Nature
 Croatan National Forest [ Map ]
Once the site of a Civil War battle, this rebuilt outdoor recreation center provides camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
141 East Fisher Ave
New Bern, NC 28560
Phone: 252-638-5628
North Carolina Estuarium [ Map ]
As one of North Carolina's most innovative environmental centers, the Estuarium houses more than 200 scientific and historic exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. Features and activities include artwork featuring environmental themes by regional artists, including a room-size interactive sculpture in the lobby; aquariums and terrariums with live estuarine species; historic artifacts and boats; audio-visual presentations including a spectacular film of the Albemarle-Pamlico region; programs, classes and other regularly scheduled activities. Environmental educators are on staff.
223 East Water Street
Washington, NC 27889
Phone: 252-948-0000
www.partnershipforthesounds.org
New Bern
Birthplace of Pepsi [ Map ]
Located in historic New Bern, Pepsi-Cola was first invented by Caleb Bradham in his pharmacy in 1898.
256 Middle Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Phone: 252-636-5898
www.pepsistore.com
Historic New Bern, NC [ Map ]
This site is a helpful source of information about New Bern, North Carolina. The office is located inside the New Bern Convention Center.
203 South Front Street
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: 800-437-5767
www.visitnewbern.com
New Bern Firemens Museum [ Map ]
Enjoy this educational and historical look at the past by visiting the New Bern Firemen's Museum.
408 Hancock Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Phone: 252-636-4087
www.newbernmuseums.com/
New Bern Tours [ Map ]
Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens [ Map ]
Tryon Palace was originally built between 1767 and 1770, as the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina and a home for the Royal Governor and his family. Come visit our historic gardens and sites where govenors ruled, legislators debated, patriots gathered and George Washington danced.
610 Pollock Street
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: 800-767-1560
www.tryonpalace.org
Northern Outer Banks
Bodie Lighthouse [ Map ]
The Bodie Lighthouse has distinguishable black and white horizontal bands and was built in 1872.
Highway 12 S
Nags Head, NC 27959
Cape Hatteras [ Map ]
On these narrow barrier islands, things never stay the same. A haven for recreation and reflection, the islands of Cape Hatteras are constantly changed by tide, storm, current and wind. The plants, wildlife and people who live here adapt continually. You see in their daily lives and hear it in the telling of their stories. And there are many story places - sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime woods - explore them all!
Highway 12 S
Hatteras, NC 27920
www.nps.gov/caha/
Hatteras Lighthouse [ Map ]
Reaching a height of 225 feet, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the U.S.
Highway 12 S
Hatteras, NC 27920
The Lost Colony [ Map ]
The Lost Colony tells the story of a 400 year-old mystery which has haunted Roanoke Island. Live acts are performed in the dramatic setting of a historic waterside theatre.
1409 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-473-2127
www.thelostcolony.org
Southern Outer Banks
Cape Lookout [ Map ]
Ready for adventure? Take a boat trip three miles off-shore to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Here you can enjoy remote beaches, watch wild horses and other wildlife, or visit one of the historic districts. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for the day. Going camping takes a little more planning. Located about 1.5 hours from River Dunes by power boat.
Highway 12 S
Smith Island, NC
www.nps.gov/calo/
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse has a striking diamond pattern. By power boat, it's about an hour and a half away, nestled in "The Hook" of Cape Lookout.
Highway 12 S
Smith Island, NC
Fort Macon State Park [ Map ]
Fort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast--as well as a historic landmark. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water--the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound. This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore salt marches and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem.
The park is also home to a Civil War fort with a history as intricate and unique as the waterways of the sound. Visit Fort Macon to enjoy the land's natural beauty and soak up some history.
Phone: 252-726-3775
www.crystalcoast.com/fortmacon/
Hammocks Beach
Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded--the list of things to do.
Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all.
Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach may not be for everyone, but the island is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky.
www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/habe/
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Grace Harbor in River Dunes
River Dunes
River Dunes is located on the Intracoastal Waterway at the confluence of the Neuse River and the Pamlico Sound, which stretches across 25 miles of open waters to the famed Outer Banks. With our 14 miles of waterfront, fully amenitized world-class harbor, uncompromised natural surroundings and open water escapes, River Dunes is a great place to call home.
Our 400-slip marina can accommodate any boat or vessel and is sure to provide easy access to the big water with its deep channel. Canoeing and kayaking are also attractive options at River Dunes: the site offers numerous creeks, marshes and backwaters that are sure to keep you paddling for hours. Soft launch sites are available for easy access to the water.
In efforts to increase awareness about our beloved coastal lands, River Dunes has made a conscious effort to preserve the delicate habitats that make up the site's woodlands and waterways. Journey through our preserved forests on one of the nature trails, where you are sure to see wildlife and plants typical of coastal settings. The Nature Center and Adventure Lodge will provide onsite activities and programs for the whole family to enjoy. Stop by for a schedule and list of programs.
Oriental's waterfront
Oriental/Bayboro/Alliance
Oriental, the sailing capital of North Carolina, brings sailors, paddlers, power boaters and fishermen together in a relaxed village setting. Nautical activities, such as kayaking, sailing lessons and charter fishing are exciting family adventures sure to bring lasting memories. Popular dining spots, shopping and small town markets can be found in the Oriental Harbor Village Center and Marina. Oriental's local coffee shop, The Bean, is a popular spot to find out the local happenings, as well as catch an acoustic porch performance by local musicians. Visitors are also invited to experience the visual and performing arts in Oriental by attending a play at a small historic theater or an art opening at one of the local galleries.
Outside of Oriental are the communities of Alliance and Bayboro. These small towns have the basic amenities, such as gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores. As the county seat of Pamlico County, Bayboro is the location of the County Library and Court House.
Tryon Palace, New Bern
New Bern/Ocracoke/Manteo
New Bern, which was the first capital of North Carolina, can be found where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet. The historic downtown offers many restaurants, varying in flavors and atmospheres. Specialty shops line the streets of downtown, and outside the historic district you will find shopping centers. History buffs are encouraged to visit the museums in the area which successfully highlight the deep historical roots. The Tryon Palace and Gardens, the first permanent capitol built for governors and their families, is one of New Bern's historical gems.
Beaufort's waterfront boardwalk
The neighboring coastal towns and islands are easily accessible and warrant exciting day trips for you and the family. Ocracoke's beaches are ranked among the top in the country, and the island itself offers a unique experience with its village shops and restaurants. Beaufort and Morehead City have a very nautical feel, but also give their visitors the sense of small-town fishing community. Before escaping to the Outer Banks, be sure and stop off in Manteo. This small coastal town has a great downtown with shops and cafes as well as The Lost Colony Theatre, highlighting the history of the mysterious Roanoke Island Settlement.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
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