Location: Beaufort
Top Things to do in Beaufort
- 1. Fort Macon State Park
- 2. Island Express Ferry Service
- 3. North Carolina Maritime Museum
- 4. Fort Macon
- 5. Cape Lookout Lighthouse
- 6. Beaufort Historic Site Old Burying Ground
- 7. Shackleford Banks
- 8. Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant
- 9. Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
- 10. Rachel Carson Reserve
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What to do and see in Beaufort, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Beaufort (/ˈboʊfərt/ BOH-fərt) is a town in and the county seat of Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. Established in 1709 and incorporated in 1723, Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina (after Bath and Edenton). On February 1, 2012, Beaufort was ranked as "America's Coolest Small Town" by readers of Budget Travel Magazine.
Restaurants in Beaufort
1. Fort Macon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By mesettle - Winston Salem, North Carolina
The visitor center has been updated and there are exhibits in the rooms in the fort.The gift shop has several affordable items.Several areas to picnic.Don't forget to check out the beach access and picnic area wheelchair accessible.
2. Island Express Ferry Service
Overall Ratings
5 based on 451 reviews
Island Express Ferry Service is the ONLY ferry service out of Beaufort and Harkers Island, NC that is authorized by the National Park Service to drop passengers off at Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout. Shackleford Banks is the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Shackleford Banks is a pristine island with one of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. Famous for the wild banker horses that roam the uninhabited island, this is one of the few places in the eastern United States where wild horses can still be seen. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Cape Lookout, famous for the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Station. While you are there, take time to collect some of the most beautiful shells in the world. Bird watch, swim in the ocean, climb the lighthouse, or ride our famous Beach Shuttle. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. Island Express Ferry Service is an authorized National Park Service Concessionaire. Although our name has, at times, been confused with smaller services that do not go to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout, there is only one ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY SERVICE. Be sure to add an S for Services when looking for us online.
Reviewed By JeffersonDavis - North Carolina
Reasonably priced transportation to beautiful locations on The Crystal Coast. We rode one of the bigger boats this time so we had a smoother ride. The smaller boats can project a little chop onto the hind quarters (if you know what I'm saying).We are glad you had a smooth ride. We now have five of the large vessels in our fleet for our passengers comfort. Please come back and ride with us soon!
3. North Carolina Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 731 reviews
Premier museum that has a large collection of boats, models, decoys and dioramas about life in coastal North Carolina.
Reviewed By krissybee322 - Wilmington, North Carolina
The museum is definitely worth visiting. Admission is free, but you are free to give a donation, which should be done to help keep it open. There were artifacts and historical accounts about Blackbeards Queen Annes Revenge, in addition to many interesting historical maritime exhibits.
4. Fort Macon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
A Civil War fortress located at the entrance of Beaufort Inlet.
Reviewed By alani312016 - Fayetteville, North Carolina
We visited in the middle of the week and it was a really nice visit. Not crowded at all and the grounds were very clean and inviting. Very informative about the history of this location and very nice pictures to look at. There is a lot of walking to do, so wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen is a must. Also a water bottle is recommended. I didn't see any place to grab a snack, so be prepared. Parking was very easy, but only if its on a non-busy weekday.
5. Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By gladacya
207 steps to the top, the equivalent of a 13 story building. Strenuous walk but sooooo worth it. The lighthouse has recently been repainted, the caretaker's house is being restored and the views from the top were incredible. We had such a wonderful time and would recommend it. Looking forward to going back and so thankful we went. The man who sold us our ticket Jackie, was a treasure and a delight to talk to. He definitely contributed to our positive experience. Be aware they will close the lighthouse to guests if thunder is detected and is not open 6 days. So check first before heading out.
6. Beaufort Historic Site Old Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By Sue P - Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
The graves here tell the story of Beaufort in the 18th century. The atmosphere created by old trees and massive wisteria vines is somber and peaceful. Pay your dollar for the guide and stick to the recommended path - and watch your step as there are roots waiting to trip you up.
7. Shackleford Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By ibeasavage - Virginia Beach, Virginia
You take a ferry ride from Harkers Island to Shackelford Banks. There are no facilities but you can pack a cooler to take and have a picnic lunch...chairs for the beach...or just walk around and enjoy the sights. Wild horses that we got very close up to take pictures. Loads of beautiful shells on the beach. On the ferry ride we got to see Dolphins...and we went to the other shore and got to take great pictures of the lighthouse. I will definitely go back and be prepared to stay for a while.
8. Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Hank H - Virginia
My wife and I visited here one evening on a getaway vacation to nearby Beaufort and we enjoyed the view while watching the sun set. We tried two of their specialty mixed drinks and were disappointed, however. Nothing distinguishing about them, and rather weak.
TIP: Definitely worth a visit, but stick with beer, which is harder to screw up.
9. Beaufort Historic Site Visitor Center and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
North Carolina's third oldest town, Beaufort lies on the coast bordering the southern tip of the Outer Banks. Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600's, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian style homes and public buildings. On the Beaufort Historic Site, you can take advantage of the six professionally restored buildings, tour the Old Burying Grounds, and take a tour aboard a vintage English Double Decker Bus. Beaufort, NC truly is where history meets the sea.
Reviewed By Hank H - Virginia
Came here with the wife on a weekend getaway and we were both quite impressed by the quality of this Visitor Center, which is as much a History museum as it is a place to talk with very welcoming staff. There were presentations by period-dressed staff for school children when we were there (we eavesdropped to learn a little ourselves) and you can walk the site, entering a number of restored buildings.
TIP: Highly recommended as a first stop if you are new to Beaufort.
10. Rachel Carson Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
The Rachel Carson component of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is located between the mouths of the Newport and North rivers in southern Carteret County, directly across Taylor's Creek from the historic town of Beaufort. It is accessible only by boat (local ferry vendor, private vessel, or canoes and kayaks).
Reviewed By runner24 - Orlando, Florida
We were in Beaufort to photograph the wild horses. I used a guide, Seavisions Charters, to take me out to the island, where we hiked across to the local herd. Great experience and a beautiful area. If your time is short, I recommend Seavisions charters as Captain Monty has lived in the area for years and knows where to go, plus he'll fill you in on the local history.
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