Fort Macon State Park is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Atlantic Beach and Beaufort and is situated on the eastern end of Bogue Banks along the Atlantic coast. The park is famous for its well-preserved Civil War fort, sandy beaches, and coastal nature trails.
Fort Macon State Park Location Map, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

North Carolina Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Fort Macon State Park
- Fort Macon – Restored 19th-century coastal fort with historic exhibits.
- Ramparts & Cannons – Walkable fort walls offering views and artillery displays.
- Fort Museum Rooms – Interpretive exhibits on Civil War and coastal defense history.
- Beach Area – Wide sandy shoreline for swimming and sunbathing.
- Nature Trails – Short hiking paths through dunes and marsh ecosystems.
- Surf Fishing Spots – Popular areas along the beach for anglers.
Fort Macon State Park Facts
| Official Name | Fort Macon State Park |
| Location | Atlantic Beach, Carteret County, North Carolina, USA — on the Outer Banks along the Atlantic Coast |
| Latitude & Longitude | 34.7151° N, 76.6661° W |
| Total Area | 1,752 acres (≈7.1 km²) |
| Established / Opened | 1936 (as North Carolina State Park) |
| Managed By | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Region | North Carolina Coastal Plain / Outer Banks |
| Address | 1500 Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA |
| Zip Code | 28512 |
| Area Code | 252 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Historic military fort, coastal ecosystem preservation, beach recreation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Fort Macon historic fort, Atlantic Ocean beaches, picnic areas, nature trails, maritime forest, marshes |
| Famous Attractions | Fort Macon historic site, guided tours, museum exhibits, beach access, hiking trails, birdwatching |
| Visitor Activities | Swimming, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife observation, historical tours |
| Entry Fee / Access Type | Paid Admission – state park daily fee required |
| Ticket Price Range | ≈ $3–$5 per person for day-use; vehicle entry fees may apply |
| Ticket Options | Day-use entry, group tours, guided programs |
| Best Time to Visit | April–June and September–October (milder weather, fewer crowds) |
| Nearby Airport | New Bern Regional Airport (EWN) – 45 miles (72 km) |
| Transportation | Car / parking, walking & biking trails, limited public transport access |
| Official Website | https://www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park |
Distances from Fort Macon State Park to Nearby Landmarks
- Atlantic Beach Boardwalk – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Beaufort Historic Site – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- North Carolina Maritime Museum (Beaufort) – 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Rachel Carson Reserve – 8 km (5 mi)
- Morehead City Waterfront – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier – 27 km (16.8 mi)
- Cape Lookout Visitor Center (Beaufort) – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Cape Lookout Lighthouse (by boat) – 42 km (26 mi)
- Fort Macon Marina – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Shackleford Banks (ferry distance) – 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Radio Island Beach Access – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Fort Benjamin Park – 19 km (11.8 mi)
- Emerald Isle – 32 km (19.9 mi)
- Harkers Island – 24 km (14.9 mi)
- Hammocks Beach State Park (Swansboro) – 45 km (28 mi)
- Cedar Island Ferry Terminal – 72 km (44.7 mi)
- Croatan National Forest (closest edge) – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- New Bern (downtown) – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Jacksonville, NC – 83 km (51.6 mi)
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