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2026 Activities Guide

Middleton Place

Enchanting gardens, interactive history, and breathtaking views abound at Middleton Place, one of the top-ranked attractions by Charleston newcomers and seasoned vacationers alike.

City Market

New Charleston visitors are often advised to start their regional tour with a visit to the historic City Market, a massive four block meeting place that sells homegrown goods and exquisitely crafted arts and crafts from all over the low country. A...

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos & Gifts

Old Time Photos on the Outer Banks by Miss Kitty's are Fun, Affordable with a variety of costumes from infant to adult and custom-built sets, there is something for everyone. 

The Circle at Atlantic Beach

Crystal Coast visitors who want an easy-going day on the seashore can head to one of the most convenient public beach accesses in the region, the Circle at Atlantic Beach. Known as the main “Town Beach” and located in the heart of the...

Beaufort National Cemetery

The Beaufort National Cemetery is a somber but historically important site located in the heart of Beaufort County. Quietly beautiful, with the region's renowned live oaks towering over the lines of small, white headstones, the cemetery holds a...

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or...

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Before there was the infamous Jersey Shore crew, or the Southern California surfing hang-outs, there was the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. A southern icon for beach vacationers of multiple generations, from biker gangs to young families, the boardwalk...

Penelope Barker House

The Barker House, the notable residence of one of Edenton's most famous citizens of all time, Penelope Barker, is a stunning attraction in more ways than one. The stately white home with a unique brick base and three stories of elite living space is...

Fort Johnston - Southport Museum

Fort Johnston is a remarkable visitors’ center and museum that has deep historic roots in the early years of Southport’s long and storied history. Located on the edge of the waterfront downtown area along Bay Street, the stoic and regal...

Harbour Town

The unique waterfront community of Hilton Head's Harbour Town features a world of activities that are sure to wow and engage visitors of all interests, all while providing a spectacular view of the neighborhood's "harbor," and the adjoining...

New Hanover County Arboretum

The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes with the season, every visit...

Cedar Island Ferry

Experienced Outer Banks travelers attest that a local ferry ride either to or from the barrier island shorelines is a huge part of the fun, and a relaxing 2.25 hour cruise across the Pamlico Sound is certainly a welcome diversion for many road-weary...

Pocosin Arts Center

The Pocosin Arts Center is a relatively new project managed by the North Carolina Arts Council, and is sponsored by a number of charitable organizations and local businesses that generously have dedicated a completely scenic space where local and...

Angel Oak

Visitors do not necessarily have to be a horticulturalist or garden lover to appreciate the toweringly impressive Angel Oak Tree, one of the most significant and oldest trees in Johns Island, if not the entire East Coast. With far-reaching branches...

New Bern Convention Center

Large groups, including corporate organizations and conferences, will find plenty of room in the exceptionally accommodating and scenic New Bern-Craven County Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. The sprawling riverfront complex, located in the...

Huntington Beach State Park

The Huntington Beach State Park, located adjacent to the acclaimed Brookgreen Gardens, is a secluded paradise which combines miles of waterfront views with pristine beaches, towering Palmettos and maritime forests, and the almost-spooky and...

Dixieland Speedway

Summertime Friday nights are hot in Elizabeth City, thanks mainly to the Dixieland Speedway, a 3/8th mile dirt track that attracts stock car, go-kart and motorcycle racers from all across the eastern North Carolina region. An exciting spot with a...

Southport Marina

Travelers by sea in search of an accommodating marina with plenty of access to the local coastal North Carolina sites will feel right at home at the Southport Marina. This destination is a worthy spot to drop anchor, as not only is the marina itself...

Sunset Beach Park

Sunset Beach Park is a peaceful public space that captures the essence of coastal relaxation and small-town charm. Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway just before the bridge to Sunset island, this scenic park provides visitors with a tranquil...

