Things to do and Places to see
There are lots of ways to enjoy your time at the Crystal Coast. Visit some of the attractions, swim, kayak, sail, or you may choose to take it easy and skip the sight-seeing. The choice is yours.
Down East Kayaks
1604 Harkers Island RdGet close to nature, see the sights, make memories.
Take a trip to the beaches, lighthouse, see dolphins, enjoy a sunset cruise
28 locals recommend
Island Express Ferry Service
1800 Island RdTake a trip to the beaches, lighthouse, see dolphins, enjoy a sunset cruise
Learn about the Down East history and the famous Duck Decoy traditions.
49 locals recommend
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
1785 Island RdLearn about the Down East history and the famous Duck Decoy traditions.
Find out about the wooden boat building tradition and Blackbeard's legacy
75 locals recommend
North Carolina Maritime Museum
315 Front StFind out about the wooden boat building tradition and Blackbeard's legacy
Tour the lighthouse keeper's home, climb the lighthouse
6 locals recommend
Cape Lookout Visitor's Center
1800 Island RdTour the lighthouse keeper's home, climb the lighthouse
The Cape Lookout National Park building hosts exhibits, movies and local information. The sunsets from Shell Point are amazing! Take a picnic and a bottle of bubbly and relax at the park. There is also a short nature walk and great birding opportunities.
78 locals recommend
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The Cape Lookout National Park building hosts exhibits, movies and local information. The sunsets from Shell Point are amazing! Take a picnic and a bottle of bubbly and relax at the park. There is also a short nature walk and great birding opportunities.
Billy's grocery store is a place where you can find EVERYTHING. Reminds you of an old five-and-dime store.
Billy's
1016 Island RdBilly's grocery store is a place where you can find EVERYTHING. Reminds you of an old five-and-dime store.
Core Sound Decor Carvers Guild
1574 Harkers Island RdA major event is hosted every year in December on Harkers Island
Lots of fun things for the whole family to experience at the Aquarium
275 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
1 Roosevelt BlvdLots of fun things for the whole family to experience at the Aquarium
The fort is well preserved and there are also some lovely beaches within the park grounds.
250 locals recommend
Fort Macon State Park
2303 E Fort Macon RdThe fort is well preserved and there are also some lovely beaches within the park grounds.
Wild ponies, unspoiled beaches, crystal clear water. It's paradise!
87 locals recommend
Shackleford Banks
Wild ponies, unspoiled beaches, crystal clear water. It's paradise!
There are so many great places around here to find shells and this is one of them.
Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve Dedicated Nature Preserve
There are so many great places around here to find shells and this is one of them.
The Davis Shore ferry offer vehicle and passenger service to Cape Lookout National Seashore
9 locals recommend
Davis Shore Ferry Service
148 Willis RdThe Davis Shore ferry offer vehicle and passenger service to Cape Lookout National Seashore
Beaufort was ranked as "America's Coolest Small Town" by readers of Budget Travel Magazine and named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Favorite Town” . Just 15 miles from Harkers Island, enjoy the historic sights and lots of restaurants to choose from.
165 locals recommend
Beaufort
Beaufort was ranked as "America's Coolest Small Town" by readers of Budget Travel Magazine and named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Favorite Town” . Just 15 miles from Harkers Island, enjoy the historic sights and lots of restaurants to choose from.
Take a dinner cruise or a sunset cruise
16 locals recommend
Crystal Coast Lady Cruises featuring the NEW "MISS CRYSTAL COAST"
600 Front StTake a dinner cruise or a sunset cruise
Marshallberg Farm is just 4 miles from Harkers Island and is the the only producer of Russian sturgeon and Osetra caviar in the U.S.A. While the facility is not usually open to the public, they do offer tours - check the website for dates and tickets.
The Caviar Farm | Marshallberg Farm
811 Straits RoadMarshallberg Farm is just 4 miles from Harkers Island and is the the only producer of Russian sturgeon and Osetra caviar in the U.S.A. While the facility is not usually open to the public, they do offer tours - check the website for dates and tickets.
The Bogue Sound Museum and Distillery is about 40 miles from Harkers Island. Tours are offered Wed - Sat for individuals over 21. They brew vodka, whiskey and gin. A visit to the distillery could be combined with a scenic loop from Morehead City and via Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach. https://boguesounddistillery.com/
12 locals recommend
Bogue Sound Distillery
108 Bogue Commercial DrThe Bogue Sound Museum and Distillery is about 40 miles from Harkers Island. Tours are offered Wed - Sat for individuals over 21. They brew vodka, whiskey and gin. A visit to the distillery could be combined with a scenic loop from Morehead City and via Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach. https://boguesounddistillery.com/
Visit Fort Macon for a self guided tour of the extensive exhibits indoors and out, cannon and musket demonstrations and enjoy the beautiful beach side areas. The Fort is 25 miles from Harkers Island and close to the Atlantic Beach shops, beaches and entertainment parks.
250 locals recommend
Fort Macon State Park
2303 E Fort Macon RdVisit Fort Macon for a self guided tour of the extensive exhibits indoors and out, cannon and musket demonstrations and enjoy the beautiful beach side areas. The Fort is 25 miles from Harkers Island and close to the Atlantic Beach shops, beaches and entertainment parks.
Sinclair's Golf Cars
201 Campen RdIf you want to rent a golf cart to use during your stay.
Bounty Hunter Guide Service
1906 Paulette RoadCharter boat and guide - If you want to go fishing
For the adventurous: take a parasailing trip and view the sights from above. beaufortwatersports.com
22 locals recommend
Beaufort Parasail
600 Front StFor the adventurous: take a parasailing trip and view the sights from above. beaufortwatersports.com
Would you like to try your hand at making stained glass? Wild Rose offers lessons for beginners and also offers pieces for sale. Support local Harkers Island artists
Wild rose glass
447 Island RdWould you like to try your hand at making stained glass? Wild Rose offers lessons for beginners and also offers pieces for sale. Support local Harkers Island artists
The Farmers Market in Beaufort is definitely worth a visit (Sat 9-1). Fresh vegetables, local art and other discoveries await you.
18 locals recommend
Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market
402 Courthouse SquareThe Farmers Market in Beaufort is definitely worth a visit (Sat 9-1). Fresh vegetables, local art and other discoveries await you.