Okay, this place is quite the gem of beaches in the area. Tons of free parking. Lots of shelters with grills. Convenient and clean bathrooms. Even a massive covered shelter with a snack bar and lockers to keep your stuff in. Oh yeah, did I mention all of this is FREE?? Even at 3:00pm, the beach wasn't over crowded and there was plenty of parking. On rainy days, you can forgo the beach and check out the Fort Macon museum. There are even trails you can walk! Not hard to spend an entire day here! There were park rangers patrolling to keep everyone safe and maintain the beauty of the park. Not much more you can ask for. read more

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This is a super cool park. You've got the fort with all the cannons on one side and paths to the beach on the other. If you're looking for a quiet beach spot to hang for the day, this is it. read more

Beautiful Fort and unique American history. Take the tour! It is free, educational, and interesting. It was only about 30 minutes and our tour guide was wonderful. read more

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Immensely beautiful park! The dunes are giant! We went a few times at sunset and things were pretty quiet. The park is well maintained and the scenery is just stunning. We plan to return and spend more time there in the future. read more

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Very cool place to see a small fort that contains a lot of history as well as display items to learn about the life of a solider during the civil war and World War I Make sure to get your Junior ranger badge if you are a fan! It's super cute and different than the NPS version. read more

Fort Macon State Park - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

I don't know how I missed this park on prior trips. In a credit to the state of North Carolina, it is free to enter like all state parks. If they charged, I'm sure people would still come. An easy drive in leads to an ample parking lot and a visitor center of solid construction. The exhibits surrounding the fort cover multiple wars, as well as the fascinating environment and a doctor who apparently was a bit of a naturalist a la the Master and Commander novels. The fort, while not the most impressive I've ever seen, is in good condition and is open to exploration. There are some steep drops from the upper level and small children will need supervision, but there is nothing preventing one from getting a look around. That's not the end, though. A substantial three-mile nature trail covers diverse environments and largely kept me off the beach. The only drawback is that it apparently allows bikes, and e-bikes are not the greatest fit for that trail. There are plenty of other attractions in the area, particularly those accessible by boat as you get east of here, but to be able to just drive here and get all kinds of diverse experiences is a boon. Watch out for those little button cacti. read more

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Fort Macon State Park is a pre-Civil War fort. Admission is free to visit. Besides the fort there are trails and a beach. I started at the Visitor Center where there are restrooms; a museum; educational displays; and a gift shop. I liked that there was a video to watch before going to the fort so I could get some of the history. I also did part of a guided tour. The Fort is in great shape and built to protect the Beaufort Inlet. It is built of bricks and stones with the walls being almost 5 foot thick. 9.2 million bricks were used. The fort is shaped like a pentagon. Some of the displays are interactive. There are 26 vaulted rooms and the surrounding area has a lot of ecology with over 300 different birds and other sea life living there. read more

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Nice beach, nice views. Lots of fishing. Was able to watch someone catch and release a huge ray! read more

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Great state park. Reminds me of Fort Fisher, where you have both the historical and recreational things to pursue. The fort itself is very cool and educational. Well preserved by the state park system. On the recreational side you have walking trails, fishing, and swimming. It's nice to explore beaches without houses and condos. Highly recommend. Just note the park hours. They do shut the gates when the park closes. read more

Absolutely stunning! One of my favorite beaches on this side of NC. Will be returning without the dogs. Love that there was water between the surf so you can still swim safely and enjoy no waves. read more

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Highly recommended. Just not in the summer-,it's hot down here. Seriously it's recommended. The staff is excellent and you can tell they take pride in their work. The Fort has been restored to perfection. Excellent views of the water. Expansive gift shop and accessible to the beach. Good couple of family time hours. Suggest is to come here in the morning to explore then pick one of the dozens local spots to have lunch. 5 Stars read more