Colonial Park

Visitors to Edenton's Colonial Park will find a veritable world of local attractions and gorgeously scenic landscapes just minutes away from the expansive parking area. A postcard-perfect place to picnic, paddle, or just take off for a leisurely...

University of South Carolina at Beaufort

The USCB, (University of South Carolina at Beaufort), Center for the Arts is the local go-to for outstanding regional performances that include dramatic and comedy shows, concerts, independent movies, and virtually every kind of spell-binding...

Charleston Tea Garden

The Charleston Tea Plantation is a unique attraction along secluded Wadmalaw Island, with an equally unique claim to fame. As the proclaimed "only tea garden" in the United States, and the country's only tea plantation, the site has a long history...

James Island County Park

The expansive James Island County Park has a unique distinction as being one of the most entertaining and diverse destination in the Lowcountry. Able to accommodate a world of interests, from camping and fishing to splashing around in a seasonal...

Old Brunswick County Jail Museum

Take a trip back in time without ever leaving the heart of Southport for a fascinating and educational visit to the stoic Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Found within a multi-story brick building on the corner of Nash and Rhett Streets, this...

Surfside Beach Fishing Pier

The pier, which is the local hotspot for big-name catches and seasonal tasty trophies to take home and enjoy over a grill, has a long legacy of attracting neighboring Myrtle Beach visitors to this smaller, and less developed region, and is the home...

Wilmington Riverwalk

The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a showstopper of a stroll that is a distinctive attraction all its own. Originally conceived in the 1980s as a way to generate more interest and tourism to the Cape Fear River waterfront regions of...

Carolina Beach State Park

Visitors who want to take a break from Carolina Beaches' busy surfside scene, and instead enjoy its acres of wild, undeveloped territory, can pay a visit to the sprawling Carolina Beach State Park.

Encore Theatre Company

There's no question that the small southern Elizabeth City is growing in population, prestige, and overall culture, and the Encore Theatre Company is doing a fine and longstanding job of making this transition come to fruition. The company, which...

Thomson Park is a peaceful, historically significant waterfront space that offers visitors a quiet place to relax while reflecting on the island’s rich past. Tucked away near the western end of the island, this small but meaningful park sits...

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has become a beloved attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and an annual outing for seasoned visitors who are young and young at heart. The 68,000-square-foot complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks...

Port City Tour Co. is your destination for entertainment, education, talented acting, and history! We can also deliver a catered experience for your special events.   From cool off-shore shelling and wild horse adventures to close-to-home...

Narrated sightseeing tours, & private charters on the Cape Fear River. Featuring the Henrietta.  Cape Fear Riverboats is Wilmington NC’s longest continuously running cruise line. We’ve been in business since 1987 and are...

Ocean bottom or Gulf Stream fishing on the Carolina-style charter boat is the only boat licensed and built to take up to 27 passengers per Gulf Stream Charter. Fish for tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, blue marlin, white marlin or sailfish...

Corolla Adventure Golf is Corolla’s newest attraction! The 27-hole Corolla-themed mni-golf course offers challenging play for all ages. The Bumper Cars put a smile on everyone’s face whether you are watching from the side lines or...

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is the only North Carolina Natural History Museum that’s located on a barrier island, and is a fun destination for visitors of all ages to dive deep into the unique and beautiful coastal region. Located in the...

The USS Battleship North Carolina is an unmistakable site in Downtown Wilmington. Taking up a large portion of the waterfront docks, this historic World War II moveable landmark is a must-see for Cape Fear vacationers.

Back Country Safari Tours is pleased to offer two distinctly different kayak adventures. Both kayak adventures start out with a 12-mile beach exploration in a custom Safari Cruiser before we launch inside the Spanish Mustang Reserve!

Garden City Beach in South Carolina is a laid-back, family-friendly coastal destination that offers the perfect mix of beachside charm and classic seaside fun. Located just south of the more bustling Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach areas, Garden...

