When one thinks "Southern," what normally comes to mind? For me, I think hospitable, laid back, regal yet humble, tied to the land, and also tied to the culture of the place they call home. While in general, North Carolina is indeed a southern state, some towns just radiate that certain charm. The town of Beaufort, North Carolina has truly mastered it.
Located on the inner banks, Beaufort is only 2.7 miles and surrounded by nearly a mile of water. As the third oldest town in North Carolina, the history dates back long before the first settlers made their mark. Today, it's one of the most visited towns on the inner banks.
The Beaufort, NC population is just 4,690 (as of 2022), and it's one of the most charming small towns in North Carolina. While there's plenty of competition along the coast for the 'quaint small town' factor, Beaufort remains a true hidden gem among other, more popular tourist destinations. Due to this, it's allowed the town to keep the charm and history intact which both visitors and locals love.
Long before the appearance of European settlers, the Coree Native Americans referred to the land of present day Beaufort as "Cwarioc," or "Fish Town." Settlers first purchased the land around 1709 and by 1713 a Craven County merchant had hired a surveyor to lay out the town plan. As a thriving port, of course, Beaufort attracted many pirates. The most notable was Edward Teach AKA Blackbeard and his former lieutenant Stede Bonnett. Blackbeard was said to frequent the "Hammock House" in Beaufort. Ironically enough, the same lure that attracted him also led to his demise. Blackbeard ran his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, near the town - some say as a tactical, planned maneuver. Today, you can view archives from the ship at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort or take a pirate cruise with Beaufort Pirates Revenge.
After the time of the pirates, Beaufort turned into a thriving city in the 1800s. Street names like Anne, Queen, and Moore (after Colonel Moore) still stand today - nodding to the Revolutionary past. Beaufort's busiest street, Front Street, wasn't fully constructed until the 1800s but still retains its popularity today. The name reflects the waterfront location that also makes Beaufort so scenic and ideal. It's the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway, with endless things to do in Beaufort, NC.
Even as the times changed, Beaufort changed with them, while still a popular port it also became a commercial fishing hub which today, is still a main income and economy of the town.
Beaufort is perfect for both the history and beauty buff. Featuring a mix of historical houses, sights, and also some full-on pirate cruises allowing you to shoot cannon balls at your enemies.
Many of the homes, building, and landmarks that reflect Beaufort's historic past still stand today. Located along Front Street, breathtaking homes and places of business are just steps from the water. There's also a number of restaurants to dine at that include some of the best seafood in North Carolina. Popular destinations include...
Not far from Beaufort a 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Shackleford Banks. Roam the beach with wild horses and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in North Carolina. Shackleford is home to the clearest water in North Carolina and white beaches. Be warned there's no running water or electricity on the island, but it's the perfect place for a beautiful day trip.
A popular spot for boating, fishing, grabbing a drink by the water, shopping, dining, history - and really just hanging out. One of my favorite aspects of Beaufort is that when you're here, you truly do live by the tide. Life moves at a slower pace, you relax while feeling like you've been transported to a small, hidden gem along the inner banks. Beaufort is so perfectly southern, but also offers so much more.
Beaufort is such a beautiful place, I never grow tired of visiting here! Have you been here or live here now? If you've never visited consider booking this charming lighthouse cottage in Beaufort, NC for a weekend getaway to explore this beautiful town.
Beaufort was also included on another one of our lists, the 10 most charming small towns in the state. Did your town make the list?
I love looking back at old pictures. Maybe to see the way things have changed, and maybe to see the way some things haven't changed at all. With technology ever-abundant in our lives, sometimes we dream of simpler times when people valued a good conversation, a long walk, and Friday night with a good book or a few friends.
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Sure, life in the 1930s in North Carolina was trying, but in those times there was also a simplicity that today, is a distant memory. These pictures will take you back to those times in North Carolina.
There you have it: a glimpse of life in the 1930s in North Carolina. Even if you aren't old enough for these pictures to bring back memories for you, they certainly evoke the feelings of that simpler, slower time.
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Feeling proud to hail from a state as resilient as North Carolina? Check out this state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots!
Where do you like to go when you need to get away? Is it a day trip to a nearby park, beach, lake, or mountain? How about an overnight stay at a hotel a few hours away or camping at one of the many wonderful campgrounds around the state? For me, I've always loved a getaway to a small town where I can explore all that it has to offer including its cafes and restaurants, shops, museums, hiking trails, parks, or anything, really! Just to get away to another place for a few days works wonders for my soul. If you need a small-town getaway in North Carolina, I suggest you make your way to the charming coastal town of Beaufort. And I'm about to show you all the things to do in Beaufort for your getaway!