We've been to this spot a number of time but this was the first time we hiked on the nature trail. Once you get away from the buildings this trail is so pretty! It was just over a 3 mile loop. It was fairly quiet midweek during November but we did see some other hikers and a handful of runners. While visiting the fort, we pretty much had the entire fort to ourselves. The inside exhibit rooms were closed and they were doing repairs while we were there. Their website said the exhibit rooms sustained a lot of damage during Hurricane Florence and they are still making repairs years later. We ventured inside just for a few minutes to check out the gift shop. During our visit masks were required inside, and staff were all masked. They also have a really nice beach here too! read more

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Unfortunately, the dive shop in Morehead City canceled two days of diving without any contingency plan. That left a group of 16 divers with nothing to do. Fort Macon was one of those historic experiences we decided to take in. Never knowing anything about the fort, we spent about 90 minutes touring the grounds and walking the fort, learning the history. Unfortunately, we missed out on the cannon firing (on Saturday) as we were there on a slightly drizzly, overcast day. Overall the fort's history is cool, dating back to the early 1800s. A neat snippet of history was that Edward Teach's (aka Blackbeard), ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge was known to have sailed the Beaufort Inlet and subsequently sank in shallow water off shore from the state park. The fort is well fortified with 4.5 foot walls with some interesting features you can explore. Didn't walk any of the surrounding trails, but it was a neat piece of history through the ages from the 1800s to the Civil War and WWII before being turned into a state park permanently in 1946. If you have 30-60 minutes, it's worth the stop. read more

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Super cool free state park with an amazingly restored brick fort. We went on a free tour, our volunteer tour guide was super knowledgeable and he gave a great tour. Many of the displays are interactive and interesting. Great history and visit. Highly recommended read more

(From the archives of last July) The below links will give you a better idea of what you'll see here than I could ever summarize. https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/fort-macon-fort-history-brochure.pdf https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/fort-macon-factsheet_0.pdf This fort was built as a coastal defense in response to the War of 1812 which exposed the US coast line as being very porous to an attack by Britain or anyone for that matter. The fort sat as an after thought that was lightly staffed and for all intensive purposes forgotten about for nearly thirty years. Enter the Civil War in 1861 and things somewhat change. The North Carolina militia took over the fort for the Confederacy on April 14, 1861. They hold the fort until the Union army shows up the following April and take the fort fairly easily. After that the Union would hold the fort for the remainder of the war. After the war the fort is used as a civil and a military prison until it was deactivated in 1877. In 1898 the fort got a new life for the Spanish-American War as a training ground. In 1903 the Army abandons the fort and it sits until 1924 when NC got the fort and the land around it via Congressional Act to start a state park system. If you go, the fort is open year round and offers fantastic displays inside its visitor center about coastal life, the history of the fort and a hell of a gift shop. There is a beach and swimming is allowed. But as you can see below. Caveat Emptor. www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/us/shark-attacks-north-carolina.html There isn't a whole lot to do in the Crystal Coast area, but if you're here a visit to Fort Macon is well worth it. A+ read more

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What an educational experience we had at Fort Macon State Park near Beaufort, NC! The drive thru the lush thicket and foliage set the stage for our visit. We could just imagine what it was like in in 1826, when this Civil War fort was built. It gave me pause to absorb all the history that happened here. The visitors center was large, clean, beautifully designed and informative. The ladies at the front desk were provided is with a plethora of knowledge. Cases were filled with soldiers' uniforms and other memorabilia. They had a mini museum and a self guided tour of wildlife, scenes from the period showing how people lived, and artifacts from the war. We sat through a fascinating documentary on underwater sea life. Also in the main rotunda was a penny press machine if you'd like a token of your visit, or meander through the impressive gift shop full of cool souvenirs, books, postcards, etc. We took a self guided tour of the pentagonal fort itself, an amazing brick structure. We walked around the entire perimeter where we imagined soldiers that fought here. There were canons set up and coves depicting a typical soldiers' life during this period. Even the wooden floor at the entrance was a magnificent piece of work! Some of the rooms were closed due to Hurricane Florence, but we still enjoyed our visit, learning about this important piece of history. The views from the top were incredible and we let our minds drift back into a time when this battle took place. Be careful walking up the steep steps as they can be a tad precarious. It was sobering to think of the results that took place here, but I truly appreciated learning about some of America's history. I highly recommend visiting this fort, no need to be a Civil War buff or a great historian, just someone who regards learning about the past and reflecting upon how it affected our future. read more

