The whole town is surf crazy. Fortunately, it marks the end of summer, at which time the crowds thin and the jetty is, once again, made for surfers.

Croatan does have its moments, specifically at high tide during a nor'easter. The jetty to the north offers some shelter from the wind, while bending the lefts into an occasionally punchy shorebreak.

Northern Jetties is pretty similar to its southern, sandy counterpart, Surfside. Both bustle with activity in the summer and are loaded with beachside perks like food carts and public bathrooms.