Nestled along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Beaufort charms visitors with its historic streets, sparkling waterfront, and small-town magic.
This coastal gem offers everything from wild horses to pirate legends, all within easy walking distance. Pack your weekend bag and discover why this waterfront wonderland has captured hearts for over 300 years.
1. America’s Third-Oldest Coastal Settlement
Step back in time to 1709, when Beaufort first took root along these pristine shores. Walking these historic streets feels like flipping through a living history book filled with tales of daring pirates, wealthy merchants, and brave seafarers.
Centuries-old homes line the waterfront, their weathered shingles and wraparound porches whispering stories of storms weathered and fortunes made. Each building has witnessed over three hundred years of coastal Carolina life.
The town’s age shows in the best possible way—through character-rich architecture and time-tested charm that modern developments simply cannot replicate.
2. Budget Travel’s Coolest Small Town Winner
When Budget Travel Magazine crowned Beaufort as one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” they recognized something locals have known for generations. This recognition stems from Beaufort’s rare combination of authentic historic charm and modern coastal lifestyle.
The award highlights how walkability transforms a simple weekend getaway into an immersive experience. No rental cars needed—just comfortable shoes and an adventurous spirit.
Ocean-loving culture permeates every corner, from morning fishing charters to sunset harbor strolls. The magazine’s recognition brought well-deserved national attention to this coastal treasure that perfectly balances preservation with progress.
3. Wild Horses Roam Across the Water
Imagine sipping morning coffee while watching wild horses gallop freely across Carrot Island, just a short swim from Beaufort’s harbor boardwalk. These magnificent creatures descend from Spanish mustangs, their bloodlines tracing back centuries to shipwrecked vessels and abandoned settlements.
The horses graze peacefully in salt marshes, completely unbothered by curious onlookers snapping photos from the boardwalk. Their presence adds an almost mystical quality to afternoon harbor walks.
Binoculars enhance the viewing experience, revealing individual personalities and family dynamics within the herd. These living symbols of coastal wildness remind visitors that nature still reigns supreme here.
4. Car-Free Weekend Paradise
Beaufort’s compact downtown proves that the best adventures happen on foot. Museums, restaurants, shops, docks, and even the ferry terminal cluster within a few charming blocks, making rental cars completely optional.
Morning coffee shops connect seamlessly to afternoon galleries, which flow naturally into evening waterfront dining. The town’s thoughtful layout encourages spontaneous discoveries around every corner.
Sidewalks lead directly from historic bed-and-breakfasts to harbor-front benches perfect for sunset watching. This pedestrian-friendly design creates a relaxed vacation rhythm that busy travelers desperately crave. Walking becomes part of the entertainment, not just transportation between destinations.
5. Blackbeard’s Legendary Shipwreck Site
Just offshore from Beaufort’s peaceful harbor lies the final resting place of Queen Anne’s Revenge, the infamous flagship of pirate Blackbeard himself. The ship met its fate in 1718 when it ran aground in Beaufort Inlet during what historians believe was an intentional grounding.
Archaeologists have recovered thousands of artifacts from the wreck site, including cannons, medical instruments, and personal items that paint a vivid picture of pirate life. The North Carolina Maritime Museum displays these treasures year-round.
Standing on Beaufort’s docks while imagining Blackbeard’s towering figure commanding these same waters adds thrilling historical context to every harbor view.
6. Hidden Gardens Behind Iron Gates
Behind many of Beaufort’s historic homes, secret gardens flourish in hidden courtyards and private spaces that most visitors never see. Wrought iron gates and weathered fences conceal lush landscapes where camellias, azaleas, and climbing roses create enchanted outdoor rooms.
Each spring, the Annual Garden Tour opens these private sanctuaries to curious visitors eager to peek behind the scenes. Homeowners proudly share gardening secrets passed down through generations.
Brick pathways wind through centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating intimate spaces that feel worlds away from busy modern life. These gardens represent Beaufort’s genteel past preserved in living color.
7. Free Harbor Entertainment All Day Long
Beaufort’s harbor boardwalk serves as nature’s free theater, where dolphins play in the current while fishing boats return with their daily catch. Pelicans dive dramatically for fish while recreational sailors navigate the protected waters with practiced ease.
Sunrise brings shrimp boats heading out to sea, their diesel engines rumbling softly across still water. Midday reveals kayakers exploring shallow creeks and children crabbing from wooden docks.
Sunset transforms the harbor into pure magic, with golden light dancing across gentle waves. Comfortable benches line the waterfront, providing front-row seats to this daily coastal performance that never gets old or costs a penny.
8. Ferry Gateway to Barrier Island Adventures
Regular ferry service connects Beaufort directly to pristine barrier islands where adventure awaits beyond the mainland’s reach. Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore offer unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling waters, and some of the best shelling on the entire East Coast.
Wild horses roam these remote islands alongside nesting sea turtles and migrating shorebirds. The ferry ride itself becomes part of the adventure, with dolphins often racing alongside the boat.
