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North Carolina Maritime Museum
Start your journey at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, home to fascinating artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. The wreckage was found in Beaufort Inlet by a private group on Nov. 21, 1996, and confirmed the next day on the 278th anniversary of Blackbeard’s death. The site of the wreck is under about 20 feet of water just offshore from Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach.
Beaufort Ghost Walk
Explore downtown Beaufort’s waterfront on a guided ghost walk, where pirate legends come to life. Perfect for all ages, this tour shares eerie tales of Blackbeard and his crew.
Historic Bath
Blackbeard arrived here in June 1718 and immediately received the “gracious pardon” of the Royal Proclamation from colonial Governor Charles Eden. It is widely believed that Blackbeard took up residence in a home on Plum’s Point, visible across the bay from the Bonner House. Members of the Bonner family told of a ghostly phenomenon called “Blackbeard’s Lights.” During violent storms, they would see a ball of fire as large as or larger than a man’s head sail back and forth from Plum Point to Archbell Point all night.
Bath State Historic Site
A room at the Bath State Historic Site is dedicated to Blackbeard and his men, many of whom may have been Bath residents. The historic Van der Veer House also has a room dedicated to Blackbeard that includes a graphite vase — rumored to be the famous pirate’s money pot. Accounts say the people of colonial Bath treated their infamous pardoned pirate as somewhat of a celebrity. When Blackbeard and his crew were in town, they threw lavish dinners and wild parties.
Blackbeard's Tavern
Party like a pirate at this pizzeria on Main Street, where specials on most days — like the family meal deal or buy one get one free — are popular among diners.
Ferry to Ocracoke
Take the scenic ferry ride with your car from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke year-round, keeping an eye out for dolphins and possible shipwrecks along the way.
Ocracoke Inlet
Ocracoke Inlet was one of Blackbeard’s hideouts, and it was here that two small sloops hired by Virginia governor Alexander Spotswood found and cornered Blackbeard on the inner side of the island. Blackbeard was killed in the battle that ensued on Nov. 22, 1718. His headless body is believed to be buried in a mass grave somewhere on the island.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Take a break from history and enjoy the pristine sands of Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, named “Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach.
1718 Brewing
At 1718, they specialize in easy-drinking brews like their Pretty Work, a Kölsch-inspired light beer, and a brew that uses one of the most sought-after spices for pirates and traders, pepper berry, in their Pepperberry Saison.
Ferry to Hatteras
This free ferry runs year-round and drops you off steps away from a handful of restaurants and outfitters, plus a museum and a marina.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
The popular shipping lanes off the Outer Banks made piracy and warfare an integral aspect of the region’s maritime history, and the museum displays shipwrecks related to piracy and warfare off the coast from the late 17th century through 1945.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
As the nation’s tallest and most recognizable lighthouse, it's commonly referred to as “America’s Lighthouse” and was completed in 1870. While climbing is currently unavailable due to restoration, the iconic black-and-white landmark is still worth a visit.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Stop 2
Beaufort Ghost Walk
Stop 3
Historic Bath
Stop 4
Bath State Historic Site
Stop 5
Blackbeard's Tavern
Stop 6
Ferry to Ocracoke
Stop 7
Ocracoke Inlet
Stop 8
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Stop 9
1718 Brewing
Stop 10
Ferry to Hatteras
Stop 11
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Stop 12