Morehead City North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Morehead City, North Carolina.
1. History Museum of Carteret County
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The History Museum of Carteret County serves the local community by preserving and presenting the rich history of the region. Its mission focuses on educating members, residents, and visitors about the area's unique heritage through various exhibits and programs. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Carteret County's past and is highly rated by visitors.
2. Big Rock Stadium
HOME OF THE MARLINS
Big Rock Stadium is the home field of the Morehead City Marlins baseball team and a popular entertainment venue in the area. Visitors praise it as one of the best places to spend an evening after a day at the beach. The stadium offers an authentic local sports experience with a family-friendly atmosphere.
3. Trash & Treasures Antique Mall
VINTAGE FINDS GALORE
Trash & Treasures Antique Mall is a treasure trove filled with a variety of antiques and collectibles located at 5454 Highway 70. Visitors can explore numerous booths featuring everything from genuine antiques to unique vintage items. The mall is a popular destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind finds and nostalgic pieces.
4. Seaport Antiques
ANTIQUES AND THRIFT FINDS
Seaport Antiques offers a delightful browsing experience combining authentic antiques with fun thrift items. Visitors enjoy exploring the diverse collection that appeals to serious collectors and casual shoppers alike. The store is recommended as a worthwhile stop for those interested in vintage shopping.
5. North Carolina Seafood Festival
COASTAL CULINARY CELEBRATION
The North Carolina Seafood Festival is an annual food and drink celebration highlighting the region's rich maritime heritage. This popular event showcases local seafood, live entertainment, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival draws crowds from across the state to celebrate coastal Carolina cuisine and culture.
6. Downtown Morehead City Waterfront
SCENIC HARBOR VIEWS
Downtown Morehead City Waterfront offers visitors a picturesque stroll along bulkhead docks featuring local charter fishing vessels and unique attractions. The area includes interesting sights such as a Cape Lookout Lighthouse replica and a giant statue of King Neptune. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets while exploring waterfront bars and restaurants perfect for relaxing and taking in the views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
7. Bogue Island Fishing Pier
HISTORIC ANGLING DESTINATION
The Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a legendary landmark that has been operated by the same family since the late 1950s. This historic pier offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all experience levels throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views and the chance to catch a variety of coastal fish species.
8. Fort Macon State Park
CIVIL WAR COASTAL FORTRESS
Fort Macon State Park features a meticulously restored Civil War-era fort with exhibits detailing its strategic importance in coastal defense. The park combines historical significance with natural beauty, offering beaches, nature trails, and picnic areas alongside the historic fortification. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, swimming, and fishing while exploring this unique combination of military history and coastal recreation.
9. NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
UNDERWATER COASTAL EXPLORATION
The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores showcases the diverse aquatic life found along North Carolina's coast through interactive exhibits and live animal displays. Visitors can explore habitats ranging from mountain streams to open ocean environments, including a 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck exhibit with sand tiger sharks. The facility offers educational programs, touch tanks, and conservation information suitable for visitors of all ages.
10. Cape Lookout National Seashore
PRISTINE BARRIER ISLANDS
Cape Lookout National Seashore encompasses a 56-mile stretch of pristine barrier islands featuring desolate beaches, excellent fishing, and great shelling opportunities. The protected area is home to small herds of famous wild horses that have roamed the shorelines for more than 500 years. Visitors can experience this natural paradise through tour boats or water taxis departing from Morehead City or neighboring Beaufort.
11. Cape Lookout Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands as an iconic 19th-century beacon on the South Core Banks with its distinctive diamond pattern. Visitors can climb the 208 steps to the top during seasonal openings for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Core Sound, and the pristine shoreline. The lighthouse complex includes a keeper's quarters museum that details the history of this important navigational aid and the lives of those who maintained it.
12. Beaufort Historic District
CHARMING COASTAL TOWN
The Beaufort Historic District features well-preserved 18th and 19th-century homes along tree-lined streets in North Carolina's third-oldest town. Visitors can explore the charming waterfront area with its shops, restaurants, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The district offers walking tours that highlight the area's rich history dating back to 1709 and its connections to Blackbeard the pirate.
13. Shackleford Banks
WILD HORSE HAVEN
Shackleford Banks is a barrier island famous for its population of wild horses believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs from shipwrecked colonial vessels. The unspoiled nine-mile stretch of beach offers excellent shelling, swimming, and wildlife viewing opportunities accessible only by boat. Visitors can observe the feral horses in their natural habitat while enjoying the pristine coastal environment with no development or facilities.
14. Outer Banks Scenic Byway
COASTAL DRIVING ADVENTURE
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is one of only 150 nationally designated scenic byways, encompassing 138 driving miles and 25 miles of state ferry travel. This picturesque route showcases the natural beauty of North Carolina's coast, including marshlands, maritime forests, and charming fishing villages. Travelers can experience the region's unique culture, history, and scenic vistas while traveling at their own pace through this remarkable coastal landscape.
15. Arts Council of Carteret County
LOCAL CREATIVE HUB
The Arts Council of Carteret County promotes and supports local artistic expression through its downtown Morehead City store and gallery. Visitors can browse and purchase original works by regional artists spanning various media including paintings, pottery, and handcrafted jewelry. The organization hosts rotating exhibits, workshops, and cultural events that showcase the vibrant creative community of the Crystal Coast region.