A day trip to Beaufort, North Carolina, offers a delightful blend of maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and unique activities. A stroll through downtown Beaufort features plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. Spinnaker’s Reach Realty is here to help you enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Beaufort, NC, by offering local insight and some of the best places to stay on the North Carolina Crystal Coast.
Whether your heart desires oceanfront views or to bring your pet along for your coastal adventures, Spinnaker’s Reach Realty has the perfect Emerald Isle vacation rentals for you. Emerald Isle is just a scenic half-hour drive from Beaufort and offers a laid-back coastal paradise tucked within the heart of Bogue Banks Island.
Our 5 Favorite Things To Do in Beaufort, NC
1. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum
Exploring the North Carolina Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do during your day trip in Beaufort, NC. Learn about the area’s lifesaving stations, lighthouses, seafood industry, marine life, ecology, motorboats, and more. View artifacts such as cannons, beads, belt buckles, and grenades from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. Travelers of all ages can learn boat building at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center.
2. Immerse Yourself in Rich Coastal North Carolina History
Take a leisurely walk through the Beaufort Historic District and admire the charming historic homes. Visit the Beaufort Historic Site, which depicts coastal living in the 18th and 19th centuries.
3. Take a Ferry Ride to Shackleford Banks
One of the most popular things to do in Beaufort, NC, is to take a ferry or private boat ride to Shackleford Banks. This barrier island is known for its wild horses, which the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses protect. Spend some time exploring the sandy shores and enjoying the natural beauty of this untouched coastal gem.
4. Indulge in the Flavors of the North Carolina Crystal Coast
Choose one of the many excellent restaurants in Beaufort for a delicious meal. At Aqua Restaurant, you can enjoy locally sourced ingredients from a menu featuring tapas, big plates, and an impressive wine selection. Indulge in waterfront dining and locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients at Front Street Grill at Stillwater.
5. Hop Aboard the Boat Tours in Beaufort, North Carolina
One of the most delightful things to do during your day trip in Beaufort, NC, is to hop aboard an engaging boat tour. Families and the young at heart will have a blast on Beaufort Pirates Revenge. The Crystal Coast Lady Cruises offer a lovely selection of dolphin, wild horses, history, and barrier island boat tours on their high passenger capacity cruising vessels. Although just 5 square miles, Emerald Isle is filled with exciting things to do and is near premier day trip destinations like Beaufort, NC.