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Rachel Carson Reserve
Located just across Taylor’s Creek from downtown Beaufort, the Rachel Carson Reserve is a protected coastal sanctuary known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, the preserve encompasses salt marshes, tidal flats and small islands that provide habitat for shorebirds, marine life and the area’s famous wild horses. Explore the reserve by kayak, paddleboard or guided tour while enjoying stunning views of the Crystal Coast.
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Crystal Coast Aviation
From the air, you'll see the intricate patterns of marshes, inlets and sandbars that make this stretch of coastline so distinctive. While on an air tour with Crystal Coast Aviation, the waterways, marshes, barrier islands and coastal towns come into focus in a way that's hard to appreciate from the ground. Flying above places such as Beaufort, Morehead City and Cape Lookout reveals the scale and interconnectedness of the coast, from winding inlets to stretches of undeveloped shoreline.
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Beaufort Paddle
Rent a kayak from Beaufort Paddle and head to Bird Shoal Beach, one of the Crystal Coast's most unique paddling destinations. Accessible by kayak from Beaufort, the undeveloped island offers wide stretches of sand, shallow waters and views of the Rachel Carson Reserve and surrounding waterways. Renting a kayak is an easy way to explore the area at your own pace, whether you're looking for a quiet beach stop, opportunities to spot shorebirds and dolphins, or simply a different perspective on the coast. The journey across Taylor Creek is short, but it feels worlds away from the mainland.
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Front Street
Front Street is the heart of Beaufort, a waterfront corridor where centuries of history meet the town's vibrant present-day charm. Named one of America's Best Small Towns by Travel + Leisure, Beaufort invites visitors to linger along its strollable harbor, browse locally owned shops and enjoy waterfront dining with views of Taylor Creek. The street is lined with historic homes, shady live oaks and landmarks that reflect Beaufort's long maritime history.
North Carolina Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museum along Beaufort's historic waterfront offers a deeper understanding of the coast's rich maritime heritage. Through exhibits on shipbuilding, commercial fishing, piracy, coastal communities and marine science, the museum tells the stories that have shaped NC's relationship with the sea for centuries. Explore artifacts recovered from Blackbeard's flagship — Queen Anne's Revenge, learn about life on the working waterfront and discover the natural forces that continue to influence the coast today.
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Beaufort Historic Site
From Front Street, it's easy to explore the Beaufort Historic Site, home to restored historic buildings such as the Beaufort Apothecary, where exhibits help bring the town's early history to life. From there, visitors can follow a self-guided walking tour through the National Register Historic District or simply relax along the waterfront and watch boats cruise through Taylor Creek.
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Old Burying Ground
The next stop leads to the Old Burying Ground, one of North Carolina's oldest cemeteries and one of Beaufort's most fascinating historic landmarks. Established in the early 1700s, the cemetery is the final resting place of sailors, soldiers, merchants and generations of local residents. Shaded by sprawling live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the grounds are known for their centuries-old gravestones and colorful local legends. A stroll through the cemetery offers a unique perspective on Beaufort's past, with stories of maritime life, colonial history and the people who helped shape one of NC's oldest coastal towns.
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Curtis Perry Public Park
After a final waterfront meal on Front Street, head to Curtis Perry Public Park for a quieter look at the Crystal Coast's natural beauty. The park is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing and catching a sunset, with a peaceful setting that feels worlds away from the beach crowds. It's an easy stop for anyone looking to experience the landscapes that make North Carolina's coast so ecologically rich and distinctive.