Beaufort County’s seat, Washington, North Carolina, is located at the junction of the Tar and Pamlico rivers and is the gateway to the East Coast’s second-largest estuary, the Pamlico-Albemarle sounds. The gorgeous backdrop to this unique and charming town makes it one of the most picturesque places in the state. Established in 1776, this is the first city named after U.S. President George Washington, providing deep history showcased by several antebellum structures which astoundingly survived fires in 1864 and 1900. From historic walking tours to new shops and boutiques, you’ll find Washington is a North Carolina Town that’s anything but ordinary.
- Waterfront
Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, Washington NC/Facebook Washington’s waterfront is one of the prettiest around making it a boater-friendly city.
And Festival Park right beside the water is a greenspace for sitting on a bench and enjoying the view or hosting festivals, movies in the park, and other outdoor fun.
Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, Washington NC/Facebook Check out the activities in this thriving town. Festival Park, Washington, NC 27889, USA
And one of the best functions of Festival Park is to bring concerts so we can sing along to some fabulous beach music.
Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, Washington NC/Facebook
- Self-Guided Audio Tours
Tradewinds, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Speaking of sound, Washington, NC Audio Tours offers five historic walking tours you can hear on your phone. The East Side Historic District Tour features the Bank of Washington, which was built around 1854.
You’ll want to take the African American History tour to see the interesting Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.
Washington NC Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum/Facebook Find out more information about the best way to see the city.
- Snack Time
Harbor District Market/Facebook Go for a snack at Harbor District Market which is in a beautifully renovated 5-and-10-cent McClellan’s store that opened possibly in 1917. Harbor District Market, 140 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
By shopping here you are supporting local farmers, artisans, and producers of other quality goods.
Harbor District Market/Facebook
- Explore Nature
North Carolina Estuarium/Facebook The North Carolina Estuarium celebrates the area’s vital estuaries and coastal rivers through more than 200 exhibits. North Carolina Estuarium, 223 E Water St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
This adult dolphin skeleton was recovered in Albemarle Sound and allows folks to learn more about these amazing mammals.
North Carolina Estuarium/Facebook
- Shop Vintage
The Southern Nest/Facebook The Southern Nest is a unique shop providing vintage, antiques, collectibles, gifts, home decor, and old-fashioned candy. The Southern Nest, 133 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Speaking of sweets, doesn’t this handmade glass bowl remind you of rainbow sherbet?
The Southern Nest/Facebook
- Eat Hearty
Parley’s Sip & Steam of Washington, NC/Facebook Parley’s Sip & Steam offers fresh, locally sourced food for your dining pleasure inside or out. Parley’s Sip & Steam, 132 E Water St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Oysters on the half-shell are definitely a popular appetizer, fresh as you can get.
Parley’s Sip & Steam of Washington, NC/Facebook
- Look At Art
The Lemonade Art Gallery/Facebook The Lemonade Art Gallery and Gift Shop draws art lovers in to admire or purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. The Lemonade Art Gallery, 201 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
- Come On — Stay The Night
Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook For a little over two centuries, Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn was home to prominent families over generations, now offering exceptional overnight accommodations. Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn, 731 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Operating with five unique guest rooms, you’re sure to find a theme that suits you.
Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook Our favorite room is The Writer, featuring a puffy, queen-sized canopy bed in the inn’s most traditionally furnished room, complete with a sofa and an embroidered easy chair with an ottoman.
Do you see why this town is anything but ordinary? And while you’re in Washington, another great restaurant to try is Grub Brothers Eatery & Little Brown Jug, where you’ll want to order one of everything.
Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, Washington NC/Facebook
Washington’s waterfront is one of the prettiest around making it a boater-friendly city.
Check out the activities in this thriving town.
Festival Park, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Tradewinds, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Speaking of sound, Washington, NC Audio Tours offers five historic walking tours you can hear on your phone. The East Side Historic District Tour features the Bank of Washington, which was built around 1854.
Washington NC Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum/Facebook
Find out more information about the best way to see the city.
Harbor District Market/Facebook
Go for a snack at Harbor District Market which is in a beautifully renovated 5-and-10-cent McClellan’s store that opened possibly in 1917.
Harbor District Market, 140 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
North Carolina Estuarium/Facebook
The North Carolina Estuarium celebrates the area’s vital estuaries and coastal rivers through more than 200 exhibits.
North Carolina Estuarium, 223 E Water St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
The Southern Nest/Facebook
The Southern Nest is a unique shop providing vintage, antiques, collectibles, gifts, home decor, and old-fashioned candy.
The Southern Nest, 133 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Parley’s Sip & Steam of Washington, NC/Facebook
Parley’s Sip & Steam offers fresh, locally sourced food for your dining pleasure inside or out.
Parley’s Sip & Steam, 132 E Water St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
The Lemonade Art Gallery/Facebook
The Lemonade Art Gallery and Gift Shop draws art lovers in to admire or purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Lemonade Art Gallery, 201 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn/Facebook
For a little over two centuries, Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn was home to prominent families over generations, now offering exceptional overnight accommodations.
Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn, 731 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, USA
Our favorite room is The Writer, featuring a puffy, queen-sized canopy bed in the inn’s most traditionally furnished room, complete with a sofa and an embroidered easy chair with an ottoman.
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Address: Washington, NC, USA
