beaufort nc tourist attractions

27 Top Things to Do in Beaufort NC and NC’s Crystal Coast

 Off the Eaten Path’s Crystal Coast Travel Guide highlights all of the best things to do in Beaufort NC and all along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, including where to stay, what to eat, where to explore and so much more.

Planning a day trip, weekend trip or just looking for other things to do, places to visit, and where to eat across North Carolina?  Check out Off the Eaten Path’s North Carolina Travel Guide, which features weekend itineraries, travel and restaurant recommendations across the Tarheel State.

Thank you to the Crystal Coast and Emerald Isle Realty for hosting me during our visit. The entire weekend, including my condo stay and all food and beverage, was complimentary.

Sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets and swashbuckling history are some of the things that come to mind when you talk about North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Spanning the coast of North Carolina just south of the Outer Banks , the area is home to Cape Lookout National Seashore, aquatic plant and animal life, wild horses, coastal marshes, expansive beaches, the third-oldest town in North Carolina (Beaufort, NC…and it’s pronounced Bow-fort, not Byew-fort like its South Carolina counterpart) , pirates (Blackbeard’s ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge went aground in 1718 just offshore from Beaufort), a Civil War-era fort and North Carolina’s second state park, various historic sites, and tons of fabulous places to stay, delicious food to eat, and plenty of fun things to do!

WHERE IS THE CRYSTAL COAST?

The Crystal Coast is made up of 85 miles of pristine beaches and several small coastal towns and port cities including Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Morehead City, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, Harkers Island, Cedar Island, Newport and Cape Carteret in Carteret County, North Carolina.

The Crystal Coast is easily accessible by car via major interstate highways (all driving times are to Beaufort, NC):

• About 1 hour east from Jacksonville, NC, via NC-24.
• About 2 hours north from Wilmington, NC, via US-17.
• About 2 hours and 45 south east from Raleigh, NC, via US-70.
• About 3 hours east from Fayetteville, NC, via Interstate 95 to US-70.
• About 5 hours east from Charlotte, NC, via US-74 (don’t worry, Off the Eaten Path has a complete guide to beaches near Charlotte, NC .

The closest airport to the Crystal Coast is Albert J Ellis Aiport in Jacksonville, NC (OAJ), which is 60 miles west of Beaufort (about an hour and a half drive…but you can get to the beach in under an hour).

IS IT PART OF THE OUTER BANKS?

The Crystal Coast is also known as the Southern Outer Banks because it’s located on the North Carolina Coast directly south of the Outer Banks.

The Crystal Coast is home to Cape Lookout National Seashore, which preserves 55 miles of beaches and coastline from Ocracroke Inlet in the northeast to Beaufort Inlet in the southeast. The seashore is made up of three barrier islands and includes two historic villages, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

WHY IS IT CALLED THE CRYSTAL COAST?

The Crystal Coast is aptly named for the area’s extremely clear waters and miles of inviting, white beaches. 

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CRYSTAL COAST

When we visited the Crystal Coast, we stayed at an oceanfront condo provided by Emerald Isle Realty , (we loved this experience but you could totally get a beach rental house through AirBNB or VRBO too).

Our condo was in Indian Beach, right in the middle of Bogue Banks (between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, and about a 30 minute drive to Beaufort, NC) and we loved having a place to call home for a few days and everything that came with it, including more privacy, a full kitchen, easy beach access, a balcony with ocean views, and the space to spread out. One of our favorite things to do each evening was sit on the balcony, drink a local beer, and listen to the waves.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to town, there are a few hotels and some quaint bed and breakfasts in Beaufort, NC that would be the perfect home base for your beach getaway.

Don’t forget…camping is always an option! There are several campgrounds surrounding Beaufort and the Crystal Coast, and we’d recommend Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks or Hammocks Beach State Park, which are all featured in Off the Eaten Path’s best tent camping in NC guide.

Now that you know where you’re going and you have some ideas of where to stay, let’s talk about the best things to do in Beaufort NC and beyond!

STROLL FRONT STREET

Beaufort’s Front Street, aptly named for the town’s main street that abuts the waterfront, is the perfect place for a morning meander or afternoon stroll. The picturesque promenade is full of local boutiques, shops and restaurants, and also offers panoramic views of the water. It’s fun to watch the sailboats and yachts cruising Taylor Creek and you may get a glimpse of wild horses across the creek at Rachel Carson Reserve.