Walk, Run, Just Have Fun! From Corolla to Avon, family-friendly, weekly 5k racing on the Outer Banks. Everyone gets a t-shirt, medal, light snacks and refreshments at our post race party. A veteran owned business, The OBX Running Company brings...

The Capt. Stacy Fishing Center provides a fun fishing experience from the moment passengers step off the docks and onto the 83’ ft. long head boat, the “Capt. Stacy IV.” Equipped with some of the most modern electronics available...

Mount Pleasant Pier and Waterfront Park offer a stunning and serene escape that blends Lowcountry beauty with inviting public space and panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor. Located beneath the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, this picturesque...

Come check out Battle Works for a fun and entertaining experiences including axe throwing, laser tag, and nerf wars!

Destination Fun continues to be a high‑energy favorite for indoor entertainment in Kill Devil Hills, offering a lively break from the beach that appeals to all ages. Located along South Croatan Highway, the longtime Outer Banks attraction has...

Happy Days scenic tours allows you to view everything the Beaufort waterfront has to offer! This includes everything from fishing vessels, historic landmarks, local shops, salt marshes and a variety of wildlife - including the famous wild horses!

Soak up the centuries-old history of beautiful Beaufort with a visit to the Beaufort Historic Site. Renowned as the third oldest town in North Carolina, there’s a lot of history to explore in this quiet Southern Outer Banks community, and...

Join us on an entertaining, 90-minute action packed adventure through one of America's largest living film sets! See 100’s of actual film locations, props and set pieces, & hear behind the scenes stories from hits like: One Tree Hill ...

Lazy Pirate Sports Grill is open four days a week, serving up great food, refreshing drinks, and nonstop entertainment in a relaxed, family-friendly sports bar atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for our famous All You Can Eat Crab Legs...

Game on Escape Rooms offers physical adventure games in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. These experiences are great for ages 10 and up. Two different escape...

Located just South of Salvo proper, the Salvo Day Use Area provides a peaceful haven for families, beachgoers, and watersports lovers. This park offers the perfect backdrop for taking in the Outer Banks' rich history and natural beauty. Everyone may...

Apache Pier is one of the most iconic and well-loved fishing piers on the Grand Strand. Known for being the longest wooden pier on the East Coast, it stretches far out over the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a classic coastal experience steeped...

The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront, this historical recreation of a late 1700s governor's palace...

We are Daniel, Kate and Brooke, a team of experienced documentary portrait and wedding photographers from Hatteras Island. We Love creating stunning and meaningful photographs. Our style is natural, bold, and sincere. Our work highlights unscripted...

Enjoy the best activities that Cape Fear region has to offer – from sunning at the local beaches to sneaking in a quick 18 holes – with a visit to the Beau Rivage Golf & Resort. Located along US Highway 421, and close to both the...

Experience Wilmington like never before with the Pub Crawl of Old Wilmington, where history, mystery, and a great night out come together. Connected to the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, this lively tour is part of the same family of local...

Climb Aboard the Crystal Dawn Head Boat and Enjoy an Awesome Day of Head Boat Fishing or an Amazing Sunset Cruise! Bring the Whole Family! Fish for a variety of species, including spot, croaker, flounder, grey trout, speckled trout...

The 2nd Avenue Pier is a historic and beloved oceanfront landmark that offers a quintessential slice of coastal life right in the heart of the city. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean from the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this...

The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina is a beautiful event venue with waterfront views from every seat. When planning a wedding on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, there is no other location that can compare to Pirate’s Cove. Our...

Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination of choice for countless fun-seeking vacationers of all ages who want a big dose of entertainment...

  HWY 12 Amusements in Rodanthe offers family‑friendly fun beyond the beach, with laser tag, a full arcade, bowling, and a striking outdoor climbing wall. Conveniently located on NC Highway 12, it’s a go‑to spot for rainy days...

