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Atlantic Beach North Carolina
is located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, home to historic Fort Macon and Fort Macon State Park. Built from 1826-1834, Fort Macon replaced Fort Dobbs, a wooden structure built in 1756, and Fort Hampton, a similar structure that was eventually washed away by storms. The site of the fort is now a 398-acre state park, one of the most popular in the U.S. Guided tours of the fort are available and a museum is located on the grounds, as well as swimming, fishing, picnicking and nature trails. Rangers hold regular educational and interpretive programs at the park, and there is something interesting to discover in each of the fort’s 26 vaulted rooms. Exhibits and displays tell the history of the fort, and restored quarters looks exactly as they did when the officers and soldiers lived there. The fort features a counterfire room with cannon emplacements, a wide moat that could be flooded during an attack, a historic cannon, a hot shot furnace and a bake oven. The fort is a must see for anyone interested in American history.
Atlantic Beach is known for its excellent fishing – either from the pier or deep-sea charter boat fishing. Almost any type of beach activity is available here and the Atlantic Beach Causeway has arcades, go-karts, a Ferris-wheel, bungee jumping, specialty shops and beachside bars. You can swim, surf, scuba dive; go kayaking or canoeing, fly a kite on the beach, or play tennis and golf. (North Carolina’s temperate climate makes it possible to play golf year round.) You can take a guided cruise to Cape Lookout and watch for dolphins, or take a romantic sunset or moonlight excursion. Crystal Coast ecological tours are also available from Atlantic Beach. Spring, summer, winter or fall, sail aboard a custom built yacht around the islands of the Outer Banks on wildlife and birding expeditions, to pristine beaches at ports of call at coastal villages full of charm and history. It’s a great way to see the Intracoastal Waterway and slow down and relax, while learning about the fascinating ecology of the area. Another fun, learning experience is a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium, which has three facilities; one in Pine Knolls, Roanoke Island and Fort Fisher. This huge aquarium was established in 1976 and continues to grow and expand. It is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and helps promote awareness, appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s ocean, rivers, streams and estuaries.
A number of amusement parks are located in the Atlantic Beach area, including Jungleland and Fun ‘N Wheels in Atlantic Beach, Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway in Salter Path/Indian Beach, Playland in Emerald Isle, Sportsworld in Morehead City and the Water Boggan Park of Emerald Isle. Other nearby attractions include Cape Lookout National Seashore, the Beaufort Historic Site, Rachel Carson Reserve, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum, all located in the nearby town of Beaufort.
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