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Elizabeth City, NC Travel Guide – The Harbor of Hospitality
Updated October 2024
During our Great Loop travels, we had the pleasure of discovering Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and were instantly charmed by its warmth and hospitality! Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway, this delightful town boasts a vibrant, walkable downtown filled with small businesses, delicious eateries, and quaint side streets! In this guide, we’ll share our favorite experiences and travel tips to help you effortlessly plan your visit to this friendly little North Carolina town.
If you’ll be boating in like us, make sure to catch our Boater’s Guide to Elizabeth City at the end of the article where we talk about all things docking, provisioning, anchorages, and more!
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About Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Nestled along the scenic Pasquotank River, and just north of the Albemarle Sound, Elizabeth City, North Carolina is known as the Harbor of Hospitality. Why you may ask? Well, they offer visitors a whopping 48 hours of free dockage! This has made them a popular stop for transient boaters exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, like us. The town is also steeped in maritime lore, having once been navigated by the infamous pirate Blackbeard and frequented by the pioneering Wright brothers.
With its blend of small-town charm, friendly locals, and a commitment to community, it comes as no surprise to us that Elizabeth City is considered one of the Best 100 Towns in America! We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Elizabeth City, and can’t wait to share everything we learned with you. Let’s dive in!
Top 7 Things to Do in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
1. Visit the Museum of the Albemarle
A highlight of our trip to Elizabeth City was the Museum of the Albemarle. This impressive regional history museum provides a wealth of information about Elizabeth City and the wider Albemarle region through engaging, well-curated exhibits. The museum is spacious and features a range of fascinating displays, including a beautifully preserved 18th-century farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the area’s rural past.
Location: 501 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Special Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Daily, Closed on Sundays
Price: Free
2. Walk Down Pailin’s Alley
One of our favorite tucked-away spots in Elizabeth City was Pailin’s Alley. The alley’s revitalization was driven by the passion of local businesses, transforming it into a lively spot to meet up with friends. Stroll through and admire the Pailin’s Alley Mural, a vibrant reflection of the community’s creativity. If you stop by in the evening, you’ll get to experience the cozy ambiance created by string lights and outdoor seating from the nearby cafés and shops. It’s a great place to relax, take in the local vibe, and experience a piece of Elizabeth City’s small-town magic.
Location: 606b E Colonial Ave, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Hours: 24/7, public side street
Price: Free
3. Go Kayaking on the Pasquotank River
If you’re looking to enjoy the water, we highly recommend kayaking on the Pasquotank River. It’s a peaceful way to take in the natural beauty of the area, and if the river conditions are a bit too choppy, you can always paddle over to Charles Creek, where the waters are calmer. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can reach out to a local kayaking company such as Native Girl Kayaking for rentals.
🛶 Be sure to check out Elizabeth City’s Visitor’s Guide to Kayaking for more places to kayak!
4. Go on a Self-Guided Tour of their Main Street
Take in the history of Elizabeth City by foot with a self-guided walking tour through the Main Street Commercial District. You can follow this free online brochure to guide you. As you stroll, you’ll learn about the area’s two key districts: the bustling shipping, wholesaling, and manufacturing sector, and the lively retail and banking hub on Main and Road Streets.
5. Relax in Mariners’ Wharf Park
We absolutely loved walking down Mariners’ Wharf during our time in Elizabeth City. There’s something special about this waterfront park—the boats gently bobbing on the water, the open views of the Pasquotank River, and the laid-back vibe that invites you to slow down. It’s the perfect spot to walk your dog, enjoy a picnic, or grab a bench and read a book by the water.
If you’re looking for other parks to explore in Elizabeth City, add Waterfront Park, Charles Creek Park, and Coast Guard Park to your list.
Location: 202 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Hours: Open Daily
Price: Free
6. Visit the Arts of the Albemarle Arts Center
Arts of the Albemarle is the main arts organization in Elizabeth City. Besides being a gallery space where you can enjoy curated art exhibits Tuesday through Saturday, they organize events, hold workshops, host concerts, and more for the local community. They even organize an Art Walk from 4-7 pm every first Friday of the month. Definitely keep an eye on their events page to see what they’re up to while you’re in town!
