With its waterfront location, famous festivals, and status as the launchpad to the Crystal Coast, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot to love about visiting Morehead City, NC!
Growing up, pulling into Morehead City for the first time each summer was always an exciting moment, as it meant that we were about to cross the Atlantic Beach Bridge and go to the beach!
Morehead deserves a bit more attention than just acting as a gateway to the beach, though: from restaurants to historical attractions to parks, there are plenty of things to see in Morehead City.
Here’s what to do in Morehead this year (other than stocking up on groceries or passing by en route to Beaufort and/or Atlantic Beach)!
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Cool Things to Do in Morehead City, NC
Stroll along the Morehead City Waterfront.
Morehead may not be an oceanfront city (the barrier island of Bogue Banks, which is home to Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and more lies between Morehead City and the Atlantic Ocean), but it is a waterfront one!
Located on Bogue Sound, downtown Morehead City is home to lovely views of the sound, outlying barrier islands, and, of course, all the fishing boats that come through!
Jaycee Park makes a great place to start your meandering, and you can continue along Evans Street and Shepard Street as you explore.
There’s even a Public Beach Access where you can access Bogue Sound nearby!
Take a picture with one of North Carolina’s best roadside attractions.
Did you know that you can meet King Neptune in Morehead City?
On a boardwalk just outside Olympus Dive Center, you’ll find a larger-than-life (which fits a sea god, after all) statue of King Neptune!
He was missing his characteristic trident when I snapped the below photo in August 2025, but the statue is still quite eye-catching when strolling along the Morehead City Waterfront!
Learn a bit of local history at the Carteret County Historical Museum.
Every county needs a nice, local, casual museum to explore its history–and you can find the Carteret County Historical Museum right on Arendell in downtown Morehead City!
(Though, fun fact, Morehead City is not the seat of Carteret County–that would be the smaller-but-older town of Beaufort).
The Carteret County Historical Museum covers the area’s hyper-local history, with an emphasis on the evolution of the Big Rock Tournament whose roots reach back to the 1950s (and that you’ll see many, many references to around town), the military contributions of locals, Morehead City’s growth in the wake of the railroad arriving in the mid-19th century, and more.
There’s also a research library on-site for those looking to dive deeper into local history!
The museum is small–I wouldn’t say it’s an absolute must-see on the Crystal Coast–but if you’re looking to enjoy some a/c and dabble in local history, it’s worth a peek (don’t miss the video presentation, either).
As of the time of writing this post in August 2025, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, and costs $3/person to visit.
Stop by the Marlin Statue Fountain.
Located right across Shepard Street from Big Rock Landing, you’ll find a 17-foot statue of a Marlin reaching into the air, surrounded by a fountain honoring the winners of some of Morehead’s fishing competitions (the most famous being Big Rock, of course).
The Marlin Statue is probably the most immediately recognizable piece of the Morehead City Fish Walk, a collection of public art pieces dedicated to Morehead City’s fishing culture.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the other pieces in the area, too!
Enjoy excellent seafood.
In a city famous for its fishing, it’s no surprise that enjoying a great plate of seafood is one of the top things to do in Morehead City!
Whether you’re looking for waterfront views (Southern Salt is a classic option), a laid-back fried fish joint (Captain’s Table is one of many to try), or an elevated fine dining experience (Parrot’s on 11th), there’s a seafood meal in Morehead for you.
For very casual options away from the water, El’s Drive In and the Cox Family Restaurant have been local staples for decades.
Shop for local souvenirs (and ice cream) at Parson’s General Store.
As you drive or walk down Arendell Street, Parson’s General Store is bound to draw your eye!
Housed in a 19th-century home and decked out to the nines with decor inside and out, Parson’s is attention-grabbing for shoppers and travelers with a sweet tooth alike.
The store itself is practically overflowing with goods, from home decor to kitchen wares to preserved foods like jam, with many of the goods advertising that they’re local to North Carolina–and there’s a small ice cream counter, too.
If you grab an ice cream, be sure to enjoy it on the shady front porch overlooking Arendell, where you’ll find plenty of seating and even a checkers board set up (there’s a back porch, too, but the view isn’t quite as lovely).
Browse the shops of Arendell Street and beyond.
Parson’s General Store isn’t the only place to shop in Morehead City!
Arendell Street alone, which serves as Morehead’s main drag, offers up everything from high-end boutiques to a smattering of thrift stores, with plenty of options in between.
