North Carolina's Crystal Coast - Main Attractions

Fort Macon State Park P.O.Box 127 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 726-3775

NC's most visited state park includes a 19th century Civil War fort, recreation area with lifeguard-protected swimming, bathhouse and picnic area. Civil War reenactments performed in summer months.

The North Carolina Aquarium At Pine Knoll Shores P.O. Box 580 Atlantic Beach, Nc, NC 28512 (866) 294-3477

This newly renovated facility is three times larger and features a 300,000-gallon ocean tank plus exhibits and animals from across North Carolina. Mountain waterfalls, Piedmont rivers, coastal swamps, and offshore shipwrecks are some of the new habitats. Three new classrooms and a new 150-seat auditorium can accommodate an expanded range of education programs and activities. We are proud to introduce our new podcasts of the activities and features you will encounter on The Crystal Coast. To download and view these podcasts, please click on the links below. Beneath The Surface Mp4 | Apple TV | Apple iPod

Beaufort Historic Site 100 Block Of Turner Street Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-5225

A treasure trove of activities in NC's third-oldest town, with double-decker bus tours of the historic district and its fine homes, old jail, courthouse, apothecary, art gallery, and Old Burying Ground. Plus Old Beaufort Museum Gift Shop with books and gifts featuring local heritage.

Foundation For Shackleford Horses, Inc. 108 Amos Gilken Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-6308 (252) 728-6437

The foundation serves with the National Park Service as co-manager of the freely roaming horses of Shackleford Banks, whose historic, cultural and genetic legacy dates back 400 years. The herd's feral lifestyle thrives due to limited human contact, socialization, and intervention. We are proud to introduce our new podcasts of the activities and features you will encounter on The Crystal Coast. To download and view these podcasts, please click on the links below. Meet the Locals Mp4 | Apple TV | Apple iPod

North Carolina Maritime Museum 315 Front St. Beaufort, NC 28516-2125 (252) 728-2108 (252) 728-7317

Extensive maritime history preserved through exhibits, workshops, curator-led field trips, a Watercraft center with ship models and wooden boat construction/restoration, and annual events like the Wooden Boat Show. CHILDREN'S CLASSES The Junior Sailing Program, for ages 8 and older, uses the fun of sailing to teach seamanship, navigation, boating safety and sailing techniques for beginning to advanced sailors. Classes include two-week sessions, one-week advanced sessions and Regatta Week. Summer Science School for Children for entering 1st through 10th graders investigates the coastal environment and maritime history of NC. Day classes include pirate life, boat models, seashore life, fish and fishing, nature at night, saltwater science, coastal trails and kayaking. Overnight classes at Cape Lookout include Cape Lookout for Families and Friends and Surfari for girls. Contact the museum for brochures and applications. (June-August) ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Field trips into coastal habitats may involve travel by boat or van, hiking, kayaking, or wading in shallow water. Field attire includes comfortable clothes and wading or hiking shoes or old sneakers (NO sandals). Call for details and reservations. The Cape Lookout Studies Program offers overnight workshops at the museum's field station at Cape Lookout. Fees include boat transportation, food and lodging. Summer programs include Kayaking at the Cape, Cape Lookout For Families and Friends, and Surfari for girls. For information on group programs, contact Keith Rittmaster at 252-504-2452 or view www.capelookoutstudies.org. For group or school programs and field trips view the Education Services Guide on the website. Call for details and reservations. BOATING PROGRAMS The Beaufort Oars Rowing Club uses fixed-seat rowing gigs for exercise, competition and fun. The Beaufort Oars Sliding Seat Program uses single shells and is directed by Marj Burgard, a Certified US Rowing Coach. Family sailing on traditional skiffs or a 30' keelboat is available by reservation, and accommodates 2-6 people for 2-6 hours for $50 to $240. For information, call the Friends office at 252-728-1638.

Rachel Carson Reserve P.O. Box 1040 Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-2170

This string of small islands includes a half-mile interpretive trail that meanders through mudflats, uplands, and salt marshes showing the various unique environments found in estuarine systems. Over 200 bird species and one herd of feral horses have been recorded here.

Cape Lookout National Seashore 131 Charles St. Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-2250

Reachable only by boat. Pristine natural coastal barrier island system and location of both Cape Lookout Lighthouse and historic Portsmouth Village, a 250-acre historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We are proud to introduce our new podcasts of the activities and features you will encounter on The Crystal Coast. To download and view these podcasts, please click on the links below. The Diamond Lady Mp4 | Apple TV | Apple iPod

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum 1785 Island Road Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 728-1500

Waterfowling heritage and traditions through exhibits, decoy carving demonstrations and special events, including the Core Sound Decoy Festival, Waterfowl Weekend, Diamond City Homecoming, and Heritage Days.

The History Place 1008 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-7533

The History Place in downtown Morehead City showcases artifacts in this coastal region from Native Americans through World War II. The collection includes a genealogical and Civil War library. Museum store and tea room are on site. Guided tours are available. Hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm. Admission is free. We are proud to introduce our new podcasts of the activities and features you will encounter on The Crystal Coast. To download and view these podcasts, please click on the link below. Echos of the Past Mp4 | Apple TV | Apple iPod