Morehead City in North Carolina is a picturesque coastal town - a real gem on the Crystal Coast. Are you wondering what to do in Morehead City, NC? Well, the town’s history spans decades which has resulted in a collection of interesting tourist destinations and attractions dotted around the area. With amazing accommodations and some of the best Airbnbs in Morehead City, it is the perfect getaway from crowded towns as it offers visitors gorgeous sandy beaches, a temperate climate, and a relaxing time by the waterfront. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Morehead City, NC.
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1. Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon has many roles. Primarily it is a state park located on a perfectly restored Civil War era fort. During the summer months it is the site of Civil War re-enactments . Another role of the Fort Macon is as a coastal education centre. As Fort Macon is almost entirely surrounded by water its location is perfect for educating people about estuaries, salt marshes and dune fields. Finally Fort Macon State Park also acts as an ideal spot for swimming surf fishing and beachcombing. The unspoilt coast serves as a lovely backdrop for this once strategically important military base.
Fort Macon State Park
Address: 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach 28512
Website: Fort Macon State Park
2. North Carolina Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museums are collection of three museums which aim to ‘preserve, protect and present North Carolina’s coastal history’. The museums explain how important the sea is to North Carolina’s survival through exhibitions about fishing, boat building, piracy, decoy carving, life-saving, war, underwater archaeology, shipwrecks, boating, the seafood industry, and marine life, science and ecology. Get hands on experience through their interactive workshops or wander the museum yourself and look at vintage boats and equipment.
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Address: 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
Website: NC Maritime Museum
3. Crystal Coast Lady Cruises
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our popular Wild Horse and Dolphin cruise is setting sail at 12, 4, and 6:30 today! Want to learn more about the Crystal Coast? Our Islands of the Crystal Coast cruise departs at 2!
Posted by Miss Crystal Coast Cruises on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Morehead City is surrounded by water. Take advantage of the calm seas by going on a cruise around the bay. Crystal Coast Lady is the largest cruise ship in the area with many unique facilities such as a customisable enclosed top deck suited for any occasion, a kids’ steering station and giant bow viewing areas. A variety of cruises are on offer ranging from half day family fishing and dolphin watching excursions to romantic lunch or dinner cruises. For special occasions such as a solar or lunar eclipse the add an extra service for those wishing to watch the scene uninterrupted by buildings. If you’re here with your family or on a romantic getaway, Crystal Coast Lady Cruises are a must.
Crystal Coast Lady Cruise
Address: 600 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516
Website: Crystal Coast Lady
4. History Museum of Carteret County
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The History Museum of Carteret County is now featuring "Anchoring Our Past to the Present", a fifty year lookback into...
Posted by History Museum of Carteret County on Thursday, August 5, 2021
North Carolina is one of the oldest states in America and its long and varied history is collected and presented in the History Museum of Carteret County (formerly known as ‘The History Place’). The stories told here at the museum start from Native American tales and finish after World War Two. The museum is full of artefacts and displays which will interest even the most reluctant museum-goer. Onsite there is also a library housing over 10,000 books and extensive photo fil of Carteret County residents. The museum aims to preserve the history and culture of the county for future generations through collections of household items, clothing and memorabilia for the future generations of North Carolina state.
The History Museum of Carteret County
Address: 1008 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Website: History Museum
5. Old Burying Ground
Located a stone’s throw away from the water front is Morehead City’s spookiest venue. The Old Burying Ground dates as far back as the 1700s-making it older than the country itself- which also means it has about three centuries of ghost and ghouls haunting the place. The cemetery was filled up by the mid-19th century and has now become a popular tourist destination. You can locate some of the famous locals here or you can just admire the beautiful stonework of each headstone. See if you can find the gravesite of a child who perished at sea and was buried in a keg of rum, or perhaps the famed North Carolina privateer Otway Burns. If you’re lucky you might find the crew of the “Crissie Wright,” which was shipwrecked during a winter storm in 1886.
The Old Burying Ground
Address: 400 Block Of Ann Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
Website: Old Burying Ground
6. Scuba Diving
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Let's Go Diving! Join us this week for some great dives! Give us a call to book your spots! #olympusdivecenter #wreckdiving #sandtigersharks Photo by Bodgan Alexandrescu
Posted by Olympus Dive Center on Sunday, May 16, 2021
Perhaps something lively and adventurous is more your cup of tea. If that’s the case then you should try scuba diving. Morehead City is surrounded by water which makes it the ideal location for plunging under the sea. If the waters around Morehead City could talk, they’d have many stories to tell. To discover what they have to say you’ll have to dive into what is known to be North America’s healthiest marine habitat. Under the sea you’ll encounter different sea species and maybe even a shipwreck or two. You’ll be spoilt for choice for scuba diving companies wishing to show you the depths of the ocean so make sure to do your research beforehand.
