Where to Stay in Downtown Morehead City, NC: A Local’s Guide

Local Guides · Downtown Morehead City

Most visitors to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast picture a beach house on Bogue Banks. But some of the best trips start on the mainland, in downtown Morehead City, where the waterfront, the restaurants and the boats are all within a few blocks of your front door. Here’s our guide to staying downtown, from a team that lives and works here.

Why stay downtown?

• Walk everywhere. The Shepard Street waterfront, Evans Street restaurants and Arendell Street shops are all within a short walk. Park once and leave the car for the weekend.
• Real restaurants, not just beach bars. Downtown has some of the area’s best dining, from steaks and seafood to oyster bars. See our guide to downtown restaurants.
• The beach is still close. Atlantic Beach is a short drive across the bridge, so you can spend the day on the sand and come back for dinner on the water.
• On the water, every day. Ferry tours, dive boats, fishing charters and the town’s transient docks are all on Shepard Street.
• Year-round life. Unlike some beach towns that go quiet in winter, downtown keeps its restaurants, shops and events going through the off-season.

Downtown, block by block

The Shepard Street waterfront

This is the heart of downtown for visitors: the boardwalk along Bogue Sound, the charter docks, Jaycee Park and its town docks, and Big Rock Landing, home to the famous marlin fountain and most fishing tournament weigh-ins. Our Bask 227 and Bask 228 condos at Bask sit across from the Jaycee Park docks, and our Lofts at Big Rock Landing are on the second story above Big Rock Landing.

Evans Street

One block in from the water, Evans Street is lined with waterfront restaurants and bars. It’s where you’ll head for dinner.

Arendell Street

Downtown’s main street, with boutiques, galleries, the Carteret County Historical Museum and Katherine Davis Park, where the town hosts its Christmas tree lighting.

Who downtown is perfect for

• Couples who want walkable dinners and sunsets over the water.
• Anglers and boaters who want to be steps from the docks and the weigh-in. See our fishing tournament lodging and boat slips guides.
• Divers heading out with the dive shop on Shepard Street. See our scuba diving guide.
• Wedding and event guests celebrating at The Post, right on Arendell Street.
• Families who want the beach during the day and an easy evening stroll for ice cream.

Tips for booking a downtown stay

• Book early for big weeks. Big Rock week in June, the NC Seafood Festival in October and holiday weekends fill fast.
• Book direct. Booking on a local manager’s own website usually means no booking-site fees and a real person to call.
• Think about parking. Ask what parking comes with the rental so you can leave the car and walk.

Planning your days? See things to do downtown and events by season.