local info
Located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, Beaufort is a quaint historic fishing town with beaches, golf, fishing, and a host of other activities located nearby. Regardless of whether you're traveling alone, with family, or with a group, you'll sure to delight in all the area has to offer. Below are a few of our favorites, but for a complete listing of local businesses and attractions, be sure to visit the official website for the Crystal Coast. You can also visit the North Carolina's tourism website for great info on the state.
For information about how to get here, where to stay once you do, and more information on the entire Crystal Coast, click the buttons below.
HOW TO GET HERE
Our Address is:
414 Orange St
Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
Flying: If flying commercially, the closest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern located off Hwy 70 and just under an hour from the dive shop. It's serviced by Delta (through Atlanta and Philadelphia) and US Airways (through Charlotte). The airport in Raleigh (RDU) is serviced by all major airlines, but is a 3 hour drive from Beaufort. Private planes can use Beaufort's Michael J. Smith Field.
Driving: Eventually, all drivers will approach Beaufort on Highway 70E. We're located on the far west side of Beaufort, one block off Turner Street. From the north, depending on your point of origin (or personal preference) you'll take either I95 or Route 17. (Beaufort is approximately 110 minutes from the 95/70 interchange.) If taking 95 from the north, please note the new 795 bypass around Goldsboro, NC, which intersects with 70E and saves 10-15 minutes, at least. From the west, take I40E to either Hwy 24 then Hwy 70, OR take I40 directly to Hwy 70. Visitors from the South will also choose between I95 and Route 17, before intersecting with either Hwy 70 or I40.
If you opt for the scenic drive along the Outer Banks, you'll need to catch the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry (30 minutes) then the Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry (2 1/2 hours). Upon reaching Cedar Island, take 70W and follow the signs for Beaufort (60 minutes). (Local's pointer: Schedule time in between ferries on Ocracoke for beers and oysters at Howard's Pub.)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Local Hotels that Love Divers
Motel Name | Location | Time from Store | Phone# |
Beaufort Harbour Suites* | Beaufort | :03 | 252-728-3483 |
Beaufort Inn | Beaufort | :05 | 252-728-2600 |
Inlet Inn | Beaufort | :05 | 252-728-3600 |
Beaufort Hotel | Beaufort | :10 | 252-728-3000 |
Econo Lodge* | Morehead City | :10 | 252-247-2940 |
Hampton Inn* | Morehead City | :15 | 252-240-2300 |
Holiday Inn Express | Morehead City | :15 | 252-247-5001 |
Palm Suites | Atlantic Beach | :15 | 252-247-6400 |
The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores | Atlantic Beach | :15 | 252-247-4155 |
Caribbe Inn | Atlantic Beach | :15 | 252-726-0051 |
Double Tree | Atlantic Beach | :25 | 252-240-1155 |
Whispering Pines Campground | Newport | :20 | 252-726-4902 |
Other Local Hotels
For a complete listing of area hotels, visit the official website for North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
Beaufort Harbour Suites
Now open the Beaufort Harbour Suites is a 16 room efficiency suites Hotel. It is located next to one of our lodges, on the same block as the dive shop.
Vacation Rentals
Jo Ann Mangum at Coastal Vacation Rentals for properties Down East.
Sonya Pope at Eddy Myers Real Estate.
Book Lodging Online
If you would prefer to book online please follow this link.
Dive Lodges
Discovery Diving Co. has 2 lodges available for groups, both within easy walking distance from the shop. The West Lodge is 3 stories and has beds for 30 people. The East Lodge is single story and has beds for 11 people. Click here for rates, or click the name of either lodge your interested in for rates and more information.
Discovery Diving Bungalows
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
252-247-4003
NC Maritime Museum
NC Maritime Museum
252-728-7317
Fort Macon State Park
This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore salt marches and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem.The park is also home to a Civil War fort with a history as intricate and unique as the waterways of the sound.
Fort Macon State Park
Atlantic Beach, NC
252-726-3775
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Outer Banks Ferry (Beaufort): 252-728-4129
Calico Jacks Ferry (Harker's Island): 252-728-3575
Beaufort Paddle
Beaufort Paddle
424 Old Causeway Road, Beaufort NC, 28516
(252) 725-3065
Kitty Hawk Kites
Kitty Hawk Kites
(252) 728-6670
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
(252) 728-1500
Hungry Town Bike Tours
Hungry Town Bike Tours
(252) 648-1011
Beaufort Ghost Walk
Take an after dark stroll through a Historic Town full of Haunted Talkes. Chilling stories of murderous pirates, unexplained happenings, ghost ships and haunted houses will have you looking over your shoulder on the way home. As enjoyable as it is entertaining, the Beaufort Ghost Walk is one of our most popular attractions and one that shouldn't be missed.
Beaufort Ghost Walk
(252) 772-9925
Island Express Ferry Services
Island Express Ferry Services
(252) 728-7433