Last updated: June 2026 | By Sarah Marchwiany

If you’re planning a family trip to the Crystal Coast, make sure Beaufort, NC earns a full day — or better yet, a full weekend — on your itinerary. This charming waterfront town is one of North Carolina’s most underrated family destinations, packed with history, coastal wildlife, wild horses, pirate adventures, free museums, and some of the best local seafood you’ll find anywhere on the NC coast.

Located just a short drive from Emerald Isle (about 20 minutes), Morehead City (10 minutes), and Atlantic Beach (15 minutes), Beaufort feels completely different from a typical beach day — and that’s exactly the point. In a single day, your family can hop on a ferry to see wild horses on Shackleford Banks, explore Blackbeard’s world at the free NC Maritime Museum, battle pirates aboard a replica ship, cool off at a waterfront splash pad, and end the evening with ice cream by the water.

Whether you’re planning a Beaufort NC day trip from Greensboro, Raleigh, or Charlotte, or you’re staying on the Crystal Coast for the week, this guide covers everything you need to know: the best things to do in Beaufort with kids, where to eat, where to stay, practical tips, and a sample one-day itinerary.

Before you go: Always check individual attraction websites for current hours, ferry schedules, and reservation requirements — especially in summer when things fill up fast.

How to Get to Beaufort NC

Beaufort is located on the Crystal Coast in Carteret County, about midway down the North Carolina coast. It’s an easy and scenic drive from most major NC cities:

From Greensboro: approximately 3 hours via US-70 East
From Winston-Salem: approximately 3.5 hours via US-421 South to US-70 East
From Raleigh: approximately 2.5 hours via US-70 East
From Charlotte: approximately 3.5 hours via I-40 East to US-70 East
From Emerald Isle: approximately 20 minutes via NC-24 East
From Wilmington: approximately 1.5 hours via US-17 North to US-70 East

Parking in Beaufort: Parking in downtown Beaufort is free — a wonderful surprise for a waterfront tourist town. Street parking and small lots are available along and near Front Street. Arrive early on summer weekends to snag a spot close to the waterfront.

Things to Do in Beaufort NC with Kids

Take a Ferry to See the Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks

One of the most memorable things to do in Beaufort with kids is taking a ferry to Shackleford Banks (part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore) or Carrot Island (part of the Rachel Carson Reserve) to see the famous wild horses.

These horses are descendants of Colonial Spanish mustangs that have roamed the Crystal Coast barrier islands for centuries. Watching them graze and gallop freely along the shoreline with the Atlantic Ocean in the background is a genuinely breathtaking experience — one the kids will talk about for years.

Island Express Ferry Service is the only National Park Service-authorized ferry to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Ferries depart from the downtown Beaufort waterfront along Front Street, with the ride to Shackleford taking about 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll also find some of the best shelling beaches on the entire NC coast — bring a bag for sand dollars, whelks, and scotch bonnets.

What to Know Before You Go:

If you’re exploring Carrot Island or Shackleford Banks on foot, wear closed-toe shoes. The terrain includes:

Horse manure along the trails (this is a wild animal habitat!)
Tiny fiddler crabs crossing the path
Cactus spurs hidden in the grass
Patches of poison ivy
Uneven, sandy terrain that’s rough on flip-flops

Pack for the adventure: water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, and a camera or good phone. The ferry ride itself is often a highlight for kids — watch for dolphins en route!

Ages: All ages, though toddlers do best in a carrier or sturdy sandals for the ferry. The trails on the island are best for kids 4 and up. Cost: Ferry tickets vary by company; budget around $15–20 per person round trip. Check the waterfront kiosks or book ahead in summer. Time needed: Half day minimum; plan 3–4 hours if you want time to explore and shell.

Sail on the Beaufort Pirate’s Revenge

If you’re visiting Beaufort with kids, the Beaufort Pirate’s Revenge should be near the top of your list. This replica 18th-century pirate ship departs from the Beaufort waterfront and offers a 90-minute cruise packed with swashbuckling fun — face painting, pretend sword fights, pirate stories, and the undisputed highlight: a water cannon battle.

The crew is enthusiastic, the atmosphere is completely over-the-top in the best possible way, and it’s one of those rare experiences where the adults have just as much fun as the kids. Families with children aged 3–12 consistently rank it as the single best thing they did on the Crystal Coast.

