Beaufort.
Put a massage on Middle Lane between coffee and a shrimp-salad lunch. Tomorrow, stay on the Harkers Island side of the water for a decoy gallery and a short pond walk.
Travel style
Overview
Beaufort, North Carolina, sits on Taylor’s Creek near the ocean inlet of the same name. Across the water lies the Rachel Carson Reserve. Farther out, passenger boats reach Shackleford Banks in Cape Lookout National Seashore. A walk along the docks, a look at a wooden hull under construction and lunch on Queen Street can fill a day before anyone boards a boat.
Choose a room in the historic district to walk home after music on Middle Lane. Give a ferry or kayak outing its own day and keep Morehead City or the Harkers Island museums for weather that calls for a mainland plan.
Shortlist
Taylor’s Creek Massage & Bodywork
A private treatment within the historic district leaves both sides of the appointment free for a waterfront walk.
Activities ↓Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
The carving and coastal histories give an inland afternoon on Harkers Island a sense of the water around it.
Culture ↓Beaufort Grocery Co.
The Parmesan pastry at lunch makes a good reason to turn inland from Front Street.
Dining ↓Three excellent days
Day 1
A morning on Taylor’s Creek
Front Street → Middle Lane → Queen Street
The watercraft workshop, the massage practice and lunch are close enough to fit around one appointment. Keep the old streets for the walk home.
- Morning
Start over coffee, watch the harbour from the boardwalk or walk through the old burial ground.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Cru, the Beaufort Coffee Shop
Start with coffee before the waterfront fills. This Front Street address makes an easy meeting point for people walking in from different inns.
Beaufort Waterfront Boardwalk
Watch the boats negotiate Taylor’s Creek from the public boardwalk. Keep gangways clear and leave the private slips for the people using them.
Old Burying Ground
Walk the graveyard in daylight with the historical association's guide. Stay on the paths and read the markers from the ground rather than leaning on the older stones.
- Afternoon
Choose a reserved massage, watch the boatbuilding work or make the shrimp-salad pastry a slow lunch.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Taylor’s Creek Massage & Bodywork
Book a massage at the Middle Lane practice and choose the session length before heading out for lunch. This is a private treatment appointment within the historic district.
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
See traditional wooden boat construction on the waterfront. The maritime museum’s main exhibition building is closed for renovation at the review date; the Watercraft Center has its own visitor hours.
Beaufort Grocery Co.
At lunch, choose the Parmesan pastry filled with shrimp salad. The crisp shell gives the cool filling some texture. Ask for the lunch menu because the evening kitchen serves a different selection.
- Evening
Walk along Ann Street before dinner, share small plates on Middle Lane or order a waterfront pizza.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Ann Street historic district walk
Walk the residential blocks parallel to the creek and look for the older timber houses from the pavement. Private porches make lovely views from a respectful distance.
Aqua Restaurant
Reserve dinner on Middle Lane if sharing small plates is the plan. This keeps a later walk to the Backstreet Pub short.
Black Sheep
Split the Charcuterie Pie for a pizza with fennel sausage, prosciutto and basil at the waterfront. A single pie for the table leaves room to try something lighter beside it.
Day 2
Decoy carving and a pond walk
Beaufort → Harkers Island → Lennoxville Road
Drive out to Harkers Island and keep the day on the mainland. The return leaves time for a creekside dinner.
- Morning
Pick up coffee before the drive, visit the national seashore information centre or begin with the decoy collection.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Historic Grounds Coffee Shop
Pick up cold brew on Cedar Street before walking toward the historic district. Use the café’s published hours when an island ferry calls for an early start.
Harkers Island Visitor Center
Begin a Down East day at the national seashore visitor centre. Staff can explain the current island access before you choose a mainland walk or a ferry outing.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Give the decoy carving and community exhibits time. A hand-carved bird reads differently after seeing how families worked the sounds.
- Afternoon
Choose the short pond loop, follow the woodland trail or return to Beaufort for a gallery visit.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Willow Pond Trail
Walk the short loop around the freshwater pond from the Core Sound museum side. Keep the visit in daylight and look for birds from a stationary spot.
Soundside Loop Trail
Follow the signed four-fifths-mile loop through maritime forest toward the marsh. Stay on the trail and turn back if wet footing makes the walk uncomfortable.
Mattie King Davis Art Gallery
Step into the historic Rustell House for work by regional artists. Make this an art visit in its own right and look up the current exhibition.
- Evening
Reserve a creekside table, take supper near the docks or gather at the Turner Street taproom.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
34° North Restaurant
Reserve a table for an unhurried meal at the Beaufort Hotel end of Taylor’s Creek. It is a separate trip east of downtown, worth making for the creekside setting.
Finz Grill & Eatery
Meet for a meal facing the boats. Choose an indoor table if the wind makes a long evening outdoors less appealing.
Fishtowne Brewhouse
Gather at the taproom on Turner Street. Look at the current beer list and the event calendar to decide whether this is the evening or just the first stop.
Day 3
Across the bridge for the gallery
Turner Street → Morehead City → Beaufort
Keep the art and county history in one afternoon in Morehead City. Dinner can be there or back at your base.
- Morning
Make a market-day picnic, take a morning house tour or start across the bridge in the little park.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market
On a scheduled market Saturday, look for produce and baked goods under the trees. A small picnic is easier to carry onto a boat than a week's worth of shopping.
Beaufort Historic Site
Choose a scheduled tour to get inside the restored buildings. The old jail and apothecary tell a more intimate story of the port than a view from the dock.
Katherine Davis Park
Pause in the small public park near downtown’s businesses. It makes a useful gathering place before walking to the waterfront.
- Afternoon
Look at coastal art, browse the county collection or sit in the neighbourhood park.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Carolina Artist Gallery
Look at the current group exhibition for a local artist's view of coastal life. Check gallery hours before making this your first stop across the bridge.
History Museum of Carteret County
Spend an hour with the county’s artifacts and photographs on Arendell Street. This is a useful indoor anchor when a crossing is cancelled.
Shevans Park
Sit beneath the trees at the neighbourhood park before crossing back to Beaufort. It is a useful shorter stop when the oceanfront is too windy.
- Evening
Stay on Arendell for a drink, return to the harbour bar or hear a scheduled set on Middle Lane.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Promise Land Market
Meet over a drink at the Arendell Street spot. Its indoor tables work well for a group coming back from the Morehead waterfront.
Rhumbar
Choose the waterfront bar for a social evening above the docks. Ask about public opening times for the season, especially outside summer.
Backstreet Pub
Choose a live set in the old bakery building just off Front Street. Look up the musicians and start time for your date before committing the group to dinner.
What to book
Reserve the treatment and one creekside supper. The Watercraft Center and the galleries can keep the rest of the day close to the dock.
Taylor’s Creek Massage & Bodywork
Choose the session length and confirm the Middle Lane appointment before reserving a meal.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Check the published museum opening hours before the drive, particularly if a weekend ferry was your first idea.
The full guide
Neighborhoods
Front Street follows the waterfront, while Queen, Turner and Ann lead through the older shops, houses and burial ground. Lennoxville Road follows the creek east to a quieter hotel and paddle operators. Morehead City is another town across the bridge.
Dining
Save Queen Street for a sit-down lunch and Front Street for a supper you can share. A pastry filled with shrimp salad and a pizza with fennel sausage suit different appetites after a day on the water.
Beaufort Grocery Co.
Queen Street
At lunch, choose the Parmesan pastry filled with shrimp salad. The crisp shell gives the cool filling some texture. Ask for the lunch menu because the evening kitchen serves a different selection.
Zaddy TipAsk for the shrimp-salad filling at lunch. The dinner menu starts a different meal.
Black Sheep
Front Street
Split the Charcuterie Pie for a pizza with fennel sausage, prosciutto and basil at the waterfront. A single pie for the table leaves room to try something lighter beside it.
Zaddy TipChoose the Charcuterie Pie for the meat-and-herb combination and arrange takeout if the group wants to eat elsewhere.
Culture
Watch the boatbuilding at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. At the November 2026 review, the North Carolina Maritime Museum’s main Beaufort building remained closed for renovation. Its published programmes list the location for each event. Harkers Island’s Core Sound museum makes a separate drive worthwhile for decoy carving and community history.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Harkers Island
Give the decoy carving and community exhibits time. A hand-carved bird reads differently after seeing how families worked the sounds.
Zaddy TipMake Harkers Island a mainland museum trip on a windy day.
Activities
A massage on Middle Lane is easy to fit between a harbour walk and lunch. An island outing takes a little more planning. Pack drinking water and sun protection, keep away from the wild horses and use the landing and return time agreed with the operator.
Taylor’s Creek Massage & Bodywork
Middle Lane
Book a massage at the Middle Lane practice and choose the session length before heading out for lunch. This is a private treatment appointment within the historic district.
Zaddy TipBook the hands-on session and leave time to change before lunch. No general facility ticket is needed for the treatment.
Shackleford Banks
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Choose a ferry to Shackleford for a barrier-island walk. Bring drinking water and arrange the return boat. Keep at least 50 feet from the free-roaming horses, even if they approach.
Zaddy TipConfirm the landing, last boat and weather before setting out. Bring all drinking water.
Beaufort Paddle
Lennoxville Road
Arrange a guided paddle or rental from the operator on Lennoxville Road. Ask about tide, wind, return time and the skill level of your party before choosing a creek route.
Zaddy TipTell the operator who has paddled before and agree on a return time that fits the tide.
Fort Macon State Park
Atlantic Beach
Choose the fort, the beach access or one marked trail according to the weather. The park is across the causeway from Morehead City. Verify park and fort hours separately.
Zaddy TipCheck the park’s daily notices, then choose a beach day or a visit to the fort itself.
Nightlife
Look at the music bill at Backstreet Pub before deciding which evening to eat nearby. For a longer group outing, Morehead City has a waterfront music room of its own. Agree on a sober driver or a ride home before crossing the bridge.
Backstreet Pub
Middle Lane
Choose a live set in the old bakery building just off Front Street. Look up the musicians and start time for your date before committing the group to dinner.
Zaddy TipRead the pub’s programme and choose the night for the musicians.
Fishtowne Brewhouse
Turner Street
Gather at the taproom on Turner Street. Look at the current beer list and the event calendar to decide whether this is the evening or just the first stop.
Zaddy TipSet the meeting on Turner Street, a short walk back from the docks.
Where to stay
Choose the historic district for a short walk between breakfast and the docks. A room towards the east end of Taylor’s Creek gives the morning a quieter outlook and the evening an extra trip into town.
Angel’s Share Inn
Old Beaufort
Choose a room in the restored Thomas Duncan house for a stay close to the old streets. Ask for the access details of your specific room in this historic building.
Zaddy TipAsk about stairs and parking before choosing a room in the old house.
Beaufort Hotel waterfront
Lennoxville Road
Choose a stay here for mornings facing Taylor’s Creek away from the commercial blocks. Plan a ride to and from central Beaufort if spending the evening on Middle Lane.
Zaddy TipChoose this end of the creek for a quieter base and arrange the trip to evening venues downtown.
Getting around
Walk the central blocks and allow a car trip for Harkers Island or Atlantic Beach. Select the ferry by both departure dock and landing. Some Cape Lookout sailings leave Harkers Island, so a Beaufort hotel address does not automatically put you next to your boat.
FAQs
Can I climb the Cape Lookout lighthouse?
The National Park Service lists the tower closed because of its stairway condition. Take the trip for the light station and the shore, and check the park’s current operating notice before buying a crossing.
Are the horses on Shackleford the same outing as the reserve across the creek?
These are separate islands and visits. Book the location you want by name. Give wild horses a minimum of 50 feet, avoid feeding or touching them, and let sightings be incidental to the walk.
Researched selections using the linked visitor, venue and transport sources. Travel plans and dining recommendations are based on published information.
Related destinations
Backstreet Pub
A set in the former bakery gives the evening an actual sound and a short walk back to the waterfront.
Nightlife ↓Fishtowne Brewhouse
The brewhouse makes a straightforward meeting spot before a show.
Nightlife ↓Black Sheep
Pizza to share keeps supper relaxed when friends arrive back from different boats.
