Harkers Island is a small town located on the eastern coast of North Carolina, known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top things to do and activities in Harkers Island:

 

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center in North Carolina celebrates the area's rich waterfowl hunting and decoy carving traditions. It offers exhibits, events, and educational programs, highlighting the region's history, culture, and natural environment. The museum focuses on decoy carving and the local maritime history, promoting cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

 

Climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a diverse range of activities for all to enjoy. You can partake in birdwatching, camping, fishing, and delve into the captivating history of Cape Lookout Light Station. Within the lighthouse vicinity, you have the opportunity to bask in the sun on the beach, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, explore the Keeper's Quarters Museum, visit the Light Station Visitor Center, or even embark on a thrilling climb up the lighthouse.

 

Take a ferry to Shackleford Banks

This uninhabited island is home to a herd of wild horses that have lived there for hundreds of years. Visitors can take a ferry from Harkers Island to the island and spend the day exploring the beaches and observing the horses in their natural habitat.

 

Visit the Harkers Island Fishing Center

This popular marina offers boat rentals, fishing supplies, and a restaurant serving up fresh seafood. Visitors can also take a sunset cruise or a guided fishing trip.

 

Take a scenic drive along the Outer Banks Scenic By way

This 138-mile route takes visitors along the coast of North Carolina, offering stunning views of the ocean, marshes, and wildlife. The route passes through Harkers Island, making it a great starting point for a scenic drive.

 

Attend the annual Harkers Island Decoy Festival


The Core Sound Decoy Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich tradition of decoy carving in the Core Sound region of North Carolina, United States. Decoy carving is the art of creating lifelike wooden sculptures of waterfowl, primarily used by hunters to attract birds for hunting purposes.

The festival brings together decoy carvers, collectors, and enthusiasts from all over the country to showcase their craftsmanship, exchange ideas, and appreciate the beauty of these intricate carvings.

 

Visit the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

This iconic pier is one of the most popular attractions in Emerald Isle. It stretches over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Rent fishing equipment, cast a line, and try your luck at catching flounder, Spanish mackerel, drum, and other local fish species.