Popular spots include Seaport Antique Market, Ginny Gordon’s (kitchen supplies), and for those dressing kids, Gigi & Company. Be sure to stop for a sweet treat at Sugarloaf Island Bakery if you’re in the area!
Closer to the waterfront, Dee Gee’s Gifts & Books has been a staple of both Morehead City and my family’s browsing for generations (it has been open since 1934).
One of our dog Ranger’s favorite toys (a stuffed lobster) came from the nearby Sea Paws store!
And, while I’ve concentrated this blog post on downtown Morehead City and its local shops, if you’re looking for your standard strip mall/box stores, you’ll find those in town, too.
Stroll along the Calico Creek Boardwalk and through Bay View Cemetery.
Want to enjoy a quiet walk outdoors away from the busier waterfront or ocean?
Calico Creek Boardwalk, located on the opposite side of Morehead City from Bogue Sound, is a bit over a mile long and follows (of course) Calico Creek.
The creek is fairly small, especially compared to the sound, but it’s a peaceful place, and also happens to be next door to Bay View Cemetery (which is also a solid place to park in order to access the boardwalk).
If you’re a history buff, you may want to stroll through Bay View Cemetery, as well: it was established in the late 19th century and is set along the creek (and if you’re particularly interested in historic cemeteries, I also recommend checking out the much older Old Burying Ground in Beaufort).
Annual Events + Festivals in Morehead City
In addition to being a railroad town, a working port city, and the biggest city in Carteret County (though the city’s population is still under 10,000), Morehead City is also the host of some famous North Carolina festivals and competitions!
The most iconic of these is no doubt Big Rock, the annual Blue Marlin fishing competition that started with a local catch in the 1950s and now pulls in crowds and big prize money to Morehead City each June.
On the opposite side of the summer season, the North Carolina Seafood Festival is held in Morehead in October, when many streets in Morehead City close to car traffic to allow people to freely wander between booths.
No matter when you visit Morehead, you’ll likely find the beautiful North Carolina Seafood Festival posters decorating various local businesses–each year has a unique poster done by a local artist, and they’re a beloved decor piece on the Crystal Coast!
Happen to want to visit the beach in the weeks leading up to Christmas? (For what it’s worth, if you’re not determined to swim, I find it a very relaxing time to be on the Crystal Coast.)
If so, consider attending the annual Gingerbread Festival in Morehead City!
Things to Do in Morehead City With Kids
While I visited Morehead City dozens of times as a kid myself, I have a whole new appreciation for its kid-friendly activities as a parent!
For outdoor fun, Shevans Park (home to a splash pad in addition to a traditional playground) and Morehead City Depot Park (where the playscape is designed to look like a pirate ship) are both within walking distance of the main downtown attractions.
The waterfront Mitchell Village Community Park, though a bit of a drive from downtown, offers a lovely view and neighborhood feel–it was the perfect stop for our toddler when we were on our way home from the beach this year!
Have a rainy afternoon to fill? The Kidz at Play Family Cafe is a great option for little ones who need to stay busy inside.
Where to Stay in Morehead City, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a centrally located base when visiting the Crystal Coast, Morehead City is an excellent place to stay!
The hotels in Morehead also tend to be a bit easier on the wallet than those in Atlantic Beach or Beaufort, though it of course varies based on property and time of year.
Within Morehead City, the Bask Hotel is an excellent option that features great reviews, kitchenettes, balconies, an included breakfast, and a location that places you within an easy waterside walk to many restaurants and shops.
For a standard chain hotel option, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites gets excellent reviews and has an outdoor pool.
Prefer to stay in a nearby town? The Inlet Inn in Beaufort and the Doubletree in Atlantic Beach are two other wonderful places to stay.
Check rates & book your stay in Morehead City today!
Read More About Visiting North Carolina + the South
Hoping to explore more of the Crystal Coast?
I love writing about this part of North Carolina, and I’d love to help! I’ve been visiting the Crystal Coast since I was born, and will never be done returning.
In addition to this Morehead City blog posts, you might also like these blog posts:
- 17 Best Things to Do in Atlantic Beach, NC (+ Nearby!)
- How to Take a Charming Day Trip to Cape Lookout, NC
- The Complete Guide to Fort Macon, North Carolina
- 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Emerald Isle, NC (+ Nearby!)
- 17 Fun Things to Do in Beaufort, NC + Beyond
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