Itching to get out of town, Raleighites? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Beaufort instead. From a pirate invasion to enjoying a waterfront cocktail at City Kitchen, we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the 252.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~2 hours 40 minutes
Year city was established: 1709
Est. population: 4,569
The market is typically filled with ~47 vendors, a food truck, and live music. | Photo by RALtoday
🎟️ Experience
Beaufort Music Festival | Gallants Channel Annex, 293 W. Beaufort Rd., Beaufort
Soak in the sun and a diverse music line-up along with food trucks, children’s activities, and beer gardens during this festival on Friday, May 19-Saturday, May 20.
The Beaufort Pirate Invasion | Various locations
Arrgh... Enjoy a packed weekend of pirate activities, costume contests, vendors, reenactments, and themed meals like Breakfast with Blackbeard on Friday, Sept. 23-Sunday, Sept. 25.
Historic Beaufort Double Decker Bus Tour | 100 Turner St., Beaufort
Climb aboard this 1967 English double-decker bus to learn about the rich history of NC’s third-oldest town. Tours are available all year.
NC Maritime Museum | 315 Front St., Beaufort
Watch craftspeople at work and take boat building classes at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center . Admission to this coastal museum is free.
Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market | 300 Courthouse Sq., Beaufort
Shop from local fishermen, craftspeople, farmers, bakers, and artists at this Saturday morning farmers’ market. The market is closed during winter months; opening day is Saturday, April 15.
Randolph Johnson Memorial Park | 1017 Pine St., Beaufort
Though the splash pad is only open during the summer months, this park also features a large playground and a covered pavilion.
62nd Annual Beaufort Old Homes Tour | Various locations
You won’t want to miss these self-guided walking tours throughout Beaufort’s Historic District featuring a look inside private historic homes, gardens, churches, and more from Saturday, June 23 to Sunday, June 24.
Try this: The pineapple coconut mojito at Moonrakers. | Photo by RALtoday
🍔 Eat
City Kitchen | 114 A Town Creek Dr., Beaufort
This waterside restaurant is located above the Town Creek Marina. Enjoy locally-sourced eats like fish cakes with sweet pepper mayo and creative cocktails from the tiki bar.
34° North Restaurant | 2440 Lennoxville Rd., Beaufort
Opt to sit on the wrap-around patio of this elevated seafood spot. This restaurant also offers brunch on the weekends and breakfast Monday-Friday. Try this: Coconut crusted mahi mahi.
Black Sheep | 510 Front St., Ste. 3, Beaufort
Head to this scratch kitchen for brick-fired pizza, creative cocktails, and dock views.
Beaufort Grocery Co. | 117 Queen St., Beaufort
Stop in to this cute, homey bistro for brunch, lunch, or dinner. We recommend the hot Carolina crab dip paired with a BeauGro gougère (a Parmesan-filled pastry).
Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub | 425 Front St., Beaufort
This long-standing local favorite is rich in history and good eats. Specializing in seafood and smoked meats, we recommend the barbecue mac and cheese and the fried seafood combo.
Marmalade Cafe & Bakery | 513 Front St., Beaufort
Looking for a sweet treat pick-me-up? Order a freshly-baked pastry like a pecan roll or gluten free muffin from this historic home-turned-cafe.
Moonrakers | 326 Front St., Beaufort
The rooftop bar overlooking the waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at sunset. Plus, this spot offers fresh, coastal cuisine like Moroccan seafood stew and blackened grouper.
This historic bungalow makes for the perfect getaway.
Photo via Vrbo
🏨 Stay
Beaufort Hotel | 2440 Lennoxville Rd., Beaufort
In 2022, USA Today named this resort-style stay the No. 1 Best Boutique Hotel in America. Take a peek at the views you could have with this live waterfront webcam . Pro tip: 34° North Restaurant & Bar is part of the hotel.
The Beaufort Inn | 809 Port Republic St., Beaufort
This charming waterfront stay offers a boat-load of amenities such as private courtyards, bicycles, and a gift shop.
The Historic District Bungalow
| Vrbo
Enjoy a bungalow stay with a covered front porch and a short walk to town; sleeps two people.
Classic bungalow
| Vrbo
This dog-friendly cottage is complete with front porch with water views, bikes, and a short walk to downtown; sleeps six people.
Beaufort Waterfront Yacht
| Vrbo
Have a unique stay right on the water in this yacht fit for four people.
Wait a minute, Raleighites. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Weaver Street Market . Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Beaufort.