When you think “beach,” it’s likely you think summer and sun, but there’s so many things to do in Atlantic Beach NC in the winter that you might consider a getaway to this barrier island during the offseason. From several Atlantic Beach events at Fort Macon State Park to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, you’re bound to find some fun things to do in Atlantic Beach for the entire family. And with so many Atlantic Beach winter rentals near to these attractions, you’ll have no problem finding places to stay in Atlantic Beach during your vacation.
Chocolate Festival
They say you can’t buy happiness…but you can buy chocolate at the Carolina Chocolate Festival, and that’s pretty close to the same thing!
Chocolate vendors gather to offer chocolate cakes, tortes, cookies, bars, puddings, ice cream, fudge, and more. You can participate in a “Battle of the Cakes” bake-off, a chocolate pudding eating contest, and a Cocoa 5K Fun Run & Walk: all to raise money for great charities!
The festival takes place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City on Saturday and Sunday, February 5th – 6th, 2022. Buy tickets online or at the door.
Maritime Museum
The enduring legend of Blackbeard is covered at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, about five miles southwest of Atlantic Beach. Stay close to the lore, and check out one of our oceanfront rentals Atlantic Beach!
The museum is home to the largest collection of “arrrrr”-tifacts from Bluebeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge (the traveling exhibit “Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge, 1718: The Legend of Blackbeard” originated at the Maritime Museum). You’ll find displays of cannons, beads, belt buckles, and other items from the famed pirate and his ship.
You’ll also find extensive exhibits and details about boats, lighthouses, the seafood industry, and other maritime subjects.
The Watercraft Center
The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center is located across the street from the Maritime Museum. Here, you and the family gather on a viewing platform above the shop floor and watch actual wooden boats be made in traditional fashion. There’s also a viewing area where you’ll witness members of the Carolina Maritime Model Society build model boats.
You can even take boatbuilding courses! These courses include Build a Boat in a Day, where a class will complete a flat-bottom paddle boat; drawing a boat from boat plans; making a paddle or oar; and learning how to use basic boatbuilder’s tools.
The center is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The North Carolina Aquarium
Sharks and stingrays and sea turtles…oh my! You can spend a full day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where you’ll find live exhibits, an art gallery, a nature trail, and tours where you can help feed the fish.
The major exhibits are the Ocean Habitat, where a wide variety of fish, sharks, and even a sea turtle is on display against the backdrop of replicated sunken German submarine, and the sea turtle-focused Loggerhead Odyssey, where you’ll watch them hatch as well as find out facts about these creatures, such as their travel habits and what threatens their existence.
There are also special events and outdoor tours, and adventures. Reserving tickets online is highly encouraged.
Fort Macon
Fort Macon State Park offers an eclectic mix of attractions and activities. You can take a 45-minute tour of the post-War of 1812 fort (which could include historic re-enactments), walk through the Coastal Education Center to learn about the history of coastal Carolina as well as the park itself, picnic at areas with grills and tables, or walk a beach or nature trail.
There are also guided hikes, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Fort Macon is open every day from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Go Beachcombing for Shells
Fort Macon State Park also has a beach. While this might not be your first stop during the winter months, you can still stroll along what Coastal Magazine has named among “Best Beaches” and collect shells. A fun activity for the whole family during any season! You can also bring your dog shelling by staying in one of our Atlantic Beach pet-friendly rentals!
You can also collect shells at the beaches of Beaufort, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle, and Salter Path.
Your Atlantic Beach Rental
No matter which activities and attractions you choose, you can stay nearby at a top Atlantic Beach vacation rental with Cannon & Gruber. Select between Atlantic Beach condo rentals, oceanfront rentals, and cottage rentals, featuring two – to -five bedrooms with fully stocked kitchens, beach access, BBQ grills, washer/dryer, linens, multiple-vehicle parking, decks, patios, and more.
