Beaufort, North Carolina is a quaint little town coastal town with huge charm! There are so many unique places to explore while visiting that you won’t want to miss! Not to be confused with the South Carolina town, in North Carolina we pronounce it as “BOE-furt”. Being the third oldest city in our state it’s a beautiful mix of old homes from the 1700’s to beautiful Caribbean inspired beach houses.

The home where my grandparent’s rented a room on Front Street

Beaufort has an extra special place in my heart, because, not only is it the cutest little town, it also has some unique family history for me. My grandparents actually moved here shortly after they first married. Back then, it was still a fishing town, and my grandmother would often talk about how terrible the smell was back then from the shad factories!

Since then, Beaufort has changed a bit and the smell is long gone, but what has remained the same is a quaint town with old world charm. And don’t just take my word for it, Beaufort has been named America’s Favorite Town by Travel and Leisure and the South’s Best Small Town by Southern Living. I grew up spending my summer’s visiting this area, and since moving here have found so many hidden gems worth exploring! Checkout all of my favorite things to do here! Here are some of our favorite hidden gems of Beaufort NC that you’ll fall in love with!

The end of Front Street in Beaufort, NC

Stroll Around Town

Front street in Beaufort is where you’ll find plenty of fun shops to poke your head in and buy gifts. There are some amazing art galleries, clothing stores and antique shops! A few of my favorite shops in town are Beaufort Antiques, Downtown Antiques, and Beaufort Home Store.

After you’re finished shopping, grab an ice cream from The General Store and walk down the Beaufort Docks waterfront! You’ll see boat’s here from tiny skiff’s up to mega yachts. Be sure to checkout Beaufort Mercantile where you’re there where you can find some beautiful artwork and can also grab a drink right on the boardwalk! It is also a really good place to take pictures on the water. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some horses across the water on Carrot Island!

The Boardwalk in Beaufort, NC looking towards the Dock House Resturant

Look for Wild Horses

If you’ve spent any time in Beaufort, you’ve likely seen the horses on Carrot Island. These horses are closely related to the horses you can visit on nearby Shackleford Island, learn more about them and the other Hidden Gems of the Crystal Coast.

Horses on Carrot Island across Taylor’s Creek

The Carrot Island horses here started out as a stock of horses that were kept on the island, but over time they’ve mixed with Spanish horses from other barrier islands. The herd of about 40 horses lives on the tidal marshes, which makes for a great place to watch birds and take amazing pictures. You can catch the short 5 minute boat ride over with Island Ferry Adventures which will take you across to the island (it only costs about $10). If you prefer to paddle, rent a kayak from Beaufort Kayaks or Down East Kayak (they deliver to Beaufort) and make the short paddle across.

Island Ferry Adventures on Front Street in Beaufort, NC

When you get to Carrot Island, spend time exploring the mudflats and salt marshes. On Town Marsh, the western end of the reserve, you’ll find two hiking loops. The inner Loop, takes you in towards the inner forest, and the Outer Loop, takes your toward the shoals and is only accessible at low tide. Sometimes, you can even walk from Carrot Island to Bird Shoals to look for shells and sand dollars. Be sure to bring shoes that can get muddy, as well as plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray!

Local Kayak storage on Front Street in Beaufort, NC

Explore some Pirate History

Beaufort is FULL of history, including the fact that Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard the pirate, lived in town. The oldest home in town, the Hammock House, is legend to be Blackbeard’s home that he shared with a young French woman. As the legend goes, she was not a “willing resident” and in a rage he hung her on an oak tree out back. People say you can still hear her scream occasionally.

You can’t go in the house since it’s a private residence, but can walk past it on Hammock Lane. Walking or biking the neighborhoods in Beaufort is a great way to take in some of the history. And if you’re into ghosts, Beaufort PC Tours offers ghost tours! There is also Beauforts Pirate Revenge tour is great for families traveling with children, which takes you aboard a pirate ship in town and looks for a treasure! 

The Hammock House on Hammock Lane where Blackbeard once lived.

Visit the Maritime Museum

Blackbeard not only lived in the area, he also grounded his ship, the Queen’s Anne’s Revenge, in the inlet near Beaufort. It was lost for over 200 years until it was found in only 20 feet of water right near the inlet in 1996. Since then, many of the artifacts have been recovered and put on display in the NC Maritime Museum that can be found in downtown Beaufort!

The entrance to the Beaufort Maritime Museum

It’s a small museum, that doesn’t take long to explore, but is a great activity for a rainy day. Not only is it free to explore (they accept donations), but it provides an interesting look at the Maritime history of the area. In addition to the Queen Anne’s Revenge, there are exhibits on boat building and the surfing history of the area. Across the street you’ll also find the boat building facility where they still make wooden boats!

Wooden boat building across from the NC Maritime Museum

Visit the Olde Burying Grounds

You’re probably thinking why would I want to walk around an old cemetery? The Olde Beaufort Cemetery has some very interesting history and some very unique people buried there! Probably the most notable grave here belongs to the “Girl in the Rum Barrel”. The girl really wanted to go back to England to see where she grew up, and her father promised her mom that they would return safely. Unfortunately the girl died on the Atlantic Crossing, and rather than bury her at sea, the father put her in a rum barrel so he could bring her back for burial. People often bring trinkets and small toys for her and leave them on her grave. While you’re visiting, the Beaufort historic society has put together a free guided tour that you can use to take you through the cemetery.