You’re going to pass some local stores during your Front Street stroll, so make sure to stop in for a souvenir. Some favorites include:

• Scuttlebutt Books & Bounty : An independent bookstore and gift shop on the waterfront, specializing in unique merchandise with a nautical flair.
• Island Proper : A popular women’s boutique for both locals and tourists that stays true to their Southern heritage while channeling some of the latest trends.  
• Taylor’s Creek Antiques : Located in a historic home with a unique selection of antiques and collectibles.
• Beaufort Mercantile Co. : This gift shop located on the Beaufort boardwalk sells nautical notions, home essentials, wine, confections, provisions and artisan goods.
• Kitty Hawk Kites : The popular outdoors outfitters in the Outer Banks has three locations in the Crystal Coast with hang gliding, watersports tours and a kiteboarding school. 

EAT AND DRINK AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT OR BREWERY

Whether you’re looking for waterfront options to give you a front row seat to beautiful, bold sunsets, an area sea specialty that comes blackened, seared, fried or sautéed, or a cold beer after a day of of adventures in the sun, sand and surf, The Crystal Coast is home to more than 100 locally owned restaurants and breweries that are sure to satisfy whatever you’re craving. 

Find the right Crystal Coast restaurant for your next meal out in the Crystal Coast’s restaurant directory or you can read all about the 13 of the best restaurants in Beaufort NC .  Here’s a small sampling of some of the restaurants and breweries we enjoyed during our visit to the Crystal Coast and would recommend you visit on your next trip:

• 34 Degrees North Restaurant , Beaufort: Locally inspired, waterfront dining with ingredients from local farms and fishermen.
• Amos Mosquito’s , Atlantic Beach: A knock-knock joke is the inspiration behind this dockside-to-dish, swamp-themed, family friendly seafood restaurant.
• Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar , Atlantic Beach: Serving sustainable aqua and agriculture from North Carolina inspired by Baja and Mediterranean cuisine, this laid back beach house restaurant (Bahia is the Brazilian word for ocean or bay) has made its home in a restored cedar plank home in Atlantic Beach.   
• Beaufort Grocery Company , Beaufort: A cozy, comfortable neighborhood bistro serving low-key lunches and more elegant, sophisticated dinners.
• Black Sheep , Beaufort: A casual, dockside restaurant with a great view of the water and delicious brick oven pizzas.
• Carbisea , Emerald Isle: Steaks and fresh fish with a fine dining flair.
• Crystal Coast Brewing Company , Atlantic Beach: A family-owned and operated craft brewery named after the area’s clear waters and sparkling beaches.
• Mill Whistle Brewing, Beaufort: Carteret County’s first nano-brewery, Mill Whistle serves craft beer on the site of an old Safrit mill.
• Moonrakers , Beaufort: Named after the rectangle sail flown at the uppermost height of a three-mast 17th-century ship, Moonrakers serves coastal cuisine with a side of beautiful views from their rooftop dining space.
• The Shark Shack , Atlantic Beach: Fried seafood and fish sandwiches served out of a casual, beach-themed take out window surrounded by outdoor picnic tables.

SLURP FROM THE HALF SHELL  

Factors like overfishing, pollution and disease have taken a tremendous toll on North Carolina’s oyster population, which declined by 90 percent in the 20th Century. 

So Cedar Island native Jay Styron and his wife, Jennifer, started their oyster farm in Core Sound in 2006 to produce oysters for market without relying on North Carolina’s wild stock and with the environment in mind.

Carolina Mariculture Co. raises their oysters using mariculture (the cultivation of marine organisms in their natural environment) practices. Jay buys his seed from a hatchery and raises oysters in floating cages, which benefits both his product and the water it’s raised in.

Jay didn’t pick Cedar Island for his oyster farm just because he grew up there; Cedar Island was his first choice because he wanted his oysters to be grown in a place that had some of the best water quality in the state.

Water quality, as well as other environmental factors like salinity of the water, the food the oyster has available, the strength of currents and tides, rainfall, temperature, season, location and more can affect an oyster’s merrior, a concept that it’s flavor is derived from a sense of place (similar to the French term terroir which is used to describe environmental factors that affect the flavor of wine).

Since each location has its own special blend of all of these environmental factors, oysters get more flavor from their location than any other type of seafood, so much so that an oyster can be pinpointed as close as the town or county location where it was raised, based on flavor alone. 

Jay says due to his farming practices, Cedar Island Select Oysters can be enjoyed year ’round–no more eating oysters just in months that end in R ! Buy locally raised Cedar Island Select Oysters at Carolina Mariculture Co.’s local distributor, Salty Catch Seafood in Beaufort. 

ORDER THE CATCH OF THE DAY

When visiting the Crystal Coast, you could live solely on fresh seafood.

Fishing has been an integral part of the Crystal Coast’s heritage and economy for centuries. With the rise of low-cost, imported seafood displacing domestic, locally caught fish in commercial markets, a group of community volunteers, including commercial fishermen, seafood distributors, and restaurant owners, created Carteret Catch , a program whose mission is to “sustain the livelihood and heritage of the Carteret County fishing industry through public marketing and education.”

