Things To Do

Life on North Carolina's Crystal Coast has always revolved around the water, and the variety of activities you'll find in, on and around the ocean is almost endless. From boat tours and cruises to kayak and boat rentals, there are endless ways to explore the waters. For anglers, the deep-sea and pier fishing is some of the best in the country. And the natural environment is the perfect backdrop for ecology tours.

Divers know the Crystal Coast for the shipwrecks that lie on the ocean floor. "The Graveyard of the Atlantic" is a collection of the remains of freighters, tankers and even a German U-boat waiting for them to explore.

Watching over it all is the Lighthouse at the Cape Lookout National Seashore, one of seven famous North Carolina lighthouses. Here, there are miles of beautiful beaches for strolling, shelling and sunning.

Even with so much water and history, there's plenty to do and discover on land. For golfers, there are a number of courses, some right on the water, to challenge players of any skill level. And families will find as many things to do as there are miles of beach.

Crystal Coast Main Attractions

 
BEAUFORT HISTORIC SITE
100 Block Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-5225
(800) 575-7483

Tours are led by docents in period dress through anthentically restored dwellings. Tours begin at 10:00 and 11:30 AM, 1:00 and 3:00 PM Monday-Saturday, year round. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children (under 6 free).

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CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE (National Park Service)
131 Charles St.
Harkers Island, NC 28531
(252) 728-2250

Take a boat trip three miles off-shore to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Here you can enjoy remote beaches, watch wild horses and other wildlife, or visit one of the historic districts. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for the day.

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CORE SOUND DECOY CARVERS GUILD
1574 Island Rd
Harkers Island, NC 28531
(252) 838-8818

The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild is dedicated to the preservation of the waterfowl carving heritage that runs deep through the history of the Core Sound area in North Carolina. Our celebrated past is defined by many aspects beyond the art of carving decoys. People, decoys, duck calls, artists, photographers, folklore, and collectors are but a few of the many aspects of the Core Sound Decoy Carving heritage that make up the guild.

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CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM
1785 Island Rd
Harkers Island, NC 28531
(252) 728-1500
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FORT MACON STATE PARK
E. Fort Macon Road
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. Join a guided tour of the fort or conduct your own following the guide available at the bookstore. The fort is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed Christmas Day. The fort is located on the eastern end of Atlantic Beach.

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FOUNDATION FOR SHACKLEFORD HORSES
306 Golden Farm Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-6308
(252) 728-6437
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NC AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES,
1 Roosevelt Drive
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
(866) 294-3477

The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores features a 306,000-gallon ocean tank with hundreds of fishes, plus sharks, eels and sea turtles. Other exhibits spotlight animals from across North Carolina, including a trio of playful river otters. Enjoy stingray encounters at one of two touch pools. Dive programs, live animal features, animal feeding presentations and other programs are free with admission. Fishing, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and other adventures also are available for additional fees. A large gift shop and a snack bar are on site.

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

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.

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RACHEL CARSON RESERVE
101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 838-0886

The Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve is a nature preserve comprised of five islands and is located across from the historic Beaufort waterfront. The Reserve offers a year-round self- guided walking trail that highlights the diverse habitats found on Town Marsh. Self-guided trail brochures can be obtained by calling the Reserve office. During the spring and summer, walking nature tours and a boat cruise along Taylor's Creek to the Carrot Island boardwalk are available to the public at no-charge. Call 252.838.0883 for tour schedule and reservations.

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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.

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