Fort Macon

2303 East Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 252-726-3775 fort.macon@ncparks.gov GPS: 34.697952, -76.67834 Education and Events: Regularly scheduled education and interpretive programs are held from April 15 to October 30. Educational materials about Fort Macon State Park have been developed for grades 6-8 and are correlated to North Carolina’s competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. Exhibits and Fort Tour: The Coastal Education Center has a large exhibit hall featuring numerous exhibits about the natural history of the park, barrier island ecology, coastal North Carolina, and the interaction of natural and cultural history associated with Fort Macon. Explore the history of Fort Macon State Park in the museum room located in the fort casemates. Exhibits and displays acquaint you with the fort’s history, and restored quarters offer a look into the lives of officers and soldiers. Join a guided tour of the fort or conduct your own following the guide available at the bookstore. Fort Macon State Park is located in Carteret County on the eastern end of Bogue Banks. It can be reached by turning South off U.S. 70 in Morehead City, crossing the bridge to Atlantic Beach and turning left on Highway 58 South. Fishing: Fishing may be enjoyed at the park throughout the year. There is a variety of fish inhabiting the surf and inlet waters depending on the season. Coastal Education and Visitor Center................. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hiking: Fort Macon has over 1.5 miles of ocean beach for hiking. As you walk along the beach you may see one of the 302 different species of birds found in the park or experience the thrill of watching Dolphins playing in the ocean. Picnicking: Picnic facilities in the park include outdoor grills, drinking water, picnic tables, shelters and restrooms. Trash containers are centrally located. The restrooms, located close to the picnic tables, are open year-round, unless in the event of freezing weather. Swimming: Fort Macon’s beach is a popular source of recreation. From June through Labor Day, a seaside bathhouse and refreshment stand are open and lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Because of strong water currents, visitors are encouraged to swim only in the protected area. Surfing is not allowed in the protected swimming area. Wading, swimming and surfing are not allowed on the inlet beaches. Fort: ........................................................................ 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day Fort Area: November - February......................... 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. March - May, September - October............... 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. June - August........................................................ 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Bathhouse Area November - February................................... 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. March - May, September - October............... 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. June - August........................................................ 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day)...... 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Just minutes away from Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast. But the beach is only the beginning. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water. This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore the salt marshes and estuaries so vital to the coastal ecosystem. ! Please visit the North Carolina State Parks website or contact the park for the most current information about activities, alerts, camping, fees, hours, programs, reservations, rules, and weather. www.ncparks.gov