Vacation Like a Local on the Crystal Coast

Make the most of your vacation with our hand-picked guide to local favorites! From hidden gems in Beaufort to laid-back spots on Harkers Island, here are our top places to sip, explore, eat, and unwind—all the best spots tested, approved, and much loved by us!

Start your day with a cozy café and end it with fresh seafood and craft cocktails. In between? Hop on a ferry, rent a kayak, or soak in the sunshine while on one of our favorite coastal adventures. Whether you’re traveling with kids or sneaking in a romantic getaway, we’ve got ideas to fill your days from sun-up to sleepy time.

Looking for things to do in Morehead, NC? Want to know where to eat on Atlantic Beach or the best ways to explore the water? We’ve got you covered.

BARS & RESTAURANTS

Beaufort

Beaufort Grocery: Lunch, brunch or dinner is the best! Order the saganaki and set your world on fire.

Front Street Grille at Stillwater: Have dinner in the dining room or drinks at the Rhum Bar and watch the boats drift by with a Pain Killer cocktail and an appetizer or two! And... there’s a cozy spot on the deck by the docks that you and your honey will love!

Atlantic Beach

Island Grille: Charming cottage on the beach with a cozy atmosphere and outstanding eats! Monday and Tuesday, two-for-one entrees, including their signature bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Run, don’t walk… You heard it here first.

Table 9: This upmarket seafood restaurant and oyster bar does not disappoint. It combines modern elegance with top-notch service—a win-win combination in any book!

Morehead City

Circa 81 is where you can go for tapas-style food and “Gather. Eat. Enjoy.” Owned and operated by local celebrity chef Clarke Merrell, this award-winning eatery is a pure pleasure for the palate!

Thai Sticky Rice is perfect for those days or nights when a plain ol’ burger just won’t do. Travel here for Pad Thai, massaman curry, fish cakes or fantasy fried rice. It’s a dream come true for the Crystal Coast!

The Arendell Room is a classic bar to rival any slick city saloon. With a welcoming feel and stellar cocktails, you cannot go wrong at this staple hotspot.

Catch 109 Oyster Bar, where you will find great cocktails, great service, and charbroiled oysters to die for! With an extensive list of bourbons and whiskeys, Catch 109 is a great date night spot or perfect for a group of friends.

COFFEE SHOPS + CAFES

Atlantic Beach Coffee: Not to be missed, this cute cafe is a welcome respite any day of the week. Grab a cuppa cappuccino or a freshly baked bun and chat with the friendly peeps. Grab a sticker, too; the logo is as memorable as the shop itself!

Turner Street Market has the best biscuits around! Pop in for hot coffee and freshly baked breakfast, ready-made meals or an iced coffee to go!

Mug Shot in Morehead City is where you can have coffee or cocktails, tea or tequila! You will love the easy-going yet energizing vibe at this cool has-it-all local hotspot.

Noontide Coffee and Kitchen features fresh and delicious menu items for breakfast and lunch. Quick, grab-and-go, healthy and colorful food and a bright atmosphere to boot!

The Club at The Webb This historic building on the waterfront is now a wine bar brewing with character and charm. Head to the club room or the private garden for craft beer or a pinot noir and “enjoy old friends and meet new ones.”

BBQ

Social Q Smokehouse in Morehead City is "for meat freaks and smoke junkies!" If you're looking for a fantastic BBQ joint, you've found it here. Brisket, BBQ Pork, Bacon Jam, Mac-n-Cheese and more. Comfort food at its best. And don't forget the Banana Pudding!

It's super easy to grab a pound of pulled pork, brisket or ribs, sweet cornbread, jalapeño mac-n-cheese, and some slaw, beans or Brunswick stew and take it to go or shimmy up to a table for a quick and delicious bite. The Redneck BBQ Lab is award-winning, cooked in-house, and darn good!

ICE CREAM

Scoopin' Yummies: This place in Atlantic Beach has it all! Ice cream, confections, baked goods, coffee, and gifts! Satisfy the wee ones, and get something for yourself, too! Try the affogato!

General Store: When you’re in Beaufort, stop at the General Store and peruse the pirate gear, toys and t-shirts and get yourself a scoop of ice cream while you’re at it! Even on a chilly day, it’s always a treat to sit on the bench outside, watch for wild horses and savor your single, double or triple-dip cone!

SHOPPING

AB Surf Shop is a mainstay — rad enough for surfers, cute for the kiddos and perfect for everyone in between! Shop brands from Patagonia to Columbia, to RipCurl and Vans. Shoes, shades, clothes and more!

Island Outfitters & Island Proper: These sister stores (Island Traders, too!) sit side-by-side on Front Street in Beaufort. Men’s and Women’s apparel and accessories that are trendy yet classic with some Southern style thrown in! Anyone who isn’t in the mood to shop can watch for wild horses on the island across the creek.