Ages: Perfect for ages 3–12; teens may enjoy it ironically. Cost: Check the website for current ticket prices — book ahead in summer, it sells out. Time needed: About 90 minutes. Insider tip: Take the morning cruise for the best light and cooler temperatures.

Explore the North Carolina Maritime Museum (Free!)

One of the best free things to do in Beaufort NC, the North Carolina Maritime Museum is a fantastic stop for families — even kids who think museums are boring tend to come alive here. The museum reopened with updated exhibits in April 2026, so there’s plenty that’s fresh and engaging.

Kids will love:

Hands-on Blackbeard exhibits featuring artifacts from his famous ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, which was discovered off the Beaufort coast
Incredible collections of seashells from around the world — one of the largest on display in the Southeast
Maritime history displays including traditional boats, fishing gear, and coastal life through the centuries
A scavenger hunt designed specifically for kids that keeps them engaged throughout
A coloring area for the youngest visitors

The museum also has a well-stocked gift shop with coastal-themed items, books, and kids’ toys at reasonable prices. If you’re visiting on a rainy day, this is hands-down the best indoor option in Beaufort.

Admission: Free.
Ages: All ages; best for kids 5 and up who can engage with exhibits.
Time needed: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how interested the kids are.
Tip: Check the museum’s website for special kids’ programs — they periodically offer “Build a Boat in a Day” classes and story hours that are incredibly popular.

Step Inside the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

Directly across Front Street from the Maritime Museum, the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center is a quick but genuinely fascinating stop — especially for kids who are into building and making things. This working boatbuilding shop is where skilled craftspeople (many of them volunteers) use traditional methods to build and restore wooden boats.

Visitors can observe the work from a viewing gallery above the workshop, and the gallery contains tools, artifacts, and information panels explaining the boatbuilding process. It’s not a hands-on experience, but watching an actual wooden boat take shape in real time is surprisingly compelling.

Admission: Free. Ages: Best for ages 7 and up with an interest in history or craftsmanship. Time needed: 10–20 minutes. Tip: Visit when someone is actively building — you can ask questions and the craftspeople are usually happy to explain what they’re doing.

Visit the Old Burying Ground

One of the most historically fascinating and surprisingly kid-friendly stops in Beaufort, the Old Burying Ground on Ann Street is the final resting place of Beaufort residents dating back to 1709 — making it one of the oldest cemeteries in North Carolina. The grounds are ancient, moss-draped, and genuinely atmospheric.

Kids and adults alike are drawn to the story of the “Girl in the Rum Keg” — a local legend about a ship captain’s daughter who died at sea and was preserved in a rum barrel to be returned home for burial. Her grave near Craven Street is decorated with trinkets and tokens left by visitors.

Walking through the Old Burying Ground is a free, casual experience — you can spend 20–30 minutes wandering and reading the historic markers. It’s an excellent way to start or end a downtown Beaufort visit.

Admission: Free. Ages: All ages; best for kids 6+ who can appreciate a little history and ghost lore. Time needed: 20–30 minutes. Tip: The Beaufort Ghost Tour also passes through here in the evening — a fun option for older kids and teens.

Take the Double Decker Bus Tour

One of the best ways to orient yourself to Beaufort’s history and layout, the double decker bus tour departs from the Beaufort Historic Site daily at 1:30 pm. The 45-minute tour rolls through Beaufort’s historic streets with narration covering the town’s architecture, colonial history, pirate connections, and waterfront landmarks.

It’s a fantastic option when little legs need a break from walking but your crew isn’t ready to stop exploring. The top deck has the best views but also the most sun and heat — bring hats and water in summer, and claim your top-deck spot early.

Don’t call ahead worrying about reservations — the staff told us it rarely fills up, but calling ahead in peak summer weeks is a smart move just in case.

Cost: Affordable — check the Beaufort Historic Site website for current prices.
Ages: All ages; toddlers love the novelty, older kids enjoy the pirate history.
Time needed: About 1 hour including boarding/departing.
Tip: Combine this with a visit to the Beaufort Historic Site Gift Shop before or after — it has some of the best-priced souvenirs in town

Browse the Beaufort Historic Site and Gift Shop

The Beaufort Historic Site is a collection of nine restored historic buildings in the heart of downtown, presenting life in 18th-century Beaufort through costumed interpreters and guided tours. The site includes a fascinating old jail, a lush herb garden, an apothecary, and the courthouse — all authentic to the period.

