- Air Tours
- Amusements
- Bike Rentals
- Birding Spots
- Boat Ramps
- Boat Rentals
- Boat Tours
- Campgrounds
- Crabbing
- Crafting Activities
- Diving
- Educational Activities
- Entertainment and Shows
- Ferry
- Fishing
- Fishing Charters
- Fishing Piers
- Golf Courses
- Hang Gliding
- Hiking Spots
- History
- Horseback Riding
- Indoor Activities
- Jet Ski Rentals
- Kayak Rentals
- Kayak Tours
- Kid Friendly Activities
- Kitesurfing Lessons
- Marinas
- Miniature Golf
- Nature Spots
- Nightlife
- Paddleboard Rentals
- Paddleboarding Lessons
- Paddleboarding Tours
- Parasailing
- Picnicking
- Rainy Day Activities
- Sailing
- Sailing Tours
- Scenic Spots
- Surfboard Rentals
- Surfing
- Surfing Lessons
- Swimming
- Tours
- Wakeboarding
- Water Skiing
- Wild Horse Tours
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Beaufort Historic Association's Summer Party
July 12th, 2025 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM -
Annual Crab Cake Cook-off
July 18th, 2025 6:00 PM -
Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament
July 18th, 2025 - July 26th, 2025
Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.
LaDolce VistaOur calendar is refreshed in real-time & our nightly prices are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'Located in the striking coastal town of Indian Beach, NC, this cavernous home offers a ideal getaway for families or groups looking to savor a beach hideaway. With multiple levels, this home features gorgeous ocean vistas from the balcony and patio, accepting you to relax and relax while listening to the calming sounds of the waves crashing close by.Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances and more. The comfortable living room features a TV with cable and Netflix streaming, ideal for movie nights after a day at the beach. For entertainment, challenge your friends to a game of ping-pong in the game room or appreciate some board games with the family.The home offers cozy sleeping arrangements ensuring a restful nighttime's sleep for everybody. The jetted tub provides a opulent touch, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring the close by attractions. Enjoying cooking outdoors with the gas grille on the deck that is ideal for BBQs with a view.Located near the ocean and with bay and sound vistas, this home is a heaven for water lovers. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to golf courses, while families will find the infant gates and family-friendly amenities convenient. With linens, towels, and all the essentials supplied, all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready for a memorable beach vacation in Indian Beach!Parking notes: There is complimentary parking available for 4 cars.This rental is located on floor 1.Security camera details: Ring Doorbell. 2 seperate cameras as well. One facing driveway and one facing the water at the back of the propertyPlease note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our intelligent home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, accepting us to reach out directly with a reminder of max. occupancy and peaceful hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
- Indian Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Founded as the world's first hang gliding school in 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites has grown into a beloved retail and outdoor recreation venture with more than 28 locations up and down the east coast! With more than 50 years of teaching the world to fly, Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to serve the Crystal Coast as a premier retailer of kites, wind art, toys, apparel, and accessories. Shop great brands like Reef, Prism, Natural Life, Yeti, HeyDude, and more! Visit our locations in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach today.
Welcome to your gorgeous oceanfront getaway! This cavernous duplex features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, ideally blending comfort with beautiful scenery. With broad vistas of the ocean, beach, and the iconic Bogue Inlet Pier, you’ll be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding you. A private walkway leads directly to the beach, where you can relax in the sitting area and soak in the serene ambiance.Step inside to discover an open floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen, living area, and dining area, creating a amazing space for gathering with family and friends. The entirely outfitted kitchen is ready for your culinary adventures, equipped with everything you need to whip up delicious meals. On the main level, you'll find a comfortable king bedroom with painless access to a full bathroom that features a tub and shower.Venture to the upper level to experience the extravagant master suite, which offers roomy oceanfront vistas and private access to a deck where you can indulge in the impressive scenery. This suite also includes a private bathroom with a tub and shower for your convenience. Additionally, there are two more bedrooms on this level—one with a queen bed and another with two twin beds—that share a hall bathroom complete with a tub and shower.The ground level adds to your convenience with an entry entryway that includes a washer, dryer, and additional refrigerator. Outdoor enjoyment is just as simple, thanks to a hot/cold enclosed outdoor shower and a charcoal grille that’s ideal for al fresco dining. Stay connected throughout your stay with high-speed Wi-Fi available in every corner of the property.This duplex is available for Saturday to Saturday units only, with no family pets and no smoking allowed. Linens, including linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels, are included, and starting in 2025, beds will be made upon your arrival.Don’t miss the chance to discover the other side of this duplex, Kilpatrick East, as well as the neighboring Cottage East and West. When combined, these four units offer a total of 16 bedrooms and four kitchens and living areas, making it an ideal choice for enormous family gatherings or get-togethers. Your ideal oceanfront hideaway awaits!
