Fall in Beaufort: Southern Outer Banks

October 27 - 31, 2024

This escape will focus on the North Carolina coastal jewel of Beaufort, the gateway to our own Outer Banks. Nestled on ten acres, the Beaufort Hotel offers the privacy of a resort-style setting on the banks of Taylor’s Creek with expansive water views. Rated by USA Today as the Best Boutique Hotel in America in 2022, we’ll unpack for four nights as Globe Treks guides introduce you to the unique sights and experiences in Beaufort and the Crystal Coast.

Discover the hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable including a ferry to Ocracoke Island where we will explore unspoiled beaches filled with a history of pirates and shipwrecks. Tour charming Beaufort, the third oldest city in North Carolina, visiting the Rachel Carson Reserve, the working fishing community of Harker’s Island, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. Of course, there will be plenty of fresh seafood as we enjoy some of Beaufort’s finest restaurants.

Day 1: Autumn’s Tapestry, NC Museum of Art, and Arrival at the Coast
Your enchanting journey commences with a doorstep pick-up and a quick continental breakfast before boarding our deluxe Globe Treks coach. You’ll be transported in style and comfort through vibrant autumn foliage near its peak as we descend from mountains to the Piedmont. As we pause in Raleigh, delve into the cultural tapestry of the NC Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in the world of artistic masterpieces, including over 30 pieces by Rodin plus large collections of Italian Renaissance, Egyptian and Jewish Art. A delightful picnic lunch awaits in the 164-acre Museum Park which is filled with delightful sculptures and public art.

Continue your voyage to the seaside haven of Beaufort, where the Beaufort Hotel beckons. Unpack for four luxurious nights in this coastal sanctuary, a haven nestled amidst breathtaking beauty. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, 34 Degrees North, where every dish is a celebration of local flavors and culinary craftsmanship.

Day 2: Exploring Beaufort’s Charms
Awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a sumptuous breakfast at the Beaufort Hotel, preparing you for a day of exploration. Step aboard a double-decker bus and let a local guide unveil the Beaufort area’s rich history and southern charm. Cruise the harbor by boat, where the gentle waves whisper tales of maritime legends. We will visit the Rachael Carson National Wildlife Reserve by water in hopes of seeing some wild horses and remarkable bird life. The afternoon invites you to wander through the North Carolina Maritime Museum, a treasure trove of nautical heritage, followed by leisurely strolls through the town’s interesting and friendly shops. As evening descends, indulge in the culinary artistry at one of Beaufort’s many celebrated restaurants.

Day 3: Harkers Island Heritage and Cape Lookout National Seashore
Another day dawns with a delicious breakfast, setting the stage for our continued gentle exploration of the Crystal Coast. We’ll travel to the quaint fishing village of Harkers Island, home to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Here, captivating exhibits reveal the heritage of the Crystal Coast. Enjoy a delicious lunch before a ferry transports us to Cape Lookout National Seashore. Keep your eyes peeled for more wild horses as we pass the Shackelford Banks. Marvel at the iconic 163 ft high Cape Lookout Lighthouse, take a stroll on a sandy, shell- strewn beach and bask in the pristine beauty of this coastal sanctuary. As the day concludes, savor the flavors of the Crystal Coast with a delectable dinner in Morehead City.

Day 4: Ocracoke Island Adventure
Embark on a ferry to charming Ocracoke Island, a tranquil island of history and charm. Ocracoke was first put on the map in 1585 when Sir Walter Raleigh ran aground here! A golf cart tour is the perfect way to explore the island’s historic district, revealing tales of Blackbeard and other pirates, shipwrecks and storied outer banks history. Pay a poignant visit to the British cemetery, and the 75 ft tall Ocracoke Lighthouse before returning by ferry to the mainland and onward to the Beaufort Hotel. The evening beckons with another delightful dinner at 34 Degrees North, where the culinary journey continues to impress.
Day 5: Homeward Bound filled with Memories.
Bid a fond farewell to this coastal paradise as you make your way back to the Western North Carolina mountains, indulging in a delicious lunch en route. Return to your doorstep with cherished memories of a five-day retreat that blended the colorful artistry of autumn, the wonders and wildlife of the coast, delicious dining, new friends, and the luxurious comfort of the Beaufort Hotel.

Tour Includes:

4 nights and 5 days at the waterfront Ascend Collection Beaufort Hotel.
Tours of Beaufort, Harkers Island, Ocracoke and Cape Lookout Natl Seashore
Transportation via one of our luxury vehicles
All meals; full menu where available as well as onboard beverages and snacks.
Taxes, gratuities, admissions and luggage handling.
Pick-up and drop-off at your home.
Fully escorted tour with experienced tour manager.
Limited to 30 guests.

Prices and itinerary subject to change.

$2,450 per guest (double)

$2,895 per guest (single)

Other Coach Tours:

In addition to Southeast & Mystery Coach Tours, please also see our Day Tours, Northeast and West Coach Tours, International Coach Tours, and Private Coach Charters.

Fall in Beaufort: Southern Outer Banks