The Crystal Coast is the perfect place to vacation. If this is your first visit, you are about to discover why so many people return year after year. There are about 10,000 beds for rent on the Crystal Coast, according to the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), (252) 726-8148 or (800) SUNNY-NC. Vacation rental options range from small fishing units near the sound or ocean — perfect if you spend all your time fishing — to plush condominiums and seaside homes with an array of amenities. All you need to do is make a few simple decisions, starting with when you wish to visit the coast.

The Rate Season

Rental rates change according to the season, and that's sometimes confusing. To add to the confusion, not all rental agencies on the Crystal Coast use the same season schedule. It's always best to check with each rental company for specific season/rate changes.

Most rental agencies on the east end of Bogue Banks and in other areas of Carteret County base rental rates on two seasons: in-season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and off-season (any other time). On the west end of the island many rental agencies use a four-season schedule: May through mid-June and mid-August through September are mid-seasons; mid-June through mid-August is prime season; September through November and March through April are shoulder seasons; December through February is off-season or winter. Prime season is the most expensive time to rent a vacation accommodation.

Vacation rentals can vary from $300 to more than $3,000 a week. You may find rates as much as 20 to 25 percent less in the shoulder season and off-season (after Labor Day and during the winter months) than in-season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). For that reason, many people prefer to vacation during the beautiful weather of the shoulder seasons — April and May and September through November.

Decide what you need and call a rental agency listed in the following pages. Remember, the base rental rate a company lists is not the complete cost of renting, so ask questions. Agencies add cleaning fees, which can range from $35 to $100. There are also taxes. In addition to North Carolina's sales tax, Carteret County's occupancy tax is 5 percent. You also will have to provide a security deposit (the amount varies with the rental company), which will be refunded provided nothing is damaged.

Locations and Types
of Accommodations

Rental agencies can help you find the perfect place, whether it's the casual angler's cottage, family accommodations within walking distance of the beach, or the oceanfront condo with all the amenities of home and more. Rental costs vary with the type of accommodation and the location. Always check rental brochures or with an agent about the location. This is very important if you are planning to walk to the beach. Carrying chairs, coolers and an umbrella while watching out for your children can make a short trip seem a lot longer if you are several rows back from the water. Of course, generally speaking, the farther away from the water, the less expensive the rental rate.

At the beach, location is everything, and an understanding of location descriptions can make all the difference in your family's vacation. Imagine a small strip of land, one side facing the sound, the other side facing the open ocean. That makes it easier when deciding what sort of accommodations work best for you. When speaking in terms of accommodation location, oceanfront means facing the ocean with no physical barrier, road or property lines between you and the beach. Oceanside means you can walk to the beach without crossing a major road, but there might be other rows of houses between your cottage and the ocean. Soundfront means the cottage fronts the sound and you have easy access to the water. Soundside means you are on the sound side of the road and in walking distance of the sound. Often, soundside cottages and developments offer guests access to the ocean and beach by means of a walking path.