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Front Street waterfront
Walk the boardwalk beside Taylor's Creek for working boats, marina slips, waterfront restaurants, and views across to the Rachel Carson Reserve.
Things to do
Things to do in Beaufort, North Carolina
Find things to do in Beaufort, NC: Front Street, the maritime museum, historic sites, Rachel Carson Reserve, Cape Lookout, and Shackleford Banks.
In town
Front Street, maritime history, and the historic district
Maritime story
NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Exhibits interpret coastal boats, fisheries, lifesaving, navigation, and North Carolina maritime culture. The nearby Watercraft Center shows traditional boatbuilding work.
Historic walk
Beaufort Historic Site and Old Burying Ground
Tour preserved buildings at the Beaufort Historic Site, then continue to the Old Burying Ground for marked graves and stories from the port town's past.
Marsh water
Rachel Carson Reserve
The reserve's islands, tidal flats, salt marsh, and maritime forest sit across Taylor's Creek. Access is by boat or paddle; use the official reserve trail and visitor guidance.
Town or barrier island
Front Street sights are walkable; the islands require a boat
Front Street, the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort Historic Site, and Old Burying Ground form the in-town cluster. Rachel Carson Reserve, Shackleford Banks, and Cape Lookout require a boat or paddle crossing and current-condition checks.
On the water
Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, and Taylor's Creek
National seashore
Cape Lookout lighthouse and beach
Passenger ferries reach the lighthouse area and ocean beach. The lighthouse is currently closed to climbing and interior entry, and the damaged dock requires a beach landing with a soft-sand walk that may cross shallow water at some tides.
Wildlife
Shackleford Banks wild horses
Passenger ferries from Beaufort reach the west end of Shackleford Banks. Bring binoculars, never approach, feed, or touch the horses, and remain far enough away to avoid disturbing them or endangering people and pets.
Public waterfront
Harborside Park and the boardwalk
The public waterfront beside the maritime museum offers Taylor's Creek views and direct access to downtown exhibits, the historic district, and Front Street restaurants.
Official resources
Check hours, ferry details, and park conditions before heading out.
Cape Lookout National SeashoreCurrent park alerts, facility status, lighthouse closure, and landing conditions.Cape Lookout ferry informationAuthorized operators, Beaufort and Harkers Island departures, schedules, and ferry questions.Shackleford Banks horse guidanceOfficial wildlife-watching and safety guidance from the National Park Service.NC Maritime Museum in BeaufortMuseum hours, exhibits, and programs.Beaufort Historic SiteHistoric buildings, tours, and events.