Even if you skip the full walking tour of the site, stop into the gift shop — we were genuinely impressed by the pricing and selection. It’s one of the better souvenir spots in Beaufort, with locally made gifts, Beaufort-themed books and prints, coastal décor, and kids’ items that won’t break the bank.

Ages: All ages for the gift shop; historic site tours best for kids 6 and up. Time needed: 30 minutes for gift shop; 1–1.5 hours for the full site tour.

Watch for Dolphins Along the Waterfront and on Cruises

Beaufort’s Taylor Creek — the waterway running right alongside downtown Front Street — is prime dolphin territory, and sightings from the waterfront boardwalk are genuinely common, especially in the mornings. Keep your eyes on the water while you stroll.

For a more reliable dolphin experience, several boat tour companies offer dedicated dolphin watching cruises departing from the downtown docks throughout the summer. These 1–2-hour excursions explore the Back Sound and surrounding waters, where resident pods of bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted playing, fishing, and surfing boat wakes.

Ages: All ages; excellent for toddlers through teens.
Cost: Check waterfront tour companies for current pricing; expect around $20–30 per adult, less for children.
Tip: Morning cruises tend to have the best wildlife sightings and calmer water.

Stroll and Shell at the Rachel Carson Reserve

Part of the same barrier island ecosystem as Shackleford Banks, the Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve encompasses about 2,200 acres of islands, marshes, and tidal flats — including Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island. The reserve is accessible by kayak or via ferry from the Beaufort waterfront.

It’s one of the best shelling spots on the entire Crystal Coast, and the wildlife viewing is exceptional — wild horses, shore birds, fiddler crabs, and coastal waterfowl are all common sightings. If you want a more independent experience than Shackleford Banks, this is a wonderful alternative.

Ages: Best for kids 5 and up; kayak rentals available for older kids and teens. Cost: Ferry or kayak rental fees vary; walk-in kayak rentals available near the waterfront. Tip: Low tide is the best time for shelling — check tide charts before you go.

Explore Downtown Beaufort

Simply strolling through downtown Beaufort is one of the great pleasures of a visit, and it costs nothing. The historic Front Street and surrounding blocks are lined with locally owned boutiques, coastal gift shops, art galleries, sweet shops, and specialty stores — each one with its own distinct personality.

Even if you’re not shopping, popping into the shops is half the fun. Kids are drawn to the pirate shops, candy stores, and toy boutiques, while adults can browse the art galleries and coastal décor. It’s a completely walkable, car-free experience and one of the most charming downtowns on the NC coast.

Tip: The Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday morning in front of the courthouse, with around 50 vendors selling local produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, jewelry, pottery, and food. If your trip falls on a Saturday, it’s a wonderful way to start the day.

Cool Off at the Splash Pad at Louis Randolph Johnson Jr. Memorial Park

If you’re visiting Beaufort in summer, kids will love the splash pad at Louis Randolph Johnson Jr. Memorial Park, a small but lovely waterfront park just a short walk from downtown. It’s a perfect mid-afternoon break between sightseeing stops when the heat peaks.

The park features the splash pad, open green space, waterfront views, and room for kids to run and play freely. On a hot July or August day, it might be the most popular spot with under-10s in all of Beaufort.

Admission: Free.
Ages: Best for toddlers through age 8.
Time needed: 30–60 minutes.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes for the kids and a towel — they will get completely soaked and be very happy about it.

Best Restaurants in Beaufort NC

Have Lunch at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub

Our hands-down favorite meal in Beaufort. Clawson’s has been a Crystal Coast institution since — you guessed it — 1905, and it shows in the best way: the portions are massive, the flavors are deeply satisfying, and the menu leans hard into local coastal seafood. We ordered the shrimp and grits, fish and chips, shrimp mac and cheese, calamari, and a fresh fruit salad — everything was excellent. The casual, lively atmosphere works well for families with kids of all ages.