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From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.
Lying at the Southern tip of the Outer Banks, the coastal town of Beaufort started as a fishing village and maritime port in the late 1600s and became a town by 1709. It happens to be the third oldest town in North Carolina after Bath and New Bern. So, what is Beaufort known for? Due to its lucrative fishing industry, the town was first called "Fishtown," but that later changed to "Beaufort" after the Duke of Beaufort, Henry Somerset. In 1713, the "Plan of Beaufort Towne" outlined a 12-block section by the waterfront for development as the population grew. Today, that section is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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In addition to fishing, Beaufort's economy also heavily relied on shipbuilding, whaling, farming, and lumber. In 1747, the town was invaded by Spanish Privateers, an event that is recreated annually with the Beaufort Pirate Invasion. Infamous pirate Blackbeard is also a part of the town's history. His sunken ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, was discovered off Beaufort Inlet in 1996 and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Over time, the Beaufort's port became almost a ghost town and tourism was replaced as the driving force for its local economy. Today, this remarkable town draws visitors in droves for its coastal beauty, historic charm, and its sense of small-town life.
Beaufort is a small town that is absolutely worth visiting for a getaway in North Carolina! This coastal destination offers a blend of maritime and colonial history along with a picturesque waterfront, boat tours, nature preserves, museums, shopping, dining, accommodations, and so much more. You can also expect friendly locals who are so welcoming you'll think you've arrived home. Throughout the year, several events like the Beaufort Pirate Invasion and the Old Homes Tour are held, and you can really get a sense of the local community at these events. So, whether you take a weekend getaway or a day trip to Beaufort, I strongly encourage you to explore this lovely small town.
There are several ways to get to Beaufort, North Carolina. First of all, if you're coming from another state or country, the closest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, approximately 40 miles away, and your other option is the Wilmington International Airport, which is nearly 100 miles away. You can set up flight alerts on Dollar Flight Club to get the best deal. From either airport, you will probably want to rent a car and drive to town. However, you can certainly take a taxi or ride share from the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.
If you have your car, you'll take US-70 E/U.S. Hwy 70 W and State Rte 101 E into Beaufort. As this is a coastal town, you can take a private boat or a ferry as well.
While you can always drive around town, it's best you find parking somewhere, perhaps at your accommodations, and travel around on foot or by bike. You'll find downtown Beaufort to be very pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, you can rent a golf cart to get around or take a trolley tour. And there are ferries to take you to some of the nature attractions off of Beaufort's coast. There are so many great ways to explore this town and all it has to offer!
Any time of year is a great time to visit Beaufort. However, if you want to beat the heat and humidity and experience more mild temperatures, the spring between April and May or the fall from September to October may be your best bet. You'll also experience fewer crowds as summer sees a spike in tourism between June and August as families come here to vacation.
The highly-rated Inlet Inn is an excellent choice for those of you who wish to spend the night in a hotel. Set on the water in Beaufort's historic downtown, Inlet Inn is within walking distance of all the best the town has to offer. The hotel offers 36 rooms, many of which have a porch with water views and rocking chairs, a community lounge area, a courtyard with a garden for relaxing, and daily breakfast that can be delivered to your room. This lovely hotel is perfect for those who want to be close to everything and rest in comfort. You can book your stay at the Inlet Inn on Hotels.com.
What I love about vacation rental sites is the sheer number of places with the charm and ambiance that you just can't find in most hotels. One such place in Beaufort is the Mermaid Cottage & Outhouse. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home can accommodate four guests. The colorful exterior certainly adds to the curb appeal of this remodeled 1940s cottage, and that appeal continues on into the home's interior. Now, if you're wondering about the "Outhouse," it's not an outhouse in the traditional sense but a separate area of the home with its own entrance, and it's where you can hang out, watch movies, and play video games. Cool, right? Not only does this colorful cottage exude charm but the walkability factor is high as well. Take a short stroll to Town Creek Marina or to Front Street as well for shopping, dining, and more! Who wouldn't want to stay here? Speaking of, you can book your stay at the Mermaid Cottage & Outhouse, a "Guest Favorite," on Airbnb.
If you're looking for what to do in Beaufort, no trip to this town is complete without a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Here you will discover Beaufort's maritime history including how commercial fishing has shaped the town. In addition to exhibits and guided tours, you can also check out the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center where you can watch boats being built. The center also offers a boatbuilding course throughout the year.
Set in the center of Beaufort's Historic District, the 2-acre Beaufort Historic Site includes several historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll get a glimpse of how life was back then and can also embark on a guided tour through the historic site or even a double-decker bus tour through town.
