A premier year-round waterfront community in eastern NC delivering a coastal lifestyle for residents and visitors, Morehead City was originally called Shepherd’s Point and marked the confluence of Newport River, Bogue Sound, and Beaufort Inlet. Governor John Motley Morehead envisioned a great commercial hub, so he designed a town built around city blocks with a system of alleys between each block in the form of an “H.” In this way, all houses and businesses could be serviced from the alleys. Each block contained 16 lots; much of that “Philadelphia plan” remains today.
This is home to numerous boat tour companies, including H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions with its destination being Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses and to discover great shelling as well as the Sand Dollar Island Ferry which drops its passengers off at this island to be able to hunt for its treasures, and fishing charters offering deep-sea adventures. Wahoo, tuna, bluefish, king mackerel, and the coveted blue marlin are sought here. Since the 1950s the town has hosted the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, one of the oldest and largest charity tournaments in the country. Speaking of fish, don't miss a visit to Sanitary Fish Market, which opened in 1938 as a 12-stool restaurant with a small 2-kerosene burner stove. It is as popular today as it was then so expect to wait for a table in “high season.” There are several other fine restaurants and markets here...Just ask a local!
Just across the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) via the Atlantic Beach Causeway from Morehead City are several beautiful beaches and Fort Macon State Park. And if you are lucky, your visit will coincide with a Morehead City Marlins baseball game at Big Rock Stadium.
Think Local:
You will need a fine hotel to stay at within walking distance of the town as well as a big view of the water. Our choice is The Bask Hotel at Big Rock.Landing. Reserve your room today!
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Fishing enthusiasts...this is the one! 2024 will mark its 66th Year! There are several deep-sea fishing boats available for Charter along Morehead City's waterfront for the tournament and all year long.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions FREE parking for your vehicles on asphalt (not a dirt parking lot). National Park Service Tour Operator taking passengers to see the wild horses and great shelling on Shackleford as well as the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Sand Dollar Island. Other tours are offered as well.
Hamann's Clammins, on the water. For a unique experience, pick your own and purchase clams and oysters. Tasting Room. Yummy! By appointment only. Ask for Sue (240) 205-3046.
Impressions Art Gallery & Studio, featuring paintings by Stephen Moore.
Sanitary Restaurant, Classic. In business since 1938. Best Shrimp 'n' Grits around!
Tower 7, Mexican Restaurant on the Morehead City waterfront.
Plaza Mexico Bar & Grill, Don't be fooled as this is in the Hobby Lobby / Belk Shopping Center. Great food...great price.
Walmart, Lowe's, Staples, Best Buy, Belk Department Store, Panera Bread, plus many other national stores.
Some well-known people are from MHC, including, architect Bill Ransom Campbell, author Gerald R. Weeks, and Major League Baseball pitcher Lonnie Chisenhall. Food Network personality Guy Fieri filmed his family reunion specials in MHC, touring several of its restaurants and markets, including, Floyd's and Sanitary.