Carteret Catch is your connection to local seafood in the Crystal Coast; businesses that display the Carteret Catch logo promise consumers that they are getting fresh, local seafood directly from Carteret County fishermen. 

TASTE RUSSIAN STURGEON CAVIAR FROM NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST PRODUCER

There are 27 species of sturgeon across the world, but traditionally the best caviar comes from fish native to the Caspian Sea. Because of overfishing, however, there is a ban on fishing Russian sturgeon in its natural habitat, so all caviar from Caspian Sea sturgeon species is currently farmed.

Did you know that the Crystal Coast is home the largest producer of Russian Sturgeon Caviar in the United States?

Through sustainable aquaculture practices, Marshallberg Farm , in Smyrna, North Carolina, aims to “counter the poaching of critically endangered Russian sturgeon from the Caspian by offering American caviar as a superior alternative.”

Marshallberg Farm’s facility features 30,000 swimming Russian sturgeon, housed in 62,300 square feet of building space and 42 tanks. They breed pure Russian sturgeon for genuine Osetra caviar without growth hormones or antibiotics, and their recirculating aquaculture system assures the highest level of water filtration (the tank system is designed to circulate the entire volume of a tank, 40,000 gallons, once every hour.)

Marshallberg Farm’s main product is Osetra caviar, but they also process the sturgeon meat after roe removal. An ounce of Russian sturgeon eggs costs about sixty dollars.

Guided tours of Marshallberg Farm, followed by a caviar and smoked sturgeon tasting, are offered, depending on availability. You can also purchase caviar and sturgeon filets directly on their website .

SHOP AT THE OLDE BEAUFORT FARMERS MARKET

On Saturday mornings April through November, you can stroll through the Beaufort courthouse grounds, shopping local from a variety of  Carteret County farmers, fishermen, bakers, artists and craftspeople at the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market .

The market usually has about 40 vendors, a food truck and live music, and is a great way to buy fresh delicious food, support local businesses and artisans and connect with the greater Beaufort community.

The market runs weekly, rain or shine, at 300 Courthouse Square from the second weekend in April through the third weekend in November from 9am to 1pm. The market season ends with an Olde Fashioned Holiday Market in the evenings in December.

TASTE AND TOUR AT BOGUE SOUND DISTILLERY

Motivated by his dream of opening his own distillery to make high quality spirits and honor his family’s history, Richard Chapman opened Bogue Sound Distillery at the age of 66.

Bogue Sound Distillery currently makes award-winning vodka, gin, whiskey and two flavored spirits, salted caramel and peanut butter whiskey, in their facility in Bogue, a small residential and farming community nestled along the Intercoastal Waterway.

Chapman’s spirits are not only rich in flavor but also in history; each is named in tribute to Chapman’s family, showcasing his passion for sharing and celebrating his deep ties to his family and to distilling (Richard hails from a long line of distillers and learned the art of distilling as a child).

There is a small museum in the tasting room showcasing how stills and spirits were made in the late 1700s and early 1800s, along with a restored 1923 Ford Model-T pickup and displays featuring local family history, too.

Visitors to Bogue Sound Distillery can enjoy a tasting, tour and a touch of history during their visit. The distillery is open Tuesday through Saturday with tours and tastings available throughout the day, as well as a full-service bar with signature cocktails specially crafted with Bogue Sound Distillery spirits.

EXPLORE BEAUFORT BY BIKE WITH HUNGRY TOWN TOURS

Owners David and Betsy Cartier got the inspiration for the name behind their culinary and history tour business from a 1713 plat of Beaufort, North Carolina.

At the bottom of the plat the words “Plan of Hungry Town,” were crossed out and replaced with “Plan of Beaufort Towne,” suggesting that at one point Beaufort may have been casually called Hungry Town.

While the townspeople in 1713 weren’t hungry for food but rather hungry for buyers or new settlers to help it grow, the name was a natural tie-in for the Cartiers with Beaufort’s history and culinary offerings.

Hungry Town Tours offers 16 different walking, biking, culinary and history tours including the Beaufort Culinary Bike Tour, Food By Foot Culinary Walking Tour, Bike, Brunch and Bubbles, Sunday Brunch Walkabout, Historic Beaufort Walking Tour, Hidden Beaufort Tour and A Ride to Remember inspired by Nicholas Sparks (an American novelist who wrote two books, A Walk to Remember and The Choice that are set in Beaufort).

Hungry Town Tours partners with a variety of local restaurants that offer fresh, local products to support the community’s local fishermen and farmers, and the restaurant partners vary by the day of the week and season. Culinary tours are built around a three-course progressive menu to include appetizers, entrees and dessert.

