night), a night, per roomUS$150
  • Mid-range bedSmall motel or budget room, a night, per roomUS$120
  • High-end bedSmall motel or budget room, a night, per roomUS$170

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$260

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Bogue Sound waterfrontGolf courses on NC-58Kayak trips to Bear Island and Cape LookoutRoad junction for Emerald Isle and Swansboro
Airports
OAJ Albert J. Ellis Airport (Jacksonville, NC) (About 45 min west on NC-24; small airport, limited carriers) · EWN Coastal Carolina Regional (New Bern) (About 1 h north; small airport) · RDU Raleigh-Durham International (About 2.5–3 h by car; the main gateway with the most flights and rental cars) · ILM Wilmington International (About 1.5–2 h southwest via US-17)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    not flagged

    13°C (55°F)

  2. Feb

    not flagged

    14°C (57°F)

  3. Mar

    not flagged

    18°C (64°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  5. May

    Best

    26°C (79°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    30°C (86°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    32°C (90°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid*

    31°C (88°F)

  9. Sep

    Care

    28°C (82°F)

  10. Oct

    Care

    23°C (73°F)

  11. Nov

    not flagged

    18°C (64°F)

  12. Dec

    not flagged

    14°C (57°F)

Best: Apr–Jun. Mixed: Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Oct (7). Averages, not a forecast.

* only part of the month (early, mid or late).

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Cape Carteret: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

13°C (55°F)

2°C (36°F)

9 rd

Feb

14°C (57°F)

3°C (37°F)

8 rd

Mar

18°C (64°F)

7°C (45°F)

9 rd

Apr

22°C (72°F)

11°C (52°F)

8 rd

May

26°C (79°F)

16°C (61°F)

9 rd

Jun

30°C (86°F)

20°C (68°F)

10 rd

Jul

32°C (90°F)

23°C (73°F)

12 rd

Aug

31°C (88°F)

22°C (72°F)

12 rd

Sep

28°C (82°F)

19°C (66°F)

9 rd

Oct

23°C (73°F)

13°C (55°F)

7 rd

Nov

18°C (64°F)

7°C (45°F)

7 rd

Dec

14°C (57°F)

3°C (37°F)

8 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

You need a car. NC-58 runs north to the Cameron Langston bridge (Emerald Isle) and south to Morehead City; NC-24 runs west toward Jacksonville and northeast to Swansboro. There is no useful local bus. Parking is free at most shops and trailheads.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time
Emerald Islego

Door to door: 10–15 min

NC-58 south over the Cameron Langston bridge

The nearest beach and the main place to sleep and eat near Cape Carteret.

Swansborogo

Door to door: 15–20 min

NC-24 northeast

Small historic waterfront district; good for a half day and a meal.

Morehead Citygo

Door to door: 25–35 min

NC-24 east, then NC-58/Arendell St

Restaurants, waterfront and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores nearby.

Beaufortgo

Door to door: 40–50 min

NC-24 east to Morehead City, then US-70 east

Historic waterfront town and ferry point for Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks.

Atlantic Beach

go

Door to door: 35–45 min

NC-58 east across Bogue Banks

Ocean beach with more hotels and restaurants than Emerald Isle.

Harkers Island

go

Door to door: 1 h 15 min

US-70 east, then NC-1300/Island Road

Gateway to Cape Lookout National Seashore by ferry.

Newport

go

Door to door: 20–25 min

NC-24 west, then US-70 north

Campgrounds and a quieter base on the way to New Bern.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Cape Carteret itself

Very few beds in town; a couple of small motels and rentals along NC-24. Check availability before you commit.

Emerald Isle

Across the Cameron Langston bridge on Bogue Banks, 5–10 min. The main beach-rental and hotel base for this junction.

Swansboro

About 15 min northeast on NC-24. Small waterfront historic district with inns and restaurants.

Morehead City / Atlantic Beach

About 25–35 min east on NC-24/NC-58. More hotels, restaurants and the aquarium.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
US$70–110 excl. bed
Mid
US$120–200 excl. bed
High
US$220+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Small motel or budget room1 × 1 night × US$120US$120
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$160US$320
Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · checkUS$60
Kayak trip to Bear Island or Cape Lookout2 × US$55 · checkUS$110
Golf, 18 holes at a local course2 × US$50 · checkUS$100
eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20US$40
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$75
Trip total≈ US$413 per person per day, bed includedUS$825

2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

CoffeeUS$3–5
Seafood plate at a local restaurantUS$15–28
Kayak trip (2.5 h+)checkUS$35–75
Golf, 18 holescheckUS$35–65
Gym day pass (Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness)checkUS$12 daily / US$50 weekly
eSIM or data SIM, about a weekUS$15–30

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Cape Carteret is a low-crime residential town; the real risks are fast traffic on NC-24/NC-58, summer heat and hurricane-season storms. Call 911 for emergencies.
  • Almost no restaurants or lodging in town: plan meals and beds in Emerald Isle, Swansboro or Morehead City.
  • Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov, peaking late Aug–Oct; check evacuation zones and storm forecasts before a coastal stay.
  • Summer heat and humidity are heavy; carry water on any kayak or golf outing.
  • NC-24 and NC-58 carry fast traffic through the junction; drive defensively at the NC-58/NC-24 intersection.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911
Cape Carteret Town Hall (non-emergency)
252-393-3100
Poison Control (US)
1-800-222-1222

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Cape CarteretCape Carteret, North Carolina

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • Cape Carteret Town Hall252-393-3100
  • Poison Control1-800-222-1222

Embassy

No embassies in Cape Carteret; nearest consulates are in Raleigh and Atlanta. Check your country's embassy list.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Drive Cape Carteret → Emerald Isle: about 10–15 min over the Cameron Langston bridge
  • Drive Cape Carteret → Morehead City: about 25–35 min on NC-24/NC-58
  • Drive Cape Carteret → Raleigh-Durham (RDU): about 2.5–3 h (check)

Say or show

  • Where is the beach access? — Where is the beach access?
  • Is there parking here? — Is there parking here?
  • Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
  • How far is Emerald Isle? — How far is Emerald Isle?

Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 per drink at a bar, US$3–5 a night for housekeeping.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cape Carteret. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, humidity, hurricane season peak), late Aug–Oct for storm risk · month by month →
  2. 4 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 7 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for OAJ, EWN, ILM and RDU: last rental-car desk hours, drive times and a fallback plan.
  2. Walking and driving clusters with rescue anchors: NC-58/NC-24 junction, the golf courses, the kayak launch on Cedar Point Boulevard.
  3. Place pages with verified hours for the golf courses, the aquatic centre and the kayak outfitter, plus eat pages for Mike's Family Restaurant.
  4. Storm and heat fixtures so the coastal arrival gates can go green in hurricane season.

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources