Your Crystal Coast Insider
Let this space inspire your next adventure. Here, you’ll find thoughtful recommendations from our team, local insights from trusted voices, and a look at the moments —both seasonal and spontaneous —that make Beaufort unforgettable. From island-hopping itineraries to chef-led dining tips, this is your gateway to coastal living.
Ultimate Beaufort Labor Day Weekend Itinerary
As summer draws to a close, Beaufort finds itself in that golden, humming lull between high season and harvest moon—a moment suspended in salt air and soft light. Labor Day here isn’t just a farewell to summer; it’s a celebration of rhythm: the tides, the hands that shape this town’s living legacy, and the coastal creativity that pulses from dockside galleries to downtown kitchens.
Learn MoreUltimate Beaufort Labor Day Weekend Itinerary
Curiosity greeted by art fairs beneath Live Oak trees, salt air, and menus shaped by the season. The working waterfront hums with stories—of fish and boats, of artists and chefs—welcoming all to take part, even if just for the weekend.
Beaufort is in its element: timeless but alive, familiar yet always surprising. It’s a place where Labor Day echoes not only w, but with love—of craft, of community, and of a coastal heritage too rich to fit neatly between Friday and Monday.
Let’s walk along the waterfront, browse the shops, toast the sunset, and uncover the moments waiting to be yours. The ultimate guide begins here.
Friday, August 29 - Coastal Curiosity & Musical Charm
Weekend Brunch and Puppy Brunch at 34° North Restaurant
8 AM – 3 PM | Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road
Enjoy the weekend with a waterfront brunch that blends Southern comfort and coastal elegance. Overlooking Taylor’s Creek and the Rachel Carson Reserve, 34° North’s open-air patio offers a front-row seat to wild horses and morning tides. Enjoy Crabcake Benedict, 34° North Shrimp & Grits, Egg White Frittata, Chicken & Waffle, Artisan Charcuterie Board, and more.
Puppy Brunch: A Tail-Wagging Twist
Held on the outdoor patio 34° North Restaurant, Puppy Brunch adds a heartwarming touch to the weekend. Features include special canine canapés, themed cocktails, and more. A portion of proceeds from Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails benefit Misplaced Mutts of Carteret County. Note: Puppy Brunch is weather dependent. Pets are welcome on the patio but not inside the restaurant.
Bonehenge Whale Center Public Tour
10 AM–11 AM | 275 W Beaufort Rd Extension
Begin the weekend with marine mystery and craftsmanship as Keith Rittmaster guides guests through whale skeleton restoration, marine mammal research, and local conservation efforts at this one-of-a-kind science hub.
Historic Building Tours
10 AM & 2:30 PM | Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street
Step into Beaufort’s past with docent-led tours in period dress, exploring ten restored structures across two historic acres. Highlights include Leffers Cottage (1778), Josiah Bell House (1825), Carteret County Jail (1829), and the 1796 Courthouse—NC’s last intact wood-framed English Circuit courthouse. Tickets: $15 adults, $6 children (6–12), Free under 5. The tour runs approximately 1 hour. Reservations: (252) 728-5225 | Tours: Monday–Saturday.
Square Perspectives at Mattie King Davis Art Gallery
10 AM - 4 PM | Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street
Square Perspectives is a celebration of geometry and vision—an exhibition where every canvas is a square, but no two perspectives are alike. Hosted at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery, this show features oil, watercolor, and acrylic works by a collective of regional artists and gallery volunteers, each offering a distinct interpretation within the square format. The gallery is open Monday – Saturday.
Fort Macon Guided Tours
11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Dive into Civil War history at the fort’s seaside bastion, with ranger-led tours revealing hidden bunkers, historic armories, and the strategic legacy of coastal defense.
Lunch Option
Perfect for a flavorful break between Bonehenge and Fort Macon:
Clawson's 1905 Restaurant & Pub
425 Front Street
A historic grocery-turned-eatery offering hearty sandwiches, seafood bisque, and kettle chips. Try the Blowing Rock Burger or Shrimp Scampi for a satisfying bite with local flair.
Wild Horses of Rachel Carson Reserve
9 AM Daily, Every 30 minutes | Island Express Ferry Service, 600 Front Street
Scenic and educational rides from Beaufort’s waterfront to the Rachel Carson Reserve, including Carrot Island, and Bird Shoal—each home to wild horses, pristine beaches, and nature trails. Roundtrip Tickets: Adults: $18, Children (3–11): $12, Infants (under 3): Free, and Seniors & Military: $16 (with ID). Ferries run every 30 minutes. Reservations recommended. (252) 728-7433. Tip: Schedule your return time at check-in. See Wild Horse Rules
Friday Night Flights at 34° North Restaurant
5 PM – 12 AM | Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road
If you love whisky, sample one of the many flights from the Whisky List with a collection of over 150 selections, including eight new barrels.