Tours are offered daily and the complete schedule as well as culinary partners are listed on Hungry Town Tours’ website . 

EXPLORE BEAUFORT BY BUS 

History buffs can swap two wheels for four and hop on a double-decker bus to explore Beaufort’s historic district and learn about the town’s rich history that has been preserved through both restored historic homes and storytelling.

The tour is narrated by locals who go into depth about Beaufort’s 300 year old history including its pirate past, as well as the progression of colonization, shipping, fishing and recreation in the area.

Tours run on Monday through Saturday from April through October and depart from the Beaufort Historic Site (130 Turner Street) at 1:30 PM. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12.

TOUR THE BEAUFORT HISTORIC SITE

The 1713 Plan of Beaufort Towne still lives today in a 12 block area in downtown Beaufort which is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are approximately 150 restored historic homes that proudly bear plaques noting names of earliest known owners and dates of original construction.

In the heart of this historic district is the two-acre Beaufort Historic Site , managed by the Beaufort Historical Association, which is home to a collection of nine original buildings, as well as the nearby Old Burying Ground, which depict what life was like in 18th and 19th century coastal Carolina. Prominent buildings include: Leffers Cottage & Garden (1778), Carteret County Courthouse (1796, the oldest wood-framed courthouse in North Carolina), John C. Manson House (1825), Josiah Bell House (1825), The Old Jail (1829) and Apothecary & Doctor’s Office (1859).

Visitors can explore the site on their own or take a guided walking tour which are offered year round, Monday through Saturday.

VISIT THE OLD BURYING GROUND

Established in the early 1700s, the Old Burying Ground is the town’s oldest cemetery and holds not only prominent Beaufort residents who have passed but fascinating stories about the history and heritage of the Crystal Coast.

Visitor’s can take a self-guided tour of the Old Burying Ground (accompanied either by a map or you can download their mobile app to get a free audio tour) but it’s highly recommended that you take a guided tour (available year round) through the Beaufort Historical Society. 

HISTORY AND HIKING AT FORT MASON STATE PARK

Learn the complex and colorful history of Fort Macon , a pre-Civil War era fort that was built initially to protect Beaufort and the surrounding coastal region from sea attacks, but later served as a coaling station for Union Navy ships during the civil war and as a federal prison until it was purchased by North Carolina for $1 in 1924 to be used as the second state park.

The 424 acre park is home to the restored Civil War fort with a museum, as well as a coastal education center, hiking trails, and extensive shoreline perfect for swimming, fishing and beachcombing. Ranger led tours of the fort are hosted daily.

EXPLORE BEAUFORT’S HAUNTED HISTORY ON A GHOST WALK

Beaufort’s haunted history is brought to life by pirate guides who captivate you with chilling and supernatural stories of the Golden Age of Piracy, Colonial and Civil War eras, and the early 1900s.

All of the stories shared on the one hour and fifteen minute Beaufort Ghost Walk have been extensively researched and well documented and the folklore and legends have been carefully preserved from generations of local storytellers.

VISIT THE NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM

Beaufort’s history is deeply tied to the ocean. The North Carolina Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving artifacts, including recovered items from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge (that was discovered off the Crystal Coast in 1996), and educating visitors about coastal life including lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, boating, marine life and science.

The NC Maritime Museum is also home to the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center which teaches boatbuilding for all ages. The museum is open daily (except for certain holidays) and admission is free.

LEARN ABOUT THE ART OF DECOY MAKING AT CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTER

Decoy making, the practice of carving wood into ducks used for hunting, is a long established tradition passed down through generations on the North Carolina Coast. While waterfowl decoy carvings are no longer tools, they are now considered works of art that are showcased and celebrated at the Core Sound Museum & Heritage Center on Hawkers Island. The museum is home to several exhibits displaying the intricate and unique carvings, as well as “a permanent collection of life and culture, past, present, and future, in Down East Carteret County.” 

HIT THE BEACH

Put on your suit and your sunnies, grab a towel, chair, and good book and hit the beach. The Crystal Coast is known for its miles of sandy white beaches and extremely clear waters, which is how the area got its name! 

Spend the day in the sun, take a dip in the ocean, and comb the beach for seashells and other treasures. Learn about the Crystal Coast’s public beach access points here .

CATCH A BEACH SUNRISE OR SUNSET

Unlike many barrier islands on the East Coast which run North to South, Bogue Banks, the 21 mile island which is home to Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, Indian Beach and Emerald Isle, runs more east to west due to the way the coastline cuts inland.  

This means that the Atlantic Ocean beaches face more due South, which means that you can see both sunrise and sunset from the beach! And they are stunning! 

