Natural Attractions

The Crystal Coast offers ocean-lovers pristine beaches at Fort Macon State Park and deep-sea fishing charters with the world's largest Gulf Stream fishing fleet. The N.C. Aquarium features encounters with sea creatures in their natural habitat. In the quaint seaport town of Beaufort, enjoy waterfront shopping and dining. The N.C. Maritime Museum interprets North Carolina's multi-faceted historical alliances with the sea.

Goose Creek State Park is located along the placid banks of the Pamlico River. Encompassing 1,400 acres of pristine river wetlands, the park is the perfect setting for camping, hiking, boating, or an afternoon picnic.

Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge features the largest freshwater lake in North Carolina. Its unique geological history and profusion of winter birds draw thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year.

The Pamlico and Neuse rivers are two of the largest estuarine systems in the nation, with over 1,500 miles of shoreline.

Croatan National Forest is comprised of 157,000 acres of low, sandy wetlands called pocosins. This area offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park consists of 608 acres in Wayne County along the Neuse River, including 35 acres of tent/trailer campsites. The highest cliffs on the river offer amateur geologists a glimpse of the prehistoric past.

Washington, just a short drive up the road, is home to the North Carolina Estuarium. The Estuarium is an environmental education center interpreting North Carolina's sounds and coastal waters.

Historic Attractions

Historic Bath is known as North Carolina's first town. This peaceful town served as a colonial capital and was home to the infamous Blackbeard the pirate. The historic homes and St. Thomas Church, the oldest existing church in the state, are included on a walking tour.

Historic Washington is the original Washington, named in 1776. Located on the banks of the Pamlico River, the town features a self-guided tour through t he Historic District.

Charles B. Aycock Birthplace is the home of Governor Charles B. Aycock, known as the education governor. The home place is a typical 19th-century family farm. Tours of the farm buildings, including the house, the separate open-hearth kitchen, and a one-room schoolhouse are offered.

Historic New Bern is located at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers. This town still retains much of its colonial charm from its days as North Carolina's provincial capital.

Tryon Palace, an elegant Georgian-style mansion, served as the Royal Governor's home and then as the capital of the colony. The New Bern historic district surrounds the palace and as comprised of over 100 structures covering architectural styles of the last 200 years.

Fort Branch is the largest earthen Civil War fortification in the southeast and home to the first North Carolina Reenactor Regiment. Featuring a working camp and museum, the fort is the site of reenactments and living history demonstrations.

The CSS Neuse served the Confederate Army until 1864 when it was destroyed and sunk near Kinston. In 1963, the remains were raised from the river and are now on display.

American history began on the Outer Banks with the fabled Lost Colony, which is celebrated in an outdoor musical performance each summer. Nearby are the Elizabeth II, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the quaint seaside Village of Ocracoke.

Hope Plantation near Windsor is an elegant 1803 Georgian and Federal style home of one of our former governors. Somerset Place near Columbia was one of the largest rice plantations in the south.