Want to touch a snake or see a chameleon catching its prey? The National Reptile Zoo is Ireland's only reptile zoo and houses over 100 different species, from Alligators to Tortoise and Toads to Pythons.

The divine white-sand beach was once believed to be washed over by waters with strong curative properties. Today, over a century later, the possible medicinal effect has been eclipsed by its popularity with leisure vacationers, either idling in the sun or engaging in water sports (equipment available for hire).

The Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area is a 265-acre maritime forest, one of the few left on North Carolina’s coast. Donated in 1971 by Theodore Roosevelt’s grandchildren, it honors the 26th President’s conservation legacy. Two interpretive trails start near the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, offering an easy way to explore this preserved coastal habitat. The shorter trail loops through salt marshes and leads to a viewing blind at East Pond, while the longer trail winds over dune ridges with views of Bogue Sound. Open year-round with free admission, it’s a peaceful spot for hiking, birdwatching, or a quiet retreat into nature.

Step back in time at Fort Macon State Park, home to a meticulously restored pre-Civil War fort that now serves as a museum, offering daily guided tours and frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. The park provides public access to the pristine beaches of the Crystal Coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet, and Bogue Sound. Visitors can explore undisturbed natural salt marshes and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem.