Beaufort is North Carolina's third-oldest town and genuinely one of the most underrated coastal destinations on the entire East Coast. The restored historic district along Front Street is charming without being precious — real restaurants, real shops, real people who actually live here. The boardwalk looks directly across Taylor's Creek to Carrot Island and Shackleford Banks, where a herd of about 100 wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs has roamed free for over 400 years.
You can watch the horses from the boardwalk with binoculars or take a 10-minute ferry from the waterfront. The NC Maritime Museum on Front Street is free and houses the world's largest collection of artifacts recovered from Blackbeard's flagship Queen Anne's Revenge, which sank at Beaufort Inlet in 1718. A ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore — 56 miles of undeveloped barrier island beach — departs from the Beaufort waterfront.
Beaufort has a genuine small-town character that most coastal destinations have long since lost. Front Street dining and shopping, live music on summer evenings, sailboats anchored in the harbor, and a pace that reflects a place where people actually choose to live. It's the kind of town guests ask to come back to.
From our welcome guides — the places and experiences we actually recommend to our guests.
A herd of ~100 Colonial Spanish Mustangs roams Shackleford Banks. The 10-minute ferry from Beaufort waterfront is one of the most memorable experiences on the Crystal Coast. Book in advance in summer. Do not approach the horses.
Free admission. The world's largest collection of artifacts from Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge, recovered from the ocean floor off Beaufort Inlet. Genuinely fascinating exhibits on Crystal Coast maritime history.
Seasonal ferry service from Beaufort to Cape Lookout National Seashore — 56 miles of undeveloped barrier island, the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, and some of the most remote beach on the East Coast. No facilities — bring everything.
Beaufort has some of the best dining on the Crystal Coast. Clawson's 1905 (425 Front St) is a local institution with fresh seafood and craft beer. Moonrakers offers upscale waterfront dining with a wood-fired kitchen overlooking Taylor's Creek. 34° North serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating overlooking the wild horse island. The Spouter Inn (218 Front St) is a 30-year Beaufort landmark for waterfront seafood and baked goods. Beaufort Grocery Company (117 Queen St) is a sophisticated French bistro-style restaurant established in 1991 — one of the most celebrated dining destinations on the Crystal Coast, with an exceptional wine list and daily seafood specials. Dog-friendly patios on several Front Street spots.
Over 100 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours from the Beaufort Historic Site include a restored 1700s courthouse, apothecary, and historic homes.
A 2,200-acre estuarine reserve accessible by kayak or ferry from Beaufort. Dolphins, shorebirds, wild horses, and pristine marsh scenery. Leashed dogs welcome.
Independent boutiques, galleries, and gift shops lining Front Street — genuinely local, not a chain in sight. The kind of shopping you actually enjoy.
Beaufort is a major East Coast sailing hub. Several charter and rental operations offer sailing day trips, sunset sails, and overnight passages from the Beaufort waterfront.
Beaufort waters have a resident dolphin population. Several tour operators offer dedicated dolphin-watching trips from the waterfront, with excellent sighting rates year-round.
Our favorite places to eat, the beaches we love and the local tips we share with friends — free.
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