10 Things to do in Beaufort That You Shouldn't Miss

Come see The Crystal Coast from a perspective unlike any other! On an Air Tour with Southern Air, you'll venture out over Shackleford Banks to spot the wild horses, cruise past the location of Blackbeard's ship, and circle around the Cape Lookout lighthouse on one of the most scenic flights in the country. *Under new ownership as of May 2016.

Exciting boat rides to Shackleford Banks, Rachel Carson Reserve and Stingray Shoal. Climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and visit the Keepers Quarters Museum. Search for wild horses, dolphins, seashells and sand dollars. Visit an oyster farm. Private boat charters are our specialty. An authorized tour operator of the Cape Lookout National Seashore for 10 years.

Experience the beautiful Crystal Coast from hundreds of feet in the air, where every seat is a window seat. We offer parasailing trips that have breathtaking views of Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, Fort Macon, and so much more. Come fly with us! Call or check out our website to join our Flight List and book your trip today!

Visitors can pedal or walk through 300 years of Beaufort's history as we explore "America's Favorite Town." Your guide will entertain you with fascinating details, historical narratives and true stories that make up the rich history of this seaport town. Choose from several unique walking, bike, culinary and history guided tours. Open year-round. A Ride to Remember takes visitors to several locations in Beaufort as described in Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novels "The Choice" and "A Walk to Remember." Explore Beaufort's local restaurants on our guided culinary tours. You'll enjoy Southern culinary dishes from restaurants offering fresh, local products that support our local fishermen and farmers. You'll nosh and sip on some of the most delicious flavors on the Crystal Coast. Tour departures take place daily.

Beaufort Olive Oil Company is a specialty retail shop with our flagship original store located in the historic waterfront downtown of Beaufort along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Owned and operated by Clarke Merrell, Executive Chef & Owner at Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria & Dank Burrito, Beaufort Olive Oil Company specializes in premium extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, gourmet & flavored salts, in addition to numerous artisanal and local culinary provisions. Beaufort Olive Oil Co. now has four locations - Beaufort, Morehead City, Swansboro and Emerald Isle.

Island Express Ferry Service is the ONLY ferry service out of Beaufort and Harkers Island, NC that is authorized by the National Park Service to drop passengers off at Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout. Shackleford Banks is the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Shackleford Banks is a pristine island with one of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. Famous for the wild banker horses that roam the uninhabited island, this is one of the few places in the eastern United States where wild horses can still be seen. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Cape Lookout, famous for the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Station. While you are there, take time to collect some of the most beautiful shells in the world. Bird watch, swim in the ocean, climb the lighthouse, or ride our famous Beach Shuttle. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. Island Express Ferry Service is an authorized National Park Service Concessionaire. Although our name has, at times, been confused with smaller services that do not go to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout, there is only one ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY SERVICE. Be sure to add an S for Services when looking for us online.

You have 60 minutes! Specializing in theatrical and themed Escape Rooms in Beaufort NC, find the clues, solve the puzzles, discover the mystery and ESCAPE! This is a unique experience your team will be talking about for days!

Enjoy a guided tour aboard the Wanderer. In historic Beaufort N.C learn the rich history of the town. While seeing the wild horses, dolphins and points of interest on your tour.

This is an outdoor rain or shine market which gathers under the old live oaks on the courthouse square in the center of Beaufort on Saturday mornings from 8:30 until 1:00. Farmers and fishermen gather under tents filled with fresh, locally grown vegetables, farm-raised meats, eggs, honey and other homegrown products. Bakers share golden, delicious baked goods: croissants, morning buns, tomato pies, cupcakes, quiches, and cookies to name a few. Fishermen offer fresh, locally caught shrimp, fish, crabs, and other seafood. And, artists and craftspeople fill their tents with handmade work from their studios, available for all who appreciate quality, unique creations. Local musicians provide entertainment to those who stop to linger with breakfast or lunch from our weekly food truck, and local non-profit organizations share their work with the public. There's even a Kids' Program with art and other activities for the younger set. Be sure to include the OBFM in your trip to Beaufort.