Learn About Local Beaches
Shackleford Banks
The most popular beach in Beaufort, known for its wild horses and fun shelling. Accessible by ferry, this beach has plenty of calm water on the sound side, and great water for boogie boarding on the ocean side (note- watch out for ripcurrents on the ocean side)
Radio Island
This beach is accessible by car just across the Beaufort Bridge and is great for families - the water is shallow and calm, and there are showers/bathrooms along the boardwalk.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
A longer ferry ride away, but well worth it! The seashore is home to Cape Lookout lighthouse and both soundside and ocean side beaches. There are bathrooms and a separate visitor center open seasonally. The ocean side waves are great for boogie boarding, and that side of the island has bigger beaches. If you're up for an adventure, you can rent four wheelers and drive up and down the beaches, or even spend the night on the island camping!
Fort Macon State Park
Over on Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon is a historic fort open to tourists. The surrounding beaches are large and good for fishing, kite flying, wading, and building sand castles. There are bathrooms, and at the true "beach" access point there's a snack shack!
Atlantic Beach
Note: This beach requires paid parking.
AB is great for teenagers and sporty people - the wide beach has volleyball courts, and is where most of the soccer, frisbee, and cornhole games take place in town. This beach extends into Fort Macon's beaches, and the main difference is AB has a pier for fishing.