This National Seashore is home to Cape Lookout Lighthouse, beautiful beaches, and camping areas. The lighthouse is open for climbing at certain times during the year. Accessible only by boat (ferries available).
Shackleford Banks is part of the outer banks, and accessible by ferries that leave every half hour. "Shack" is great for shelling, seeing wild ponies, and on occasion, boogie boarding on the ocean side!
Just across the creek, you can see Carrot Island, home to some of Beaufort's wild ponies and other wildlife! You can swim or kayak to Carrot Island, but be sure to bring shoes to avoid oyster cuts!
A beach you can drive to! Radio island beach is just across the Beaufort Bridge (10 min drive) and a great place to run around with kids. The water is great for wading and watching boats and an occasional dolphin go by.
Kitty Hawk Kites and Beaufort Paddle rents kayaks, paddle boards, and other water toys for the day you can launch at Gallant's channel, Taylor's Creek, or Radio Island.
There are several great Parasailing companies in Beaufort, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach. This is a great way to view Beaufort from the sky, and if you're lucky you might see dolphins or sea turtles with your bird's eye view!
This NC State Park is a historic fort dating back to the Civil War that is fun to explore, but if you're looking for water, there are gorgeous beaches accessible from this park great for fishing and boat watching.
This beach is accessible by car, but is 4 bridges away over on Atlantic Beach. With waves for boogie boarding, huge beaches for volleyball, and lifeguards to ensure safe swimming, this is a great family beach.
On Atlantic Beach, there is a great pier for fishing. In Beaufort, some people also go to the west end of Cedar Street where the old bridge used to be and fish in that channel. There is also a pier closer by along the Newport River accessible by car.
In Morehead City, there are several boats available for charter to go offshore fishing and some even help you clean your catch! The link below gives options for all 85 charters available.
