Quick answer: The best things to do in Beaufort NC are walking the Front Street waterfront, visiting the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Beaufort Historic Site, and taking a boat out to see the wild horses on Shackleford Banks. The town itself is walkable in a day, and a boat trip adds a half day. Spring and fall give you the best weather and the smallest crowds.
Key takeaways
- Beaufort’s core is compact. Park once and walk the waterfront, the museum and the historic district.
- The wild horses and Cape Lookout are reached by boat, so plan around weather, tides and ferry schedules.
- Summer weekends are busy, and parking near Front Street fills early.
- Always confirm hours, admission and ferry details with the official source before you go.
Things to Do in Beaufort NC at a Glance
Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, and it still works as a boating town. Sailboats, fishing boats and trawlers share the same harbor, and the historic district sits one block back from the water. Here is how the main attractions compare.
| Activity | Best for | Time to allow | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Street waterfront walk | First-time visitors, photos, sunset | 1 to 2 hours | Walking is free |
| North Carolina Maritime Museum | Boats, pirates, coastal history | 1 to 2 hours | Check current admission |
| Beaufort Historic Site and Old Burying Ground | History fans, families | 1 to 3 hours | Tours are typically ticketed; check current rates |
| Boat trip to Shackleford Banks | Wild horses, shelling, beach time | Half day | Paid; varies by operator and season |
| Cape Lookout National Seashore | Lighthouse, remote beach | Half to full day | Ferry fees vary; check with the operator |
For more ideas across the county, browse our Crystal Coast things to do hub. If you have extra time, things to do in Morehead City are a short drive west on US-70.
Walk the Front Street Waterfront
Front Street is the reason most people come. A boardwalk and docks run along Taylor’s Creek, and across the water you can see Carrot Island and Town Marsh. Shops, restaurants and small inns line the other side of the street. If you would rather have a beach base, see our guide to places to stay in Atlantic Beach.
It is an easy stroll, and the pace is slow. Here is what to look for:
- The docks and boardwalk. Visiting yachts, working boats and sailboats tie up here, so there is always something to look at.
- Carrot Island and Town Marsh. This is part of the Rachel Carson Reserve. You can see it from the waterfront, and the horses that roam there are sometimes visible from the boardwalk.
- Side streets. Walk a block or two off Front Street for quieter views and old houses.
- Sunset. The light on the harbor in the evening is the best free show in town.
The honest downside is crowding. On summer weekends and during festivals the sidewalks are packed and parking is hard. Mornings and weekdays are far more relaxed.
Front Street is best experienced on foot, and the best view in town costs nothing.
Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museum sits on the Beaufort waterfront and covers the history of the coast’s boats, fishing, shipwrecks and sea life. It is a good rainy-day choice, and it is easy to combine with a waterfront walk. For more ideas when the weather turns, see our guide to rainy day things to do on the Crystal Coast.
What you can expect to find:
- Pirate history. Beaufort has a link to Blackbeard. The wreck believed to be his flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was found off Beaufort Inlet, and the museum has shown artifacts recovered from it.
- Small boats and boatbuilding. The museum is closely tied to traditional wooden boat culture, including the Watercraft Center across the channel.
- Natural history. There are exhibits on shells, birds and marine life of the coast.
- Programs. The museum has long run classes and events. Check its official calendar for what is on during your visit.
Admission, hours and exhibits can change, so verify them with the museum before you plan around it.
Explore the Beaufort Historic Site and Historic District
The historic district is the other half of the Beaufort experience. Many homes carry plaques with dates and the names of early owners, and the streets are lined with live oaks, porches and picket fences. For the pirate side of the town’s past, see our guide to Blackbeard and Beaufort, NC.
Beaufort Historic Site
The Beaufort Historic Site, run by the Beaufort Historical Association, gathers several old buildings on and around Turner Street. These include a historic courthouse, an old jail and an apothecary-style shop. It has long offered guided tours, including a double-decker bus tour, so ask about current options.
Old Burying Ground
The Old Burying Ground on Ann Street dates to the early 1700s. It is one of the most atmospheric places in town, with gnarled oaks and weathered stones. Local lore tells of a girl buried in a rum barrel. Tread carefully, stay on the paths and do not do gravestone rubbings.
