Beaufort Is the Perfect Walkable Waterfront Town in North Carolina

A beloved town on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, and the Southern Outer Banks, Beaufort is still somewhat of a hidden gem to those outside of the Carolinas—even though the fishing village’s history goes back centuries. Established in 1709, Beaufort—not to be confused with the South Carolina destination—is one of the oldest towns in the state, and much of its charm and appeal are directly tied to its long-standing legacy. Ghost tours detail stories of the pirate Blackbeard, who frequented this part of the coast; a number of homes and buildings in town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and a thorough appreciation of the past is almost tangible as you walk along Front Street, Beaufort’s main drag.

“I remember the first time I walked the docks when I was 16—I had this feeling I had never been somewhere so enchanting and delightfully different,” Christina Cuningham, owner of Beaufort Linen Co., tells Travel + Leisure. “It's casual, quirky, naturally beautiful, and [gives] a feeling you can only explain by being here.”

Located on a channel that leads to the Atlantic, Beaufort also appeals to those who want to see the beach, spend the day on a boat, go fishing, or kayak along the waterways. “If you’re looking for a cute place to relax and have fun by the water, Beaufort is definitely your go-to,” says Hailey Mason, the front office supervisor at the Beaufort Hotel. Just be sure to brush up on your pronunciation before you get there: It’s “Bow-fert” or “Boh-fert,” not “Bew-fert.”

Where to Stay

Beaufort Hotel

“The Beaufort Hotel is upscale and modern with a restaurant worth visiting, 34°North, even if you're not a guest at the hotel,” says Jonathan Edwards, the owner of Port City Tour Company. The 10-acre waterfront property overlooks Taylor Creek, and many of the nautical-inspired rooms come with either their own private balcony or patio where you can take in the views.

Pecan Tree Inn

“The Pecan Tree Inn is also a wonderful property [in the] vicinity of all the amenities the town has to offer,” says Cuningham. Recently remodeled in 2024, the bed-and-breakfast has seven rooms (all of which have their own private bathroom), and a hot breakfast and afternoon snacks are included in the nightly rate.

Home Rentals

If you’re coming to Beaufort for an extended trip—or you’re traveling with the whole family—you may want to consider renting a home. This renovated three-bedroom cottage is located right near Front Street, providing quick, easy access to many of Beaufort’s restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. For parties of four or fewer, consider this dog-friendly cottage; it’s also within walking distance of most of the main sights in town.

Best Things to Do

Explore the Historic District.

One of the first things you can do in Beaufort is get your bearings while walking around the 12-block Historic District. “It's interesting to see how much history is packed into one small place,” says Mason, who recommends visiting the Old Burying Ground—one of the oldest established cemeteries in the state. “I would also suggest going to the North Carolina Maritime Museum and checking out the Beaufort Historic Site to indulge in our rich history,” adds Edwards.

Editor’s note: The North Carolina Maritime Museum is temporarily closed, and a 2025 open date hasn’t been announced as of publication time.

Go on a guided tour.

If you’d rather explore Beaufort with a tour guide, you have a couple of options. The Historic District Double-Decker Bus Tour has passengers board a 1967 English double-decker bus as they venture throughout town, learning about the pirates of Beaufort’s past. You can also join Edwards on the Beaufort Ghost Walk, where he says you’ll hear all about “local legends and lore, and find out even more about the town we love.”

Visit one of the nearby islands.

“A perfect Beaufort day for us is taking the boys and our puppy to Carrot Island to fish and build sandcastles, and ending the day eating on the docks,” says Cuningham. Carrot Island is an uninhabited nature preserve that can be reached by a quick ferry; Island Ferry Adventures has a service that runs every 30 minutes during the season. Edwards also recommends going to Shackleford Banks via the Island Express Ferry Service. “You can see the wild horses and find the best shelling spots. You may also see dolphins or porpoises along the way,” he says.

Get on the water.

One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Beaufort is to explore its waterways. Start by renting a kayak from Beaufort Paddle, then paddle your way from Taylor Creek to Rachel Carson Reserve, where you can give your arms a break, go for a short hike, and keep an eye out for wild horses and dozens of bird species.

Best Shopping

Beaufort Linen Co.

