Things to do in Swansboro
Discover amazing Swansboro activities and premium in-home experiences.
Located where the White Oak River meets the Atlantic, Swansboro is a charming coastal town that seamlessly blends Southern hospitality with seaside adventure. Known for its historic downtown, lively waterfront, and outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing, Swansboro invites visitors to experience both relaxation and exploration in equal measure. Whether you're savoring local seafood or wandering through boutique shops, this picturesque locale offers a warm welcome to all who visit.
Popular Activities in Swansboro
Quick Ferry to Shackleford's Wild Horses
Ride a 15-minute ferry with frequent summer departures and round-trip service
Morehead City Private Boat Tour with Beach Access
Relax on a private boat retreat with beach access and tranquil swimming for all ages.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse Private Boat Charter
Travel by private boat to Cape Lookout and explore the lighthouse area with a flexible private charter
Morehead City Private Boat Tour & Wild Horses
See Beaufort, Shackleford Banks, and the ICW on a private 2.5–3 hour cruise
Shackleford Banks Horses & Cape Lookout Boat Tour
Spot wild horses and visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse on a private 5.5-hour charter
Private Wild Horse & Sand Dollar Boat Tour in Atlantic Beach
Collect sand dollars and spot wild horses on a guided visit to two scenic islands
Private 3 Island Boat Tour in Atlantic Beach
Discover Sand Dollar Island, see wild horses, and visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse on an up to 6-hour cruise
Private Dolphin & Wild Horse Sunset Cruise in Morehead City
Experience a private sunset cruise with opportunities to see wild dolphins and horses.
Private Intracoastal Cruise & Lunch in Morehead City
Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway south with a stop in Swansboro for lunch and scenic marina views.
Beaufort Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB & Captain
Start your day on a BYOB tiki boat with a licensed captain and calm Crystal Coast views.
Tiki Boat Tour in Beaufort with Wild Horses
Cruise the Crystal Coast on a tiki boat with BYOB and views of wild horses
Beaufort Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise & BYOB Tour
Relax on a BYOB tiki boat as captains guide you to the best Crystal Coast sunset views
Sail to Cape Lookout for Beach Time & Lunch
Sail to Cape Lookout for beach time, catered lunch, and lighthouse views on a stable catamaran
Beaufort Sunset Sail with Complimentary Drinks
Unwind on a 90-minute evening cruise with coastal views and complimentary beverages
Cape Lookout Private Cruise on 45ft Catamaran
Cruise to Cape Lookout for two stops with catered lunch, swimming, and lighthouse views on a 45-foot catamaran
Private 90-Min Sunset Sail & Drinks, Beaufort
Enjoy Beaufort's coastal sunset on a 90-minute sail with complimentary beverages
Wild Horse & Shelling Safari on Shackleford Banks
Join a Naturalist to track wild horses and find shells on Shackleford Banks
Beaufort Ferry to Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Enjoy a 5-hour trip on the only ferry authorized to drop off at the lighthouse
See Wild Horses & Dolphins at Sunset in Beaufort
Enjoy a narrated sunset cruise with dolphin spotting and an hour on Shackleford Banks.
Explore the Charm of Swansboro
Swansboro is a quaint coastal town where Southern hospitality meets maritime history. Known as the "Friendly City by the Sea," it offers visitors an inviting mix of small-town charm and natural beauty. Stroll along Front Street, lined with historic buildings that house unique shops and eateries. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants while watching boats glide by on the White Oak River.
The area boasts plenty for nature enthusiasts to explore. Head to Hammocks Beach State Park for pristine beaches accessible only by ferry or kayak—perfect for a day of sunbathing or shell hunting. The park's trails offer scenic views ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons when various species pass through this coastal haven.
If you're seeking adventure, try kayaking in Bogue Sound or take a fishing charter from Swansboro’s harbor. For those interested in local culture, don't miss out on seasonal festivals like the Mullet Festival which celebrates community spirit with music, food, and crafts each fall. Whether you’re savoring sunsets over salt marshes or browsing local art galleries filled with coastal-inspired works, Swansboro promises memorable experiences infused with authentic seaside allure.