Oysterbelle owner searches far and wide for exotic items that are chic and timeless, perfect for gifts or mementos. From soaps and scarves to baskets and blankets, every item in this shop is to die for!

Marsh Harbor Studios is a wonderful shopping destination for art supplies if you are visiting the coast to paint or draw. There are gifts and accessories, too, and beads for jewelry making. Inspiration abounds at this thoughtfully stocked shop.

ART GALLERIES

Blusail Golitz Studios is where you will find exquisite pottery and fine contemporary art. The husband and wife team of Mark and Lynn Golitz are potter and abstract artist respectively.

Mattie King Davis, in the historic Russell House in downtown Beaufort, is the oldest gallery in Carteret County. Artists from the area showcase their works here in various mediums; the common thread is the love of this charming area.

Jimmy Craig Womble is a local icon — loved for his extraordinary original oil paintings that capture the beauty of the coast in all its many forms.

HIKING

Ft. Macon State Park: You can head to the beach, tour the fort, or hike the trails by bike or on foot at this North Carolina State Park. There are also guided tours and activities all year long, from bird hikes to beachcombing to small arms demonstrations; folks of all ages flock here for the fun and the education of it all.

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: Two trails to choose from at the Aquarium. The Roosevelt Nature Trail is 1.25 miles and takes about an hour to walk, ending at a soundside beach. The Alice Hoffman Trail leads from the Aquarium Saltmarsh Boardwalk and is an easier route that takes about 12 minutes. Enjoy the views and the quiet!

GOLF

The Beaufort Club: Tee off just minutes from historic downtown at The Beaufort Club, a semi-private course that’s as scenic as it is well-kept. Surrounded by salt marshes and Carolina pines, this par-72 course is a peaceful, challenging escape for golfers of all skill levels. Stop by the clubhouse afterward for a drink or a bite—you’ll feel right at home.

Brandywine Bay Golf Club: Located in Morehead City, Brandywine Bay offers 18 holes of classic coastal golf with tree-lined fairways, water features, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This semi-private course is perfect for a leisurely round or a fun family outing, and the practice facilities are great if you’re just looking to hit a few. Bonus: it’s less than 20 minutes from Beaufort!

SEAFOOD & LOCAL MARKETS

Blue Ocean Market: Blue Ocean supplies local fish and seafood to folks from near and far visiting the Crystal Coast and restaurants from far and wide, too! Sustainably caught right off the Carolina Coast! Bring some back to your rental property and please the crowd!

Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market is where you can get fresh local fish, shrimp and shellfish… or a burger and fries! Stop in, pick it up curbside or grab your meal to go! You can’t miss this local spot with baskets and steam pots, too!

Olde Beaufort Farmer’s Market: Its 12th year in operation, this open-air market is a joy to behold! Stroll the Beaufort courthouse grounds for fresh produce, local art, eggs, sweet and savory food, seafood and more! It’s “where life slows down so neighbors can catch up.” Join the neighborhood…

Marshallberg Farms. You won’t believe it, but it’s true. Aquaculture-raised sturgeon from the Caspian Sea brings you exquisite and legit… CAVIAR! It is a must try, if not a must-see.

The Friendly Market: Pop in before the beach, ferry, or to grab a quick meal. They are famous for their chicken salad and tomato pie, fresh beds and another pie that is not to be missed — crack pie! It is addictive and made on-site.

FISHING

Bill Collector Charters: On the Morehead City waterfront, you will find this outfit ready to take you and your crew on inshore fishing adventures or Swordfishing trips! These guys have 34 years of experience ready to share with you!

Due South Sport Fishing: “Fight the fish of a lifetime” with these guys who will take you on any variety of fishing excursions on the Due South, a custom-built Carolina sport fisher.

The General Offshore Charters: Whatever your level of experience, this seasoned crew has the right cruise for you onboard The General, the top Charter Boat for the 2019 North Carolina Governor’s Cup.

The Oceanana Fishing Pier, a local landmark, stretches almost 1,000 feet into the ocean for postcard-worthy views and premium fishing with several species of fish to catch! With a small fishing center at the Pier House, it’s a one-stop shop for bait, tackle, and refreshments, too!

KAYAKING, PADDLEBOARDING & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Beaufort Paddle: Whether you are looking for a private tour or to rent, you can hop in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard and paddle around Rachel Carson Reserve, downtown Beaufort, or Bird Shoal, watching for wild horses and dolphins. It’s the ideal way to spend your day!

Pogie’s Fishing & Kayaking Center Pogie’s will work to get you and yours outdoors! Fishing charters and eco tours, kayak rentals and more, this place is a one-stop-shop for outdoor fun.