Address: 425 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516 Vibe: Casual, kid-friendly, historic building with great character

Beaufort Grocery Company

A step up in atmosphere from Clawson’s, the Beaufort Grocery Company is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its creative coastal cuisine, fresh ingredients, and beautiful patio. It’s a great option for a nicer family dinner after a day of exploring — the menu changes seasonally and showcases the best of local seafood.

Tip: Reservations recommended for dinner, especially in summer.

Front Street Grill at Stillwater

For waterfront dining with stunning views of Taylor Creek and the Rachel Carson Reserve beyond, Front Street Grill is the move. Dine on the deck and watch the boats go by while you eat fresh local seafood — the setting alone is worth the visit, and the food consistently delivers.

Tip: Sunset dinner here is magical. Arrive early to get a deck table.

Aqua Restaurant

Tucked into the heart of downtown, Aqua is one of Beaufort’s most celebrated dining destinations, known for its creative seasonal menus and exceptional fresh seafood. It’s a slightly more upscale experience, making it a great choice for a parents’ night out if you have a sitter — or for families with older kids who appreciate a more elevated meal.

Grab Ice Cream and Coffee at Cru

After a long day of exploring, Cru is the perfect landing spot: coffee and espresso drinks for the adults, ice cream and sweet treats for the kids, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere for everyone. We stopped here mid-afternoon and lingered far longer than planned. It’s exactly the kind of place a great small coastal town needs.

Where to Stay Near Beaufort NC

Beaufort itself is a small town with limited lodging options — but what it has is charming and well-located. Most families staying for multiple nights opt for nearby Atlantic Beach or Morehead City, which have more hotel options and direct beach access.

In Beaufort

Pecan Tree Inn — A beautifully restored Victorian B&B on Queen Street, just steps from downtown. Guests consistently rave about the breakfasts and the welcoming atmosphere. Within walking distance of virtually everything in Beaufort. Best for families with older children who appreciate a quieter, more intimate stay.

Near Beaufort

Atlantic Beach (~15 min) — The most popular choice for families who want both Beaufort access and direct ocean beach access. Several chain hotels and rental properties available along the beach strand.

Morehead City (~10 min) — More budget-friendly hotel options, including chains. A slightly less charming setting than Beaufort proper, but very convenient for Crystal Coast exploration.

Emerald Isle (~20 min) — If you’re renting a beach house for the week, Emerald Isle is the most popular family beach town on the Crystal Coast and an easy drive to Beaufort for a day trip.

Practical Tips for Visiting Beaufort NC

Best time to visit: Late May through September is peak season, with the warmest weather and all attractions in full operation. June and early July offer the best balance of warm weather and pre-peak-summer crowds. Avoid mid-July through August weekends if you dislike crowds — the waterfront gets very busy. Fall (September–October) is a hidden gem: warm enough to enjoy the water, fewer tourists, and lovely coastal light.

Parking: Free! Street parking and small public lots are available throughout downtown Beaufort. Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to get a waterfront spot.

Ferry tips: In summer, ferries to Shackleford Banks run frequently (every 15–30 minutes) but can sell out in peak afternoon hours. Morning departures are less crowded and the light is better for horse spotting. Book ahead online when possible.

What to pack for a Beaufort day:

Sunscreen (reapply often — the coastal sun is intense)
Bug spray (especially for island explorations)
Closed-toe shoes for island hikes; flip-flops fine for downtown
A change of clothes for kids (splash pad, ferry spray, general wetness)
Reusable water bottles
A tote bag for shells
Cash for ferry tickets and waterfront vendors

Rainy day plan: The NC Maritime Museum is the best rainy-day option — free, engaging, and large enough to spend a couple of hours. Downtown shopping and Clawson’s are also perfectly enjoyable in the rain.

Sample One-Day Beaufort NC Itinerary

This itinerary works well for families visiting as a day trip from Greensboro, Raleigh, or a nearby Crystal Coast base.

8:30am — Arrive and explore the Old Burying Ground Beat the heat and the crowds. The cemetery is peaceful and atmospheric in the morning light, and the kids will love the ghost stories.

9:00am — North Carolina Maritime Museum Spend an hour exploring Blackbeard’s world, the seashell room, and the kids’ scavenger hunt. Free, air-conditioned, and genuinely excellent.

10:00am — Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center Quick 15-minute stop across the street to see the boatbuilders at work.

