Things to Do in Beaufort NC This Summer
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Beaufort NC. This charming coastal town combines beautiful scenery, living history, delicious food, unique shopping, and a wealth of entertaining events all year long. Of course, summer is one of the best times to take advantage of all of the water-related activities, but there’s plenty of things to see and do even on dry land.
Beaufort Historic Site
Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in the state – founded in 1709 – and you’ll find plenty of the area’s rich history to explore, especially at the Beaufort Historic Site. This two-acre area combines historic structures and reconstructions, such as the Carteret County Courthouse, Apothecary, and the Old Jail, to give visitors a real sense of life in the town in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welcome Center is a great starting point and it’s also home to various events and workshops throughout the year that illustrate the traditional arts, crafts, and necessary skills of early Beaufort residents, such as the upcoming felted soap workshop.
Maritime Museum
With its location on the Crystal Coast and rich history of pirates and privateers, the North Carolina Maritime Museum offers a wealth of fascinating history on topics such as lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, marine life, ecology and much more, not to mention serving as the repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, which includes cannons, grenades, belt buckles, and beads. In addition, you can get hands-on experience in shipbuilding at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center located across the street, which is dedicated to preserving the craft of traditional shipbuilding.
Cape Lookout
While the lighthouse may be closed, a trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore is absolutely worth a visit. The ferry ride over offers plenty of spectacular views of its own, and the bright, shallow waters along the beach are mesmerizing. You may also be able to see the wild horses across the water on Shackleford Banks.
Rachel Carson Reserve
Kayaking is popular in Beaufort and Beau Coast, with our own kayak storage. You can kayak along Taylor Creek to reach the Rachel Carson Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife and a unique ecosystem. Hiking, birdwatching, and more are some of the ways to pass a lovely day in this special place.
Olde Beaufort Farmers Market
Each Saturday, from 9 am to 1 pm in front of the courthouse, the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market serves as a chance to connect with local artisans, farmers, and food makers, enjoy live music, and learn something new through demos. The market runs from April through November.
Rock the Docks
Every Thursday during the summer, the Rock the Docks Concert Series takes place from 5-8 pm at John Newton Park. This free and family friendly event is a great way to enjoy the summer along the waterfront while listening to great music. The last concert this summer is August 6, so don’t miss out!
Beaufort offers plenty of fun for locals and tourists alike, so if you’re planning on purchasing a new home in this outstanding coastal town, look no further than Beau Coast. We offer plenty of things to do right in the community and you’re just minutes from the wealth of things to do in Beaufort NC, so reach out and contact us today!