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Very interesting history and the park is well taken care of. Also it is free to go and walk around so it is totally worth it! read more

Fort Macon State Park - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

This is a great spot if you're looking to get some history and get a good hike in. Stopped by here with my parents in the morning after breakfast and we first did Elliott Coues Nature Trail which is a 3.2 mile round trip trail. Tip: make sure you bring plenty of water. The trail has a few scenic overlooks where you can try to spot birds and other wildlife. After the hike, we checked out Fort Macon. I was amazed by the engineering efforts behind building such a structure. Inside, you'll find different areas including a cooking area where they baked bread for the soldiers. There was even an incident where someone baked inedible bread! read more

Fort Macon State Park - Mortars in position - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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This is from a time just before Coronavirus became a real concern, but was starting to rear it's ugly head. I had been here several times, but most recently our family was just looking for a good place to walk on the beach. It just so happens that the absolute best place to hit Atlantic Beach is at this state park. There is a very large community area with bathrooms, and in season, a concession stand with plenty of picnic tables to get you fed as well. On this particular day, being both off-season and with some concern about being out and about, we had a great time seashell hunting on the beach. There were tons of them! Other than a great beach, there is both a historical military fort here and an active Coast Guard base. The fort in an interesting quick look, maybe an hour can be spent here, definitely not an all day trip in my opinion... but it was a unique and well kept look at a turn of the century military installation. The grounds were well manicured and there are some good viewpoints to look out over the ocean. Overall, this is your destination to enjoy the outdoors in Atlantic beach! read more

If you are a civil war history buff then this park in Atlantic beach is a must stop. Lots of interesting displays and exhibits in the visitors center. Then you can take a guided or self guided tour of the fort as we did. Make you think as you see the old cannons, the rooms where men slept, ate and lived, the supply rooms, water cistern, ect that 150+ years ago the this was a living, working fort protecting the coast line of North Carolina from Union attack. Before you get to the fort, the is a large pick nic area on the right that is on the ocean with clean restrooms. As we walked out onto the beach and looked out over the ocean we thought that this fort has protected this coast line from everything from Union war ships to German U-Boats. There is also a sign where the Queen Anne's Revenge, ship of the infamous pirate Blackbeard sunk off the coast near this area. read more

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Got to love NC State Parks. This secluded beach, historic site, and awesome visitors center makes this one of my favorites. No admission fee. The concessions at the beach are pretty limited, but cold drinks and ice cream were popular choices. Pack your own picnic if you're planning to spend all day. Restrooms, showers and pavilions are available at the beach. The visitors center offers guided tours or meander around exhibits at your own pace. It is rich in NC history and a great way to sneak in an educational outing while vacationing at the beach. Wednesday afternoons at 4 the cannons are fired. Other Ranger led programs are available throughout the week. No camping. read more

Fort Macon State Park - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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I always enjoy stopping by here, but like last year part of it was undergoing some rehab/construction But still enjoy it Not much to do on Emerald Isle other than beach so this is a nice break read more

Really nice historical site on the Crystal Coast. It's definitely worth a visit if your in the area. Times may vary and some of the displays are closed due to the pandemic. read more

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Despite the signs calling the Civil War the "war between the states," this is a wonderfully kept and detailed state park. Additionally, the beaches are pristine and the jetty is a fishing hotspot. read more

Nice state park located at the tip of Atlantic Beach. Nice walking trails and plenty of beach access. Check out the fort and the artillery while you're there. Teach the kids and learn a few things yourself while you're there. Great scenes to been seen. No camping allowed as well as alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Watch ships come into the area at the beach overlook. Large parking area. Handicap access. Park closes at 8pm. read more