Dining ↓Day 1
A bill on Middle Lane
Old Beaufort → Middle Lane → Turner Street
Meet in town and pick the set before choosing supper. A room in the historic district keeps the walk home short.
- Morning
Meet over coffee, browse on a market Saturday or walk the old residential streets.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Cru, the Beaufort Coffee Shop
Start with coffee before the waterfront fills. This Front Street address makes an easy meeting point for people walking in from different inns.
Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market
On a scheduled market Saturday, look for produce and baked goods under the trees. A small picnic is easier to carry onto a boat than a week's worth of shopping.
Ann Street historic district walk
Walk the residential blocks parallel to the creek and look for the older timber houses from the pavement. Private porches make lovely views from a respectful distance.
- Afternoon
Share the pastry lunch, visit the art gallery or choose a guided historic-site tour.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Beaufort Grocery Co.
At lunch, choose the Parmesan pastry filled with shrimp salad. The crisp shell gives the cool filling some texture. Ask for the lunch menu because the evening kitchen serves a different selection.
Mattie King Davis Art Gallery
Step into the historic Rustell House for work by regional artists. Make this an art visit in its own right and look up the current exhibition.
Beaufort Historic Site
Choose a scheduled tour to get inside the restored buildings. The old jail and apothecary tell a more intimate story of the port than a view from the dock.
- Evening
Hear the pub bill, gather in the taproom or make a shared-plate dinner the evening.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Backstreet Pub
Choose a live set in the old bakery building just off Front Street. Look up the musicians and start time for your date before committing the group to dinner.
Fishtowne Brewhouse
Gather at the taproom on Turner Street. Look at the current beer list and the event calendar to decide whether this is the evening or just the first stop.
Aqua Restaurant
Reserve dinner on Middle Lane if sharing small plates is the plan. This keeps a later walk to the Backstreet Pub short.
Day 2
A working harbour and a waterfront set
Morehead City → Atlantic Beach → Morehead waterfront
Cross the bridge after breakfast. A concert in Morehead means arranging a ride back rather than leaving that decision until closing.
- Morning
Grab a coffee before the drive, look at the tournament landing or meet in the park.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Historic Grounds Coffee Shop
Pick up cold brew on Cedar Street before walking toward the historic district. Use the café’s published hours when an island ferry calls for an early start.
Big Rock Landing
Visit the waterfront landing associated with the Big Rock fishing tournament. Boats and activity vary with the day, so come for the working harbour rather than a promised weigh-in.
Katherine Davis Park
Pause in the small public park near downtown’s businesses. It makes a useful gathering place before walking to the waterfront.
- Afternoon
See the artists’ exhibition, browse the county museum or take a beach break across the causeway.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Carolina Artist Gallery
Look at the current group exhibition for a local artist's view of coastal life. Check gallery hours before making this your first stop across the bridge.
History Museum of Carteret County
Spend an hour with the county’s artifacts and photographs on Arendell Street. This is a useful indoor anchor when a crossing is cancelled.
Atlantic Beach Circle
Walk from the town's oceanfront access onto the sand for a short out-and-back. Give the oceanfront its own drive across the causeway.
- Evening
Choose a waterfront show, meet on Arendell or return to Beaufort for a shared pizza.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Jack’s Waterfront Bar
Choose a current live bill on the Morehead City waterfront. Arrange a sober driver or booked ride before the evening starts across the bridge.
Promise Land Market
Meet over a drink at the Arendell Street spot. Its indoor tables work well for a group coming back from the Morehead waterfront.
Black Sheep
Split the Charcuterie Pie for a pizza with fennel sausage, prosciutto and basil at the waterfront. A single pie for the table leaves room to try something lighter beside it.
Day 3
Out to the creek and back
Beaufort waterfront → Lennoxville Road → Front Street
The boats set the scale of this town. A reserved paddle or a treatment leaves the other half of the afternoon open for the rest of the group.
- Morning
Look into the boat workshop, watch Taylor’s Creek traffic or wander by the public access on Town Creek.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
See traditional wooden boat construction on the waterfront. The maritime museum’s main exhibition building is closed for renovation at the review date; the Watercraft Center has its own visitor hours.
