May on the Coast: Things to Do in the Crystal Coast, NC

Butterfly Kisses Pavilion
May 1
4 min read

From the team at Butterfly Kisses Pavilion, a wedding venue in Eastern NC

May is one of our favorite times of year here on the Crystal Coast. The weather is beautiful, the coastal breeze is just right, and there are plenty of ways for locals and visitors alike to enjoy all that our beautiful Crystal Coast, NC has to offer. Whether you're in town for a wedding or planning your big day with us, here’s your local guide to what’s happening this month.

A bride and groom stands near a pond with a fountain, surrounded by trees and greenery under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere near new bern nc — Butterfly Kisses Pavilion, Newport, N.C.

Here's some of our favorite things to do in the Crystal Coast NC

Sailboats docked at sunset on a calm waterway, with tall grasses in the foreground and serene pastel skies in the background in Beaufort, NC. — Waterfront Views in Morehead City & Beaufort NC

🌊 Explore the Beaufort Waterfront

Location: Beaufort, NC Beaufort’s historic waterfront is the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, local shopping, or a seafood dinner with a view. Grab a scoop of ice cream and watch the boats—or the wild horses across the water on Carrot Island. Stop by Moonrakers and enjoy a delicious dinner with dessert from one of our favorite, Mrs. Vingerber's Sweets.

🎶 Alive at Five Concert Series

Location: Jaycee Park, Morehead City, near Big Rock Landing Next Date: Friday, May 24 A favorite local tradition! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music on the Morehead City waterfront. It's a fun, free activity for your wedding weekend guests or a casual Friday date night. You can enjoy exploring the nightlife of our sweet coastal waterfront, Home of the Big Rock Tournament.

🚢 North Carolina Maritime Museum

Location: Beaufort, NC Learn about shipwrecks, pirates, and maritime culture at this free museum in the heart of Beaufort. It’s a great stop for wedding guests looking for something to do between events—plus, it’s right near some of our favorite restaurants.

🌅 Sunset Picnic at Union Point Park

Location: New Bern, NC Located where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet, this downtown park offers open green space, walking paths, and water views. Grab takeout from a nearby restaurant and enjoy a peaceful evening picnic or a romantic stroll.

Lighthouse with black-and-white diamond pattern stands on a sandy shore near a house, under a clear blue sky, with rippling water in front. Cape lookout, Crystal Coast NC — Cape Lookout Lighthouse, with its black and white diamond pattern, stands on a sandy shore near calm waters and a historic keeper's house.

🐚 Cape Lookout Lighthouse & National Seashore

Ferries Depart From: Harkers Island Ferry service to Cape Lookout is in full swing! Whether you’re exploring the lighthouse, collecting seashells, or enjoying the untouched beach, this is one of the region’s most iconic day trips.

🐎 Horseback Riding on the Beach

Location: Cedar Island Stables For something unique, consider booking a horseback ride along the beach. It’s a memorable experience for couples, families, or adventurous wedding guests—and May weather makes it even more enjoyable.

Hands clinking beer glasses in a bar setting, with a wooden table and blurred background. The mood is festive and cheerful. Shortway brewery newport nc. — Cheers to good times at the local brewery, enjoying a refreshing selection of craft beers with your family & friends.

🍻 Enjoy some local crafts beers & cocktails

Location: Newport, New Bern, Morehead City, NC Our local craft been scene has blossomed in our quaint communities in Eastern NC. Whether you are staying on the coast side or in our historic New Bern area, there are plenty of great spots along our local brewery tour! Check our our recent blog post on breweries & distilleries around Carteret and Craven County.

Two people horseback riding on a beach, waves crashing nearby. One horse is brown, the other white. Sky is clear, mood is serene. Things to do in Atlantic Beach and emerald isle nc — Horseback riding on the Beach!

💡 Bonus Tip: Share This With Your Guests!

Hosting your wedding with us? We’re excited to help you ensure that your guests have a wonderful experience during their stay in our area. This guide is designed to assist couples in providing their guests with a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy while they spend multiple days with us. There are plenty of things to do in Crystal Coast NC.

How to Use This Guide for Your Guests

At Butterfly Kisses Pavilion, we love helping couples (and their loved ones!) enjoy every part of their celebration—from "I do" to weekend fun. Here are some ways you can utilize this guide:

Share Local Attractions: Highlight nearby attractions, parks, and museums that your guests can explore during their stay.
Recommend Dining Options: Provide a list of local restaurants and cafes, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Plan Group Activities: Suggest group outings such as wine tours, hiking excursions, or local events happening during their visit.
Include Relaxation Spots: Recommend spas or wellness centers for guests seeking relaxation and pampering.
Provide Transportation Information: Offer details on public transportation, ride-sharing options, or rental services to make getting around easier.

By using this guide and the others we share about our local Eastern NC Communities, you can ensure that your guests have a memorable and enjoyable time while celebrating your special day!

their loved ones!) enjoy every part of their celebration—from "I do" to weekend fun.

Butterfly Kisses Pavilion supports Local Wedding Venues throughout the USA! Many of them share support back through our network of Local Wedding Venues. Thank you to our Local Wedding Venues and their Wedding Venue Owners for all that you do for our wedding industry with a shoutout! Heartland Farms Articles ~Hanover Reserve Blog~Carolina Country Weddings Blog~Willow Creek Farm Venue~The Ma Maison Blog