Welcome to Beaufort, North Carolina, where you’ll find endless outdoor adventures, coastal beauty, and maritime history. If you’re looking for a slow-paced getaway, you’ll never feel ready to return from, this waterfront gem fits the bill. From kayaking alongside wild horses to exploring untouched beaches, here are five experiences in Beaufort you won’t want to miss.
Explore the Rachel Carson Reserve
Grab a paddle and immerse yourself in the untamed wonder of the Rachel Carson Reserve. This widespread sanctuary is a dream for nature lovers, with salt marshes, tidal flats, and tiny islands waiting to be explored. Spot the wild horses that have roamed here freely for decades as they wade through the shallows and graze along Bird Shoal Island.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Beaufort Paddle or Higher Ground Outfitters in downtown Beaufort and start your journey at the Town Marsh Ramp. Alternatively, opt for a two-hour guided kayaking tour with a local who knows all the best spots for wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins gliding through the water, sea turtles surfacing for air, and ospreys swooping overhead.
You’re only a stone’s throw from the lively waterfront, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away. If you plan your adventure around low tide, you can walk the sandbars and get a close-up look at marine life. If you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon in nature, this experience is a must.
Dive into Maritime History at the North Carolina Maritime Museum
Step into Beaufort’s nautical past at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, conveniently located downtown. This free, family-friendly museum packs centuries of maritime history into a well-curated space filled with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits. Visiting with kids? Grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the front desk for an added layer of fun.
Discover artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship, like cannons, anchors, and even gold recovered from the infamous wreck in the Queen Anne’s Revenge Gallery. Learn the fascinating tales of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” the artistry of building boats, and coastal fishing traditions. Watch a live boat-building demonstration and marvel at the massive sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in the Whale Room.
The museum is fairly compact, so you can easily see it all in an hour. Don’t leave without stopping by the gift shop for nautical-themed souvenirs. Cap off your visit at the Maritime Center across the street to watch locals building the annual ship that’ll be auctioned off to support the museum. Whether you’re planning a rainy day activity or taking a break from the midday sun, this museum tells a story that you won’t want to miss.
Stroll Through Taylor’s Creek
Spend time exploring historic Taylor’s Creek—Beaufort’s picturesque waterfront. Walk along Front Street, lined with local shops, waterfront restaurants, and boats bobbing in the harbor. Embrace the relaxed coastal vibes and charming Southern feel. Take in breathtaking views of wild horses grazing along the shoreline, and look closely for dolphins splashing in the water.
Cast a line from the docks to try your luck at catching inshore fish like red drum, flounder, and speckled trout. Hop on a scenic boat tour for a leisurely ride past marshy islands. For a taste of the local scene, grab a table at Moonrakers, Front Street Grill at Stillwater, or the Dock House for fresh seafood and waterfront views.
Stop by quaint boutiques like Scuttlebutt for nautical gifts or Beaufort Linen Co. for elegant home decor. For the best sunset views in town, sip a cocktail at Moonrakers’ rooftop bar during golden hour. Craving something sweet? Treat yourself to a hand-dipped ice cream cone or homemade fudge at The General Store.
Cruise to Shackleford Banks
Looking for a slice of untouched paradise without straying too far? Charter a private boat or hop on the ferry for a 15-minute ride to Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. You won’t find roads, shops, or mainland crowds; just striking shorelines, wild horses, and some of the best seashells on the Crystal Coast. Look out for conchs, whelks, and sand dollars along the East End.
Wander the sand dunes and grassy trails, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and unwind on what feels a lot like a private island—even during peak season. Bring a paddleboard or surfboard for some watersport fun. Find a shady spot to lay out a blanket for a peaceful picnic.
Shackleford Banks is a stellar birdwatching spot, so keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, sandpipers, and egrets. Pro tip: Visit in the morning when the Banker ponies are most active for the best chance at sightings. There are no amenities here, so pack whatever you need for a few hours of fun and relaxation in the sunshine.
Tour the Old Burying Ground
Visit one of North Carolina’s oldest cemeteries, tucked in the center of downtown Beaufort, for a hauntingly beautiful look at the town’s past. Inside the 18th-century Old Burying Ground, you’ll find headstones dating back to the Revolutionary War. Pay your respects to the graves of soldiers, sea captains, and people who helped shape the town centuries ago.
Explore the weathered cemetery with a self-guided brochure, or join a walking tour to hear pirate tales and ghost stories. Spot the most famous grave, “Girl in the Rum Barrel,” where visitors regularly leave seashells and small toys for a young girl who died at sea many years ago.
A close second and another must-see is the headstone of a British officer, facing east toward England to honor his last wish. Don’t stay too late—locals say a ghostly figure carrying a lantern can sometimes be seen wandering the cemetery at dusk.
