Beaufort Historic Site

Description

Beaufort Historic Site preserves six restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings in the heart of downtown Beaufort, including the Old Jail (circa 1829), the Carteret County Courthouse (1796), and an apothecary shop. Costumed interpreters lead guided walking tours through the grounds, bringing two centuries of coastal Carolina history to life with stories of pirates, merchants, and everyday residents. A standout option is the double-decker bus tour aboard a restored 1948 English bus, which runs Tuesday through Thursday from June through September and covers the wider historic district. The Old Burying Ground, established in 1724, sits within the site — it's one of North Carolina's oldest cemeteries and a favorite with older kids drawn to its weathered headstones and local legends. The on-site Mattie King Davis Art Gallery showcases regional art. Self-guided tours are available anytime the welcome center is open. Guided tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The welcome center is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through November, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the off-season. Admission is charged for guided and bus tours; the grounds are free to walk.