Beaufort Waterfront Boardwalk
Watch the boats negotiate Taylor’s Creek from the public boardwalk. Keep gangways clear and leave the private slips for the people using them.
Town Creek Water Access
Stop on the public side of the creek for a different view of Beaufort's boat traffic. Leave ramps clear and observe launches from the edge.
- Afternoon
Book a paddle, choose a massage on Middle Lane or attend a scheduled maritime event.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Beaufort Paddle
Arrange a guided paddle or rental from the operator on Lennoxville Road. Ask about tide, wind, return time and the skill level of your party before choosing a creek route.
Taylor’s Creek Massage & Bodywork
Book a massage at the Middle Lane practice and choose the session length before heading out for lunch. This is a private treatment appointment within the historic district.
Gallants Channel
Choose a published maritime event at the Gallants Channel site. Confirm its venue and date because the museum runs programmes in more than one location.
- Evening
Eat at the hotel end of Taylor’s Creek, meet at the waterfront bar or settle into a harbourfront meal.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
34° North Restaurant
Reserve a table for an unhurried meal at the Beaufort Hotel end of Taylor’s Creek. It is a separate trip east of downtown, worth making for the creekside setting.
Rhumbar
Choose the waterfront bar for a social evening above the docks. Ask about public opening times for the season, especially outside summer.
Finz Grill & Eatery
Meet for a meal facing the boats. Choose an indoor table if the wind makes a long evening outdoors less appealing.
Choose the pub or waterfront programme first. Keep the crossing to Morehead City on a night with a ride arranged in advance.
Backstreet Pub
Check the musicians and starting time on the programme before arranging dinner in town.
Fishtowne Brewhouse
Choose a regular taproom evening or a special event from the published schedule.
Shackleford Banks
Shackleford gives the boat trip an open barrier-island shore, with horses watched at a distance if they appear.
Activities ↓Beaufort Paddle
A local guide can fit the creek route to the tide and the people actually doing the paddling.
Activities ↓Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon puts beach, trails and a coastal fort within reach by road when a ferry is unsuitable.
Activities ↓Day 1
An island afternoon from Beaufort
Beaufort docks → barrier islands → old town
Choose the reserve or the national seashore before buying the crossing. Boat routes, tides and return times determine how much walking fits.
- Morning
Confirm the island crossing, get an early coffee or walk by Town Creek before the departure.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Island Express Ferry Service, Beaufort
Check in at the Beaufort departure point for the island named on your ticket. Harkers Island is a separate departure location and wind can change the day’s service.
Cru, the Beaufort Coffee Shop
Start with coffee before the waterfront fills. This Front Street address makes an easy meeting point for people walking in from different inns.
Town Creek Water Access
Stop on the public side of the creek for a different view of Beaufort's boat traffic. Leave ramps clear and observe launches from the edge.
- Afternoon
Cross to Shackleford, take the shorter reserve outing or book a guided creek paddle instead.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Shackleford Banks
Choose a ferry to Shackleford for a barrier-island walk. Bring drinking water and arrange the return boat. Keep at least 50 feet from the free-roaming horses, even if they approach.
Rachel Carson Reserve
Take a boat to the reserve and walk only open upland or beach routes. Give wild horses at least 50 feet and keep the return landing in sight of the tide plan.
Beaufort Paddle
Arrange a guided paddle or rental from the operator on Lennoxville Road. Ask about tide, wind, return time and the skill level of your party before choosing a creek route.
- Evening
Look back over the water, split a pizza or stretch your legs along Ann Street before dark.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Beaufort Waterfront Boardwalk
Watch the boats negotiate Taylor’s Creek from the public boardwalk. Keep gangways clear and leave the private slips for the people using them.
Black Sheep
Split the Charcuterie Pie for a pizza with fennel sausage, prosciutto and basil at the waterfront. A single pie for the table leaves room to try something lighter beside it.
Ann Street historic district walk
Walk the residential blocks parallel to the creek and look for the older timber houses from the pavement. Private porches make lovely views from a respectful distance.
