Aurora North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aurora, North Carolina.
1. Aurora Fossil Museum
PREHISTORIC TREASURES UNEARTHED
The Aurora Fossil Museum features an extensive collection of Miocene and Pliocene marine fossils, with most displays showcasing specimens collected from a nearby phosphate mine. Visitors can engage in hands-on experiences by sifting through fossil-rich dirt in the museum's 'Pits of the Pungo,' giving them the chance to discover and take home their own prehistoric treasures like shark teeth, whale bones, and coral. The museum also houses a Learning Center with a world-class collection of gems and minerals, a fluorescent mineral room, and fossils from around the world including Cambrian trilobites and Ice Age Mastodon remains.
2. Aurora Fossil Park
DIG FOR ANCIENT REMAINS
Aurora Fossil Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to search for and discover Miocene-age fossils in specially designated fossil pits. The park features fossiliferous material generously donated by the nearby Nutrien Phosphate plant, allowing amateur paleontologists of all ages to uncover remains of ancient sharks, whales, and other marine life. Visitors are encouraged to spend the day channeling their inner paleontologist and can take home any fossils they find as souvenirs of their prehistoric adventure.
3. Goose Creek State Park
NATURAL COASTAL BEAUTY
Goose Creek State Park encompasses 1,672 acres of diverse coastal environments including wetlands, forests, and waterfront areas along the Pamlico Sound. The park offers a network of hiking trails, paddling opportunities, fishing spots, and a sandy swimming beach for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina's coastal plain. Educational programs and exhibits at the park's visitor center highlight the area's unique ecosystems and wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and families.
4. North Carolina Estuarium
COASTAL ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION
The North Carolina Estuarium is an environmental education center dedicated to showcasing the importance and beauty of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary, the second largest estuary system in the United States. Through interactive exhibits, aquariums, and educational displays, visitors learn about the complex relationships between fresh and salt water environments and the diverse wildlife they support. The facility also offers outdoor boardwalks along the Pamlico River, providing opportunities to observe native plants and animals in their natural habitat.
5. Historic Downtown Washington
CHARMING WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Washington, known locally as 'Little Washington,' features beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture along the Pamlico River waterfront. Visitors can explore a variety of locally-owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and historical sites while strolling the picturesque streets of North Carolina's first city named after George Washington. The area hosts numerous events throughout the year, including art walks, music festivals, and the popular Summer Festival, drawing visitors from across the region.
6. The Turnage Theatre
HISTORIC ARTS VENUE
The Turnage Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue in downtown Washington that serves as the cultural heart of the community. Originally opened in 1913, the theater now hosts a variety of performances including live music, theatrical productions, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. The venue houses both the Turnage Theatre and the Gulley Gallery, making it a central hub for arts and entertainment in Beaufort County.
7. Bath Historic Site
NORTH CAROLINA'S OLDEST TOWN
Bath Historic Site preserves the history of North Carolina's first incorporated town, established in 1705, which once served as the colony's first port and capital. Visitors can explore several historic structures including the Palmer-Marsh House (c. 1751), the oldest surviving house in town, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church (1734), the oldest church building in the state. The site offers guided tours that bring to life the town's colorful history, including its association with the infamous pirate Blackbeard who reportedly lived in Bath for a time.
8. Bonner's Point Restaurant
LOCAL SEAFOOD FAVORITE
Bonner's Point Restaurant serves up fresh, local seafood and traditional Southern cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere in Aurora. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of fried seafood platters, hushpuppies, and homemade desserts that reflect authentic Eastern North Carolina cooking traditions. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and reasonable prices, making it a popular dining spot for both locals and tourists exploring the area.
9. Oriental Harbor Marina
SAILOR'S PARADISE DESTINATION
Oriental Harbor Marina offers a premier boating experience in the town nicknamed the 'Sailing Capital of North Carolina,' situated where the Neuse River meets the Pamlico Sound. The full-service marina provides transient and long-term slips, modern amenities for boaters, and easy access to Oriental's charming downtown area known for its sailing community. Visitors can enjoy spectacular water views, watch sailboats glide across the harbor, or rent equipment to experience the town's famous sailing opportunities firsthand.
10. The Bean Coffee Shop
WATERFRONT COFFEE AND COMMUNITY
The Bean Coffee Shop serves as Oriental's beloved gathering spot, offering quality coffee, baked goods, and light fare with picturesque views of the harbor. The café provides a welcoming atmosphere where sailors, locals, and visitors mingle while enjoying specialty drinks and homemade treats on the waterfront patio. Beyond being just a coffee shop, The Bean functions as a community hub with local art displays, live music events, and a place to catch up on town news and sailing stories.
11. River Forest Manor & Marina
HISTORIC WATERFRONT ELEGANCE
River Forest Manor & Marina is a meticulously restored 1899 mansion that stands as a landmark on Pantego Creek in the heart of Belhaven. The property combines Southern elegance with modern amenities, featuring beautifully appointed event spaces, guest accommodations, and a full-service marina that attracts boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can enjoy the grand architecture, waterfront dining, and the storied history of this magnificent estate that once hosted prominent figures including President Theodore Roosevelt.
12. Belhaven Memorial Museum
CURIOUS COLLECTIONS DISPLAY
The Belhaven Memorial Museum houses one of the most unusual collections in North Carolina, featuring the eclectic artifacts gathered by local resident Eva Blount Way throughout her lifetime. Visitors are treated to displays ranging from buttons (over 30,000) and dolls to bizarre curiosities including a two-headed calf and a 400-year-old Egyptian mummy hand. The small but fascinating museum provides a glimpse into one woman's passion for collecting and preserving items both ordinary and extraordinary from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
13. Pamlico River Cruises
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPLORATION
Pamlico River Cruises offers scenic boat tours that showcase the natural beauty and rich history of the Pamlico River and its surrounding estuaries. Passengers can enjoy narrated excursions that highlight local wildlife, historic sites, and the environmental significance of North Carolina's second-largest estuary system. The cruises provide opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and even sunset voyages that capture the spectacular colors reflecting off the water's surface.
14. Spoon River Artworks & Market
FARM-TO-TABLE CULINARY DESTINATION
Spoon River Artworks & Market combines a farm-to-table restaurant with an artisan marketplace showcasing local crafts, foods, and artwork in downtown Belhaven. The restaurant features a seasonal menu using ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries, prepared with creative flair in a warm, artistic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a memorable dining experience and then browse the market for unique handcrafted souvenirs and specialty food items that represent the best of Eastern North Carolina's culinary and artistic traditions.
15. Beaufort County Community College
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL HUB
Beaufort County Community College serves as an educational anchor for the region, offering academic programs, workforce training, and community events on its spacious campus near Washington. The college hosts various cultural activities throughout the year including art exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and concerts that are open to the public. Visitors can explore the campus to enjoy its walking trails, arboretum features, and specially curated events that showcase local talent and educational opportunities.