Where is Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Macon is located in North Carolina, USA, on Bogue Banks. It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bogue Sound and is situated in a coastal area. It is famous for its role in the Civil War and as a well-preserved historic fort today.

Fort Macon Location Map, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Fort Macon

  • Historic Coastal Fort – Restored 19th-century fort showcasing military architecture and coastal defense.
  • Exhibit Galleries – Displays on the fort’s history, Civil War events, and artillery.
  • Artillery & Cannons – Historic guns and weaponry positioned on the fort’s walls.
  • Guided Tours – Informative tours explaining the fort’s construction, battles, and daily life of soldiers.
  • Beach Access – Sandy beaches adjacent to the fort for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
  • Visitor Center – Educational resources, maps, and exhibits for a complete historical overview.
  • Picnic & Recreational Areas – Outdoor spaces for family activities with scenic views of the Atlantic coastline.

Fort Macon Facts

Official NameFort Macon
LocationCarteret County, Atlantic Beach / Bogue Banks, North Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude≈ 34.69795° N, 76.67834° W
Total Area≈ 424 acres (as part of Fort Macon State Park)
Built / ConstructedConstruction began in 1826, completed in December 1834; improved 1841–1846
Named AfterNathaniel Macon (U.S. Senator & statesman of North Carolina)
Managed ByNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (as part of Fort Macon State Park)
RegionOuter Banks / Crystal Coast — Eastern end of Bogue Banks guarding Beaufort Inlet & Beaufort Harbor
Address2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA
Purpose / Concept19th‑century coastal masonry fortification (Third‑System fort) built to guard Beaufort Inlet and the deep-water port at Beaufort/Morehead City
Structure & FeaturesFive‑sided brick & stone fort, 26 vaulted casemates (rooms), outer walls ~4.5 ft thick; irregular pentagon layout with ditch & drawbridges, seaward gun‑emplacements, high earthwork for additional defense
Historical SignificanceGuarded one of North Carolina’s only deep‑water ports; used in coastal defense for decades; saw action during the Siege of Fort Macon (American Civil War, 1862)
Key Historical Use / RoleCoastal defense fort (1834‑1903), Civil War fortress, federal prison (post‑Civil War until 1877), reactivated briefly during 1898 and again during World War II (Dec 1941–Nov 1944) for US Army / Coast Artillery defense
Decommission / TransferU.S. Army abandoned the fort in 1903; sold to State of North Carolina in 1924 (for US$1) to become a public park
State Park EstablishmentOfficially opened as Fort Macon State Park on May 1, 1936 (first functioning state park of North Carolina)
Current StatusRestored historic fort & state park — open to public; daily guided tours, museum exhibits, cannon & musket demonstrations, beach & nature‑based recreation
Visitor Facilities & ActivitiesFort tours & history exhibits; beach access (swimming, beach‑combing); hiking (marsh & dune trails), bird‑watching, fishing, picnicking; recreational amenities including bathhouse, visitor center, concessions (seasonal)
Nearby Port / HarborBeaufort Inlet / Beaufort Harbor — deep‑water port protected by the fort historically
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park

Distances from Fort Macon to Nearby Landmarks

  • Atlantic Beach Boardwalk – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Fort Macon Marina / Inlet Access – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Morehead City Waterfront – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Beaufort, North Carolina (town) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum (Beaufort) – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Rachel Carson Reserve (sound‑side reserve near Beaufort) – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Pine Knoll Shores / NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Bogue Banks barrier‑island span (western stretch) – 21 km (13 mi)
  • Emerald Isle, NC (beach town on Bogue Banks) – 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • Harkers Island, NC – 24 km (14.9 mi)
  • Cape Lookout Visitor Center (gateway to Cape Lookout National Seashore) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Cape Lookout Lighthouse (by ferry / boat) – 42 km (26 mi)
  • Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • Radio Island Beach Access (Beaufort‑area) – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro, inland from coast) – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Croatan National Forest (closest edge inland) – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • New Bern, NC (city, ~ region) – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Jacksonville, North Carolina – 83 km (51.6 mi)