- Emerald Isle
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and is a favorite spot for families who want to have a little fun off the sand.
Kick back and relax in this calm, designer coastal bungalow. Recently constructed home in the fabulous Beau Coast community with all the luxuries and amenities needed for a beach/coastal hideaway. Take a walk or golf cart ride to downtown Beaufort, catch a ride to Cape Lookout, savor striking coastal cuisine. Appreciate the community pool and waterfront community dock! Amazing sunsets await you in Beaufort!
- Beaufort
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.
Favorite Features:-Amazing Pool and outdoor space!-Epic Theater Room-Modern Kitchen!-Ideal Game Room!!Located in gorgeous Emerald Isle, Lazy Days is a 8-bedroom, 6-bath Oceanfront home that is exquisitely-designed and decorated. What a ideal place to spend a few "lazy days" at the beach! Lazy Days offers many opulent amenities that will make your stay in Emerald Isle even more memorable, such as: a splendid Theater Room that has a 70" Flat Screen TV with seating for 7 on lush, supremely-comfortable leather chairs so you can sit back and savor a great movie with your friends and family, and the Oceanfront Master Suites that allow for marvelous ocean vistas from the bedrooms and from the Deck. Don't forget to bring your favorite Blu-Ray DVD's!Linens Includes: 4 King Beds, 4 Queen Beds, 2 Twin Bunk Sets. The Kitchen Area is finely appointed with modern appliances and all of the amenities of home and the Dining Area is set-up with a variety of seating options, accepting for up to 10 at the main Dining table, 2 at the side table, and 5 at the Bar. The Elevator accepts for access from the 1st Floor to the 3rd Floor.Additional Conveniences Supplied: 6 TVs, 6 Intelligent TVs, 10 DVD Players, and a Stereo, a Home Theater, High-Speed Wireless Internet, 2 Refrigerators, an Ice Maker, 2 Dishwashers, 2 Microwaves, a Water Treatment and Softener System throughout entire House, and a Water Purification System in Kitchen, 2 Gas Log Fireplaces, Game Room with Pool Table, Pack n Play, a Gas Grille, Open and Covered Decks, a Covered Gazebo on Dunes, an Outdoor Shower and Outdoor Private Pool that may be heated upon request for $650/week + tax and a Hot Tub.Linens and Towels supplied with Beds Made for Weekly and Nightly stays.No Smoking.Up to 2 Dogs Accepted with All-Inclusive Pet Policy for Weekly and Nightly stays - No fee! It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure that they clean up after their family pets (i.e., picking up waste from property grounds). Should the guest fail to do so, an additional fee of $100 will be charged to the credit card on file.Rents Weekly Saturday - Saturday. Rents Nightly with a 3-nighttime minimum in advance during Off Season, last min. during In Season.---------------------------------------------------------------#19. POOL and/OR HOT TUB LEASE ADDENDUM TERMS POOL: Tenant is responsible for the proper care of swimming pool. Pool use is "At Your Own Risk". It is a parent or guardian¡s responsibility to watch kids at all times during pool use. Kids must not to be left unattended during pool use. No diving into the pool is ever allowed since serious injury, paralysis or even death could occur. Damage to the pool itself due to tenant misuse will result in additional charges. HOT TUB: Tenant is responsible for proper care of Hot Tub. Suggested Hot Tub occupancy in Instruction Manual must not be exceeded. Hot Tub must be covered when not in use to retain heat. Do not sit on hot tub cover or use it for storage. Damage to cover or Hot Tub due to misuse will result in additional charges. Please do not set Hot Tub thermostat higher than 104 degrees. Due to high temperatures, Hot Tubs are not suitable for modest kids or pregnant women. Kids under legal age should not be left unattended. It is not wise to sit in the Hot Tub longer than 15 mins. at a time. It is imperative everybody (adults and kids) shower before entering the Pool and/or Hot Tub to remove sand and suntan lotion from their feet, hands and body. The Pool and/or Hot Tub is maintained by Bluewater Real Estate. An instruction manual is supplied for the Hot Tub. Any questions regarding the safe use and operation of the Pool and/or Hot Tub should be referred to Bluewater Real Estate (252) 354-2323. Tenant does hereby covenant and agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless both the owners of subject property and their Agent, Bluewater Real Estate, from and against all liability, loss, damage, claims or actions (including costs and attorney costs) for bodily injury, paralysis or death and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law, arising out of or in connection with the misuse of Pool and/or Hot Tub.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card included at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.
