This charming North Carolina waterfront town is home to one of the oldest working harbors in America

This "Inner Banks" town is as charming as they come.

Charting North Carolina’s coastline is no straightforward pursuit. The state interacts with waterways, including the Atlantic Ocean but also plenty of sounds and rivers, in a million different ways. The most famous of its coastal towns may be places like Wilmington and the Outer Banks barrier islands located off the mainland’s eastern edge, but there are dozens of other waterfront towns carved into the Tar Heel State’s topography. These lesser-known places, set on winding rivers and sparkling sounds, have their own set of special characteristics that make them equally worthy of visiting. One such place is Washington, North Carolina, an “Inner Banks” town located at the end of an inlet created by the Pamlico River.  With a population hovering around 10,000 and a historic downtown full of gorgeous architecture, local shops, and excellent restaurants, Washington (often affectionately referred to as Little Washington) exudes small-town charm. It also makes the most of its waterfront location with a beautiful waterfront dock and lots of opportunities to learn more about the town’s maritime roots. Here are the best things to do in Washington, North Carolina.

What To Do In Washington, North Carolina

 Check Out The NC Estuarium

You’ve likely been to an aquarium, but Washington pays homage to its unique location with the world’s first estuarium. The environmental center features 200 exhibits about the unique coastal body of water that comes from the meeting of freshwater from rivers and streams and saltwater from the ocean. For a $5 fee, you can see animals native to estuaries, engage in hands-on displays, and see artifacts from the Pamlico River. During spring through fall, the center holds riverboat tours on the Tar-Pamlico River.

partnershipforthesounds.net/nc-estuarium; 223 E. Water St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-948-0000

Visit The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum

Learn about one aspect of the historic town’s African American history at the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. Resident Leesa Jones set up a small museum dedicated to telling the stories of the Underground Railroad in an old train caboose using information she mined from personal accounts and more than 300 years of history.

facebook.com/WashingtonNCfreedomseeking; Corner Of Main and Gladden St., Washington, NC 27889; 609-444-8974

Spend The Day At Goose Creek State Park

One of the best places to explore the coast in Washington is at Goose Creek State Park. The outdoor enthusiast’s paradise is home to wetlands along the Pamlico River and a cypress swamp you can enjoy from a long boardwalk. It’s an ideal place to see the estuarine habitats you learned about at the NC Estuarium in real life and to choose your own adventure, whether that be hiking on 8.5 miles of trails, paddling the river, swimming at a sandy beach, or fishing.

ncparks.gov/state-parks/goose-creek-state-park; 2190 Camp Leach Road, Washington, NC 27889; 252-923-2191

Paddle The Inner Banks

Explore Washington on the water by enlisting the help of a local outfitter. Since 2006, Inner Banks Outfitters has offered bike, paddleboard, and kayak rentals at a central location near the town’s public boat ramp. Rentals include life jackets and paddles, so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a half or full day on the water. Another spot to check out for rentals plus refreshments is River Vibes, where they offer similar vessels plus paddleboats, but also operate a smoothie, juice, and coffee bar, so you can hydrate before your excursion.

innerbanksoutfitters.com; 1050 E Main St. Washington, NC 27889; 252-975-3006

rivervibes.wixsite.com/smoothiesandrentals; 108 South Market Street, Washington, NC 27889; 252-947-5824

Charter A Boat

If you want to get out on the water, but a motorized vessel is more your speed, seek out Across the Sound Charters, a boat company that offers cruises of the Pamlico River and longer trips across the sound to Ocracoke. These private trips are customizable for your group’s interests and wishes, so gather a group of six (or fewer) and get ready to set sail.

https://islandncgetaway.com; 252-362-3813

Stroll And Shop Downtown

A true slice of preserved Americana, downtown Washington is about as picturesque as main streets come. The result of hundreds of years of history and a more recent $4 million streetscape project, you can stroll the wide sidewalks under old-school lampposts to marvel at Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Victorian architecture. Along the way, stop into local businesses like Flying Pig Provisions, Pamlico Books, and the River Walk Gallery to find gourmet food products, gifts, books, art, and more.

www.flyingpigprovisions.com; 215 West Main St., Washington, NC 27889pamlicobooks.com; 149 N. Market St., Washington, NC 27889riverwalkgallery.com; 139 West Main St., Washington, NC 27889

