Morehead City

Travel Guide

Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.
Photo provided by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.

With its shipwrecks just offshore and fresh seafood just off the boat, it is easy to see why visitors flock to this coastal North Carolina city.

Calling Morehead a city is a bit of a misnomer, although it is the largest town in North Carolina’s Crystal Coast region. This charming coastal town’s location is convenient, very close to the Outer Banks and Bogue Banks, but it is also a destination in its own right. 

The Morehead City Waterfront scenic promenade along the harbor is full of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Watch fishing boats dock after a day on the Atlantic Ocean. Eat the fresh seafood they harvest at one of Morehead City's many fish markets and seafood restaurants. To try your own fishing luck, hop on a charter boat for a day on the open sea.

Scuba diving is one of Morehead City's most popular recreational activities. Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Settled beneath these treacherous waters between the Chesapeake Bay and the Outer Banks are numerous famous shipwrecks, including the WWII German submarine, U-352. Onshore, dive into the area’s history at The History Place. Visitors of all ages enjoy  hands-on exhibits devoted to the heritage of Carteret County and the surrounding area.

The Crystal Coast Jubilee live entertainment venue puts on concerts, magic shows, plays and more.  Expect to find something to appeal to a range of tastes, from  Motown to Shakespeare.

Morehead City also hosts several regular events that attract crowds every year. Indulge your candy cravings at the Carolina Chocolate Festival, held every February. For one week every June, fishermen descend upon Morehead City to try to catch the largest blue marlin during the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament. In October, the North Carolina Seafood Festival features sporting events, entertainment and of course, seafood, from traditional favorites to exotic fare.

Whether you visit during the bustling summer months or in the sleepy off-season, Morehead City provides entertainment for all ages for days. This seaside town gives you all the beauty and fun of the North Carolina coast without the crowds of the Outer Banks.

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street, Morehead City, NC
The price is P7,276 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P7,276
P8,204 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Accomodations were clean and within walking distance to restaurants, fishing pier, charter boats. Driving distance was close to many attractions along Emerald Hwy. Room service was a nice feature; however, breakfast was not as expected. We would have preferred a sitdown facility where we could serve ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
Garnet Inn & Suites, Morehead City near Atlantic Beach

Garnet Inn & Suites, Morehead City near Atlantic Beach

2.5 out of 5
3100 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6.6/10 (505 reviews)
"Best price for a last minute, quick trip to the beach. Great if you are looking for a place to just sleep for the night. Nothing fancy, no frills. But clean, safe, and close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Garnet Inn & Suites, Morehead City near Atlantic Beach
Hampton Inn Morehead City

Hampton Inn Morehead City

2.5 out of 5
4035 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC
The price is P7,763 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,763
P8,752 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Nice place
"It was a nice place to stay"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hampton Inn Morehead City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,220 reviews)
Beach stay
"This was our second stay. Very informative and helpful at check-in. Minor issues for cleanliness. We had a crawling baby and certain things needed attention to cleaning. Air filters, need vacuum in room for carpet and furniture needed a good cleaning. Brought to attention and they did note it to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (225 reviews)
"Activities planned throughout the week"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

A Place at the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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