- Emerald Isle
- 8 Bedrooms
- 6 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 16
Jump aboard the pirate ship "REVENGE" at 600 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. Our interactive voyages offer fun and adventure for families and swashbucklers of all ages. Come join our crew, take part in a pirate adventure, and enjoy festive music guaranteed to unleash your inner pirate. But be warned; we may need to enlist your expertise to man the water cannons and help defend our ship!
AMAZING location – NEW UPGRADES made for 2024 season along with new cleaning team -- Top-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath DIRECT OCEANFRONT condo at Summer Winds resort in Indian Beach, NC on the Southern Outer Banks. "The Captain's Oceanfront Escape" has a new Queen pull-out couch in the living room this year. Front door is right outside elevator, with parking below in secure, gated complex. Beach is right in front of condo building. The condo has two bedrooms, with a queen-size bed in each bedroom. The master is ensuite with access to the oceanfront balcony and new Furnishings this year. Master bedroom is equipped with flat-screen TV. The second bedroom has vistas of the sound. In the second bedroom, there is an ottoman on wheels that converts to an additional twin bed if needed. New Couches in Living Room this year very comfortable and family friendly. There is a bathtub in the hallway bath, ideal for kids, and we also have a pack-n-play available if you have little ones.Conveniences at resort include: Three outdoor saltwater pools with a huge outdoor hot tub and infant pool; restaurant open in summer; gym with workout equipment; indoor pool with hot tub and sauna; game arcade for the kids; tennis courts and racket ball courts. Something for everybody. Ideal for families for a anxiety-complimentary vacation at the beach!This unit has been upgraded with new furnishings, appliances and washer and dryer and is available to rent for week-long stays.No family pets, trailers or boats are allowed on the grounds.
- Indian Beach
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 5
Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination of choice for countless fun-seeking vacationers of all ages who want a big dose of entertainment off the sand. Featuring a bowling alley, sports bar, arcade, and a sister miniature golf course – (the Golfin’ Dolphin) - visitors can expect plenty of good times when they make an outing to this all-around fun amusement center.
Available June 15-24, 2025 only. Sunday-Sunday. Renovated 4 years ago. Close to beach. 2 outdoor pools, indoor pool, kiddie pool, and hot tub. First floor. Unit has elevator access, and also a few steps access. Peppertree - Atlantic Beach Resort (Festiva).Resort requires credit card on file for incidentals. There is no sales pitch/presentation. This is my week that I own. Check in 4pm 6/15, checkout 10am 6/22. You can come earlier and stay later those days to use the beach access and pools.
- Atlantic Beach
- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a 100 ft. custom yacht that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Crystal Coast Lady is specifically built for the purpose of sightseeing and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy exploring the beautiful downtown beaufort are, plus unbeatable perspectives of the region’s vast array of wildlife, shorelines, and on-the-water views. The Crystal Coast Lady is equipped with a snack bar, and 2 restrooms onboard.
Considering that the Crystal Coast has centuries of history as well as one of the most unique environments along the North Carolina coastline, it should come as no surprise that the region is home to an array of fascinating and thoroughly engaging museums. For a fun and educational rainy day activity, (or just a little excuse to get out of the sun), be sure you check out these “must see” museums that are found throughout the Crystal Coast.
This 3 bedroom condo is on the top floor located in a private gated marina community surrounded by water on all sides. This rental property has so much to offer including an outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, exercise room, beach access and a marina. Just imagine sitting out on your private balcony watching the wild ponies on Carrot Island, dolphins frolicking and all the boats passing by on their way to the Beaufort Docks, which is a fashionable destination for all who travel by water up and down the East coast.We are just mins. away from local stores, eateries, the Maritime Museum, the aquarium and various water taxi excursions, such as Cape Lookout and Shackelford Island. Olde Towne Yacht Club is the ideal family vacation.3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Bedroom #1 (Queen), Bedroom #2 (Queen) and Bedroom #3 two bunkbeds.
