Historic Beaufort is North Carolina's third oldest town and was named by Travel + Leisure as “America’s Favorite Town.” The Beaufort waterfront is lined with quaint waterside restaurants, charming boutiques, and historical homes that take you back to the early American colonial days. Dock your boat at a downtown marina and stay a night or two or drop your kayak into Taylor’s Creek and explore the local waters.

 

While in town, take a double-decker bus tour through the historic district, visit the NC Maritime Museum to see artifacts from Blackbeard's ship The Queen Anne's Revenge, hop aboard the Beaufort Pirate's Revenge for some sailing and swashbuckling pirate adventure, visit the Watercraft Museum for boatbuilding classes, and enjoy coastal cuisine and rooftop dining at Moonrakers. You can also enjoy ferry rides and boat tours to Shackleford Banks, Sand Dollar Island, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse where you might catch a glimpse of wild horses grazing on the islands, dolphins playing in the waves, or whales splashing around at Cape Lookout. Beaufort is truly a historic waterfront town rich in culture and fun.