Atlantic Beach
The Beach At Its Best
The quintessential beach community, Atlantic Beach, expertly balances low-key, residential areas and bustling beachfront entertainment. Part of the Crystal Coast, this area is rich with beauty, history and activities to satisfy all ages.
As one of the oldest towns on the Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach sprouted up from a beach pavilion built in the late 1800s to provide oceanfront entertainment for tourists staying across the sound in Morehead City.
Over a century ago, Bogue Banks became home to one of the first bathing pavilions to accommodate guests of the New Morehead City Hotel who were accustomed to bathing in the ocean. Word spread, patrons flocked to the area, and the Atlantic Beach resort was formed. By the 1920s, and after several business deals, a new Atlantic Beach opened in an area known as the “Circle” on Bogue Banks. This new area boasted two bathhouses—one for men and one for women—and quickly prospered with the addition of a bridge that connected Atlantic Beach to the mainland.
During the Great Depression, the Atlantic Beach property encountered several setbacks but was eventually held by the Manufacturers Bank and Trust Co. of New York. With the prospect of a thriving resort area in mind, the Atlantic Beach and Bridge Company was created to rebuild the resort and operate the toll bridge. In 1930, the beach and resort reopened for business.
A year later, Newman Willis moved to Atlantic Beach with his wife and became the first permanent resident as well as the town’s first mayor. In just a few more short years, the area was marked out for streets, and property lots were sold. More structures followed as well as the construction of the boardwalk along the oceanfront.
Today, the pavilion no longer exists, but the site on which it stood is now part of the Atlantic Beach Circle, a reference point for locals and visitors alike. Souvenir shops, a small boardwalk, restaurants and more keep the Circle a popular social spot for both teenagers and families. Despite starting out small, the town of Atlantic Beach is a flurry of activity during the summer season.
The miles of beautiful beaches that make up Atlantic Beach are its most popular attraction. There are several public access points across the beach, so sunbathers, swimmers and surfers can spread out and enjoy a little piece of paradise. Whether you set out to build a sandcastle that can withstand the waves or just plan on getting your feet wet, the sandy shores are sure to please.
Something unique to this part of the North Carolina coast is the arrival of sea turtles each year. In Atlantic Beach, sea turtles, the most common being loggerheads, nest from May to October. The residents of Atlantic Beach make strides to protect these incredible animals and encourage visitors to be aware of the nest sites during the summer and fall seasons.
Unique gift stores, classic surf shops and quaint businesses are in abundance, and there are area amusements and entertainment options to fit all ages. Those wanting to stay on dry land will find plenty to do—golf courses, amusement parks, movie theaters, nightclubs and shopping are just a few options. There are also plenty of biking and jogging paths to be enjoyed, which are recent civic improvements.
While it maintains its small-town feel, visitors will find all kinds of activities. Because of the ideal location on the coast of North Carolina, fishing and boating are two favorite pastimes. Water lovers will find many other ways to get out on the ocean or sound, from waterskiing to sailing, kayaking to windsurfing. For those who want a relaxing experience, charter a boat for a dinner cruise or to watch the sun set over the water.
Adjacent to Atlantic Beach is Fort Macon, a Civil War fortress that features 385 acres of pristine beach and maritime forest. Learn about the fort’s fascinating history in the museum and historic area on your own or by taking a tour. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch or just soak up the natural beauty of the site, which is surrounded on three sides by water.
If you happen to be visiting during the Fourth of July, show your pride and shag skills at the annual Independence Day Celebration. Residents and visitors look forward to a full day of festivities, which includes a live band and fireworks.
For those who want to explore the surrounding area, head over the Atlantic Beach Bridge to spend a day in Morehead City. The waterfront historic district bustles with a collection of marinas, promenades, rich history, restaurants, unique shops and more. Morehead City is also a town of gifted artists, so be sure to visit the art galleries. From Morehead City, you can also book a trip to see the Cape Lookout lighthouse, visit Sugarloaf Island or catch a glimpse of the wild horses on Shackleford Banks.
No matter what vacation means to you—exploring a fortress, catching a wave or just relaxing—Atlantic Beach has something for everyone.
For more information about Atlantic Beach, visit www.atlanticbeach-nc.com. For more information about Fort Macon State Park, call 252-726-3775.
Atlantic Beach Listings
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Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar Atlantic Beach Fire Dept. Atlantic Beach Realty Cannon & Gruber Realtors Island Grille |
J Chalk Designs McCurdy’s Restaurant on Moonlight Bay Atlantic Beach • 252-240-3333 Atlantic Station Shopping Center and Cape Carteret • 252-393-3333 Carteret Crossing Shopping Center and Emerald Isle • 252-354-7424 Emerald Plantation Shopping Center and Swansboro • 910-326-1946 Corner Square Shopping Center   Milazzo Classic Italian Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel 2717 West Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 252-240-1155 www.milazzorestaurant.com  Molly’s Beachside Bar & Grill Located on the beach behind the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel 2717 West Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 252-240-1155 www.milazzorestaurant.com Oceanana Family Resort 700 East Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 252-726-4111 (Motel) 252-726-0863 (Pier) www.oceanana.com Skippers Cove Restaurant 208 East Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 252-726-3023 Wings www.wingsbeachwear.com Serving America’s Best Beaches Since 1978! |