- Beaufort
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The Beach Club at the Atlantic Beach Circle is the ideal spot for your hideaway! A beautiful home with contactless check-in that has everything you need to stay and play all vacation long! This home has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 10, entirely equipped kitchen and in-unit washer/dryer. Ocean vistas, fenced-in back yard w/ patio, deck + BBQ grille w/ outdoor dining area. Public beach area w/ boardwalk + lifeguards during summer season. Classic family beach home in the hidden gem on the Crystal Coast!
- Atlantic Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast.
Visitors who are heading to the Crystal Coast will find a scattering of hotels and motels throughout the shoreline and inland communities, but will soon discover that the primary type of accommodations available are vacation rentals. Located all along the Crystal Coast beaches from Atlantic Beach to the town of Emerald Isle, a vacation rental is the generally preferred accommodations option for vacationers thanks to ample space, exceptional locales close to the water, and plenty of homes and condos to choose from.
Come appreciate the beauty of Emerald Isle in our BEACHFRONT duplex, the Rustic Peacock East (or West or book BOTH)!Located at the highly sought after area of the island called the Point. We completely made over both sides of this property in 2018 (East and West) including a new saltwater pool (shared between east and west sides of duplex), quartz counter tops, linens, appliances, paint, and floor throughout. SEE the NEW PHOTOS!NEW in 2024!!! We have constructed a boardwalk all the way to the beach. Now it is even easier getting all of your beach gear out to the water. You will appreciate the private walkway to the beach, deck overlooking a private pool (shared by both sides of duplex), ceiling fans in every room, covered parking, Wi-Fi, and Intelligent TVs in every room. NEWLY ADDED enclosed outdoor shower with hot and cold water and NEW area to play cornhole. (Added in 2021)Spend your days on the biggest section of the beach right out your door or relax in the private pool for a change before retiring into the roomy and beachy amenities that the “Rustic Peacock” has to offer. Being at the Point offers the option to play on the beach, picking up shells or walk around the inlet and discover the Sound.Emerald Isle faces south so you have unobstructed vistas of the SUNRISE AND SUNSET from your upper and lower decks!Watching dolphins swim and play in the surf is another favorite pastime.The Rustic Peacock, East is ideal for families, guys’ retreats, or ladies’ getaways… Rent this duplex (5 BR, 3 BA) or both sides (10 BR, 6 BA) and bring whole family! Telephone to book both together. If the East side is booked for the dates you want, book The West side which is Vacation Rental By Owner #1298093! To rent both sides, see Vacation Rental By Owner #1421554.Weekly prices include linens, towels, and cleaning - No Hidden FeesThis is a non-smoking, no family pets allowed home.Rents Saturday to Saturday.Pricing is per side, not the entire duplex. But if interested in both sides, contact us for availability.This property (East and West) is our only rental so you can relax knowing you will be the focus of our attention! Telephone us anytime for tips on the local area.Come stay at the Rustic Peacock where the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean is in your backyard!
- Emerald Isle
- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 11
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.
You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.