Always a place that could never disappoint. Only sad part was that NO ONE wants to work there at the gift store! Are you serious! If I lived there, HIRE ME, HIRE ME! But the staff is great, loved the gentleman who was there in his Civil War garb and taught us more about the daily life of the Soldiers. This place has always been one of my favorite places to go to, even when I lived there. Now if people would keep their kids from climbing all over things like jungle gym. This place is NOT a playground, it's a historical site and it should be respected. Glad to see that they are able to keep up with everything to keep it in great condition. I look forward to returning here again. read more

Depending on where you are, this can be a little bit of a hike to visit. If you're in Atlantic Beach, it's right down the road. Anywhere else, and you have to navigate the traffic of Beaufort and/or Morehead City and cross the bridge to Atlantic Beach to get here. It's one of the best things to do in the entire region though, so it's worth it. We drove all the way from Cedar Island and didn't regret it! The fort itself is fairly small. You can see just about everything there is to see at the fort within a couple hours max. The rest of the park is pretty big though, with plenty of nature trails to explore and beaches to relax on. Swimming is not advisable on many of the beaches, as there is particularly viscous riptide and no lifeguards. read more

We had an afternoon for sightseeing and decided to head over to Fort Macon State Park to see what it was all about. We had no idea what we would see or do. Driving up to the park, it doesn't seem as impressive because you literally can't see the fort for obvious reasons, it's hidden. We walked around the grounds at first heading towards the overlook to the beach. It was a beautifully clear day so you could see for a long way. We then headed over to the visitor's center and the fort itself. The information in the visitior's center was really cool. Lots of information about the area. We walked over the fort and we were completely amazed at how cool it was! You can take a self-guided tour through the fort. They have rooms set up with artifacts and information about the fort and its uses. The fort itself is massive and quite pretty. The brick is awesome and we actually saw a bride having some pictures done there. They surely will turn out amazing with that backdrop. We wandered around the fort for about an hour. You do have to be very careful. The steps are steep and there are drop offs everywhere. Definitely worth a visit! read more

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We checked out this beach adjacent to Atlantic Beach & Pine Knoll Shores and this place has a public access and more crowded with life guards watching over swimmers, cool! We decided to park and we walked on the beach at the entrance going South until we could not go any further. It was about an hour and a half trek, very nice shorelines this AM but could tell current still strong with wind gusts about 10mph. It was a good hike. We could imagine how the fort stopped the rebels during the civil war and the germans from coming ashore when the fort was reactivated during WW. We also visited the fort last time we were here but this review is about the beach park! The park has a concession stand and while parking was free, it charges $3 for showers...still, for those jot lodging in the area this is a good access to the beach and shores where those had fallen once walked... I like where we are staying (in the middle) because there is a direct access to the beach from the hotel but the neighboring beaches from one end at Emerald Isle to the other Fort Macon are just as swell! read more

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Fantastic free place to explore while on Emerald Isle. Kids loved it, too. And by kids I mean my 5 year old enjoyed it. My 2 year old seemed to have fun, too! read more

This is two state parks in one. The beach access portion includes a large covered area with a great view of the water. Great spot for fishermen - not the place for playing in the water. The fort has a visitor's center with restrooms and many displays with the history of the fort. Just a short walk from the visitor center is the actual Fort Macon. There are many signs reminding visitors that the fort was built for war, and as such there are many things that are not "tourist friendly" such as uneven walking areas, steep steps, and sudden drop offs. For the history/ explorer fans that's great information as there are many places in the fort to explore as you like. If you are a general tourist that means you REALLY need to be more cautious. Those that don't pay attention could find themselves falling 10+ feet in some areas. They do have a safe walkway into the fort with several displays of how the fort was used over the years. I was impressed with a lithograph of the fort being surrendered to the Union forces. The lithograph was placed so that you can see the same perspective of the artist. That placement of the lithograph in that spot really helped me have a better understanding of the events that happened here. Great historical treasure. Enjoy - just be aware of the environment! read more

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Great public beach area. Plenty of parking, concessions, bathhouse, lifeguards. Recommend if needing a day spot at the beach. read more

