Location: Pine Knoll Shores
Top Things to do in Pine Knoll Shores
- 1. Fort Macon State Park
- 2. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
- 3. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway
- 4. Fort Macon
- 5. Crystal Coast Country Club
- 6. Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
- 7. Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant
- 8. Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail
- 9. Trash & Treasures Antique Mall
- 10. Vision Art Gallery
What to do and see in Pine Knoll Shores, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Pine Knoll Shores is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,339 at the 2010 census. One of North Carolina's state aquariums is located here.
Restaurants in Pine Knoll Shores
1. Fort Macon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By mesettle - Winston Salem, North Carolina
The visitor center has been updated and there are exhibits in the rooms in the fort.The gift shop has several affordable items.Several areas to picnic.Don't forget to check out the beach access and picnic area wheelchair accessible.
2. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Dive into adventure. Take a tour of North Carolina’s aquatic life “from the mountains to the sea.” Talk with divers as they swim with sharks in the Living Shipwreck, featuring a WW II German U-boat replica. Laugh at the antics of playful river otters, touch a stingray or enjoy programs free with admission. Field trips and other activities are available for additional fees. On-site snack bar and gift shop.
Reviewed By krissybee1979 - Wilmington, North Carolina
I’ll three of North Carolina aquariums are different. They have some similarities, but also unique. I like this one because it’s organized by region of the state and it flows nicely. It’s very educational and relaxing. I love the outside walkway and it’s great views. The kids love the climbing nets and the tire swing on the playground.
3. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Susan T - Mars, Pennsylvania, United States
We went mini golfing and rode the go karts. The go karts were a big hit. At $8.75 a person it was worth it. The golf was $10 per person. There are two 18 hole golf courses to choose from. The courses are well maintained and lots of fun.
4. Fort Macon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
A Civil War fortress located at the entrance of Beaufort Inlet.
Reviewed By alani312016 - Fayetteville, North Carolina
We visited in the middle of the week and it was a really nice visit. Not crowded at all and the grounds were very clean and inviting. Very informative about the history of this location and very nice pictures to look at. There is a lot of walking to do, so wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen is a must. Also a water bottle is recommended. I didn't see any place to grab a snack, so be prepared. Parking was very easy, but only if its on a non-busy weekday.
5. Crystal Coast Country Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By robert r - Durham, North Carolina
While I used to belong to a nice country club in Durham, this club is terrific in many ways, but I'll confine my critique just to last nights Christmas party, which is typical of most gatherings there. Roast beef station,great. Seafood station, wonderful. Hot appetizers fantastic, they had trays being served all night long, I especially loved the wrapped in pastry veggies. Healthy and fresh veggie dips, unusual and tasty desserts as well. A fellow played guitar, really festive.
Friendly members, all, do go by, you will enjoy this club. Bob Ross
6. Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By wbullseye - Windermere, Florida
The Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area provides a short hike along the marsh. The trail is located next to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. However unlike the aquarium, the trail is free so it offers a good and affordable spot for everyone. The hours are posted as the same for the aquarium, but you don't need to go through the aquarium to get to it so don't know how it is monitored.
The trail itself is only about two miles total and is not that difficult. If you are there during the summertime I would recommend wearing bug repellent as I was eaten alive for the first part of the trail. Along the trail are signs that explain different flora. You can also expect to see different animals to include different varieties of birds and other animals such as squirrels.
While not the most scenic of nature trails, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area is definitely worth it while in the Outer Banks. While others might be sitting on crowded beaches, those who choose to see areas less travelled should consider hiking along this trail. It is easy and offers some good views. If your going to the aquarium, this is a good add-on for the entire family.
7. Oceanana Pier & Pier House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Hank H - Virginia
My wife and I visited here one evening on a getaway vacation to nearby Beaufort and we enjoyed the view while watching the sun set. We tried two of their specialty mixed drinks and were disappointed, however. Nothing distinguishing about them, and rather weak.
TIP: Definitely worth a visit, but stick with beer, which is harder to screw up.
8. Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
This easy, 1-mile round trip trail winds through the Hoop Pole Creek's maritime forest and into an estuarine ecosystem. The property is listed as a natural heritage area because of its important ecological values and functions. It serves as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants while also enhancing water quality. While visiting, you may see a variety of songbirds, wading birds and birds of prey, as well as deer, raccoons, butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, lizards and snakes.
Reviewed By Cooke2012 - Pittsboro, North Carolina
An interesting, if small, example of maritime forest with good examples of a number of native plant species. On a windy day in April we were not bothered by insects, and the vegetation offered good protection from the wind. Native to the NC coast myself, I'm not surprised that others had insect issues. There were no brochures available today so we had to depend on our own knowledge to identify native plants. (We later found the brochure online in PDF format.). Birders should take binoculars and get all the way to the marsh to look for ducks, gulls, waders, and other species. There is a lot of poison ivy; if you don't recognize it, stay on the trail and be aware of what you touch. It's possible that the native Smilax vines could encroach on trails that seem sporadically maintained; Smilax is thorny and could be a tripping hazard. May not be suitable for sandals. It's more nature than park. Some of us like that and go with eyes open.
9. Trash & Treasures Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
If you try to use your GPS by putting in the address you will end up at a different location. If you try to look at the street view scene you won't even see the right place. Just keep your eyes open and watch the addresses (it will be right across the street from Trucker Toy Store). There are 3 large rooms and almost all of the booths are neat and orderly. There is a lot of furniture, China, and glass and some collectibles. We actually found a small item we didn't even know we needed.
10. Vision Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By SharonB2 - Havelock, North Carolina
I love local art and stopped here with a friend last weekend. There are mobiles hanging from the ceiling, fused glass objects, paintings, jewelry, and many other offerings from local artists in this gallery.
The lighting seems to be just right to enhance the beauty of the pieces.
Each item on display is well marked and priced. Don’t miss the hallway and small back room beyond the main gallery space.
There’s plenty of parking in a few places to sit inside.
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