Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park near Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, protects a five-sided fort guarding Beaufort Inlet. Construction began in 1826 and was finished in December 1834. The fort has 26 vaulted rooms (casemates), and its outer walls are about 4.5 feet (1.4 m) thick. In April 1862 North Carolina troops seized the fort, Union forces bombarded it on April 25, and the garrison surrendered the next day.

Later the fort served for about eleven years as a prison, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored it in 1934 and 1935, and the Army used it in World War II. Today you can see exhibits in the casemates, walk the grassy ramparts with all-around views, and join guided tours and cannon and musket demonstrations. The fort and visitor center are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as of October 2026). Day-use admission is free. Next to the fort is a swimming beach with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus three trails from 0.5 to 3.5 miles (0.8 to 5.6 km). Allow at least an hour at the fort; in high summer, come in the morning because the beach parking lot fills early. There is no camping in the park; the nearest state park with camping is Hammocks Beach.