North Carolina's Underrated Coastal Town Is Big On Charm, Seafood, And Salty Breezes

North Carolina's Cape Carteret might not have the name recognition of its neighbors on the Crystal Coast, but that's exactly what makes it so appealing. This small beach town sits just about an hour-and-a-half north of Wilmington, and it's where you'll find laid-back vibes that stand apart from the more crowded stretches of North Carolina's shoreline. In Cape Carteret, it's all about Southern hospitality and simple pleasures like afternoons on the water, fresh seafood, and salty air that lingers long after sunset.

Cape Carteret's location puts you just minutes from the beaches of Emerald Isle, but it also has its own network of creeks, canals, and waterfront parks to explore. Fishing charters, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating are part of everyday life, and visitors are just as likely to spend the day crabbing off a pier as lounging on the beach. Tourism booms during the summer, but the region's mild winters are a plus for off-season travel if you want to avoid the crowds.

Despite its small size, Cape Carteret doesn't feel sleepy. Local shops, family-run seafood joints, and the occasional festival give the town a charming sense of community. So whether you're looking for a base to explore more of the Crystal Coast or just adding a stop on your scenic road trip along the East Coast, Cape Carteret offers an easygoing charm that's hard not to love.

No visit to coastal North Carolina would be complete without sampling the local seafood — and with Cape Carteret right on the ocean, it doesn't get much fresher. From menus offering everything from freshly-shucked oysters to fresh scallops and piles of crispy fried shrimp, there's no shortage of places to dig in. However, you may have to venture just outside of Cape Carteret proper to make the most of your visit.

If you're starting your day early, Angie's Lighthouse Café is beloved for its breakfast options, but seafood enthusiasts should definitely consider swinging by at least once for the shrimp and grits. Across the bridge on Emerald Isle, there are several beachy places to chow down on everything the sea has to offer. Fish Hut Grill offers casual vibes and a plethora of seafood — you may have to wait in line, but it's popular for a reason. Caribsea is the pick for an upscale experience, with dishes like pistachio-crusted grouper, tuna steak, and mussels.

If you travel beyond the town, any place showing the Carteret Catch emblem serves locally-sourced seafood — there are several options in nearby Swanson, Beaufort, Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach to choose from. Beyond restaurants, seafood markets like Captain's Choice (just outside of town) and Cap'n Willis Seafood in Emerald Isle let you grab the day's freshest catch to cook up yourself. Whether you're hitting up a local fish shack or having an elaborate seafood feast back at your Airbnb, Cape Carteret makes it easy to access amazing Carolinian cuisine.

Cape Carteret's charm is firmly planted in the coastal lifestyle. Boating is a big deal here, with easy access to Bogue Sound and nearby islands that feel perfectly secluded. Paddleboarding through the quiet backwaters or casting a line off a fishing pier are relaxing ways to spend a morning. Nearby providers like Crystal Coast Boat Charters and Rentals offer pontoon boats for a half or full day for $375 to $575 depending on the season and the size. Some boat ramps, including the public ramp on Manatee Street, require paid passes, so check ahead of time if traveling with your own boat.

If you've got the family in tow, Mac Daddy's offers a fun indoor escape with bowling, arcade games, and a sports bar — a good option if the weather doesn't cooperate. Golfers can hit the green at Star Hill Golf Club, a classic coastal course with decent prices, such as $61 for 18 holes. Surfers won't want to miss the must-visit East Coast beach of Emerald Isle, which is just a quick drive across the bridge. On a nice day, explore the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area next to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, another excellent attraction for families.

Thanks to Cape Carteret's prime spot along the Crystal Coast, day trips to places like Beaufort (30 minutes away), or Cape Lookout National Seashore (two hours away) are easy to add to your itinerary. For even more laid-back fun nearby, visitors can also check out Swansboro, North Carolina's "Friendly City by the Sea."