HARKERS ISLAND

Things to Do in Harkers Island

Here are some top things to do in and around Harkers Island:

• Explore Cape Lookout National Seashore. Hop on a passenger ferry from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout, home of the iconic black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse. During open seasons, climb to the top for sweeping coastal views. Spend the day shelling for rare finds like Scotch Bonnets (North Carolina’s state shell), fishing, swimming, crabbing, or watching the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, who have roamed the barrier islands for many generations.

• Stop in at the Harkers Island Visitor Center. Before your trip to Cape Lookout, make a stop at the National Park Service Visitor Center. Inside you’ll find interactive maps, educational exhibits, a kid-friendly discovery corner, and a gift shop full of local keepsakes and park gear.

• Visit the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. The Core Sound Museum tells the story of Harkers Island through the lens of boatbuilding, decoy carving, and waterfowl hunting — traditions passed down for generations. Explore galleries of carvings, folk art, storytelling, and coastal artifacts. Take in the breathtaking views of Core Sound from the museum’s elevated deck or enjoy a peaceful walk down Willow Pond Trail, which winds through maritime forest and salt marsh.

• Fish, paddle, or cruise the waters. Harkers Island is a haven for anglers. Fish for red drum, flounder, and speckled trout from the shore or on a charter boat. Prefer a slower pace? Launch a kayak and paddle through the island’s tidal creeks and marshes, where you can get up close with local wildlife and unspoiled ecosystems. Learn more with our guide to fishing on the Crystal Coast.

• Experience local crafts and festivals. Harkers Island is famous for its hand-carved wooden decoys. You can watch local artisans at work year-round at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, where skilled carvers often demonstrate their craft on-site. Don’t miss the Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend & Decoy Festival, held every December, where you can see live carving demonstrations, enjoy traditional music and exhibits, and savor authentic coastal cuisine — all while celebrating the island’s rich decoy carving heritage.

• Eat local seafood. Don’t miss fresh Core Sound oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab. Local spots serve them up in simple, delicious ways. Family-owned seafood shacks and fish markets offer authentic Down East cuisine.

• Soak in the views and small-town charm. Sometimes the best part of your stay is simply being here. Unwind on the porch of your vacation rental, watch shrimp boats glide across the sound, or stargaze under the clear island sky. With its peaceful pace and picture-perfect setting, Harkers Island is a place to slow down, reconnect, and truly relax.