Atlantic Beach, North Carolina is an ideal vacation spot for families who want a quiet, laid-back coastal getaway. When you stay at an Atlantic Beach vacation rental, you’re just a short trip away from enjoying swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and other beach activities. There are also local historic sites to explore, as well as plenty of fresh seafood to try. Here are the most popular points of interest in and around Atlantic Beach.
1. Rent Water Equipment at AB Water Sports Adventures
Whether you’re looking for a pontoon boat, jet skis or other water equipment, AB Water Sports Adventures has what you’re looking for. Thanks to their great location, it’s easy to go from renting equipment to dropping it in the water and letting the fun begin.
2. See the Fish Up Close at North Carolina Aquarium
Head down the beach to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores. It has a giant tank holding sharks, sea turtles, and other sea life to keep the kids interested, and touch pools so they can get a little closer. There’s an outdoor picnic area, so pack a lunch.
3. Book a Fishing Tour
When you want to catch your own fish, contact Family Time Fishing Charters to book a kid-friendly fishing tour. After a day on the water, you can grill your catch when you get home to your vacation rental.
4. Stroll the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk
The Atlantic Beach Boardwalk may be small, but it is full of charm and offers fantastic views. There are playgrounds and volleyball courts right off the boardwalk, along with outdoor showers so you can rinse off. Grab some food at one of the eateries on the boardwalk and sit back and relax.
5. Visit the Fort Macon Historic Site
When you need things to do inside, plan to spend a morning or an afternoon at the Fort Macon Historic Site. Built during the Civil War, the fort was in use as recently as World War II. There are several rooms full of artifacts in the museum, and the visitors center includes informative videos and objects of local interest. This fort is so close to the ocean that you can hear the waves.
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6. Stock Up on Bait and Tackle at Chasin’ Tails Outdoors
If you brought your own equipment to go fishing during your Atlantic Beach vacation, stop by Chasin’ Tails Outdoors to get live bait and lures suitable for the area’s fish. The store also sells coolers, tackle boxes, and anything else you may have left behind. This huge bait and tackle shop also provides you with a great excuse to buy a new pole.
7. Dig Into Local Fresh Seafood
Sitting down to a wonderfully fresh seafood dinner is one of the best parts of a beach vacation. The Shark Shack serves up great seafood along with stunning views of the ocean, and it offers meals for children. Oceana Fishing Pier is another great choice for breakfast and brunch.
8. Play Laser Tag at Battle Works
When you need a break from the sun, head into Battle Works for a rousing game of laser tag. With simulated electronic weapons, urban battlefields, and immersive light and sound, this isn’t your average laser tag experience.
9. Relax at Beach Tavern Bar and Grill
If you want to have a few drinks and play some great games to unwind, settle in at the Beach Tavern Bar and Grill. This Atlantic Beach institution has pool tables, darts, arcade games, and ice-cold beer or cocktails to take the edge off.
10. Test Your Skills at Game On Escape Rooms
Bring the entire family and test your skills by following the hints to get past the obstacles at Game On Escape Rooms. They provide various levels of difficulty, so you can take an easier path if you have children, or go to the hardest rooms to make it more challenging for the adults.
11. Stock Up at The Friendly Market
You aren’t always looking for things to do during your beach vacation; sometimes you just want to kick back and relax in your temporary home. Head over to The Friendly Market in nearby Morehead City to purchase fresh flowers, produce, and ingredients for meals to cook at your rental. The market also sells pre-cooked items, so you can head back after a long day and relax with your family.
12. Take a Ride with Lookout Cruises
Take the short trip over to Beaufort to head out onto the seas with Lookout Cruises. There are several cruises available and don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of dolphins or other creatures of the sea.
13. Play Mini-Golf at Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway
If you want to find out if you still have the magic touch, head down to Salter Path to Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway. With two miniature golf courses and a go-kart track, this is one of the more popular nearby attractions for people traveling with children.
14. Soar with Dragonfly Parasail
There’s nothing quite like parasailing to put the exclamation point on an Atlantic Beach vacation that was already fantastic. The people at Dragonfly Parasail are ready to hook you to their boats and help you fly.
15. Rent Bikes with Beach Wheels Bike Rental
When you want to speed things up a little but still enjoy the beach weather, grab some wheels from Beach Wheels Bike Rental. If you choose, this shop delivers the bikes and locks to your location, and they come and pick them up. Get your lock code via text message, and hop onto your bike right after you walk out the door of your vacation rental to see all the attractions the Atlantic Beach area has to offer.
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