“On Front Street, there are five blocks of nothing but small businesses and mom-and-pop shops. It's a really neat place with nothing corporate, no franchises—just local,” says Edwards. Here, you’ll find Beaufort Linen Co., where Cuningham and her team sell high-end home goods, bath and beauty products, and breezy linen blouses and dresses.

Island Proper

“For a great outfit, I love Island Proper on Front Street,” says Cuningham. The boutique includes pieces from brands like Agolde, Amanda Uprichard, Elizabeth James, and Tyler Boe. You can also pick up a swimsuit here if you forgot yours at home.

Beaudega

“For great wine, quirky gifts, and last-minute provisions, Beaudega is amazing,” says Cuningham. If you’re staying with a friend in Beaufort, swing by the shop for the perfect host or hostess gift—perhaps some locally made cheese and crackers or cute cocktail napkins.

The General Store

“Of course, you'll want to check out The General Store. It's just what you'd expect from an old country general store—great ice cream as well,” says Edwards. Embrace the nostalgia and treat yourself to fudge or penny candy, or snag some souvenir T-shirts for your loved ones back home. 

Best Restaurants

Black Sheep

“My absolute favorite local restaurant is Black Sheep. They make the most creative pizzas. I love trying their pizza special of the week,” says Mason. Cuningham agrees, recommending the restaurant’s “boats of mac and cheese and French 75s.”

Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub

“Clawson’s … is a classic restaurant in the area and has been around a long time, so you can really feel the history when you enter. They have good American dining and a comfy atmosphere,” says Mason. Come hungry; the menu features hearty entrees, including fried fish platters and shrimp and grits.

Beaufort Grocery Co.

Beaufort Grocery Co. is one of Edwards’ top picks, and the shop, located in the Historic District, is the perfect stop for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. You can also order one of the deli sandwiches or the Beaufort Cheese & Fruit Board (complete with the BeauGro pimento cheese) to go, bringing your meal with you on a leisurely bike ride or the ferry to Shackleford Banks.

Aqua

Aqua is another one of Edwards’ favorites in Beaufort, and he says the restaurant is known to “fuse some well-known dishes with local flair and ingredients.” The menu features tapas as well as small and larger plates; expect items like truffle fries, seared crab cakes, tuna poke, and a caprese salad.

Nightlife

Beaufort might not be as synonymous with going out as larger coastal cities, but Edwards says there’s still a “great nightlife and bar scene,” one that visitors frequently underestimate. “There are at least five laid-back bars—Backstreet Pub, Cru, Fishtowne Brew House, The Periwinkle, and Royal James Cafe—within walking distance from each other, and also within walking distance from our hotels,” he says. Given this unbeatable proximity, you won’t have to worry about driving or parking. Just don’t expect to stay up too late; of the aforementioned drinking establishments, only Cru and Backstreet Pub are open past 10 p.m.

Best Time to Visit

You could certainly make the argument that Beaufort is a year-round destination, but the locals we spoke with have opinions on the best time to visit. “Personally, I would say the best time to visit Beaufort would be in the spring or fall. You've got fewer visitors than in the summer, the weather is going to be cooler, and if you love fishing, those are the fishing seasons,” says Edwards. Cuningham also leans toward fall, saying that some of “best weather” arrives during fall hurricane season. “It's tricky because you will have to check the weather constantly, but the zero humidity, no ‘noseeums,’ and amazing fishing is a real sweet spot in town.”

While winter in Beaufort may appeal to some visitors—there are some holiday festivities and a lack of crowds—both Mason and Edwards acknowledge it’s a quieter time in town. “I wouldn’t say winter is a ‘bad’ time to visit since we also have a lot of cute Christmas activities, but you do get the most out of the area during the warmer months,” says Mason.

How to Get There

“To find Beaufort, I would say, find where corporate America ends, and go one town further,” says Edwards. For those driving, that looks like taking either Highway 70 or Highway 101 into the waterfront town. Flying is also an option, though renting a car will still be necessary. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the closest major airport to Beaufort, around three hours away. There are also a handful of regional airports, including Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern and Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville, North Carolina. While they’re significantly closer to Beaufort—around 40 and 62 miles, respectively—flights are limited.

How to Get Around

Beaufort is small enough to be considered walkable, but having a car is helpful if you’re planning to drive to nearby beaches or explore other towns along the Crystal Coast. Biking around Beaufort is another option, and Bike Beaufort offers beach cruiser rentals that come with a bike basket, bike lights, and a bike lock.