Where is Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

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

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 NameFort Macon State Park
LocationAtlantic Beach, Carteret County, North Carolina, USA — on the Outer Banks along the Atlantic Coast
Latitude & Longitude34.7151° N, 76.6661° W
Total Area~1,752 acres (≈7.1 km²)
Established / Opened1936 (as North Carolina State Park)
Managed ByNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
RegionNorth Carolina Coastal Plain / Outer Banks
Address1500 Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA
Zip Code28512
Area Code252
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistoric military fort, coastal ecosystem preservation, beach recreation
Main Sections / AreasFort Macon historic fort, Atlantic Ocean beaches, picnic areas, nature trails, maritime forest, marshes
Famous AttractionsFort Macon historic site, guided tours, museum exhibits, beach access, hiking trails, birdwatching
Visitor ActivitiesSwimming, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, wildlife observation, historical tours
Entry Fee / Access TypePaid Admission – state park daily fee required
Ticket Price Range≈ $3–$5 per person for day-use; vehicle entry fees may apply
Ticket OptionsDay-use entry, group tours, guided programs
Best Time to VisitApril–June and September–October (milder weather, fewer crowds)
Nearby AirportNew Bern Regional Airport (EWN) – ~45 miles (72 km)
TransportationCar / parking, walking & biking trails, limited public transport access
Official Websitehttps://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)