The entrance to the Olde Burying Grounds in Beaufort, NC

Take a Historical Tour

The Beaufort Historic Society offers many tours of the over 300 year old town! There is a riding tour that covers town history on a cute old double decker bus! They also have a historic buildings tour of Beaufort, which allows you to walk through three of the original buildings in Beaufort. My personal favorite building is the Victorian style Josiah Bell house and the old jail. If you’re visiting the Crystal Coast at Christmas, they also offer an amazing candlelight home tour that I highly recommend!

The Double Decker bus tour by the Beaufort Historical Society

Grab Souvenirs at the Farmer’s Market

Beaufort is home to one of the best farmers markets in the area. The Olde Beaufort Farmers Market is open every Saturday in the summer from 9am-1pm. It is set under the beautiful old oak tree’s and all of the vendor’s are so friendly. The market gives you a great glimpse of the small town feel that Beaufort has. You’ll find artisans, farmers, and fresh treats. A few of my favorite’s to shop are Sea Oats Candles, plants from Coastal Breeze, seaglass jewelry from Silent Flight and flowers from a local florist.  The market is a great place to buy local produce, meats, and fish as well- if you hungry grab a treat from Beaufort Biscuit while you’re browsing! 

The Beaufort Farmer’s Market 

Toast the Sunset

Since the Beaufort is on the water, it’s a great place to watch the sunset. There are many waterfront restaurants where you can grab a sunset drink! I’ve written up all of our favorite places to eat and drink the Crystal Coast and Beaufort, NC includes a few of our favorites!

A low key spot worth a visit is the Dock House. Both locals and visitors pack their outdoor area in the summer because it’s in the center of the boardwalk and perfect for people watching! Their drinks are honestly nothing to write home about, but the atmosphere is perfect. They are right on the water and often have live music.

Dock House Resturant on the Boardwalk in Beaufort, NC overlooking Taylor’s Creek

Moonrackers Restaurant is another option if you’re looking for something more upscale. One of the newest additions to Beaufort, they have a restaurant on the bottom two floors overlooking the water, and a rooftop deck on top. Although it’s a little pricey, they have an excellent drink selection and great view!

One of our personal favorite spots is the Rhum bar at Front Street Grill. They have a great little lounge set up right on the water! Since it’s so close to the inlet, it’s a great place to go and watch the boats come in. They have a great drink selection and their food is delicious! If you’re looking for more great places to toast on the water, be sure to read some of the best waterfront dining on the Crystal Coast!

A view of the Rhum Bar from the Beaufort Docks looking towards the Inlet

Sail into the Sunset

If being close to the water sounds fun, then another favorite even among many local’s is a sunset cruise! There is just something so magical about watching the sunset from the water! Most of the cruises include adult beverages like beer and wine! Lookout Cruise’s is just one of the many operators in the area that doesn’t mind if you bring your own food, so bring an appetizer with you to enjoy!

Sunset over Taylor’s Creek from the Beaufort Dock’s

Unique Drinks

If you’re visiting Beaufort and you like craft beer you would be crazy not to pay a visit to Beaufort’s craft breweries and favorite local bar! Fishtowne and Mill Whistle Brewery are located in Beaufort, NC and are two of the many breweries of the Crystal Coast, and also happen to be two of our favorites! 

While you’re in Beaufort, you also have to make a stop at Backstreet Pub! It is a quaint, funky little bar, that was formerly a bakery, tucked on Back Street. It’s a great place to find live music, the most genuine people, and an old world feel! The cozy inside bar is decorated in eclectic nautical memorabilia and has a fireplace that heats the inside from fall to spring. There is also a large patio outside with plenty of picnic tables, as well as smaller tables tucked in a little courtyard. It’s a great place where they treat strangers like old friends!

The outdoor courtyard at Backstreet Pub on a sunny fall day

Where to Eat

Not only is Beaufort the cutest little town, there are also plenty of restaurants for the Foodie at heart! You’ll find everything from local seafood, to barbecue, to bistros.

One the most unique Beaufort eateries is the French bakery, Les Ciseaux, that recently opened up. They are only open a few days a week, but are well known for their incredible viennoiserie, or baked goods, that are only available on Saturday’s. Get there early, because they quickly sell out in the mornings, but typically make a second batch in the afternoon. They also have freshly baked bread everyday. 

There are way too many great restaurants to mention here, so I created another post just about food on the Crystal Coast! Be sure to check it out for some great recommendations of places to eat while you’re visiting.

The line outside Les Ciseaux on a Saturday afternoon

Getting Around

Everywhere in Beaufort is accessible by car, but parking can be difficult.  If you’re staying downtown, biking around is a great option and how you’ll see most local’s getting around. You can rent a bike from Beaufort Bicycles for your stay and many of the local bed and breakfasts even include them with your stay! I highly recommend biking through the old downtown and looking at all of the homes around Beaufort!

Biking down Front Street in Beaufort

Where to Stay

Beaufort has so many wonderful places to stay, including many of the quaintest bed and breakfasts, like the Pecan Tree Inn and the Inn on Turner Street that are nestled all throughout town. There are also many cottages available for rent and even campsites nearby on the beaches.

There is also a new hotel, the Beaufort Hotel, that has a great restaurant inside that is worth a visit. Their dinners are great but their brunch is wonderful! The hotel is right on the water and has gorgeous views of Taylors Creek!

The view from 34 North Resturant inside the Beaufort Hotel overlooking Taylor’s Creek and horses

I hope you’ll enjoy Beaufort as much as we do and I’d love to hear about all your adventures! Let me know what your favorites are in the comments below 🙂

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