Atlantic Beach, NC, is a coastal town on Bogue Banks in Carteret County, North Carolina. Its public beach accesses offer practical amenities, and Fort Macon State Park adds a historic fort, beach and nature trails to a visit.
- Location: Bogue Banks, a barrier island approximately 25.4 miles long.
- Public access: Circle Regional Beach Access has more than 300 paid parking spaces.
- Parking pattern: paid public parking runs annually from April 1 through September 30.
- Fort Macon: day use has no admission fee; the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where Atlantic Beach Sits on the Crystal Coast
Atlantic Beach occupies part of Bogue Banks, a barrier island in Carteret County on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The island is approximately 25.4 miles long, including the 1.4-mile portion occupied by Fort Macon State Park.
The town’s coastal setting shapes the practical choices for a visit: you can use a public access for time at the beach, then head to Fort Macon for its historic site and coastal landscapes.
Finding Public Beach Access
Atlantic Beach has public beach accesses with parking and facilities that vary by location. Circle Regional Beach Access is at 201 West Atlantic Boulevard, with more than 300 paid parking spaces, restrooms, picnic tables and outdoor showers.
Tom Doe Memorial Beach Access is on Ocean Boulevard. It has outdoor showers, a restroom, a foot-washing station, a handicap ramp, parking and a beach playground; additional parking is along Henderson Boulevard.
At 177 New Bern Street, the Les and Sally Moore Public Beach Access has 50 parking spaces, restrooms, picnic tables and outdoor showers. Choosing an access with the facilities you need can make the beach portion of your day easier to plan.
Getting Around Atlantic Beach
Paid public parking in Atlantic Beach recurs annually from April 1 through September 30. Free parking is available for vehicles displaying valid handicap, Purple Heart, disabled-veteran or partially disabled-veteran plates or tags. Designated free 30-minute spaces are on Atlantic Drive, and vehicles must move by the time limit.
The town also has public water-access locations. Moonlight Drive Ramp has parking for three vehicles with trailers; Pelican Drive Dock is a town dock with water access; West Bogue Sound Drive Ramp has no parking; and Bridge Abutment Parking Facility has spaces for 26 vehicles, including four boat-and-trailer spaces.
Check the official site before you go for current parking details and facility information.
Nearby Food and Everyday Services
Atlantic Beach Town Park offers a mix of outdoor activities and practical facilities: a splash pad, large skatepark, 18-hole mini-golf course, half-court basketball court, picnic area, concession stand and public restrooms. Park use is free; mini-golf and concession purchases cost extra.
If you’re planning a stop at the park, account for its seasonal schedule and verify current hours before setting out.
Easy Trips to Fort Macon and Morehead City
Fort Macon State Park combines a restored pre-Civil War fort with beach access and trails through salt marsh and dune habitats.
The park also features daily guided tours, cannon and musket demonstrations, and exhibits on history and the natural surroundings. Day use has no admission fee, and the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day.
The visitor center, exhibits, coastal education center and bookstore are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pets are allowed in the park except on the swim beach, inside the fort and inside buildings; they must be attended and leashed no longer than 6 feet.
The Morehead City waterfront is another destination for a visit to the area.
From the Bali Hai, Atlantic Beach city centre is about an eight-minute walk.
If you’re arriving by air, you can plan the route from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport to Atlantic Beach.
FAQs
Where is Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?
Atlantic Beach is on Bogue Banks in Carteret County, North Carolina. Bogue Banks is a barrier island approximately 25.4 miles long.
Is there a fee to visit Fort Macon State Park?
Day use at Fort Macon State Park has no admission fee. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day.
Which Atlantic Beach access has the most listed parking?
Circle Regional Beach Access has more than 300 paid parking spaces. The Les and Sally Moore Public Beach Access has 50 spaces.
What can you do at Atlantic Beach Town Park?
The park has a splash pad, skatepark, mini-golf, basketball court and picnic area. General park use is free, while mini-golf and concession purchases cost extra.