10:30am — Ferry to Shackleford Banks Catch a mid-morning ferry, spend 2–3 hours on the island spotting wild horses, shelling on the beach, and exploring the dunes. Pack snacks and water.

1:30pm — Lunch at Clawson’s 1905 Fuel up after the island adventure. The shrimp and grits are non-negotiable.

2:30pm — Beaufort Pirate’s Revenge OR Double Decker Bus Tour Choose based on your crew: the pirate cruise for maximum kid energy, the bus tour for a more relaxed pace with history.

4:00pm — Splash Pad at LRJ Memorial Park Let the kids go full chaos mode at the splash pad while you recover on a bench.

5:00pm — Downtown shopping stroll Browse Front Street at the best time of day: late afternoon light, slightly cooler temperatures, and the waterfront glowing golden.

6:30pm — Sunset dinner at Front Street Grill Claim a deck table and watch the sun go down over Taylor Creek. A perfect ending.

FAQs About Visiting Beaufort NC with Kids

Is Beaufort NC worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. Beaufort is one of the best family destinations on the NC coast — it offers a completely different experience from a typical beach day, with wild horses, pirate cruises, a free maritime museum, downtown exploring, and waterfront dining all within walking distance of each other.

How far is Beaufort NC from Emerald Isle?

About 20 minutes via NC-24 East — close enough for a day trip in either direction. Many families staying in Emerald Isle make Beaufort a half-day or full-day excursion.

What is Beaufort NC best known for?

Beaufort is known for its wild horses on Shackleford Banks (descendants of Colonial Spanish mustangs), its pirate history (Blackbeard used Beaufort Inlet as a base), the free NC Maritime Museum, its beautifully preserved historic downtown, and its status as one of the most visited small towns on the Crystal Coast.

How long should families spend in Beaufort?

Most families spend a full day and find there’s more than enough to fill it. If you want to include the full ferry experience, a pirate cruise, museum time, and a nice dinner, plan for 8–10 hours. Some families return for a second day.

Where can you see wild horses near Beaufort NC?

Families can take a ferry to Shackleford Banks (part of Cape Lookout National Seashore) or Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve. Both are accessible from the Beaufort waterfront via ferry. Shackleford Banks is the more reliable option for horse sightings.

Is the North Carolina Maritime Museum free?

Yes! Admission to the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort is completely free. It reopened with updated exhibits in April 2026.

What is the best time of year to visit Beaufort NC?

Late May through early July and September through October are ideal. You’ll have warm weather, all attractions open, and manageable crowds. Mid-summer (late July and August) is peak season with the most activity but also the most people and heat.

Are there beaches near Beaufort NC?

Yes — Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach is one of the best beaches on the Crystal Coast and is about 15 minutes from downtown Beaufort. The Shackleford Banks barrier island (reached by ferry) also offers a beautiful, undeveloped beach with excellent shelling.

Is downtown Beaufort walkable?

Very much so — it’s one of the most walkable small towns in North Carolina. Virtually all major attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a 10–15 minute walk of the waterfront parking area.

Is Beaufort NC the same as Beaufort SC?

No — Beaufort, North Carolina and Beaufort, South Carolina are two different towns about 4 hours apart. Both are lovely waterfront historic towns with similar names, which causes significant confusion online. This guide is for Beaufort, NC on the Crystal Coast.

Are there dolphin watching tours in Beaufort NC?

Yes! Several boat tour companies offer dolphin watching cruises departing from the Beaufort waterfront along Front Street. These run throughout the summer season and typically last 1–2 hours. Dolphins are also commonly spotted from the downtown boardwalk along Taylor Creek.

Where should families stay near Beaufort NC?

For a pure Beaufort experience, the Pecan Tree Inn B&B is charming and central. For more lodging options and direct beach access, Atlantic Beach (15 min) and Morehead City (10 min) have chain hotels and vacation rentals. Emerald Isle (20 min) is the most popular Crystal Coast beach town for weekly vacation rentals.

Looking for more NC beach town guides? Check out our complete North Carolina Beach Towns for Families guide and our Best NC Beaches roundup.

Planning more NC day trips and getaways? Browse our Travel with Kids directory for guides to Charlotte, Asheville, Hendersonville, and beyond.