CLIMB THE CAPE LOOKOUT LIGHTHOUSE

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, known affectionately as the Diamond Lady for her diamond pattern daymark (the painted pattern on a lighthouse that distinguishes them from each other), is the southernmost lighthouse along the Outer Banks and is only accessible by private boat or ferry. 

The diamonds on Cape Lookout are not only pretty but serve as a directional tool during the day. The center of the black diamonds points north and south while the center of the white diamonds points east and west.

The lighthouse is generally open for climbing throughout the summer, from the third week of May to the third weekend in September, however, the lighthouse is undergoing extensive renovations through 2023 and is currently closed to climbers. Climbing the 207 steps to the gallery is roughly equal to climbing a 12 story building! 

Even though you cannot currently climb the lighthouse, we do recommend visiting it and admiring it from the base, as well as visit the small museum in the keeper’s quarters. 

EXPLORE CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE

Cape Lookout National Seashore offers an abundance of adventures that you cannot get on the mainland! This series of protected, undeveloped barrier islands offers 56 miles of gorgeous beaches and can only be reached by boat or ferry ride and offer few amenities. 

Cape Lookout National Seashore is worth the visit whether you just have a few hours, or you have a few days We were able to enjoy both Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore in about four hours, although I wish we could have stayed longer! Swimming, sunbathing, shelling, fishing, boating, kayaking, climbing the lighthouse and even camping (in tents or in a rustic cabin) are all popular activities.

You can get to Cape Lookout (and Shackleford Banks) via the Island Express Ferry , which leaves daily from both Beaufort and Harkers Island. Beyond ferry transportation, Island Express also offers guided tours, sunset cruises and rentals.

We highly recommend renting a 4WD vehicle from them (they have 4 seaters and 6 seaters) to help you explore; we rented one for a few hours–it gave us the ability to see so much in so little time and  it was so much fun!

Because Cape Lookout National Seashore is undeveloped, you’ll need to make sure you pack everything you need to bring with you, including clothes, comfortable shoes, towels, snacks/meals and plenty of water.

TAKE A FERRY TO VISIT THE WILD HORSES ON SHACKLEFORD BANKS

Shackleford Banks is a barrier island located southeast of Beaufort and is part of the protected area within Cape Lookout National Seashore, which means it is only accessible by boat or ferry service (Island Express Ferry offers trips to Shackleford Banks too, we booked a round trip that stopped at both Shackleford Banks and the lighthouse).

Beyond its pristine, undeveloped seashore, Shackleford Banks is known for being home to a herd of wild horses that have inhibited the Crystal Coast and Outer Banks for centuries.

We spent about an hour exploring Shackleford Banks (although you could spend way more time there!) and were able to see a group of the wild horses grazing on beach grass (please remember to stay at least 50 feet away from wildlife so you don’t disturb them).

The herd is protected by The Foundation for Shackleford Horses, which conducts health and behavioral studies, genetic testing, maintains a horse registry and educates residents and visitors about the herd.

So how did the wild horses get to the Crystal Coast?

While their exact arrival is unknown, many historians believe that the 110 horses that live on Shackleford Banks are descendants of Spanish horses brought to the New World.

Columbus first brought horses to the island of Hispaniola in the 1400s, where they were used for exploration and became indispensable.

In the 1550s, Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon attempted to settle the Atlantic East Coast (including present day Carteret County, North Carolina) and when the colony failed, the remaining settlers returned home but there was no attempt to recover the horses left behind in the area.

Additionally, in the 1580s, it is believed that Spanish horses were released overboard when a ship had to be careened (rolled on its side) after a wreck near Portsmouth Island, North Carolina.

OR TAKE A KAYAK TO VISIT THE WILD HORSES ON RACHEL CARSON RESERVE

The Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, named for the famous environmentalist who spent part of her early career in Beaufort, a group of four islands (Carrot Island, Bird Shoal, Town Marsh and Horse Island) directly across Tyalor’s Creek in Beaufort.

Similar to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore, the 2,135 acre reserve can only be reached by passenger ferry or private boat, but is close enough to kayak to from Beaufort.

Rachel Carson Reserve is also home to a herd of about 35 feral horses, which were introduced to the site by a local physician in the 1940s (feral means they were once domestic and became wild). The herd is managed by the State of North Carolina and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve.

Beaufort’s history is deeply entwined with fishing.

Originally a fishing village and port of safety, Beaufort was known as Fishtown or Fishtowne throughout the 1600s because of the tremendous importance of the waters in the area until it was incorporated and eventually renamed for the Duke of Beaufort, Henry Somerset.

Today, the Crystal Coast is a fishing paradise, where thousands of anglers come from all over to cast in its waters. Fishermen can cast a line from the shore, from one of the area’s many piers, or book a deep sea fishing charter to get the day’s freshest catch.