A simple walking route
- Start at the waterfront and see the boardwalk first.
- Walk up to the historic site area and check the tour schedule.
- Continue to the Old Burying Ground on Ann Street.
- Loop back along Ann, Craven or Orange Street and look at the houses.
- Finish with a drink or meal on Front Street.
If you are thinking about more than a visit, our guide to living in Beaufort covers what daily life in the historic seaport is like.
Beaufort’s historic district rewards slow walking, and the best details are on the side streets.
Take a Boat to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout
This is the trip most visitors remember. Shackleford Banks is a barrier island within Cape Lookout National Seashore, and its wild horses are managed by the National Park Service. You can only get there by boat.
Several local ferry and water-taxi operators run trips to Shackleford from the Beaufort waterfront and nearby areas. Cape Lookout itself, with its black-and-white diamond lighthouse, is usually reached from Harkers Island and other Down East departure points. For background, see our upcoming guides to Shackleford Banks wild horses and Cape Lookout National Seashore.
What to bring
- Water, snacks and sunscreen. There are no stores on the island.
- Sturdy water shoes or sandals for the landing.
- A hat, bug spray in warm months and a light layer for the boat ride.
- A bag for shells and for carrying out all of your trash.
Watching the horses
The horses are wild animals. The National Park Service asks visitors to stay well back (at least 50 feet), never feed them and never approach for a photo. They can kick and bite, and visitors do get hurt. Bring a zoom lens instead.
Local tip: Ferry runs depend on wind, tide and season. Book ahead in summer, ask the operator about weather cancellations, and check the National Park Service page for Cape Lookout National Seashore for current conditions and rules before you go.
Beaufort by Season
Beaufort is a year-round town, but what you see changes a lot. For month-by-month conditions, watch for our Crystal Coast weather by month guide.
| Season | What it is like | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild days, blooming gardens, comfortable walking | Busy event weekends, including boat and home tours |
| Summer | Best for boat trips and beach time on Shackleford | Heat, crowds and full parking lots |
| Fall | Warm water, softer light, fewer visitors | Peak hurricane season runs into October |
| Winter | Quiet streets, easy parking, cozy dining | Some shops and ferries run reduced schedules |
Annual events such as the Beaufort Wooden Boat Show and the Old Homes Tour draw big crowds. Dates change from year to year, so check with the organizers.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Parking. Arrive early on weekends in summer. Be ready to walk a few blocks from where you park, and follow posted parking rules.
- Footwear. Historic sidewalks are uneven and brick. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Flooding. Low spots near the waterfront can flood during storms and strong tides. If a storm is forecast, check conditions before driving in.
- Hurricane season. It runs June through November. Keep your plans flexible and your travel insurance in mind.
- Pairing the trip. Beaufort combines well with Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach and the Morehead City waterfront. If you are comparing beach towns, see living in Emerald Isle for the quieter side of Bogue Banks.
Many visitors also look for budget-friendly plans. Our upcoming list of free things to do in Carteret County will cover more walking, beach and park options.
FAQ
What are the top things to do in Beaufort NC?
Walk the Front Street waterfront, visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, tour the Beaufort Historic Site and Old Burying Ground, and take a boat trip to Shackleford Banks for the wild horses. For more ideas that cost little or nothing, see our guide to free things to do in Carteret County, NC.
How much time do I need in Beaufort?
A full day covers the waterfront, the museum and the historic district. Add a half day if you want a boat trip to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout. Traveling with children? See our guide to things to do with kids on the Crystal Coast.
Can I see the wild horses without taking a boat?
Sometimes horses on Carrot Island and Town Marsh can be seen from the Beaufort waterfront. For the larger herd on Shackleford Banks, you need a boat. Keep your distance and never feed them.
Is Beaufort walkable?
Yes. The waterfront, the museum, the historic site and most restaurants are within a short walk of each other. Parking once and walking is the easiest approach.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable and less crowded. Summer is best for boat trips and beach time, but expect heat, crowds and harder parking. Planning more of your trip? See our visitor guide to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
