Atlantic Beach sits at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, a 25 mile barrier island that runs along the southern edge of Carteret County. It is connected to Beaufort by the Atlantic Beach Causeway bridge, which makes it the most accessible Crystal Coast beach for anyone coming from the mainland. Cross the bridge, and you are on the ocean in under ten minutes.
If you have spent time on the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach will feel noticeably calmer. The town is smaller, the beach is wide and clean, and the whole pace of the place is relaxed in a way that is hard to put into words until you have been there. Families have been coming here for generations, and it still has that old school beach town quality that a lot of the bigger resort beaches have traded away.
The Beach at Atlantic Beach
The beach at Atlantic Beach runs along the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the better stretches of sand on the entire Crystal Coast. Multiple public access points make it easy to get on the sand from almost anywhere in town. The water is warmer here than the Outer Banks because of how the Gulf Stream moves closer to shore along this part of the coast, which is good news if you plan to actually swim.
The Circle is the heart of Atlantic Beach. It is where the causeway from Beaufort meets the oceanfront, and it is the main hub of activity in town with restaurants, shops, and easy beach access all within walking distance. The Oceanana Fishing Pier, just east of the Circle, is a classic NC fishing pier that has been operating since 1959 and is a good spot to watch the surf and cast a line if you are inclined.
Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park is just one mile east of Atlantic Beach at the far eastern tip of Bogue Banks. It is one of the most visited state parks in North Carolina and one of the best preserved Civil War era forts in the Southeast. The park has the fort itself plus one of the best ocean beaches on the Crystal Coast, right on the south side of the park. Admission is free.
STATE PARK GUIDE
Fort Macon State Park
Civil War Fort · Ocean Beach · Free Entry
The complete guide to Fort Macon. History of the fort, the self guided tour, snorkeling off the jetty, and tips for a full day visit.
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Eight miles west of Atlantic Beach on Bogue Banks is the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. This is one of three NC Aquariums on the coast and it is genuinely excellent. The main draw is the large shark tank, which is one of the biggest in the state and always a crowd pleaser. The sea turtle rehabilitation program gives you a chance to see turtles being nursed back to health before being released back into the ocean.
The aquarium has strong freshwater and saltwater exhibits covering the ecosystems of the NC coast, from the mountain streams in the west all the way to the deep Atlantic. It is well suited for families and easy to spend two or three hours. Worth noting: this is a completely different aquarium from the one at Fort Fisher near Wilmington, so it is not a repeat visit if you have been to that one.
Water Sports and Activities
Atlantic Beach has a good range of water based activities through the season. Surfing is centered around the Circle area, where the break is consistent enough to support a small surf culture. The Oceanana Fishing Pier is the classic spot for pier fishing, and surf fishing along the beach itself is popular throughout the year.
The back side of Bogue Banks faces Bogue Sound, which is much calmer than the ocean and excellent for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Several outfitters in and around Atlantic Beach rent equipment and run guided tours on the sound side. Parasailing operators work out of the waterfront in season if that is on your list.
Where To Eat in Atlantic Beach
Amos Mosquito's: Possibly the most beloved restaurant on Bogue Banks. The atmosphere is quirky and fun, the seafood is genuinely good, and the portions are generous. It is the kind of place where you wait an hour for a table and do not mind at all. Try the crab cakes.
Clamdigger Restaurant: A Crystal Coast institution for breakfast and lunch. Unpretentious, reasonably priced, and the kind of place that draws a local crowd as much as a tourist crowd. The biscuits are worth knowing about.
The Big Oak Drive In: A Crystal Coast institution and one of the few surviving drive ins on the NC coast, located in nearby Salter Path on Bogue Banks. Order the burgers and the onion rings at the window and eat in your car. It is exactly what it sounds like and it is excellent.
Getting There
From Beaufort, cross the Atlantic Beach Causeway heading south. The bridge runs directly from downtown Beaufort to the Circle in Atlantic Beach. It takes about ten minutes door to door.
From Raleigh, take US 70 east all the way to Morehead City and then cross the Morehead City Causeway to Atlantic Beach. The total drive is about two hours from central Raleigh. US 70 is the main corridor and there are no complicated turns once you are on it.
From I 95, take US 70 east from the Selma or Smithfield area and follow it all the way to Morehead City. From there you cross the causeway directly onto Bogue Banks. The drive from Selma to Atlantic Beach is about two hours and twenty minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Atlantic Beach from Beaufort NC?
About ten minutes by car across the Atlantic Beach Causeway bridge. The two towns are directly connected and many visitors split their time between the historic district in Beaufort and the beach at Atlantic Beach.
Is Atlantic Beach good for families?
Yes. The calmer water compared to the OBX, wide beaches, easy parking, and the proximity of the NC Aquarium make it an excellent family beach destination. Fort Macon a mile down the road adds another full day of activity for kids who like history and nature.
What is the Circle in Atlantic Beach?
The Circle is the central hub of Atlantic Beach, located where the causeway from Beaufort meets the oceanfront. It has restaurants, shops, parking, and the main beach access point. It is essentially the town center and the first place most visitors stop when they arrive.