Morehead City is also home to the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament which is one of the largest and oldest sport fishing tournaments in the country. 

DISCOVER SHIPWRECKS SCUBA DIVING

The Crystal Coast is one of the top diving destinations in North America thanks to its combination of clear water, abundance of marine life and hundreds of shipwrecks.

Known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” (the nickname was given for the treacherous waters and area of numerous shipwrecks due to the coast’s shifting sands and inlets), more than 2,000 vessels have wrecked along the North Carolina coast and can only be explored underwater. 

SEE SHARKS, FISH, TURTLES AND OTHER MARINE LIFE AT THE AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES

The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is one of four North Carolina aquariums on the coast and is a fun and interactive site dedicated to local marine life.

The Living Shipwreck is the key habitat at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and features a replica of a German submarine that was sunk off the coast in 1942 and is now home to a variety of fish, sharks and a green sea turtle.

The Aquarium also has a host of other exhibits, including one dedicated to sea turtles where visitors can meet turtle hatchlings that are being rehabilitated at the Aquarium.

KAYAK THE CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST

The Croatan National Forest is one of four national forests in North Carolina.

It’s 160,000 acres are bordered on three sides by water (by the Neuse River, the White Oak River and the Bogue Sound) and is home to woodlands, saltwater estuaries, raised swamps and salt marshes.

There are a variety of outdoor adventures you can have in the Croatan National forest including camping, fishing, and hiking, but one of the best ways to explore is navigating the waterways in a kayak.

Several outfitters offer both tours and rentals for a self-guided tour.

EXPLORE THE COASTAL MARSH AT CEDAR ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 

Located 40 miles northeast of Beaufort, Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 14,000 acres of protected land including about 11,000 acres of brackish marsh and 3,000 acres of pocosin and woodland habitat.

Established in 1964, the goal of the refuge is to provide habitat and protection to endangered species and migratory waterfowl, as well as provide wildlife-related recreation and environmental education to the public.

Available activities at Cedar Island Refuge include fishing, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation programs to learn more about the refuge and its landscape, and hunting (certain portions of Cedar Island Refuge are open to waterfowl hunting in accordance with State and Federal regulations). 

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Top Things to Do in Beaufort, NC

Places to visit in beaufort, tours in and around beaufort.

2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour

Exploration of Majestic Crystal Coast

Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses

8 Hours Private Crystal Coast Sightseeing in North Carolina

Enchanting Emerald Isle Scavenger Hunt

Outrageous Ocracoke Scavenger Hunt

Top attractions in beaufort.

Other Top Attractions around Beaufort

What travellers are saying

Visit Beaufort

Top 10 Things to Do in Beaufort, NC

With brilliant waterfront vistas, a collection of shops and restaurants, and enticing attractions, it can be hard to figure out what to discover first when vacationing in scenic Beaufort, NC. A small town with a lot of coastal charm, this waterfront destination is surprisingly packed with things to do that will appeal to visitors of all tastes, and all interests.

With that being said, however, there are a few essential activities that new and longtime visitors alike will want to ensure are included in their Beaufort vacation plans to enjoy the best that this town has to offer. From scoping out the waterfront to diving into the local history, these are the “things to do” that can’t be missed, and which will effortlessly enhance any Beaufort vacation experience.

Shopping in Downtown Beaufort

Any visitor with an appreciation of nautical style will fall in love with the Beaufort shopping scene. A combination of practical supplies for the steady stream of mariners that flock to the docks, and upscale gift items for visitors passing through, the shops in Downtown Beaufort are truly unique, and all feature a coastal vibe and charm that can’t be found anywhere else along the Crystal Coast. Take the kids to the local watersports shops and general stores for an ice cream cone and a couple active souvenirs, or peruse the local art galleries for eye-catching works that are inspired by the natural waterfront environment. In addition botique gift shops like Shack Shoppe , the streets of Beaufort are also lined with book stores, candy shops, boutiques, jewelers, and everything in between, making it easy to find a treasure or two to take home and enjoy. From cute sundresses that are perfect for a night on the waterfront, to guidebooks that outline the local species and shells that call the Crystal Coast home, there’s a wealth of coastal treasures waiting on every corner of Beaufort, making it an eclectic shopper’s dream destination.

From ample food and drink options to deserted islands where the beaches steal the scene, Beaufort is truly a unique destination that boasts all the perks of a charming coastal environment.

Spend a full vacation uncovering all the cool things to do, or plan a day trip that will be overflowing with activities, and discover all the incredible and distinctive ways to have fun in this undeniably enchanting small waterfront town.