Fort Macon State Park - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

They have quite an amazing visitors center, complete with hands on exploration (pepsi museum-where you can act out tasks in the olden days) history and nature information. It's a great place to take kids. The fort outside can be brutal on hot days, but the air conditioned rooms below that tell snippets of history can be a sanctuary from the heat. It's definitely worth checking out. The beautiful sandy beaches are just over the hill and so convenient to the water. There's a wash off station in the parking lot (carefully disguised to look like bike racks). They don't sell food (which is surprising- it would be a great place to have a snack stand) but there are some vending machines on the outside restrooms. Plenty of parking and all of its free read more

Fort Macon State Park - Parks Near Me - Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Beautifully maintained park. There are picnic areas and restrooms. I was impressed by the visitor center. It's beautiful and informative...and free. read more

We should have spent more time here but I wasn't thinking that there would be so much to see and do! Pleasantly surprised!! I still can't get over that it was FREE. Many times you go to an historical site, pay $30 per person, pay to park, and don't see much of anything. This experience was quite the opposite. The Fort itself is remarkable even if you're not interested in its history. Loved the gift shop which was full of great reads about the fort and other NC historical sites as well as the usual t-shirts, hats, mugs, etc. Friendly staff. Very positive experience. We didn't have time to explore the 3 mile trail, but, from driving by, it looked like it would be a beautiful walk. read more

Not dog friendly. While this is a beautiful park to visit, do not bring your pets as they are not allowed in the fort area. This prohibition is not clearly marked and resulted in a volunteer chasing us down telling us to leave. If dogs are leashed and not aggressive, there is no reason they can't be on the fort area. It makes it extremely hard for visitors who come out of town to visit the fort when their pets travel with them. read more

Pretty awesome experience here. Unlike a similar fort in St Augustine run by the NPS (over $40 for the three of us), this was free, well... other than the state taxes we pay, but I digress. Parts of the fort have been rehabbed, and the exhibits tell the story of the fort through the ages, fun learning if you will. As an added treat, on the day of our visit there were re-enactors who were practicing on the forts cannons, so it was like seeing living history. To top it off, great views of the sound, channel, and city. read more

Beautiful historical site, very well maintained with great hiking trails. Looking forward to the updated rooms in the fort coming soon

Have some time when you come here and enjoy the walk back in time . Parking area is huge . The brick walk way to the visitor center is wide with a slight incline . Still wheel chair accessible. This place was amazing . A small theater room with a movie about sea life playing. There are plaques with all the History Facts and Barrier Island for you to meander around and read . Also take home some memorabilia from their large gift shop . The restrooms were clean and large . Then you can take a walk out to the Fort . It's something to see and think about how things were in that time . I am sure these soldiers felt a false sense of security . Thinking that their cannons and large brick walls would help them with a win . Visit this great state park to see how the story ends . You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy Fort Macon . They also have nice access areas to the water . No swimming of course due to dangerous currents but you can put your toes in the sand. read more

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One of the best preserved and most educational historic forts I've ever been to! During a family vacation to Emerald Isle, and a sunburn after 3 days on the beach, the hubby and I were looking for something to do close by. We'd heard that Fort Macon was pretty cool and entrance was free! Yeah cheap entertainment! It was super hot out, and we started our self guided tour by walking around the top of the moat, reading the informational signs and looking out at the ocean. So far, I was pretty impressed. It was shaping up to be like most of the historic forts I had seen around the country. We wandered down the stairs to the interior of the fort, and after wandering through the cavernous brick rooms, I noticed an entire section of the fort had sealed windows and doors. There were 4-5 AIR CONDITIONED rooms with incredible displays of Fort Macon's history from the time it was constructed until it was made into a state park after WWII. It took us hours to read everything, listen to every history recording or video and to peek into all the cases or original artifacts. After we got through all the rooms, we even discovered a few more recreations of life in Fort Macon during WWII, like their mess hall and ration storage. It was so cool. I can absolutely say I have never learned so much at another State Park or Historic Fort. This place is super cool, especially if you're a history buff! read more

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