Beaufort is a charming coastal town in North Carolina that offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. From stunning beaches to historic landmarks, here are some top places and activities to explore in Beaufort:

 

Beaufort historic district

A visit to Beaufort would be incomplete without exploring its historic district. This area boasts over 300 historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the town's rich history.

 

Beaufort Pirate Invasion

The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is an annual event that takes place in Beaufort, a town in North Carolina. It is a lively and entertaining festival where participants and visitors can immerse themselves in pirate-themed activities, performances, and reenactments. The event often includes pirate parades, live music, costume contests, historical demonstrations, and various other family-friendly activities that celebrate the rich history and folklore of pirates in the region. It aims to bring the spirit of adventure and the allure of the high seas to life, allowing attendees to enjoy an exciting and immersive experience centered around the world of pirates.

 

Beaufort Music Festival

For more than three decades, the annual festival has been a staple in the charming town of Beaufort, occurring every May. The streets come alive on Fridays and Saturdays, teeming with both locals and tourists relishing the delightful weather and an abundance of splendid music. Since 2019, the festival has found a new home at Gallants Channel in Beaufort, specifically at a waterside annex named Gallants Point, which is owned by the NC Maritime Museum.


BMF strives to be a family-inclusive event and to provide an immersive experience for all ages over two days with food trucks, a family area with children’s activities, and beer activations

 

Annual Beaufort boat building challenge

Annual competition where teams from various regions come together to demonstrate their boat-building skills and craftsmanship within a set time frame. The challenge emphasizes traditional boat building techniques and celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the area.

Participants are tasked with constructing a seaworthy vessel using only hand tools and traditional methods, paying homage to the longstanding history of boat construction in the region. Spectators have the opportunity to witness the excitement and skill involved in building a boat from scratch, as teams race against the clock to complete their creations.

 

North Carolina Maritime Museum

This museum is dedicated to the maritime heritage of North Carolina and offers exhibits on boatbuilding, fishing, and coastal life. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the local waters or explore the museum's collection of nautical artifacts.

 

Town Creek Marina Beaufort

A popular marina for boats and yachts, offering convenient facilities and a picturesque waterfront location for visitors to enjoy the coastal beauty of Beaufort. The marina provides a range of amenities and services tailored to the needs of boaters and visitors, including dockage facilities, fueling stations, and boat maintenance services. Boaters can take advantage of the marina's convenient location, allowing for easy exploration of the nearby Beaufort Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway.


 

Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve

This 2,315-acre reserve is named after the environmentalist and writer Rachel Carson and offers visitors a chance to explore salt marshes, estuaries, and beaches. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including shorebirds, dolphins, and sea turtles.