North Carolina Maritime Museum

Description

The North Carolina Maritime Museum sits on Beaufort's historic waterfront at 315 Front Street, steps from Taylor's Creek and the town's shops and restaurants. Admission is free. Inside, exhibits cover the maritime heritage of coastal North Carolina — from Blackbeard's flagship Queen Anne's Revenge to commercial fishing, boat building, and Civil War artifacts. A dedicated shell collection room houses more than 1,000 specimens, and hands-on displays throughout the museum keep younger visitors engaged. The adjacent Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center offers boat-building courses and demonstrations. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Science School and a Junior Sailing Program run through the Friends of the Museum. The museum also operates the Bonehenge Whale Center and maintains Harborside Park nearby. Group tours and virtual programs are available. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Donations are accepted but not required. Street parking is available along Front Street, and public restrooms are accessible in the area.