Atlantic Beach, NC

Fort Macon State Park features a wide variety of things to do within its boundaries in the small coastal town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Home to an excellently restored fort from the Civil War era; unspoiled coastline ideal for beachcombing, surf fishing, and swimming; and a coastal education center, visitors can easily spend the whole day at the state park. Located at the eastern end of the Bogue Banks and nearly completely surrounded by water, Fort Macon State Park provides opportunities to learn about dune fields, estuaries, and salt marshes. Fort Macon is a great historical site to explore as well.

2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, Phone: 252-726-3775

Constructed between the years of 1826 and 1834, the five-sided Fort Macon was built to defend Beaufort Harbor and was made out of stone and brick. The historic fort was intermittently garrisoned, but was captured in 1861 by Confederate troops at the start of the Civil War, later to be recaptured in April of 1862 by Union troops. The fort stands today as one of the best surviving examples of military fortification and architecture of the nineteenth century. Visitors can tour Fort Macon any day, with the exception of Christmas Day and Civil War reenactments take place during the summer season.

2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, Phone: 252-726-3775

The Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is protected by the North Carolina Coastal Federation. This half-mile, low-impact nature trail in Atlantic Beach is open to both locals and visitors alike during the day and can be found off of Highway 58 near the Atlantic Station Shopping Center. Complimentary trail guides are available at the entrance to the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail. This trail is considered to be a prime example of the “wild side” of Atlantic Beach, which is easily accessible and mostly “hidden in plain sight,” and leads people to a world of beautiful waterfront and natural green landscapes.

Milepost 3.5, Hwy 58, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, Phone: 252-393-8185

Amos Mosquito's Restaurant and Bar is an upscale, yet casual restaurant offering a great dining experience for the whole family. Featuring a covered patio that overlooks the Bogue Sound and outdoorsy, unique decor, the restaurant offers a made-from-scratch and eclectic menu with options ranging from sushi to Jamaican Jerk Chicken to catch-of-the-day specials to desserts like the tableside s’mores. Amos Mosquito's Restaurant uses the freshest local ingredients when possible, aiming to be the go-to place in town for coastal and classic southern fare. The restaurant boasts a beachy vibe with its picturesque water views and bayou-style setting.

703 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, Phone: 252-247-6222

Shark Shack is a favorite dining establishment among locals in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, offering a peaceful atmosphere, live music during the weekend, daily beer and food specials, outdoor seating, and cornhole any day. Particularly well known for its Grouper Bites, Shark Shack offers a menu featuring a variety of seafood items, such as seafood wraps, clam strips, fried oysters, shrimp, homemade crab cakes, and more. In addition to the everyday menu, specials include special tacos every weekend, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna Steak Sandwiches, and other dishes. The food at Shark Shack is complemented by the nine different homemade sauces available to diners.

100 S Durham Ave, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, Phone: 252-269-9941