Atlantic Beach

Crystal Coast, NC

central historic walkable family nightlife

Current Weather

9 /10
86°F
Feels like 92°F
Clear
9 mph
Today's Recommendations:
• Perfect beach day - bring sun protection!
• Beautiful sunny day - perfect for all outdoor activities

Must Knows

The Circle beach access most popular spot
Fort Macon State Park with Civil War history
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk for sunset strolls
Island Grille for upscale coastal dining
Crab's Claw only oceanfront restaurant

Sights Worth Seeing

Fort Macon State Park

Historic Civil War fort with museum, beach access, and hiking trails on pristine Bogue Banks.

historic fort Civil War museum beach access
Good for: history families education beach activities
Must-see historic site with excellent beach access and educational programs.

Atlantic Beach Boardwalk

Scenic oceanfront boardwalk perfect for walking, fishing, and enjoying ocean views.

boardwalk oceanfront fishing ocean views
Good for: walking fishing ocean views photography
Beautiful boardwalk with fishing opportunities and ocean access.

Fort Macon State Park

One of the most complete Civil War-era forts in the US. Historic Confederate fort with guided tours and beach access.

historic civil-war state-park
Good for: history families tours

Atlantic Beach Boardwalk

Great for leisurely strolls, especially during sunrise or sunset with oceanfront restaurants.

boardwalk sunset walking
Good for: walking sunset viewing

The Circle Beach Access

Most popular public beach access point with 64 parking spaces and easy shore access.

beach-access parking popular
Good for: beach access families

Top Restaurants & Bars

Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant

Historic waterfront restaurant serving fresh local seafood since 1938. Famous for hush puppies and family-style seafood platters.

historic waterfront seafood platters family-style
Good for: families seafood lovers local tradition groups
Crystal Coast institution known for generous portions and waterfront views.

Ruddy Duck Tavern

Upscale waterfront dining with fresh seafood, steaks, and craft cocktails overlooking Bogue Sound.

upscale waterfront craft cocktails sound views
Good for: date night special occasions waterfront dining cocktails
Elegant dining with beautiful sound views and creative menu.

Sharpies Bar & Grill

Casual beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood, burgers, and outdoor seating steps from the beach.

beachfront casual outdoor seating burgers
Good for: families casual dining beach proximity lunch
Popular spot right on the beach with good food and relaxed atmosphere.
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Captain Bill's Waterfront Restaurant

Family-owned seafood restaurant with fresh local catches, steamed seafood, and waterfront views.

family-owned fresh catches steamed seafood waterfront
Good for: families fresh seafood local catches waterfront views
Known for fresh, locally-caught seafood and friendly service.
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Gear Rentals & Activities

Windsock Watersports

Complete watersports outfitter with jet ski rentals, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

jet skis parasailing banana boat watersports
Full-service watersports with professional guides and safety equipment.
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Outer Banks Diving

Scuba diving charters to shipwrecks and artificial reefs with equipment rentals and certification.

scuba diving shipwrecks artificial reefs certification
Access to excellent dive sites and wreck diving opportunities.

Atlantic Beach Surf Shop

Surf and beach equipment rentals including surfboards, kayaks, and complete beach setups.

surfboards kayaks beach equipment rentals
Quality equipment rentals and local surf knowledge.

Safety & Local Tips

Stay Safe & Respect Local Guidelines

  • Lifeguards on duty late spring through summer
  • Watch for dive-bombing seagulls at El's Drive In
  • Fort Macon trails can be slippery when wet
  • Strong currents near inlet areas

Essentials (Grocery, Pharmacy)

Food Lion

Full-service grocery store with fresh produce, deli, bakery, and pharmacy. One-stop shop for all beach vacation needs.

Closest full-service grocery to Atlantic Beach. Pharmacy services available.

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy and convenience store with prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, beach essentials, and snacks.

Right on Atlantic Beach Causeway. Beach supplies and sunscreen available.

IGA Marketplace

Local independent grocery store with fresh seafood, local products, and vacation essentials close to the beach.

Local favorite with excellent fresh seafood selection. Closer to beach than Food Lion.

Harris Teeter

Upscale grocery chain with high-quality fresh foods, gourmet selections, and excellent customer service.

Premium grocery option with excellent produce and prepared foods section.

CVS Pharmacy

Full-service pharmacy with prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, beach essentials, and convenience items.

Convenient pharmacy location with beach supplies and health products.

IGA Marketplace

Local independent grocery store with fresh seafood, local products, and vacation essentials. Family-owned Crystal Coast favorite.

Local favorite with excellent fresh seafood selection and friendly service.

CVS Pharmacy (Atlantic Beach)

Convenient pharmacy and store near Shackleford Banks ferry departure. Beach essentials and medications.

Near Shackleford Banks ferry. Last chance for supplies before Cape Lookout.