Coastal Delights: 5-Day Culinary Journey in Morehead City, NC Itinerary

Enjoy a breakfast with a view at Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar, where you can indulge in some classic coastal dishes. After breakfast, head to Atlantic Beach (Beach and Boardwalk) for a morning of sun, sand, and sea. Relax on the beach or take a walk on the boardwalk.

Have a beachside lunch at Red Fish Grill, known for its fresh flavors and laid-back atmosphere. Post-lunch, visit the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores to explore the marine life of the region. Spend the afternoon admiring the colorful fish and learning about conservation efforts.

As the day winds down, return to Morehead City for dinner at Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria, where you can enjoy a variety of small plates and creative cocktails. Afterward, take a leisurely drive to the nearby town of Beaufort, known for its historic homes and charming waterfront. Walk off your meal with a self-guided tour of the town's highlights.

Start your day with breakfast at Floyds 1921 Restaurant & Catering, a local favorite with a menu that reflects the area's culinary heritage. After breakfast, take a guided historic walking tour of Beaufort, learning about the town's past and its famous residents, including the notorious pirate Blackbeard.

For lunch, head to Beaufort Grocery Company in Beaufort, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal in a casual setting. Afterward, visit the Old Burying Ground, one of the state's oldest cemeteries, and take a moment to explore the gravestones and the stories they tell.

Return to Morehead City for dinner at Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria, where you can enjoy another round of their delicious small plates. After dinner, take a sunset cruise with Lookout Cruises, this time departing from Beaufort. Relax on the water and watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the sun dips below the horizon.

Embark on a morning cruise with Lady Swan Boat Tours, departing from the Morehead City waterfront. Enjoy the coastal scenery and keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves. After the cruise, have breakfast at The Banks Grill to fuel up for the day.

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and galleries of the Artisan West arts district in Morehead City. For lunch, try the artisanal sandwiches at Beaufort Grocery Company, a short drive away in Beaufort. Afterward, visit the Crystal Coast Lady Cruises for a narrated afternoon sightseeing cruise, learning about the local history and ecology.

Dine at Red Fish Grill for a taste of their signature dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely drive to the nearby town of Atlantic Beach and enjoy a peaceful evening walk on the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the ocean breeze.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Floyds 1921 Restaurant & Catering, savoring the flavors of the region. After breakfast, visit the Cape Lookout National Seashore for a morning of exploration. Take a ferry to the undeveloped barrier islands, where you can search for seashells, climb the historic lighthouse, and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the coast.

Pack a picnic lunch from a local deli and spend the afternoon on the beach at Cape Lookout, soaking up the sun and the serenity. Alternatively, if you prefer a sit-down meal, return to Beaufort and have lunch at The Spouter Inn Restaurant & Bakery, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the water.

For your final dinner, return to Morehead City and dine at The Banks Grill, where you can reminisce about your culinary journey. After dinner, take a drive to the Beaufort Historic Site to walk off your meal and explore the historic buildings and gardens, learning about the area's past as a bustling port town.