Island Express Ferry Ride to Shackleford Banks / Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Carolina Coastline’s most beautiful and isolated beaches are just a boat ride away from the heart of Beaufort. Island Express Ferry Service ( 252-728-7433 ) is the only ferry commisioned by the National Park Service to transport passengers to these isolated destionations. Head to the waterfront along Front Street to explore the varying options, and climb aboard for a quick 20 minute cruise to the Shackleford Banks , or a 40-45 minute ferry to the outlying Cape Lookout Lighthouse and National Seashore. Once you arrive on your island destination, you’ll discover exceptional beaches with equally great fishing and shelling conditions, as well as some incredible natural attractions like the famed herds of wild “ banker ponies ” – the wild ancestors of Spanish explorers from centuries ago. With a trip that’s as scenic and enchanting as the undeveloped destination itself, a visit to the Cape Lookout Shoreline is a must for any Beaufort beach lover. Visitors with a 4x4 vehicle can take a vehicle ferry to Portsmouth Island or Cape Lookout and drive along the shore .

Considering that Beaufort is surrounded by water in veritably every direction, it should come as no surprise that fishing is one of the most popular activities in this inherently coastal community. Drop a line from the waterfront along Taylor’s Creek or Radio Island , or sign up for an inshore or offshore fishing trip to target the big catches that are abundant in the open sound and ocean waters. There are plenty of fishing expeditions to choose from which range from kayak fishing tours to offshore Gulf Stream adventures, ensuring that every angler can tackle a fishing trip that suits their style and ambition. As home to one of the biggest fishing tournaments on the East Coast – the Big Rock Blue Marlin Offshore Tournament – it’s clear that Beaufort’s love of fishing runs deep, and remains one of the biggest lures to anglers of all abilities.

Beaufort is a dream destination for kayakers, thanks to a beautiful waterfront where paddling is a breeze, and barely offshore attractions are just a few minutes’ cruise away. Pick up a kayak rental from one of the many watersports shops that are found along the waterfront downtown area, and head into the water for an exploration of Taylor’s Creek and the Back Sound that is truly breathtaking throughout. With popular yet isolated attractions like the Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve located just across the creek, and miles of marshes and open waters where the local wildlife flourishes, a paddling trip provides a scenic perspective of the local environment, and is a great way to capture enviable photos of the natural setting, as well as the stunning downtown area from a waterfront vantage point. Best of all, the sport can be enjoyed by veritably any visitor – regardless of their experience level or athletic ability – and a number of tours and cruises are available so that visitors can easily uncover the best views and on-the-water regions in and around town.

NC Maritime Museum

Visitors who want to learn all about the culture of Beaufort from the inside out should make a trip to the NC Maritime Museum a first stop. Located in the scenic downtown area, this museum is brimming with treasures that outline the more than three centuries of history that this town is famed for, which includes infamous brushes with pirates, (including Blackbeard himself), the tumultuous Civil War and World War I and II eras, the early roots of commercial fishing, and Beaufort’s status as the third oldest town in North Carolina. After admiring the artifacts recovered from Blackbeard’s pirate ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and breezing past intricate replicas of boats from the past decades, visitors will fall in love with the maritime culture of Beaufort and garner a newfound appreciation of this coastal town. If possible, try to sign up for a workshop or educational program during your stay, (like the famous boat building classes), and enjoy a hands-on approach to discovering the local history.

A Wild Horse, Shelling, Sunset, or Pirate-themed Cruise

Take a waterfront adventure to the next level by signing up for one of the incredible themed cruises that depart from the Beaufort waterfront docks on a regular basis during the height of the summer season. The region is home to a number of tour or cruise companies that feature an array of specialty excursions, including pirate themed tours for the kids, sunset cruises, dinner or lunch cruises, shelling expeditions, dolphin watching cruises, and even wild horse tours, which makes it easy for any vacationer to enjoy their favorite Beaufort interests on the water. With tours that circle through some of the most scenic destinations in the region – including the Shackleford Banks , the Rachel Carson Reserve, and even Cape Lookout – visitors will find a treasure trove of adventures and absolutely unparalleled views when they climb aboard a tour boat and start exploring. The possibilities are seemingly endless, so check out options online and reserve well in advance to secure a trip that will leave your crew absolutely fascinated.

Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve

Though the heart of Downtown Beaufort may be a hopping destination, visitors who crave a natural refuge can take a quick ride across the creek to encounter and explore the Rachel Carson Reserve . Comprising of a total of 2,315 undeveloped acres, and encompassing a complex of islands, this barely offshore destination is a stunning and undeveloped representation of the varying ecosystems and habitats that call the Crystal Coast region home. The reserve is a roughly 10 minute paddle or water taxi ride away from Front Street, and once on the islands, visitors will find two approximately mile-long nature trails that cut through the region and provide unparalleled views of the natural terrain and nearby Beaufort waterfront. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted in the area, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers, and an array of animals call the reserve home, including bottlenose dolphins, diamondback terrapins, river otters, and a herd of famed wild horses that roam the islands freely, and were brought to the site in the 1940s. Bring a camera and a sense of adventure, and discover a natural slice of the coastal terrain that’s just a shell’s throw away from Downtown Beaufort.