The Ocean Club Resort resonates with southern appeal. Constructed in the Charlestonian style of architecture, the open living space of the villas harmonizes with the striking maritime environment. All villas have completely equipped kitchens, 1-2 bedrooms, 2 baths, washers/dryers and balconies. As the coastal destination resort, The Ocean Club offers every luxury. Your rental includes access to a community lounge, exercise center, and modest game room. Access to the soundside fishing pier and launch areas for kayaks and paddleboards is also available. Grilling is just a few steps away via community park grille access. Featuring 3 pools including a gated Oceanfront heated pool, Soundfront pool, and kids's pool, there is no end of things to do at the resort. For those who want to discover the Crystal Coast, shopping, dining, golf, eco-touring, charter wind surfing, fishing and scuba diving are just a few of the activities available close by.Community Conveniences Include:(Bluewater cannot guarantee complex/community amenities will be in service during the time of your stay).-3 Pools including gated, heated Oceanfront Pool and Soundfront Pool with Kids's Pool, Hot Tub (hours: 9:30am - 10pm daily; pools closed Jan-Feb; hot tubs open year round)-Soundfront Pier with kayak/paddleboard launch area-Each building is equipped with an elevator-Community lounge, exercise center, modest game room-Private beach access-Outdoor park grille area with picnic tables-Security on site much of the seasonComplex Notes:-Parking Allowance is for Two Vehicles Only.-Parking Pass required for parking.-Check-In and parking pass pickup are at the Emerald Isle Rental Office.-Boat/Trailer and/or or overflow Parking are Not Permitted at the Complex.-Check-in is 4:00 PM - no exceptions.-view The Ocean Club Rental Guest Rules-Monthly stay guests, when monthly stays allowed, are subject to a background check.Ocean Club G 304 is a 2 bedroom 2 bath Oceanfront Condo with King and Queen Beds and a Bonus Room with 2 Twins offering ample space for a calming stay!G304 is a top floor corner unit providing impressive expansive vistas of the ocean and sound that you can savor from the covered balcony. Be sure to watch the handsome sunsets during your stay!Entirely Equipped Kitchen with Fridge, Dishwasher, Microwave Oven, 4 Burner Cooktop, Coffee Maker, Keurig Coffee Maker, Toaster, Complete cookware and utensil sets, Complete bakewareAdditional Conveniences include Washer/Dryer, High-Speed Wi-Fi internet, 3 Flatscreen TVs with Roku, Blu-ray DVD player, Den with 2 Twin beds and dresser.Master Bedroom #1 has King bed, Private bathroom, Substantial dresser, Double nightstands, and Extensive mirror. Bedroom #2 has Queen bed, Shared full bathroom, and Upright dresser.Linens and Towels supplied with Beds Made for Weekly stays.No Smoking.No Family Animals.Rents Weekly only Saturday - Saturday.Please Note:(1) Guests must pay in full when booking through Vacation Rental By Owner. The card included at the time of booking will be charged for the total. Guest will receive follow up communications including Management Company’s Vacation Rental Agreement for e-signature which is required for all stays.(2) Management Company reserves the right to deny stays less than 7 nights, if the arrival date is more than 30 days out from the booking date. Stays less than 7 nights, with an arrival date between mid-April to mid-October, are stringently prohibited unless approved by management.
- Indian Beach
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.
Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.
Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.
Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast.
The New Bern Fire Department began as a fraternal organization and was originally called the "Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company," and was the first chartered fire department in the state of North Carolina. This original company became inactive during the Civil War when many of its volunteers were fighting for the Confederate Army, and noting a need for local firefighters, invading Union forces who had infiltrated and then settled in New Bern during the latter portion of the war, set up a rival company in 1865, the "New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1." The two companies remained in service well after the Civil War ended, but the initial rivalry between north and south originating companies never dissipated. Both companies would try to "out-do" each other with station equipment upgrades, and both companies regularly competed against each other in state-wide firefighting competitions. (Incidentally, both performed exceedingly well, perhaps due in no small part in an effort to out-do the other rival.)
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouses along the Outer Banks coastline, due to its black and white diamond-patterned exterior, as well as its remote location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only by private boat or by a NPS Ferry Service, the structure is nonetheless a striking and rewarding site, thanks to its stature and its stunning locale surrounded by miles of desolate beaches.
The Jarvis Mansion is a small and hard-to-find bed and breakfast located along a quiet portion of New Bern's main Pollock Street, just a block or so away from the scenic waterfront. The historic two-story white home, built around the turn of the 20th century, is part of a series of historic residences that line this street, many of which are converted B&Bs and other lodgings for visitors with a love of historic, romantic, and all-together relaxing accommodations.
Dive into a wealth of coastal artifacts, folklore, and legendary figures with a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Operating as one of three maritime museums along coastal NC, this distinctive site is known for its unique ship-worthy exterior, its vast collection of exhibits that span centuries, and its close ties with the Southern Outer Banks’ most famous resident, Blackbeard the Pirate.
Fort Macon State Park, located outside the eastern borders of Atlantic Beach, is one of the most visited and highly acclaimed destinations along the Crystal Coast, and for good reason. The expansive 389 acre park, which features gorgeous inlet views, fantastic beaches, and plenty of history in plain view around every sand dune, always tops the list of Crystal Coast attractions that can't be missed.
Soak up the centuries-old history of beautiful Beaufort with a visit to the Beaufort Historic Site. Renowned as the third oldest town in North Carolina, there’s a lot of history to explore in this quiet Southern Outer Banks community, and visitors can dive right in by touring a collection of 10 historic homes and structures that are located within the downtown region.
