City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Morehead City, North Carolina
Part of the area known as the Crystal Coast (an 85-mile stretch from the Cape Lookout National Seashore to the New River), Morehead City is famous for beautiful beaches and parks, historical sites and cultural events. Morehead City sits along Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean south of the Outer Banks region and north of Wilmington.
Morehead City is home to the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, a fishing competition that attracts anglers from all over the world. Other events include the North Carolina Seafood Festival, a celebration of the state's seafood industry, and the Crystal Coast Boat Show, which showcases a variety of boats and marine equipment.
Keep reading to check out things to do from private boat dock rentals in Morehead City.
Atlantic Beach
Photo: James Willamore/Flickr
One of the most popular attractions in Morehead City, Atlantic Beach is a beautiful strip of sand that stretches for miles along the coastline. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports, this beach offers a perfect setting. Take a dolphin-watching tour or rent kayaks, paddleboards or jet skis.
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Photo: North Carolina Maritime Museum (Facebook)
If you’re interested in history, Morehead City is home to a number of historic sites that are worth exploring from private boat slips for rent. One of the most notable is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on the state's maritime history and includes artifacts and models of ships, lighthouses and other seafaring vessels.
Fort Macon State Park
Photo: Kevin Bercaw/Wikimedia
Looking for outdoor recreation to enjoy from a boat lift for rent in Morehead City? Gather the kids and head to Fort Macon State Park. Located at the east end of Atlantic Beach, it was built in 1936 to protect the coastline. Visitors can go hiking, bicycling, swimming, birdwatching, fishing or explore the pre-Civil War fort. There’s a bathhouse, a concession stand and a visitor center with exhibits.
Beaufort Historic Site
Photo: Wikimedia
The Beaufort Historic Site offers a glimpse into the town's colonial and antebellum past. Located in the historic district, it’s a complex of nine historic houses. Visit cottages, gardens, a courthouse, an apothecary, a jail and other structures from the 1700s and 1800s. It’s a unique place to visit from a private boat slip rental.
Croatan National Forest
Photo: Wikimedia
One of the most popular natural attractions in Morehead City is the 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest is a vast wilderness area that offers miles of hiking trails and camping opportunities Explore the pine-covered forests, saltwater estuaries, tidal rivers, bogs and raised swamps.
Other parks in the area include the Fort Macon State Park, which offers beach access as well as hiking trails and picnic areas, and the Rachel Carson Reserve, a protected area that’s home to a variety of rare plant and animal species.
Morehead Center for the Performing Arts
Photo: TripAdvisor
Morehead City has a thriving arts and culture scene. You’ll find a number of galleries, theaters and music venues. The Morehead Center for the Performing Arts is a popular venue for concerts and other live performances, while the Morehead City Art Walk is a monthly event that showcases the work of local artists. The Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition holds regular exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. If you’re into the arts, you’ll definitely want to visit one of these spots from a private boat dock rental.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Morehead City has a vibrant culinary scene of waterfront and dock and dine restaurants. The Big Rock Grill and Tavern is a popular spot for seafood lovers, while the Ruddy Duck Tavern offers a more casual atmosphere and a range of pub fare.
Hopefully you’ve discovered some new spots to add to your Morehead City itinerary. Happy boating!
