All maritime museums to visit in North Carolina

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 13 maritime museums in North Carolina. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in North Carolina

  1. Battleship North Carolina1

    Battleship North Carolina

     Wilmington, NC
    The USS North Carolina (BB-55) was a battleship of the North Carolina class of the United States Navy, leader of its class and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the state of North Carolina. This information is significant as it provides historical context about the ship, which is now a museum and memorial.
  2. Currituck Beach Lighthouse2

    Currituck Beach Lighthouse

     Corolla, NC
    The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. It is situated within the Historic Corolla Park, making it a part of a larger historical and recreational area. The lighthouse offers a unique experience for visitors, with its unpainted brick facade standing out among its counterparts.
  3. Bodie Island Lighthouse3

    Bodie Island Lighthouse

     Nags Head, NC
    The Bodie Island Lighthouse that stands today is the third iteration of the lighthouse in this location on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It was constructed in 1872, replacing two previous lighthouses that had been built and subsequently abandoned or destroyed. This historical context adds to the rich narrative of the lighthouse and its significance in the region.
  4. CSS Neuse Civil War Museum4

    CSS Neuse Civil War Museum

     Kinston, NC
    The CSS Neuse was a significant vessel during the American Civil War, serving as a steam-powered ironclad ram for the Confederate States Navy. To avoid capture by the rapidly advancing Union Army forces, the ship was scuttled in the Neuse River. This historical event adds a layer of intrigue and historical significance to the vessel, making it an interesting point of interest for visitors.
  5. North Carolina Maritime Museum At Southport5

    North Carolina Maritime Museum At Southport

     Southport, NC
    The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport showcases the vast nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear. Its exhibits tell the story of the region’s people and their relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, which converge nearby. Glance through the USS Dolphin’s periscope to
  6. Roanoke Island Festival Park6

    Roanoke Island Festival Park

     Manteo, NC
    Roanoke Island Festival Park is a historic site in North Carolina, situated at the end of NC 400 in Manteo, on Roanoke Island. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the past of this region.
  7. North Carolina Maritime Museum7

    North Carolina Maritime Museum

     Beaufort, NC
    The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort reflects coastal life and interprets lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, motorboats, and more. Studies in marine life, science, and ecology are available for all ages. The Beaufort museum is the repository for artifacts from Black
  8. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum8

    Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

     Hatteras, NC
    The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, North Carolina, is a maritime museum with a focus on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks. The museum offers a unique insight into the rich maritime history of the region, showcasing the remains of hundreds of ships that were sunk due to war, piracy, or weather.
  9. Old Baldy Lighthouse9

    Old Baldy Lighthouse

     Bald Head Island, NC
    The Bald Head Lighthouse, also known as Old Baldy, holds the title of the oldest standing coastal lighthouse in North Carolina. It is located on Bald Head Island near Cape Fear in Brunswick County. This historic lighthouse has been a beacon for ships since the 19th century, guiding them through the dangerous shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
  10. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station10

    Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

     Rodanthe, NC
    The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (CLSS) is a historical site located in Rodanthe, North Carolina. It was once a station for the United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard. The station is situated on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich history.
  11. 11

    The Museum of Coastal Carolina and The Ingram Planetarium

     Ocean Isle Beach, NC
    The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum situated in the beautiful locale of Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are interested in nature and history.
  12. 12

    The Port o’ Plymouth Museum

     Plymouth, NC
    The Port O' Plymouth Museum, situated in Plymouth, North Carolina, is a repository of numerous artifacts from the American Civil War. These historical items provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors an opportunity to understand the events and experiences of the Civil War era.
  13. 13

    Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center

     Harkers Island, NC
    Explore and admire the skills of local artists - decoy carving, boat building, traditional music, regional food. Authentic experience!