Major city · United States
Beaufort, North CarolinaBeaufort
Give Beaufort two nights, not one: the historic district and the ferry islands are separate half-days, and US-70 traffic eats the rest.
Beaufort is a small waterfront town on the Crystal Coast, the county seat and the third-oldest town in North Carolina, settled in 1713. Two things fill a visit: a compact grid of restored 18th- and 19th-century houses, and the water — Taylor's Creek, Carrot Island and Shackleford Banks, reached by passenger ferry. The town is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes. It is pronounced "BO-furt", unlike the South Carolina Beaufort.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, humidity, crowds), hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct
- Airports
- EWN · RDU · ILM
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Beaufort, North Carolina911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control (24 h)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Beaufort, North Carolina, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyBeaufort is a small, low-crime town and the historic district is safe on foot after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control (24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEWN Coastal Carolina Regional (New Bern) (Closest commercial airport, about 45–60 min west on US-70; small, limited routes).
- Getting aroundThe historic core is walkable: Front Street to the Old Burying Ground is about 15–20 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$3–6
- Beerdraught at a bar / six-pack at a storeUS$7–9US$10–14
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or ride-hailing trip3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or ride-hailing tripUS$12–20
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or historic-site tourUS$0–20
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedHistoric inn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedHistoric inn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EWN Coastal Carolina Regional (New Bern) (Closest commercial airport, about 45–60 min west on US-70; small, limited routes) · RDU Raleigh-Durham International (About 3 h by car via US-70 and I-40; the usual choice for cheaper fares) · ILM Wilmington International (About 2.5 h south)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Care
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Care
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Apr–Jun. Mixed: Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Apr (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Beaufort, North Carolina: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic core is walkable: Front Street to the Old Burying Ground is about 15–20 minutes on foot. For anything beyond that — the marina, the beaches, Morehead City — you need a car; there is no useful local bus. Bikes and golf carts are common in summer. Passenger ferries leave from Front Street for the islands.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Morehead City
goDoor to door: About 15 min
US-70 west, about 10 min by car
Working waterfront, more restaurants and the nearest big grocery.
Atlantic Beach
goDoor to door: About 25 min
US-70 west then NC-58 over the causeway, about 20 min by car
The closest ocean beach; go early in summer for parking.
Harkers Island
goDoor to door: About 35 min
US-70 east then NC-70, about 30 min by car
Base for Cape Lookout lighthouse trips; the ferry from Harkers Island is the short crossing.
Swansboro
cautionDoor to door: About 50 min
NC-24 west, about 45 min by car
Small historic waterfront; worth it only if you are already driving west.
New Bern
goDoor to door: About 1 h 10 min
US-70 north, about 1 h by car
Colonial capital with a bigger historic district and Tryon Palace.
Emerald Isle
goDoor to door: About 1 h
NC-24 west then NC-58, about 45–55 min by car
Longer, quieter beach strand; a full beach day, not a quick stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Historic district (Front, Turner, Craven, Ann streets)
Walk to the museum, boardwalk and restaurants; mostly inns and B&Bs, few chain hotels.
Waterfront / Front Street
Boardwalk views over Taylor's Creek; the priciest rooms and the noisiest evenings.
US-70 corridor and outskirts
Motels and vacation rentals with parking; you will drive in for dinner.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$150–250 excl. bed
- High
- US$280+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Historic inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$170 | US$680 |
| Passenger ferry to Shackleford Banks or Carrot Island, round trip2 × US$14 | US$28 |
| Maritime Museum entry2 × US$0 · Free; donations welcome | US$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$110 |
| Trip total≈ US$302 per person per day, bed included | US$1,208 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$3–6 |
| Fried seafood plate or shrimp basket | US$16–28 |
| Raw oysters, half dozen | US$14–22 |
| Beer: draught at a bar / six-pack at a store | US$7–9 / US$10–14 |
| Passenger ferry to the islands, round trip | US$8–14 |
| 5 km taxi or ride-hailing trip | US$12–20 |
| Museum or historic-site tour | US$0–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: plan the walking between 08:00 and 11:00.Summer heat and humidity: plan the walking between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov, peaking Aug–Oct; coastal flooding and evacuation orders are possible — check forecasts.
- Ferry and cruise sailings are weather-dependent and can be cancelled the same day.
- Restaurant kitchens close early outside summer; many places shut one or two weekdays in the off season — check before you walk.
- Parking in the historic district is limited and metered in places; park once and walk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Poison Control (24 h)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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Beaufort, North CarolinaBeaufort
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control (24 h)1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Beaufort. Consulates and embassies are in Washington, DC, Atlanta and Raleigh — check your country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry Beaufort → Shackleford Banks, round trip: about US$14 per adult, weather permitting
- Ride-hailing Beaufort → Morehead City: US$12–20
- Drive Beaufort → New Bern (EWN airport): about 45–60 min on US-70
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the ferry dock? — Where is the ferry dock?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
- Is it safe to swim today? — Is it safe to swim today?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 per drink at a bar, US$3–5 a night for housekeeping.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Beaufort, North Carolina. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, humidity, crowds), hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for EWN and RDU: last departures, drive times, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Front Street waterfront, Turner and Craven streets, the Old Burying Ground, the museum.
- Place pages with verified hours (Maritime Museum, Beaufort Historic Site, Old Burying Ground) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and weather fixtures so island days can go green or be swapped.