Commercial and recreational vessels cruise a watery highway of natural and dredged channels, with one face toward the land and the other toward the ocean.
beaufort
The 1980s: The Challenger Seven
One of the worst accidents of the American space program shapes a generation: In 1986, the nation mourns the heroes aboard the space shuttle Challenger, including two astronauts with deep ties to North Carolina.
5 Sunset Sails to Take This Summer
From the deck of a boat, a sunset over the water is even more spectacular. With gentle waves as the stage, charismatic captains as the cast, and an orange glow as the backdrop, these evening cruises put on a show that’s sure to impress.
Fresh Catch: A Foodie’s Guide to the Crystal Coast
Discover the must-order menu items at 16 delicious restaurants in Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, and Harkers Island.
10 Dock & Dine Restaurants on the Carolina Coast
After a day on the water, boaters step off the dock and into these waterfront restaurants for savory seafood, ice-cold drinks, and some of the best views on the coast.
Home Ports: North Carolina’s Boat Towns
Our boat towns are beloved by sailors and powerboaters, cruisers and trawlers. And the best part of all: Every one of these classic boat towns is just as hospitable to folks who don’t know port from starboard. Welcome aboard.
Road Trip: 10 Stops Along the Crystal Coast
From serene sea-kayaking to local shopping and dining, plan a diverse route through the state’s southern Outer Banks.
Design in the Dunes: A Photo Essay
Not your average beach house: From the clean lines of a flat-top cottage in Southern Shores to the extravagant opulence of an Art Nouveau icon in Corolla, landmark architecture defines our coastal villages — and chapters of our history.
Echo of the Bones
In Carteret County, a marine curator and dedicated volunteers have found a way to bring beached whales back to life. By sharing the creatures’ stories at the Bonehenge Whale Center, they’ve turned heartbreak into inspiration.