Historical Walking Tour

Because Beaufort was established more than 300 years ago, and a number of homes from the area’s earliest residents still stand, the area is teeming with historical structures and sites around veritably every corner. As a result, newcomers will soon discover that the best way to soak up this rich history is via a walking tour that veers past the Beaufort Historic District , the Beaufort Historic Site , and all the engaging sites and structures in between. The Beaufort Historic Site , which is a collection of nine buildings and residences from the 18 th and 19 th centuries is a great place to start, and visitors who want to explore on their own will find a number of local walking maps at gift stores and attractions throughout the town. For a more in-depth exploration, sign up for one of the many walking tours available through both the Beaufort Historical Association and privately owned tour companies, and delve deep into the stories and legends behind the region’s top sites like the Carteret County Courthouse, the Old 1829 Jail, and the iconic Old Burying Ground , which are all found in the heart of town.

A “Food Tour” of Beaufort

Beaufort has some of the top rated restaurant along the Crystal Coast, and as such, it’s a crime to pay a visit to this city without exploring and enjoying the distinctive dining scene. Home to fine dining restaurants, local bakeries, casual cafes, ancient pubs, and everything in between, visitors of all tastes can find exactly what they’re craving with just a stroll through the heart of the downtown area. Iconic destinations include restaurants that have been open for more than a century, high end eateries that are stand-outs in regional and national food magazines, and waterfront bars or restaurants where every meal comes with an incredible view. Visitors with a lighter appetite or a sweet tooth will also find a number of mouth-watering options, including plenty of ice cream shops and a homegrown fudge shop where patrons can smell the goods wafting through the air before they even step inside the door. From sweet treats to decadent and multi-course meals, Beaufort is a dream destination for foodies of all tastes.

Take a stroll along Front Street

Whether a vacationer lands in Beaufort for a week, a weekend, or just a single afternoon, no visit is complete without a stroll along Beaufort’s iconic main drag, Front Street. Renowned as one of the oldest streets in this more than 300-year-old town, and bordering the waterfront along Taylor’s Creek, Front Street is scenic, historically rich, and hopping with activity, thanks to a collection of sites, attractions, and popular shops and eateries. Peruse the assortment of vessels perched along the waterfront, or relax in the small park adjacent to the Boat Yard to unwind and enjoy the view. The waterfront docks boast a wide boardwalk / sidewalk, pretty seasonal landscaping, and plenty of benches making it easy for newcomers to pause and enjoy the scene. In addition, Front Street is where new visitors will find a literal boatload of information on area cruises, tours, and water taxis, which makes it an excellent launching point to embark on a waterfront adventure that extends well past Beaufort’s borders.

Northern Beaches

• 4. Southern Shores
• 5. Kitty Hawk
• 6. Kill Devil Hills
• 7. Nags Head

Roanoke Island

• 9. Wanchese

Hatteras Island

• 10. Rodanthe
• 16. Hatteras

Ocracoke Island

• 17. Ocracoke

Outer Banks Map

Cahooque Creek Recreation Area

The waterfront Cahooque Creek Recreation Site, located at the very corner where the Hancock and Cahoogue rivers meet up with the expansive Neuse River, is a water and boat lover's dream destination. With easy access to all three of these rivers, in addition to the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean just miles away, vessels of all varieties, from kayaks to skiffs, will find ample watery terrain to explore.

Oceanside Condo with family friendly ame...

• 2 Bathrooms

Beaufort, NC Boating Guide

As evident by the dozens if not hundreds of vessels that are perched along the downtown docks on a daily basis, Beaufort is clearly a community that’s in love with boating. From marine stores in the heart of the downtown area, to water tours and taxis that cross Taylor’s Creek and the Bogue Sound on an hourly basis, the town of Beaufort is truly a boater’s dream.

Cozy Bungalow by the Neuse River-\"The H...

Rainy Day Activities in Beaufort, NC

Even a town as sunny as Beaufort can be subjected to the occasional rainy day, but visitors will soon discover that a dreary afternoon is no reason to forego the fun in this small town destination that’s overflowing with on-site and neighboring activities. From cool and educational classes to some of the best eateries in Eastern NC, Beaufort is designed for entertainment inside and out. So if a rainy day happens to coincide with your upcoming Beaufort vacation, use it as an excuse to discover these fascinating and engaging activities that can be effortlessly enjoyed, rain or shine.