Day 2
The Harkers Island road
Beaufort → Harkers Island → town
The two mainland trails give you an outing even when wind cancels the offshore ferry. A lighthouse visit replaces the longer trail circuit.
- Morning
Get coffee for the drive, ask about seashore access or take the signed forest loop.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Historic Grounds Coffee Shop
Pick up cold brew on Cedar Street before walking toward the historic district. Use the café’s published hours when an island ferry calls for an early start.
Harkers Island Visitor Center
Begin a Down East day at the national seashore visitor centre. Staff can explain the current island access before you choose a mainland walk or a ferry outing.
Soundside Loop Trail
Follow the signed four-fifths-mile loop through maritime forest toward the marsh. Stay on the trail and turn back if wet footing makes the walk uncomfortable.
- Afternoon
Take the ferry to the light station, follow the pond trail or explore the decoy collection indoors.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Cape Lookout Light Station
Book the appropriate ferry for a view of the diamond-patterned lighthouse from ground level. The tower stairway is closed at the review date. Save time for the walk back to the landing.
Willow Pond Trail
Walk the short loop around the freshwater pond from the Core Sound museum side. Keep the visit in daylight and look for birds from a stationary spot.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Give the decoy carving and community exhibits time. A hand-carved bird reads differently after seeing how families worked the sounds.
- Evening
Book a table beside Taylor’s Creek, choose a relaxed town dinner or meet at the brewhouse.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
34° North Restaurant
Reserve a table for an unhurried meal at the Beaufort Hotel end of Taylor’s Creek. It is a separate trip east of downtown, worth making for the creekside setting.
Aqua Restaurant
Reserve dinner on Middle Lane if sharing small plates is the plan. This keeps a later walk to the Backstreet Pub short.
Fishtowne Brewhouse
Gather at the taproom on Turner Street. Look at the current beer list and the event calendar to decide whether this is the evening or just the first stop.
Day 3
Sand, timber and a working harbour
Beaufort → Morehead City → Atlantic Beach
The day reaches the open Atlantic by road. Pick one stretch of beach to walk and leave enough daylight for the drive back.
- Morning
Choose picnic supplies on market day, watch the timber boats taking shape or head straight to the fishing landing.
Expand +Collapse − morning suggestions
Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market
On a scheduled market Saturday, look for produce and baked goods under the trees. A small picnic is easier to carry onto a boat than a week's worth of shopping.
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
See traditional wooden boat construction on the waterfront. The maritime museum’s main exhibition building is closed for renovation at the review date; the Watercraft Center has its own visitor hours.
Big Rock Landing
Visit the waterfront landing associated with the Big Rock fishing tournament. Boats and activity vary with the day, so come for the working harbour rather than a promised weigh-in.
- Afternoon
Explore Fort Macon, walk the Atlantic Beach shoreline or retreat to a sheltered town park.
Expand +Collapse − afternoon suggestions
Fort Macon State Park
Choose the fort, the beach access or one marked trail according to the weather. The park is across the causeway from Morehead City. Verify park and fort hours separately.
Atlantic Beach Circle
Walk from the town's oceanfront access onto the sand for a short out-and-back. Give the oceanfront its own drive across the causeway.
Shevans Park
Sit beneath the trees at the neighbourhood park before crossing back to Beaufort. It is a useful shorter stop when the oceanfront is too windy.
- Evening
Stop on Arendell, return for a waterfront meal or finish the walking day with live music.
Expand +Collapse − evening suggestions
Promise Land Market
Meet over a drink at the Arendell Street spot. Its indoor tables work well for a group coming back from the Morehead waterfront.
Finz Grill & Eatery
Meet for a meal facing the boats. Choose an indoor table if the wind makes a long evening outdoors less appealing.
Backstreet Pub
Choose a live set in the old bakery building just off Front Street. Look up the musicians and start time for your date before committing the group to dinner.
Book one crossing by name. If the wind cancels it, use the Harkers Island trails or Fort Macon instead of inventing a last-minute paddle.
Shackleford Banks
Use the park visitor information to choose a landing and book the matching operator route. Save the return time before leaving the dock.
Beaufort Paddle
Agree with the outfitter on a guide, craft and weather plan before setting off on Taylor’s Creek.