{"id":140,"date":"2026-05-14T11:34:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:34:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=140"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:34:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:34:23","slug":"this-town-on-ncs-crystal-coast-is-among-top-us-travel-spots-worldatlas-says-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/durhammovinghub.com\/?p=140","title":{"rendered":"This town on NC\u2019s Crystal Coast is among top US travel spots, WorldAtlas says"},"content":{"rendered":"

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.<\/p>\n

Read our AI Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

A scenic town on North Carolina\u2019s Crystal Coast has been recognized as one of 14 favorite small towns on the Atlantic Coast<\/a><\/b>, according to WorldAtlas.<\/p>\n

Read more What NC budget deal means for your income tax rate, and how you can vote on it<\/a><\/p>\n

Beaufort, North Carolina<\/b>, is known for its serene waterfronts, 18th-century architecture and fishing adventures, making it a top pick for travelers seeking a coastal getaway. Its \u201crich maritime history\u201d is also a major draw.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe North Carolina Maritime Museum (in Beaufort) holds artifacts from Blackbeard\u2019s flagship, Queen Anne\u2019s Revenge, which ran aground a few miles offshore at Beaufort Inlet in 1718,\u201d WorldAtlas reported. \u201cThe wreck was located in 1996 and is still being excavated.\u201d<\/p>\n

The town of around 4,500 residents<\/a> is no stranger to the national spotlight. Travel + Leisure once crowned Beaufort as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Favorite Town.\u201d<\/p>\n

More recently, USA Today ranked it among the nation\u2019s 10 Best Coastal Small Towns<\/a> in 2026, highlighting its \u201cexceptional waterfront dining,\u201d sailing excursions and year-round arts and culture festivals.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeaufort is honored to be recognized among America\u2019s favorite Atlantic coastal towns,\u201d Beaufort Mayor Sharon Harker told The Charlotte Observer in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes Beaufort special is not just our beautiful waterfront and historic charm, but the people, traditions, and authentic maritime culture that continue to shape our community every day,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are proud to share Beaufort\u2019s story and welcome visitors to experience the heart of the Crystal Coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

The quaint seaside town was established in 1709 and is the third-oldest town in North Carolina.<\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600s, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian-style homes and public buildings,\u201d the town\u2019s website says.<\/p>\n

Read more Deadly gunfight erupts after driver shoots into police station, NC sheriff says<\/a><\/p>\n

If museums and water activities aren\u2019t your thing, Beaufort is also home to an array of acclaimed eateries<\/a>, boutiques and art galleries to explore.<\/p>\n

Other noteworthy sites and attractions include:<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the full list of favorite small towns on the Atlantic Coast, according to WorldAtlas:<\/p>\n

Southern Living recently recognized Sunset Beach<\/a><\/b> for its white sand and crystal clear waters, as well as Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit.<\/a> The latter earned high praise for its \u201coutdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.\u201d<\/p>\n

The magazine also recognized Calabash<\/a><\/b>, a town in the Outer Banks known as the \u201cseafood capital of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last year, Oak Island<\/b>, Hatteras Island<\/b>, Topsail Beach<\/b>, Ocracoke<\/b>, Duck<\/b>, Beaufort<\/b>, Emerald Isle<\/b>, Nags Head<\/b> and Wrightsville Beach<\/b> landed on Southern Living\u2019s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This was inspired by a story<\/a> reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald.<\/i> Portions of this story were also previously published<\/a> in The Charlotte Observer.<\/i><\/p>\n

This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM<\/span> with the headline “This town on NC\u2019s Crystal Coast is among top US travel spots, WorldAtlas says.” <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more Durham has $12M plan to fix its lead-tainted parks. So why are the fences still up?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Beaufort, North Carolina was named a favorite small coastal town by World Atlas. 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