Live Music by Justin Castellano at 34° North Restaurant
9 PM–12 AM | Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road
With Taylor’s Creek shimmering just beyond the patio, Castellano’s soulful blend of folk and blues sets the tone for an unforgettable evening of waterfront vibes and craft cocktails.
Saturday, August 30 – Artisan Energy & Historic Firepower
Morning Walk: Beaufort Boardwalk, 500 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516
Ease into your day with a peaceful stroll along the Beaufort Boardwalk, where the rhythm of the tide and the scent of salt air set a tranquil tone. This scenic walkway hugs Taylor’s Creek, offering views of sailboats, marsh grasses, and — if you're lucky — wild horses across the water at Rachel Carson Reserve.
Coffee & More
Enjoy a serene start to your day and a front-row seat to Beaufort’s timeless charm. Perfect for coffee in hand, with nearby cafés like Turner Street Market or Cru. Tip: Best enjoyed between 7 – 9 AM.
Cru Wine Bar
6:30 AM - 10:30 PM | 120 Turner Street
A hybrid café and wine bar. Great for morning coffee, midday bites, or evening drinks with friends.
Turner Street Market
7 AM - 3 PM | 133A Turner Street
Known for hearty breakfast plates, Bubba biscuits, and rotating lunch specials like quiche, hash bowls, and BLT breakfast salads.
Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market
9 AM–1 PM | Carteret County Courthouse Grounds
Shop beneath the live oaks among over 60 vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and local artistry — a vibrant showcase of community spirit. Tip: Head to the market early in the morning.
Carteret County Coalition Arts & Crafts Show & Sale (Day 1)
10 AM–5 PM | Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street
Since 1981, juried artists have gathered here to display pottery, fiber art, coastal paintings, and more. A tradition steeped in creativity and timeless charm.
Fort Macon Cannon Day
10 AM–4 PM | Fort Macon, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach Demonstrations occur hourly. Witness the thundering roar of live cannon fire as interpreters revive 19th-century artillery routines, complete with costumed presentations and historical insights.
Waterfront Lunch
Whether you're craving brick-oven boldness or dockside indulgence, Beaufort’s waterfront offers two midday escapes that speak to the soul—and the stomach.
Black Sheep Beaufort
11 AM – 9 PM | 510 Front Street
Artisan brick-oven pizzas and bold cocktails in a cozy dockside setting. Sip a Beaufort Breeze or Basil Lemonade while watching the boats drift by. A flavorful stop with creative flair. (252) 269-7272.
Finz Grill
11 AM – 8 PM | 330 Front Street
Breezy seafood deck with views of Taylors Creek. Dive into shrimp burgers, crab cake sandwiches, or the local favorite Shrimp & Grits. Pair it with a cold drink and linger on the waterfront patio. Casual, classic, and made for lingering lunches. (252) 728-7459.
Dinner Favorites
Ideal for winding down after Fort Macon and before live music:
City Kitchen
114 Town Creek Drive
Elevated coastal cuisine with sunset views. Favorites include Duck Bolognese, Crab Cakes with Soy Citrus Sauce, and the Baked Oysters Rockefeller.
MOONRAKERS
326 Front Street
Caribbean-inspired dishes and rooftop cocktails. Share small plates from the Sky Deck Tacking Menu or indulge in Seared Scallops and a Painkiller cocktail.
Front Street Grill at Stillwater
300 Front Street
“Coastal food with Southern soul.” Try the Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna or Crab Benedict while watching the sunset over Taylor’s Creek.
Live Music by Patrick Smith at 34° North Restaurant
9 PM–12 AM | Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road
A rich tapestry of sound unfolds on the waterfront, with Smith’s melodies inviting guests to linger long after sunset.
Sunday, August 31 – Waterside Wonder & Maritime Nostalgia
Carteret County Coalition Arts & Crafts Show & Sale (Day 2)
10 AM–5 PM | Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street
Continue browsing coastal-inspired works and meet the artists behind the masterpiece
Fort Macon Small Arms Demonstration
10:30 AM & 2:30 PM | Fort Macon, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Interpretive staff bring Civil War-era muskets and flintlocks to life with live blank firing and storytelling.
Fort Macon Guided Tours
11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM | Fort Macon, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Stroll through ramparts and tunnels while uncovering the fort’s layered stories of defense and resilience.
Sunday Brunch at Beaufort Grocery Company
10 AM - 2 PM | 117 Queen Street
A beloved local ritual, the menu blends coastal flair with bistro elegance—think Eggs Wellington with grilled beef tenderloin, Benedict Arnold with crab cakes, and the Coastal Scramble featuring shrimp and asparagus. 10 AM - 2 PM. Tip: Reservations available for parties with over 5 people. (252) 728-3899.