Perhaps the most remarkable point of interest and one of the most popular Beaufort attractions is the Old Burying Ground. Dating back to the early 1700s, it's fascinating to see the number of unmarked graves, all weathered by the elements over the centuries.
In my opinion, there's no better way to explore a town than on foot, and what better way to explore Beaufort's fascinating history than a walking tour? Join an expert guide for a 2-3-hour tour of the town's historic streets while stopping at certain points of interest like churches and statues along the way. Your history lesson on this tour will touch upon the Native Americans, pirates, and both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. Book your Walking Tour on TripAdvisor.
Shackleford Banks Wild Horse and Shelling Safari offers a 25-minute ferry ride plus a guided tour of Shackleford Banks which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. When you arrive, you will be able to see wild horses after a hike along the sand. Additionally, Shackleford Banks is known for its seashells as well, so it's a beautiful spot to find something unique. You can book a tour through the Shackleford Banks Wild Horse and Shelling Safari website. This is one of the best activities in Beaufort!
While I love exploring hidden gems and walking around a town like a local, I also love the touristy things that are available wherever I go. One thing you can, and should, do in Beaufort is take a walk along the boardwalk and find the colorful "Beaufort" mural. Go ahead and take some photos to commemorate your trip — it's such a fun thing to do!
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There's also one more spot with a "Beaufort" sign you may want to visit. This one is located at Louis Randolph Johnson Jr. Memorial Park, which has both a splash pad and a playground if you have kids with you.
Who doesn't love a visit to a general store? *Generally,* they are located inside a historic building and contain locally-made and unique goods, and treats like fudge or candy, and they give a sense of the town. I happen to find them quite charming, and The General Store in Beaufort certainly fits the bill. This general store carries a wide variety of goods, including gifts, home decor items, and apparel, as well as fudge and ice cream. Make sure you stop in when you're in town!
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The periwinkle: Quick Stop Bottle Shop & Social Space
Located on the corner of Cedar and Live Oak, this Beaufort shop isn't just a shop but an event space too! You can stop by and pick up a growler or a pack of your favorite local, craft, or imported beer as well as kombucha, mocktails, seltzers, wine, etc. And certainly check the calendar as the periwinkle hosts plenty of fun events like a night market, yoga, food trucks, and more! It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local community and enjoy a frosty beverage as well.
Start your morning off right with a hearty breakfast at Beaufort Cafe, a local mom-and-pop-style diner. Among customer favorites are the grits, omelets, and pancakes. The dishes do not disappoint and there is a large selection to choose from so everyone in your group will be happy!
For those in the mood for a caffeine boost and a quick bite to eat, make your way to the highly-rated Dancing Baristas Café. Give yourself a caffeinated boost with a coffee, tea, or Lotus beverage. The cafe also has a variety of pastries, bagels, sandwiches, flat bread pizzas, and more for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. It also a great outdoor space to just relax and unwind as you sip your beverage.
For brunch, lunch, and/or dinner, there's perhaps no better place in town than Beaufort Grocery. Located in the town's historic district, this restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 30 years and is open 5 days a week for lunch and dinner while brunch is served on Sundays. While lunch is casual and consists of a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, dinner is when the restaurant transforms into an elegant place to dine, perfect for a night out on the town.
Want to dine like the locals do? Blackbeard's Grill & Steam Bar is located outside of Beaufort's downtown and is known for its fresh seafood dishes. From the stuffed local soft-shelled crab to Blackbeard's Lump Crab Cakes, local fried flounder, and the Mariner's Feast featuring a variety of steamed seafood, this restaurant is a must for those who love fresh seafood.
Located at the mouths of the North and Newport Rivers, the Rachel Carson Reserve is a stunning nature escape. Consisting of several islands, this reserve is home to 200 bird species as well as wild/feral horses that were brought here in the 1940s. Part of the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, this is the spot to visit for those who love birdwatching. To get here, you'll either have to use a private boat or take a ferry from Beaufort.
Another nature escape you can take from Beaufort is to the nearby Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge on Cedar Island. Established in 1964, this protected space is home to wetlands and woodland habitats with a diverse number of species. Here you will find several waterfowl species as well as raptors, otters, and mink, among others. Not only is it a wonderful place for birdwatching and spotting wildlife but also for nature photography, hiking, boating, and fishing.
Are you ready for a small-town getaway in North Carolina? As you can see, there are so many incredible things to do in Beaufort. If you love charming historic towns, visiting Beaufort, North Carolina is a must!