Pier 14 is a beloved oceanfront destination that blends the classic charm of a fishing pier with the vibrant energy of the Grand Strand. Stretching gracefully over the Atlantic Ocean just off North Ocean Boulevard, this scenic pier offers a variety...

The northernmost coastal region of Carolina Beach is home to the Freeman Park Recreation Area, a stretch of shoreline that is well known to adventurous, beach-loving 4WD truck owners. Unlike other stretches of the barrier islands off the coast of...

Renowned as a small but substantial piece of Southport’s history that was almost lost in the wake of 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, the Southport City Dock reopened to grand acclaim in the 2021, and has regained its reputation as a popular...

The Carolina Beach Pier, technically (formerly) known as the "Carolina Beach Fishing Pier Northern Extension" is a great place to grab a cocktail or bite to eat. Please note the pier suffered storm damage and is mostly closed for the time being.

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers fishing and fun for the entire family! Go fishing, take a family fishing class or simply walk out to the end of this 1,000-foot-long, concrete ocean pier.

Just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, the town of Belville has quietly cultivated one of the region's finest hidden gems for nature lovers and community gatherings. Situated directly opposite the western banks of Eagles Island on the...

With Wilmington's distinguished history as a thriving port community, few folks recognize at first that part of this reputation stemmed from its legacy as a bustling railroad center. In fact, for well over 125 years, railroading was the top industry...

Visitors can cast off for some exceptional fishing, while enjoying a bit of local history, with a visit to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Family owned and operated since it was first built, this unmistakable beach landmark is a fantastic destination...

Halyburton Memorial Park is a perfect respite for visitors who want to take a break from the busy Downtown Wilmington shopping, dining and attractions, and just relax amidst the natural ponds and unique rolling sand hills, and watch the wildlife...

The fishing pier and arcade in Ocean Isle Beach is a favorite local attraction that is hard to miss. Located at the very end of Causeway Drive, the only route on and off the island, the pier is visible from virtually every stretch of beach along...

Anglers from all regions love cruising over to the Ocean Crest Pier, the only privately owned and operated pier on Oak Island, and one of the best venues for great fishing, tournaments, and taking in the scene. Voted the #1 fishing pier in North...

While the oceanfront of the Outer Banks gets plenty of morning glory, those in the know head soundside when sunset approaches. Located at Milepost 16 on the Roanoke Sound, The Soundside Event Site in Nags Head has transitioned from a wide-open...

Foliage fans and gardening enthusiasts from all over the country will love a day trip to the Elizabethan Gardens. Tucked away in Manteo within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, this 10 acre Roanoke soundfront locale is home to hundreds of...

Visitors can enjoy a quiet view of the Calico Bay and Newport River from this refreshingly secluded spot that’s tucked away on the outskirts of the downtown Morehead City area. Conchs Point is a public water access point, but it also has a ton...

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for family-oriented or even late-night fun after a sunny day on the beach. Noted as one of the top 10 boardwalks in America by Food & Wine magazine, this classic oceanside boardwalk features a...

Any experienced visitor will attest that one of the best things about the North Carolina coastline is the fishing, and the Johnnie Mercer's Pier is a prime locale for Wrightsville Beach visitors to tackle the exceptional saltwater fishing conditions...

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is one of three maritime museums sponsored by the state that lies along the eastern portion of NC. The Southport branch focuses on the maritime history of the lower Cape Fear River, and contains a...

The John Wright Stanly House is a unique stop along a historic New Bern exploration, and is a stately 1780s home that was designed by the same architect who created Tryon Palace, found just a block or two away.

The Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and is a barrier island system that is found just off the coast of Beaufort and Harkers Island, and which is a popular offshore beaching destination for summertime Crystal Coast...

Regardless of whether visitors are exploring the Beaufort Old Burying Ground via one of the area’s in-depth and fascinating tours, or simply passing by on a self-guided expedition of the historic Downtown area, the site is certainly worth a...

Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both Morehead City and Beaufort visitors.