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.