Shackleford Banks Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks
"Beauty and Beast" Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses. Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip. I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,534 reviews)
Beautiful views and very friendly staff!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street Morehead City NC
The price is AU$153 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$153
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
Pros: Breakfast was decent, bed was comfy. Shower had great water pressure, staff was friendly

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

3 out of 5
118 Salter Path Road Pine Knoll Shores NC
Stay at this golf hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,320 reviews)
Staff amenities and was told we had an ocean view room lies!!

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

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Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach
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Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Emerald Isle NC
Stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
We enjoyed our mid February stay. It was so nice not being surrounded by a for of snow up north. The house and location provided the perfect winter retreat. Only thing I would suggest is having a larger soup pot to cook in.Would definitely return.

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR

OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR

Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Circle Regional Beach Access and Hoop ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Lovely beach front property! We stayed here for a long weekend and had the best time. The home is the perfect beach cottage with tons of space to spread out and enjoy vacation. Our family enjoyed to hot tub, pool and fun game room. Winter sunsets are amazing-we spotted dolphins sitting on the back ...

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR
OCEAN PANORAMA: Beachfront, quiet, & pet friendly home with gorgeous ocean views

OCEAN PANORAMA: Beachfront, quiet, & pet friendly home with gorgeous ocean views

Salter Path NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Salter Path. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Beach Wheels Bike Rental and Professor ...
OCEAN PANORAMA: Beachfront, quiet, & pet friendly home with gorgeous ocean views
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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