The Black Boat: Want to explore the Crystal Coast by water? The Black Boat has a fleet of sleek, easy-to-drive rentals perfect for island hopping, dolphin spotting, or cruising to lunch in Beaufort. Choose your favorite and captain your own adventure—and be sure to mention Away by the Sea when you book!

Trusty Sail and Paddle: Pedal, paddle or fish from the kayak of your choice from the Trusty Sail and Paddle family located at 815 Shepard Street in Morehead City. Opens for the season March 2025.

Beaufort Parasail: Grab your bestie and hop aboard! Cruise the Crystal Coast waterways with this seasoned crew, float above the boat in skies so blue, and see schools of fish, dolphins, wild horses, too… all from your bird' s-eye view.

Crystal Coast Skydiving Do you believe you can fly — touch the sky? Head to the Michael J. Smith airfield and prove it! See the Crystal Coast from 9,000 feet! Now, that’s a memory that will surely last a lifetime.

Lost Treasure This place is pure gold for families and kids-at-heart! With two mini-golf courses (complete with waterfalls, caves, and a little mystery), plus a go-kart track that doesn’t require a driver’s license, it’s the perfect spot for a little friendly competition. Race, putt, laugh, repeat—and maybe grab an ice cream after. It’s vacation fun at its finest!

HISTORY

Tryon Palace Step into colonial North Carolina at Tryon Palace in New Bern. Tour the beautifully restored governor’s mansion, wander through lush gardens, and explore interactive exhibits that bring 18th-century life to, well—life! It’s a perfect day trip for history lovers of all ages.

The History Museum. Tucked away in downtown Morehead City, The History Museum of Carteret County is full of fascinating artifacts and local lore. Learn about shipwrecks, pirates, and how this special stretch of the coast came to be what it is today. A great stop for a slower-paced, enriching visit.

Beaufort Historic Site Travel back in time when you tour the ten historic shops and houses at the Beaufort Historic site located right downtown. Interactive and engaging, and even educational, the stories from centuries ago will enchant all— from the littlest ones to the grown-ups and everyone in between.

BOATS, FERRIES & CRUISES

Lookout Catamaran Cruises. Set sail on a breezy adventure with Lookout Cruises out of Beaufort. Choose from dolphin-watching tours, sunset sails, or half-day trips to Cape Lookout. Spacious, scenic, and seriously relaxing!

Island Express Ferry Service Catch a ferry to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout and soak in the wild beauty of the Crystal Coast. Whether you're shell-hunting, wild horse-spotting, or lighthouse-climbing, this ferry service is your gateway to some of the most iconic adventures around.

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises
Enjoy narrated cruises, dolphin-watching tours, and even pirate-themed adventures for the kids aboard the Crystal Coast Lady. With multiple decks, snacks on board, and views galore—it’s a fun and breezy way to explore the waterfront.

EVENTS

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament: Held each June in Morehead City, Big Rock is a legendary offshore fishing tournament that draws boats, crews, and spectators from around the world. Even if you’re not reeling in a marlin yourself, the energy is electric!

The NC Seafood Festival: Celebrate the coast’s best flavors each fall in Morehead City. With local seafood, live music, carnival rides, and artisan vendors, it’s a can’t-miss weekend of fun for the whole family.

Beaufort Music Festival: A laid-back local favorite, this springtime festival brings together great tunes, food trucks, and a festive crowd in downtown Beaufort. It’s family-friendly and free—just bring a blanket and your dancing shoes.

Beaufort Old Homes Tour: Each summer, take a peek behind the picket fences of Beaufort’s most charming historic homes. This self-guided tour includes private residences, gardens, and churches—offering a rare glimpse into Beaufort’s storied past.

WHEN IT’S RAINING

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: Pet a stingray in the touch tank, stare down a shark in the living shipwreck, and watch the jolly otters frolic in their habitat. After your tour indoors, take a hike on one of the trails or to the jungle gym playground (and pass the bald eagles on your way!). The aquarium is a great way to spend the day!

NC Maritime Museum: Right in the heart of Beaufort, this small-but-fascinating museum is packed with exhibits on coastal life, Blackbeard’s ship Queen Anne’s Revenge, boat-building, and more. Bonus: it’s free, and there’s a sweet gift shop too.

Kidz at Play: An indoor play center in Morehead City that’s perfect for little ones to bounce, climb, and burn off some rainy-day energy. Safe, clean, and full of fun!

Mac Daddy’s Kids and grown ups of all ages can (and do!) spend hours here. Bowl to your heart's content, snack on nachos and pizza and then hit the arcade to top it all off. There are batting cages, a driving range and the super fun sky trail.

Vacation like a local!