I was born and raised in northeastern North Carolina before spending 3.5 years in Greenville at East Carolina University. While I was in college, I worked in downtown little Washington at the cutest boutique right on the waterfront which sparked my love of small, coastal towns that you may drive through on your way to the beach. This post is all about those towns that are either on rivers or sounds before you get to the world-famous North Carolina beaches. Keep scrolling for my favorite coastal towns in my home region.
The Must-Visit Coastal Towns in Eastern North Carolina
Bath
Bath was the first official town in North Carolina and boasts the oldest church in the state. Today, the town’s population is around 250 people, one of whom is my best friend. The town has beautiful architecture and gorgeous views of the Pamlico River. It is a great place to explore for a scenic drive to Swan Quarter to catch the ferry to Ocracoke.
Beaufort
I fell in love with Beaufort when I was in college and would drive down on reading days to have lunch at Clawson’s with my girlfriends. If you are heading down to North Carolina’s Crystal Coastal, consider either a day trip to Beaufort or spend the night at the Beaufort Hotel. And whatever you do, please be sure to dine at Beaufort Grocery! It is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in my home state.
Belhaven
One of my eastern North Carolina destination restaurants is located in Belhaven and makes the perfect spot for an overnight stay. A few years ago, David and I spent the night in Belhaven at Between Water and Main on our way to Ocracoke and we thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful riverfront town on the Pungo River. It is such a charming town with a delicious restaurant and a delightful inn!
Edenton
For the past couple of years, David and I have stayed in Edenton on our way down to Swan Quarter and have thoroughly enjoyed this quaint, historic town. There is quite a lot to do, including a harbor boat tour, a trolley tour of historic sites, great restaurants, a wine bar that features vinyl night, and a summer baseball league.
Hertford
Located in Perquimans County, Hertford has the cutest downtown with great local shops, an amazing bakery, and a variety of restaurants. It has 100 miles of coastline and has been incorporated since 1668. It is only a couple of hours from Raleigh, making it a perfect spot for a day trip. Or you could make it a weekend trip and spend some time on the beautiful Perquimans River.
It would also be a fun weekend trip to split time between Edenton & Hertford to explore these two coastal towns!
New Bern
If you are heading down to the Crystal Coast, plan on making a stop in New Bern. I thoroughly enjoy this spot for a pit stop for lunch and a stroll or for a weekend getaway. New Bern sits at the mouth of two rivers and has such beautiful views. New Bern was the first capital of North Carolina, so the town is full of history! Also, make a reservation at Cypress Hall for dinner, another one of my eastern NC destination restaurants.
Oriental
Oriental is situated on the banks of the Neuse River and is the sailing capital of North Carolina. There is a great brewery, gorgeous waterfront views, and fun restaurants. Be sure to stop by River Dunes to do some shopping and grab lunch. I definitely want to spend a weekend in one of the vacation cottages at River Dunes as well!
It would also be a fun weekend trip to split time between New Bern & Oriental to explore these two coastal towns! We stopped for lunch in New Bern before heading down to Oriental for the weekend.
Washington
Washington, NC is the first small coastal town that I truly fell in love with and I thoroughly enjoy visiting and reminiscing about my time spent there. It is one of my favorite spots in all of North Carolina and I cannot recommend a trip here enough. Dine at the Hackney with its beautiful interiors or on the back porch at Mulberry House. Stroll the river walk to check out the Pamlico River and the estuary that is right in town.
Where is your favorite coastal town in North Carolina?
