Beaufort Live Cam

A beautiful town in and the county seat of Carteret County



Beaufort History

Beaufort is a historic town located on the coast of North Carolina. It was founded in 1709 and is the third oldest town in the state. Beaufort has a rich history and was an important port town during the colonial era.

During the American Revolution, Beaufort played a significant role as a center of British naval operations. In 1782, the town was captured by the British and occupied until the end of the war. Beaufort also played a role in the Civil War as a supply base for the Union navy.

Today, Beaufort is a popular tourist destination known for its historic charm and scenic waterfront. Visitors can explore the town's many historic sites and museums, including the Beaufort Historic Site, which features a collection of restored 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. The town is also home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which showcases the state's maritime heritage through exhibits and interactive displays.

Beaufort is also known for its natural beauty, with miles of pristine beaches and the nearby Rachel Carson Reserve, a protected area of salt marshes and tidal creeks. The town is a popular destination for boating and fishing, and visitors can take a ferry to the nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore, where they can explore miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes.

Overall, Beaufort's rich history and natural beauty make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting North Carolina's coast.

Beaufort Top Tourist Attractions

Beaufort, North Carolina is a popular tourist destination with a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Beaufort:

  • Beaufort Historic Site: The Beaufort Historic Site is a collection of restored 18th and 19th century homes and buildings that offer a glimpse into the town's rich history. Visitors can take guided tours of the site and learn about the town's colonial and maritime past.
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum: The North Carolina Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving the state's maritime heritage. The museum features exhibits on boatbuilding, fishing, and piracy, as well as interactive displays and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
  • Rachel Carson Reserve: The Rachel Carson Reserve is a protected area of salt marshes and tidal creeks that provides a home for a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtle. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by kayak and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore: The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a protected area of undeveloped beaches and dunes that offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of North Carolina's coast. Visitors can take a ferry to the seashore and explore the area on foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • Beaufort Waterfront: The Beaufort Waterfront is a picturesque area of shops, restaurants, and marinas that offers stunning views of the town's harbor. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or take a harbor cruise to see the area from a different perspective.
  • Old Burying Ground: The Old Burying Ground is a historic cemetery that dates back to the 1700s. Visitors can see the graves of many notable figures from Beaufort's past, including soldiers, sailors, and prominent citizens.

Overall, Beaufort offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from historic sites and museums to natural areas and scenic waterfronts.

Beaufort Climate

Beaufort, North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate. This means that the summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild with occasional cold snaps. The average high temperature in Beaufort in the summer months (June through August) is in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature in the winter months (December through February) is in the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 1-7 degrees Celsius).

The area also receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the highest amount of rainfall occurring in the summer months. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also impact the area during the late summer and early fall months.

Overall, Beaufort's climate is conducive to outdoor activities and the area is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. However, visitors should be prepared for the hot and humid conditions in the summer months and potential tropical weather during hurricane season.

Beaufort Geography

It is situated on the eastern end of Bogue Banks, a barrier island that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Bogue Sound. The town is also located at the mouth of the Newport River, which flows into the Bogue Sound.

The town is surrounded by a variety of natural areas, including the Rachel Carson Reserve to the east and the Croatan National Forest to the west. The Rachel Carson Reserve is a protected area of salt marshes and tidal creeks that provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, sea turtles, and fish. The Croatan National Forest is a 160,000-acre forest that offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

In addition to its natural features, Beaufort is also home to a historic district that includes a number of preserved homes and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The town's waterfront is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and marinas offering stunning views of the harbor and surrounding areas.

Overall, Beaufort's unique geography and natural features make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.