Spring things to do near Atlantic Beach, NC
Spring is a lovely time of year to visit the NC coast and spend time close to the ocean, but also adventure off the beach, thanks to those cooler mornings and evenings. Located in Carteret County, there’s so much to do within a short distance of Atlantic Beach. Thanks to its proximity to Morehead City, there’s no true OFF-season. I really could not recommend a spring trip here more.
Growing up, my family spent most weekends making the trip up and down Highway 70 from Raleigh to our little place in Atlantic Beach. These weekend trips always picked up once spring rolled around, as there was nowhere better to be than close to the ocean for those first warm days of the year. For me, this small town beach was the setting of my favorite childhood memories. Today, I’m fortunate enough to get to share my favorite place with my kids as they grow into the next generation of beach lovers.
Come along for a list of my favorite things to do in my favorite place.
Enjoy the Crystal Coast beaches:
This one is the most obvious, but no trip to the coast is complete without a stroll on the sand, regardless of the season. You’ll no doubt be spending considerable time on one of the county’s many beaches. Whether you’re staying in Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores or venturing to one of the more remote beaches within the National Seashore, you’ll find an endless stretch of sand meeting the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Even in the spring months, you’re likely to catch a warm enough day for walking or sitting on the sand. Also, I’m convinced kids don’t feel the cold of ocean water on their feet, but do on their bellies. They’ll likely splash around in the surf. When compared with full on ocean swimming, this is so relaxing, so take them and let them be free in the knee-deep waves.
CC Favorite: One favorite spring activity for my family (especially if we are there close to Earth Day) is to pick up a basket from the public access points and collect trash on one of our beach walks. My children love to do this and really respond to the task of cleaning up the beach to protect sea creatures and keep the ocean clean. I know it sounds hard to believe, but kids love this kind of project and it’s a really tangible way to put things they hear in school to practice.
Explore Fort Macon State Park:
A mix of history and incredible beach views, Fort Macon is worth your visit. Stroll through the fort, a relic of Civil War history (entrance is free).
Take a walk or bike ride through marshland, coastal forest and rugged dunes on the Elliott Coues Nature Trail. My family loves this walk/ride in spring – it gets severely hot on the dunes in the summer, so we don’t even attempt it! Take water with you, even if it’s not that hot – you’ll want it!
Because it is undeveloped park land, the beaches within the park are famous for fishing and relaxing oceanside. Picnic shelters are available close to the first beach access within the park.
Quick-tip: Swimming is strictly forbidden in certain sections of the park due to strong currents near the inlet. Please be careful!
Adventure to Cape Lookout National Seashore:
A gem of the entire eastern coast, Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of a string of barrier islands known as Core Banks, making up the southern section of North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks. In some ways otherworldly, a trip out to the National Seashore is a memorable experience, especially in the quieter spring months.
The Core Banks islands are accessible only by boat, so unless you have your own, take the Island Express Ferry from Harkers Island or Beaufort to access Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. The crossing to Cape Lookout takes about 30 minutes and includes incredible views of the shoals that give the area the famous “graveyard of the Atlantic” nickname and the diamond-patterned lighthouse. From here, explore boardwalk trails or find your way to your own section of beautiful, rugged coastline.
Switch over to the sound side of the island for some calmer waters. This side is really fun for the kids, as there are all kinds of marine life to observe and the water remains shallow far out into the sound, all under the shadow of Cape Lookout lighthouse.
If you’re visiting Shackleford Banks, see the famous wild horses and try your hand at shelling for whole conchs, sand dollars or other special shells. The island is eight miles in length, so in the cooler months, go hiking. Take in my favorite beach and enjoy.
Quick-tip: Carry water and food with you onto either island. It is, after all, a barrier island in the middle of the sound and there aren’t stores or restaurants. The ferry service will allow you to bring beach chairs, coolers, bags, etc. Plan appropriately.
Visit the town of Beaufort:
Immerse yourself in all things Blackbeard in this charming small coastal town. From Morehead City, cross over bridges with incredible views of the North Carolina lowlands. Historical homes and sailing masts are on display in every direction. A slew of restaurants serve up seafood and drinks next to the boardwalk. Catch a glimpse of dolphins in the water or wild horses across Taylor Creek at Rachel Carson Nature Preserve. Rent kayaks to get out on the water and explore for yourself.
Visit the free North Carolina Maritime Museum (with a fun Blackbeard scavenger hunt for the kids).
The Old Burying Ground on Ann Street has a self-guided tour of revolutionary and civil war era graves with incredible stories behind them (my kids love this tour and the stories that accompany finding each grave). Take advantage in spring when it’s pleasant to be out exploring and away from the water.
Check out the Carolina Garden Center:
This suggestion may be a dark horse pick, but it’s such a fun, quirky place that it simply had to make the list. Located inland in little known Bogue, NC, Carolina Home & Garden is a world unto itself and really just chock full of North Carolina culture. Walk the grounds and gander at the many, many plants and plant decorated spaces on the property. Stop for lunch at the food truck parked out front. Grab espresso at the coffee bar or a local beer from the taproom.
Check out the adventure area for kids, with all kinds of live farm animals, gem mining and a tree-top playground. The adventure area sets to the side of the garden center and is a bit pricey, so check it out before you promise it to the kids. Without the adventure side, you could easily stop by for a long lunch or a drink in the evening. With the adventure center, you can expect to spend a couple of hours on site.
Take a ferry to Ocracoke or Oriental:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation runs daily ferry services (smaller ferries are free) from Cherry Branch to Minnesott Beach, a short drive from Oriental, a cute North Carolina river town full of sailboats and art galleries. For a bigger (and longer) adventure, head from Cedar Island out to Ocracoke Island to see another lighthouse, more Blackbeard lore and visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From Ocracoke it’s possible to continue north and take in more of the Outer Banks and additional lighthouses. In spring all of these routes will be less crowded and you’ll probably get on without much wait.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores:
A big draw for families on rainy days, the aquarium is a great size for a morning or afternoon outing for the kids. Be sure to check out the trails surrounding the aquarium for a really cool playground and a trip out to the sound. The Roosevelt Nature Trail is a nice walk in good weather and you’ll probably have it to yourself, as most visitors stick close to the building.
Croatan National Forest – Cedar Point Tideland Trail and Swansboro
Croatan National Forest is really under the radar, but head this direction for a beautiful walk on the Cedar Point Tideland Trail. Boardwalks will give you incredible views of the marsh and Swansboro, another charming NC town. Technically out of Carteret County, it’s worth a visit because it’s utterly lovely and a great place for a lunch break.
Stop by Friendly Market for a crack pie:
A famous Morehead City institution, go by and check out the local wares and produce. Grab whatever supplies you may need for a nice meal at home (always more fun to make a nice meal when you’re not out on the beach quite so late like in the summer). Before you leave, grab the crack pie, which you’ll find amidst a wide variety of desserts. Served warm with some vanilla ice cream, it is honestly life changing. It’ll cap your nice meal and you’ll thank me profusely.
Try out Radio Island:
Tucked between Morehead City and Beaufort you’ll find Radio Island. My family loves to come here in summer, when the ocean is rough for calmer swimming in the inlet. In spring, it’s a nice place for beach fishing if you have a fishing license. Kids under 16 fish for free! Facing Beaufort, you’ll have lovely views and just a bit of a different beach day.
I hope this list has been helpful as you plan your next trip to Atlantic Beach, Morehead City or anywhere else in the surrounding Carteret County. If you’ve been, what do you make sure is on your list every time you’re there? Which town is your favorite?
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