The One Atlantic Coast Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Pirate tales, wild horses, and centuries of American history make small Beaufort, North Carolina, an Atlantic Coast town everyone should visit at least once. From the sunken pirate ship resting just offshore to a well-preserved historic district that seamlessly blends with modern shops and restaurants, Beaufort offers a blend of seafaring lore, natural beauty, and walkable history.
Blackbeard’s Legacy
When the Queen Anne’s Revenge sank in 1718, it’s likely nobody thought Blackbeard’s flagship would be discovered nearly 300 years later. But in 1996, it was discovered in Beaufort Inlet, off the Atlantic Coast town of Beaufort, North Carolina. The fourth-oldest city in the state is still home to the ship, and Queen Anne’s Revenge is a protected underwater archaeological site on the National Register of Historic Places.
Seeing the remains of the boat underwater requires special permission and SCUBA gear, but recovered items, including cannons and artifacts, are on display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. In addition to the Queen Anne’s Revenge repository, the museum also houses seashells from around the world, displays about other shipwrecks, ship equipment, and types of watercraft historically used in North Carolina. Another exhibit focuses on the history of the United States Lighthouse Service, and a sperm whale skeleton hangs over the exhibits.
Rachel Carson Reserve
Beaufort’s position on the water makes for a prime location for coastal research. Named for the author and scientist, the Rachel Carson Reserve is made up of a complex of islands, which includes Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island.
More than 200 bird species, including rare and endangered species, have been observed at the Reserve, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and many fish species call the waters surrounding the site home. Additionally, mammals such as river otters, gray foxes, marsh rabbits, raccoons, and a herd of feral horses live there. The horses were brought to the Reserve in the 1940s and eventually became wild. The horses that now live there subsist on cordgrass, and they dig for fresh water.
The site is only accessible by private boat or ferry. Canoes, kayaks, and ferry services are located along the Beaufort waterfront. Special habitat areas, like the horses’ watering holes and the shorebird nesting sites, are off-limits to visitors.
History On Land
There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for land lovers, too. The Beaufort Historic Site features a collection of 10 buildings dating back to the 18th century, including a jail, three homes, an apothecary, and a courthouse. Tours of the buildings are available via a vintage double-decker bus or walking tours led by docents in period clothing.
The Old Burying Ground is another fascinating historical relic, with graves dating back 300 years. Tours of the cemetery are also available, as are nighttime Ghost Tours of the city and the cemetery. In the graveyard, learn about a child who was buried in a keg of rum after she died at sea; a British soldier who was buried standing up; and many other interesting colonial inhabitants.
Keeping with the historical theme of the visit, the Ann Street Inn Bed and Breakfast was built around 1832 and features freshly made breakfasts each morning, as well as an optional dinner by request. The Angel’s Share Inn is a boutique hotel in a restored home named the Thomas Duncan House from 1856. It’s across the street from Beaufort's Boardwalk and Front Street, which runs along Taylor’s Creek and is considered the city’s downtown. Front Street is abundant with boutique shops, restaurants, and activity hubs, such as the Pirates Revenge interactive pirate cruise and boarding areas for numerous ferry, charter, and sightseeing cruises.
Eat, Drink, and Shop
Shop at Beaufort’s many boutique stores for one-of-a-kind clothing and coastal chic home decor. Island Proper Boutique features southern-inspired women’s clothing, and the Shack Shoppe offers nautical and beachy housewares and decor. Sweet Lilly Ru offers unique gifts, jewelry, candles, and more. The General Store has been the premier destination for Beaufort-branded souvenirs for over 45 years. In addition to gift items, the store sells sweatshirts, hats, and other apparels, as well as artisanal fudge made in-house, and 32 flavors of ice cream, perfect for a hot day by the sea.
Shopping can make anyone hungry, and Beaufort has a plethora of eateries to satisfy any taste buds. One of the best-known restaurants in Beaufort is Moonrakers. The waterfront restaurant offers three levels of seating, including a rooftop deck, and a menu featuring small plates, steaks, and seafood, as well as more than 90 varieties of wine. The wine selection has earned Moonrakers a place on Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” for six years in a row. 34° North Restaurant + Bar offers fresh, local seafood overlooking the water, and an outdoor patio with views of the Rachel Carson Reserve. It’s even possible to see wild horses or dolphins during a meal.
A Memorable Visit
Visitors to Beaufort regale in tales of the famed and doomed pirate Blackbeard, opportunities to view wildlife, or the appeal of a historic coastal escape filled with good food and local shops. Whatever inspires a vacation to Beaufort, the city and its surroundings promise to deliver a rich experience both on the water and on land.