The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront, this historical recreation of a late 1700s governor's palace caters to visitors with a variety of tastes, from local history to exceptional gardens. Charming and altogether opulent from the gated entryway to the formal hedges and historic homes that border the property, a trip to Tryon Palace is a full immersion into the opulent lifestyle of North Carolina's original movers and shakers.
Port City Tour Co. is your destination for entertainment, education, talented acting, and history! We can also deliver a catered experience for your special events. From cool off-shore shelling and wild horse adventures to close-to-home walking tours that encounter centuries of ghosts or pirates, there’s a lot of adventures waiting for explorers via the Port City Tour Company. Attractive to history buffs, nature lovers, die-hard beachgoers, and everyone in between, this all-encompassing tour company features a veritable world of adventures both on and off the water for Beaufort adventurers of all appetites.
The Attmore-Oliver House is a unique destination on a historic Downtown New Bern walking tour, and is a stately 1790 home that has been transformed into a small museum, as well as the home base of the New Bern Historical Society administrative offices.
A tempting spot for both art lovers and history buffs, the Bank of the Arts is an eye-catching site in downtown New Bern that’s as renowned for its impressive façade as it is for its wealth of ever-changing attractions and activities.
There's a reason why Beaufort earned the title of the "Coolest Small Town in the USA" by national publication Budget Travel Magazine, and one of the driving forces behind this honor is Beaufort's dedicated preservation of its history, orchestrated, mainly, by the Beaufort Historical Association.
Regardless of whether visitors are exploring the Beaufort Old Burying Ground via one of the area’s in-depth and fascinating tours, or simply passing by on a self-guided expedition of the historic Downtown area, the site is certainly worth a second look. Located off of Ann Street, which is just a block or two away from the waterfront, the historic grounds date back to the 1700s, and is a spooky and positively photogenic destination that’s covered by live oaks and native foliage, and which serves as the final resting place of some of Beaufort’s most well-known locals.
The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks’ most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District. Located just inland of the area’s beaches and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this collection of historic homes is fascinating reminder of the island’s former prominence as a small coastal community.
Situated in the heart of the downtown New Bern region, the Cedar Grove Cemetery is a local landmark that’s a popular spot on many historical or even ghost-themed walking tours that wind through the downtown streets.
Trace the historic roots of Harkers Island and its centuries-long life on the water with a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of Harkers Island along Island Road, (an authentic Crystal Coast community that is a far cry from the bustling beaches), this uniquely surprising museum shines a light on how fascinating and essential this small-town community is to the Southern Outer Banks landscape.
The Gibbs House is a picturesque home in the heart of Beaufort that has deep roots and a fascinating background. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, this eye-catching home is a popular destination along a guided or a self-guided downtown walking tour.
The Greenwood Cemetery may be an often overlooked landmark in the historic town of New Bern, but it’s a unique and historic destination that has a collection of stories all its own.
The Havelock Tourist & Event Center and Marine Corps Aviation Exhibit, located just off of US 70 and close to the Havelock Chamber of Commerce is a must-stop for travelers who are new to this region of the Inner Banks. Stocked with military history, area information, and ample space to accommodate groups of all sizes, the center is a multi-purpose modern building dedicated to tourism, education, and all things Havelock.
The John Wright Stanly House is a unique stop along a historic New Bern exploration, and is a stately 1780s home that was designed by the same architect who created Tryon Palace, found just a block or two away.
Located just four blocks away from Tryon Palace in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bern, the New Bern Academy Museum presents a unique peek into the often tumultuous history of this small North Carolina town.
Located on the outskirts of the historic downtown area, the New Bern Battlefield Park is a unique destination that served as the site of one of the largest battles in the Craven County area during the Civil War.
Visitors exploring downtown New Bern can’t help but notice the impressive City hall which looms over the city landscape. This unmistakable landmark, which still serves as the home of local government offices, has a unique story and history which is worthy of exploration.
The North Carolina History Center, which is part of the extensive Tryon Palace, is a new 65 million dollar complex which transports visitors back in time to explore New Bern’s more than 300 years of local history.
Though the Webb Memorial Library and Civic Center is a historical destination in its own right, this spacious and engaging library is also an entertaining destination for young and adult visitors alike. Featuring a wealth of special programs throughout the year, “The Webb” is the place to go for a little education and a lot of fun in the heart of Morehead City.