Find your perfect Morehead City
Morehead City is a vibrant waterfront town located along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, known for its boating culture, fresh seafood, and lively downtown district.
Situated on the shores of Bogue Sound and just minutes from Atlantic Beach, Morehead City serves as a hub for coastal activities like deep-sea fishing, sailing, and waterfront dining. The town is home to a charming historic district, a working harbor, and popular events like the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and the North Carolina Seafood Festival. With easy access to nearby beaches, nature trails, and maritime attractions, Morehead City offers a mix of small-town charm and coastal adventure.
Visitors to Morehead City can choose from a variety of lodging options, including vacation rental homes, condos, and waterfront inns. The town is perfect for those who enjoy walkable shopping and dining, as well as quick access to boating excursions and day trips to nearby islands. Whether you're casting off from a charter boat, strolling the docks at sunset, or enjoying the catch of the day, Morehead City offers a welcoming, water-loving atmosphere in the heart of the Crystal Coast.
The Morehead City waterfront and downtown area go together hand in hand, in fact, with a number of marinas and docking spaces available for travelers who are arriving by boat. Several marinas, including the Morehead City Yacht Basin, the Portside Marina, and the Spooners Creek Marina, call this section of the Inner Banks home, and the town of Morehead City even has its own public docking facilities, newly completed, with deep water slips that are close to Arendell Street, one of the major streets that runs along Morehead City in the heart of the downtown region.
The mainland and waterfront boat slips are separated by a long boardwalk edging the water, which is ideal for a sunset or morning stroll. Visitors can work up an appetite as they admire the miles-wide views of the Bogue Sound and Money Island Bay, and can relax on strategically placed benches and wooden "deck swings" overlooking the scene. Other amenities include shaded gazebos and information kiosks that outline the history of the waterfront, and indicate local points of interest. New visitors should also be on the lookout for the giant and colorful statue of King Neptune, who stands guard over the local marinas and docks, and is located close to the hub of the downtown region.
Visitors to the waterfront will also be rewarded with a wide selection of galleries, boutiques, and acclaimed local restaurants, including the legendary Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant, (located on the very edges of downtown), Jack's Waterfront Bar, Capt. Bill's Waterfront Restaurant and Mythos Waterfront Grill, an upscale Greek restaurant with local seafood specialties. As all of the names would suggest, these establishments, plus the half dozen or so additional eateries scattered throughout downtown, have phenomenal views of the open water, and are perfect destinations for a romantic dinner with a sunset-over-the-water backdrop.
In addition to the restaurants, shopping and boardwalks, vacationers will find ample avenues for having fun on the open water along Morehead City's waterfront. A dive center is located adjacent to the docks, as well as several charter fishing boats and tour services. Essentially, from the waterfront, visitors can embark on any number of adventures, including half day charter fishing trips for inshore sound species, full day charter fishing adventures in the Gulf Stream, island-hopping excursions to neighboring Sugarloaf Island or one of the many other nearby beaches, or a scenic tour along the busy and beautiful Bogue Sound.
Summer visitors can rent kayaks and canoes off the downtown docks as well for their own, self-guided adventures, and anglers are advised to look into the local charter fishing services available. Home to the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Morehead City is renowned for its charter fishing fleet, and fishermen who book a half-day or full-day trip will enjoy some of the best fishing on the East Coast, guided by some of eastern North Carolina's most experienced local captains and mates.
There are several hotels and inns located within walking distance of the downtown area, and most all of the local marinas offer exceptional, first-class services and amenities for travelers visiting by water. Electric hook-ups, wireless internet access, showers, restrooms, laundry facilities and small supply stores are all common attributes, with countless restaurants, shops and local attractions located just steps off the docks.
The waterfront is also home to the popular Jaycee Park, which is the venue of choice for a number of popular annual events, including Morehead City's Summer Concert Series, Double Decker bus tours, and community-wide parades and holiday celebrations.
Visitors to the Crystal Coast or the Inner Banks should reserve an afternoon or evening to explore everything that the scenic Morehead City waterfront has to offer. From ample docking space and marinas for travelers passing through along the Intracoastal Waterway, to an exceptional collection of restaurants that specialize in the best of North Carolina's seafood industry, everyone who visits this region will surely be charmed and fully entertained. Schedule a diving adventure, a full day of hard Gulf Stream fishing, or a lazy tour along the waterfront, and see first-hand why Morehead City is a rising star of the Coastal Carolina vacation scene.
July 18, 2025
Dive into an Outer Banks staple that has been making appearances on local menus and dinner tables for generations with this annual event that is celebrating its 19th year in 2025. The Annual Crab Cake Cook-off is a competition of acclaimed and...
July 18, 2025
Celebrating its 18th year in 2025, the Carteret Community College Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages and abilities to test their skills in the plentiful waters of the Crystal Coast...
August 7, 2025
Beaufort has a deep-seated history and legacy when it comes to sailing, and competitors and spectators alike can celebrate this culture by participating in the Traditional Skiff Regatta. Held in early August, this event features a fast-paced cruise...
August 15, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of excitement and generosity! Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity presents Casino Night, where every spin of the wheel and shuffle of the cards builds homes and hope for local families. Join us at the Swansboro...
October 11, 2025
If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that...
October 13, 2025
Head to the Crystal Coast to enjoy some of the best fishing conditions all year long by participating in October’s annual Swansboro Five-0 King Mackerel Tournament. This popular fishing tournament features up to $180,000 in prizes for...
Find your perfect Morehead City
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