Day Trips in Surrounding Areas

Fort Macon State Park

Among the finest examples of coastal forts constructed along the eastern seaboard after the War of 1812. P.O. Box 127, Atlantic Beach, NC, (252) 726-3775.

Travel Time: 1 hour

Aurora Fossil Museum

Features four rooms of interesting marine fossils and a gift shop specializing in fossilized shark teeth. 400 Main Street, Aurora, NC, (252) 322-4238.

Travel Time: 45 minutes

North Carolina Maritime Museum

A visit will enhance your appreciation of the natural beauty, precious resources, and rich cultural heritage of coastal North Carolina. 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, (252) 728-7317.

Travel Time: 1 hour

Cruise the Crystal Coast

Choose among 17 regularly scheduled scenic tours, party cruises, lunch or dinner cruises - or arrange to charter one of three vessels (up to 246 passengers). Mystery Tours, Beaufort and Morehead City waterfronts. (252) 728-7827.

Travel Time: 1 hour

Caswell No. 1 Fire Station Museum

Examine fire-fighting equipment from the 1800's to modern times. A 1922 American LaFrance Pumper is the museum's centerpiece. 118 South Queen Street, Kinston, NC, (252) 527-1566.

Travel Time: 45 minutes

C.S.S. Neuse State Historic Site and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial

The civil war ironclad ramming vessel and the memorial are alongside the Neuse River, and exhibits tell stories that span two American Wars. Hwy 70 Business, Kinston, NC, (252) 522-2091.

Travel Time: 45 minutes

Science & Nature Center

Features North American Wildlife Exhibit, Shells are Everywhere Exhibit and Waterfowl of the Atlantic Flyway along with displays of Eastern NC snakes and turtles and a 10,000 gallon aquarium with live fish, a touch tank and interactive displays. 1000 Mumford Road, Greenville, NC, (252) 329-4561.

Travel time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

North Carolina Aquarium

Promotes appreciation of North Carolina’s aquatic resources. Daily programs may include marine life, videos, audience, participation games, and feeding programs. 1 Roosevelt Drive, Pine Knoll Shores, NC, (252) 247-4003.

Travel time: 1 hour

North Carolina Estuarium

Features unique environmental artworks, living aquariums, audio-visual, historic artifacts and boats. Celebrates special ecosystems and what they mean to life in the “soundlands.” 223 East Water Street, Washington, NC, (252) 948-0000.

Travel time: 45 minutes