Pack a picnic lunch and spend entire days exploring these protected wilderness areas where footprints wash away with each tide, leaving pristine sand for tomorrow’s discoveries.
9. Coastal Culinary Scene Punches Above Its Weight
Despite its small size, Beaufort’s restaurant scene rivals much larger coastal cities with dock-to-dish seafood that arrives daily from local fishing boats. Moonrakers and Beaufort Grocery Company lead a culinary revolution that celebrates both traditional coastal cooking and innovative preparations.
Local shrimp, oysters, and fish appear on menus within hours of being caught, ensuring unmatched freshness and flavor. Craft cocktails incorporate regional ingredients like local honey and seasonal fruits.
Waterfront dining rooms offer harbor views that enhance every meal, while skilled chefs transform simple ingredients into memorable dining experiences that keep visitors planning return trips around reservation availability.
10. Annual Pirate Invasion Spectacular
Every summer, Beaufort transforms into an 18th-century pirate stronghold during the legendary Pirate Invasion festival that recreates Blackbeard’s era with theatrical flair. Cannon blasts echo across the harbor while costumed pirates storm the waterfront in authentic period dress.
Live entertainment includes sword fighting demonstrations, sea shanty singing, and interactive performances that transport visitors back to the Golden Age of Piracy. Local actors portray famous historical figures with surprising accuracy and enthusiasm.
The festival combines education with entertainment, teaching visitors about real pirate history while providing family-friendly fun that creates lasting vacation memories. Streets fill with visitors eager to experience coastal Carolina’s swashbuckling past.
11. Bicycle Paradise for All Skill Levels
Bike rental shops dot Beaufort’s downtown streets, offering everything from classic beach cruisers to modern hybrids perfect for exploring the town’s flat, bike-friendly roads. Cycling reveals hidden corners and scenic routes that even walking might miss.
The bridge to nearby attractions provides gentle exercise with rewarding views of the surrounding waterways and marshlands. Bike lanes and considerate drivers make cycling safe and enjoyable for families.
Evening rides along the waterfront capture golden hour light perfectly, while morning cycles reveal the town waking up slowly. Rental rates remain affordable, making bicycles an economical way to maximize weekend exploration time while getting some healthy exercise.
12. Maritime Museum Offers Free Historical Treasures
The North Carolina Maritime Museum opens its doors free of charge year-round, showcasing an impressive collection of shipwreck artifacts, pirate relics, and maritime history that spans centuries of coastal life. Interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages with hands-on learning opportunities.
Blackbeard’s story comes alive through recovered artifacts from Queen Anne’s Revenge, including medical instruments, weapons, and personal items that humanize this legendary figure. Knowledgeable staff members share fascinating stories behind each display.
Maritime lore extends beyond piracy to include local fishing traditions, lighthouse keeping, and the evolution of boat building techniques. The museum’s free admission makes it accessible to all visitors while providing educational value.
13. Historic Cemetery Tells Coastal Stories
The Old Burying Ground, established in the early 1700s, serves as Beaufort’s most fascinating outdoor museum where weathered headstones tell stories of pirates, soldiers, and ordinary citizens who shaped this coastal community. Moss-covered monuments create an atmospheric walk through local history.
One famous grave holds a young girl buried in a rum barrel—a practical solution when traditional coffins weren’t available during harsh coastal winters. Military graves honor Revolutionary War soldiers and Civil War veterans.
Guided tours reveal hidden stories behind seemingly simple headstones, while self-guided visits allow quiet contemplation among ancient live oaks. The cemetery provides peaceful reflection space in the heart of town.
14. Protected Waters Perfect for Paddling
Beaufort’s location within a network of protected waterways, creeks, and salt marshes creates ideal conditions for kayaking and sailing adventures suitable for beginners and experts alike. Rental outfitters provide equipment and local knowledge to enhance every water-based excursion.
Shallow creeks wind through pristine marshlands where herons fish patiently and fiddler crabs scurry across mudflats at low tide. Sailing charters take advantage of steady coastal breezes and calm protected waters.
Guided tours reveal secret spots known only to locals, while experienced paddlers can explore independently using provided maps. The variety of water environments means every trip offers different scenery and wildlife encounters throughout the changing tides.
15. Sunsets Paint the Sky in Coastal Colors
Beaufort sunsets have achieved legendary status among visitors and locals who gather nightly along the waterfront to witness nature’s daily masterpiece. Soft pinks blend seamlessly into fiery oranges while calm water reflects every color change like a natural mirror.
Prime viewing spots include the harbor docks, waterfront restaurant patios, and peaceful benches along Taylor’s Creek where the day’s final light creates magical moments. Each sunset offers unique color combinations depending on weather and season.
Photographers and romantic couples claim the best spots early, but the expansive waterfront provides excellent views for everyone. These daily light shows provide the perfect ending to every Beaufort adventure, creating memories that last long after vacation ends.