Where To Eat In Washington, North Carolina

Eat At A James Beard-Nominated Restaurant

You probably wouldn’t have guessed that a little-known coastal town of fewer than 10,000 residents would be home to a restaurant helmed by a James Beard-nominated chef, but Washington is full of surprises. The Hackney Restaurant, Bar, and Distillery is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting. Reserve a table inside their elegant Art Deco dining room, which is located inside a restored 1922 bank building downtown, and prepare to be amazed by the meal that awaits. The seasonal, locally sourced menu has included dishes like Coriander Crusted NC Bluefin Tuna with confit potatoes and green peppercorn sauce, and Seared Striped Bass utilizing fish from the James River alongside Tidewater grain rice and smoked local tomato soup.

thehackneywashingtonnc.com; 192 West Main St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-623-2368

Have Dinner And Drinks With A View

There may not be a better view in all of Washington than from the rooftop deck of The Mulberry House, a downtown restaurant known for its excellent food, superior service, and incredible sunset views over the Pamlico River. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch (and featuring an all-day coffee bar), Mulberry House has become a staple for locals looking to refuel at all times of day. Request a table on the roof at sunset, when you can sip a cocktail and have a leisurely meal in the company of the town’s most lovely view.

https://themulberryhousenc.com; 189 W Main St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-833-0451

Visit A Lunchtime Hot Spot

Follow the midday crowd to this longtime community favorite and try not to get overwhelmed by the extensive menu. It features everything from classic party appetizers (think buffalo shrimp and deep-fried pimiento cheese sticks) to sandwiches to dinner-worthy entrees like sirloin filet, crab cakes, citrus-grilled salmon, and Cajun pasta. Whatever you do, leave room for dessert. The options are thankfully a bit more contained there: peanut butter cream pie, cheesecake, key lime pie, or a pretzel brownie topped with ice cream.

downonmainstreetnc.net; 107 W Main St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-940-1988

Try A Local Delicacy

There are nearly 100 years of history behind this Washington institution that’s been slinging hot dogs and its original chili recipe since 1928. Though there’s now a mobile trailer that travels the area, the most authentic experience requires a visit to their Gladden Street location for an all-beef dog served “all the way” with onions, mustard, and a slather of their famous chili.

facebook.com/billshotdog; 109 Gladden St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-946-3343

Where To Stay In Washington, North Carolina

Book A B&B

You won’t have to look long or hard to find a charming place to stay when booking a trip to Washington. Gracious bed and breakfasts hosted in historic homes are the norm here. With its idyllic front lawn, gurgling fountain, and two-story deck,  Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn is a sight to behold. Inside are five suites and plenty of gracious common spaces where you can feel right at home. Breakfast each morning is a culinary adventure that you’ll be excited to wake up for.  Another grand Historic District dame, The Pamlico House is a Colonial Revival home tucked away on a quiet residential street just blocks from the main drag. Spend a leisurely afternoon sipping sweet tea and lounging in a wicker chair on the wraparound porch, or take a dip in the backyard pool when the weather is warm.

elmwood1820.com; 731 W Main St., Washington, NC 27889; 252-623-1466pamlicohouse.com; 400 East Main Street, Washington, NC 27889; 252-946-5001

Enjoy A Boutique-Style Stay

There’s hardly a cookie-cutter hotel to be found in Washington. Instead, opt for a one-of-a-kind stay at The Ell Hotel, a female veteran-owned boutique property based in the historic Bowers-Tripp House that effortlessly blends old and new. Another repurposed space, West Main occupies the three-story Savings & Trust Bank in the heart of the historic waterfront district. Its six guest rooms have been completely transformed to reflect modern style. 1906 Bistro & Bourbons, located on the building’s first floor, serves as a pseudo lobby bar and restaurant with one of the largest selections of bourbons in the state. Just a block down the road, The Little Inn On Main offers a third option (that’s pet friendly) with 10 guest rooms and an on-site café called Main Cup Coffee Shop.

theellhotel.com; 1040 N Market Street, Washington, NC 27889; 252-254-2864thewestmain.com; 100 W. Main Street, Washington, NC 27889; 252-362-6116littleinnonmain.com; 214 W. Main Street, Washington, NC 27889; 252-833-0561

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