Live Music by Rollin’ Woods at 34° North Restaurant
9 PM–12 AM | Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road
A breezy close to the weekend with harmonies that echo across the water.
Moonlight on the Water with Crystal Coast Lady
6:30 PM | 600 Front Street
Crystal Coast Lady’s Moonlight Cruise offers soft music, starlit views, and a tranquil glide across Taylor’s Creek. Aboard the elegant 100-foot yacht, guests enjoy air-conditioned cabins, three open decks, and panoramic vistas—an ideal escape for couples or reflective solo travelers seeking serenity beneath the stars. (252) 728-8687.
Monday, September 1 – Final Flourish of History & Horizon
Bird Hike
9 - 10 AM | Fort Macon, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Meet at the visitor center and take a leisurely hike to identify bird’s native to the area.
Fort Macon Guided Tours
11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM | Fort Macon, 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach
Continue exploring Beaufort’s military heritage in one of North Carolina’s most storied fortresses.
Live Music with the Keel Duo
5:30 PM - 8 PM | Backstreet Pub, 124 Middle Lane
A celebrated flatpicking guitarist and singer-songwriter who has appeared on more than 20 albums...masterful acoustic guitar playing. Doors open at 5 PM. Cover Charge $19.05
Sunset Kayak or Cruise Excursion
Evening | Taylor’s Creek & Rachel Carson Reserve
Paddle through salt marshes or sail past wild horses as the summer sky fades into watercolor.
Beach at Fort Macon State Park
Park Opens at 8 AM | 2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach
Nestled at the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, the beach at Fort Macon State Park offers a pristine stretch of coastline where history meets natural beauty. It’s one of the most beloved beaches on the Crystal Coast — perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply soaking in the Atlantic breeze.
Whether you’re visiting for a quiet sunrise stroll or a full day of sun and surfing, Fort Macon’s beach offers a timeless coastal escape — just minutes from Beaufort and Morehead City.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
131 Charles Street, Harkers Island
Just a short ferry ride from Harkers Island, Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a wild and windswept retreat — perfect for those seeking solitude, adventure, and natural beauty over the holiday weekend. Explore miles of undeveloped shoreline, paddle through salt marshes, or hunt for rare shells along the surf. Capture iconic shots of the black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse, wild horses, and sweeping dunes.
Getting There
- Passenger ferries depart from Harkers Island and Beaufort
- Island Express Ferry Service
- Lookout Cruises
Wild Horse Rules
- Stay 50 feet away (about the length of a bus)
- Do not feed, touch, or tease the horses
- Give horses the right-of-way—if they approach, stay still or move away
- Leashed pets only (6 ft max)
- No food scraps or bait—protect their wild diet
- Report violations: (252) 838-0886 or after hours (252) 726-1911.
- Use binoculars or zoom lenses for safe viewing
- Harassment is illegal and can result in fines or jail time
Set Sail This Labor Day Weekend
Drift into the rhythm of the Crystal Coast aboard Lookout Cruises’ 45-foot catamaran, where every wave carries a whisper of Beaufort’s timeless charm. Whether you're chasing dolphins at sunrise, sipping champagne beneath a cotton-candy sky, or exploring the wild beauty of Cape Lookout, this weekend promises breezes, laughter, and a splash of the extraordinary.
Departing daily from 600 Front Street—steps from 34° North and the Beaufort Hotel. Let your guests sail, sip, and savor the magic of maritime North Carolina.
Location: 600 Front Street, Beaufort, NC
Contact: (252) 504-7245
If you're curating coastal experiences for Labor Day weekend, Crystal Coast Lady Cruises offers a luxurious way to showcase Beaufort’s maritime charm. Their 100-foot yacht features air-conditioned cabins, three outdoor decks, and panoramic views—perfect for guests seeking elegance with a splash of adventure.
Labor Day Weekend Offerings aboard the Crystal Coast Lady
If you're curating coastal experiences for Labor Day weekend, Crystal Coast Lady Cruises offers a luxurious way to showcase Beaufort’s maritime charm. Their 100-foot yacht features air-conditioned cabins, three outdoor decks, and panoramic views—perfect for guests seeking elegance with a splash of adventure.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
Tuesday through Saturday at 6:30 PM, each evening features a themed buffet—Southern BBQ, Low Country Boil, Tropical Island fare, and more. Live music and dancing add to the festive atmosphere.
Wild Horse & Dolphin Scenic Cruises
Daily at 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. These narrated tours glide past Carrot Island and Shackleford Banks, offering sightings of wild horses, dolphins, and coastal birds.
Sunday & Monday Moonlight Cruises
Special 6:30 PM departures with soft music and starlit views—ideal for couples or reflective solo travelers.
Location: 600 Front Street, Beaufort, NC
Contact: (252) 728-8687