Olympus Diving
Address: 713 Shepard St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Website: Olympus Diving
Discovery Diving
Address: 414 Orange St Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
Website: Discovery Diving
Diver Down Diving Service
Address: 2219 North Rd, Morehead City, NC 28557
Website: Diver Down
7. Hungry Town Guided Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perhaps you prefer to keep your head above water, and if that’s true then the perfect excursion for you is the Hungry Town Guided Tours. Whether you prefer cycling or walking the guides at Hungry Town aim to please. They offer a variety of tours such as a the ‘Hidden Beaufort’ tour or the 'Legends and Lore of the sea’ tour. One of the most popular tours is the culinary tour where tourists stop at a number of restaurants and cafes in the area and sample some of the local delicacies. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides leave every customer satisfied.
Hungry Town Guided Tours
Address: 400 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516
Website: Hungry Town Guided Tours
8. North Carolina Seafood Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come visit North Carolina Seafood Festival and enjoy a really unique experience. Shop some of your favorite seafood such as crabs, shrimps, and other types of fish, and learn how to prepare them properly by looking at delicious recipes carefully made by experienced chefs. All their products are proudly local, so you will only be purchasing and tasting the freshest ingredients. Have an amazing culinary experience and get an authentic taste of North Carolina.
North Carolina Seafood Festival
Address: 412 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States
Website: North Carolina Seafood Festival
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Shevans Park
Shevans Park is one of the most visited parks in Morehead City and for a good reason. Providing accessible fun for both kids and adults, this place is definitely a must-see when you are in the area. Visit with your family and let your kids enjoy the large, castle-like playground with different swings and slides, and use the splash pad for some water fun. The place also features equipment safe for handicapped children. For the sporty type, there is a tennis court available for use, so do take advantage of that. Have a lovely picnic with your loved ones at the park and make use of the picnic tables as well the gazebo for a really unforgettable vacation.
Shevans Park
Address: 1501 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States
10. Newport River Pier
Enjoy a quiet afternoon and visit Newport River Pier. See the calming waters that attract plenty of tourists. If you want a peaceful yet engaging activity, go fishing with your family and witness a wide range of species such as bluefish, croaker, and many others. Watch other boats as they leave the ramps and glide smoothly on the clear water. The place also features a public restroom for the visitors’ convenience.
Newport River Pier
Address: Beaufort, NC 28516, United States
Website: Newport River Pier
11. Radio Island Public Beach Access
Like the many beautiful Morehead City, NC beaches, Radio Island Public Beach Access is definitely a must-see if you just want a relaxing day filled with sun, sand, and seawater. With its calm waters, it’s a frequent destination for families with kids. Apply some sunscreen and set up a comfortable chair and umbrella where you can lounge all afternoon and just stare at the views. If you are up for some water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and even paddleboarding, feel free to do so, as the gorgeous waters in this beach are cooperative enough. For maximum enjoyment, there are also restrooms and showers available for use, so you won’t have to worry if you have plans after.
Radio Island Public Beach Access
Address: 65-101 Olde Towne Yacht Club Dr, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States
Website: Radio Island Public Beach Access
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
12. Elliott Coues Nature Trail
Elliott Coues Nature Trail, a 3.2-mi-long hiking trail (5.1 km), allows you to see nature in all its glory. Like many top attractions in Morehead City, NC, this trail is a must-see whenever you’re in the area. It has a moderately difficult hike - if you want, you can even go biking. Should you decide to take on this exciting adventure, you will be able to witness the abundant sand dunes as well as the breathtakingly beautiful green trees in the maritime forest you will be passing through during the hike. Treat yourself to a wonderful view and an unforgettable experience.
Elliott Coues Nature Trail
Address: 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, United States
Website: Elliott Coues Nature Trail
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Calm waters...
Enjoy the peace and serenity in the coastal town of Morehead City. This picturesque getaway spot is ideal for those looking to escape the crowded cities and reconnect with nature.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Moorehead City, NC
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