Fort Macon State Park

Coastal North Carolina


This remarkable five-sided fort, with 26 vaulted rooms, is one of North Carolina's most visited attractions. Completed in 1834, it was the site of the Battle of Fort Macon fought in 1862. Exhibits inside the fort's walls and tunnels document the daily lives of soldiers stationed there. Constructed from brick and stone, the fort changed hands twice during the Civil War. Visitors can walk around the exterior and climb the stairs of the grassy structure for 360-degree views.

Guided tours run at 11am Monday to Friday. There are three trails around the park for visitors, ranging from half a mile to 3.5 miles. Choose from a beach walk or maritime forest walk, with the chance to see dolphins offshore and up to 302 bird species. Bring a picnic and use the outdoor grills, drinking water and picnic table facilities in the park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Coastal North Carolina attractions

1. North Carolina Maritime Museum

1.65 MILES

The pirate Blackbeard was a frequent visitor to the Beaufort area in the early 1700s. In 1996, the wreckage of his flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, was…

2. Old Burying Ground

1.73 MILES

On the National Registry of Historic Places, this small but fascinating cemetery features the weathered tombstones of both Revolutionary and Civil War…

3. North Carolina Aquarium

8.56 MILES

It's not the most impressive aquarium out there, and is a tad pricey, but offers a good option for small children or those wanting to explore the waters…

4. Emerald Isle Beach

15.92 MILES

Emerald Isle's 12 miles of pristine beach has soft, golden sands and the green-blue waters the area is named after. The car park at the Eastern Regional…