Location: 516 E Main St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Gallery Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday
Price: Free
7. Visit the Downtown Waterfront Farmers Market
Elizabeth City has a great farmer’s market called the Downtown Waterfront Market every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm in their Mariners’ Wharf. Here, you’ll find local produce, crafts, handmade items, food trucks, and even live music playing! The season runs from May through September. For up-to-date information, check out their Facebook page when you’re in town.
Location: Mariners’ Wharf
Hours: Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm
Price: Free to enter
Where to Eat in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Restaurants
- Proof AKA Paradiso is a popular Italian restaurant that features local produce, steaks, seafood, and homemade pasta, all with amazing views of the water. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Hoppin’ Johnz is a Southern-style eatery located in Pailin’s Alley known for their well-crafted dishes such as gumbo, BBQ Shrimp, and goat cheese salad. Try to get a spot in the alley in the evening if the weather is nice. Closed on Sundays.
- Elizabeth City Pizza Company serves up classic New York-style pizzas in downtown Elizabeth City! They have a wide variety of customizable toppings and even gluten-free pizzas. They close on Sundays.
- Big Boss Burritos is a local burrito business with a restaurant as well as a food truck! They serve up tasty burritos, bowls, and tacos and are open every day except Sundays.
- Toyama Japanese Restaurant is a Japanese sushi restaurant serving up daily lunch and dinner, except Mondays when they close. Their menu includes soups, salads, sashimi, sushi, and a variety of other tasty Japanese entrees.
Breweries + Drinks
- Ghost Harbor Brewing Company was Elizabeth City’s first microbrewery! It is located on Pailin Alley and was an integral part of the restoration and revitalization of this side street. You can find what’s being served on tap here on their website. They have a variety of events throughout the week including live music, trivia, music bingo, and open mic. They are open daily except Mondays and even allow dogs to hang out inside with their humans!
- Seven Sounds Brewing Company is an independent brewery that landed in Elizabeth City in 2022. They’re located right on the Pasquotank River, have great outdoor and rooftop spaces, and are open seven days a week. For full information on their events, check out their Facebook page.
- 2 Souls Wine Bar is a local wine bar known for their extensive wine list with delicious cheese and charcuterie pairings. Its beautiful setting makes it a great spot for a fun night out in Elizabeth City from Wednesday to Sunday!
- Coasters Downtown Draft House is a local bar open 7 days a week pouring out craft beers, 24 taps, and an extensive bottle selection. They also have a rotating menu with classic bar food eats, with favorites like Stromboli and Meatball Subs.
Coffee + Sweets
- The SweetEasy is a coffee shop and bakery serving up cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, and 1920’s themed coffees. Their menu changes seasonally so be sure to check out the sweet creation of the season! They close on Sundays.
- Muddy Waters Coffeehouse is a cozy coffee shop that roasts its own beans in-house. They offer a variety of coffees, smoothies, bakery items, and seasonal drinks and stay open every day! They are known for their Blackbeard Revenge 12-ounce blend, so keep an eye out for this coffee blend if you visit!
Map of Elizabeth City
How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.
Festivals + Events in Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City, NC, hosts a variety of fun and lively festivals throughout the year, showcasing the town’s community spirit! If you’re in town when one is going on, it’s the best way to connect with locals and make some unique memories!
North Carolina Potato Festival
Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival
Music on the Green
Is Elizabeth City, NC Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Elizabeth City is a must-visit if you’re doing the Great Loop like us or looking to visit a small town in North Carolina by car! We wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere with loads to do for more than 3 days, but it makes the perfect 1-2 day trip from nearby in NC or as a stop on the Great Loop!
When to Visit Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is at its best in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. We visited in May and loved how easy it was to spend the whole day outside—whether walking around town or kayaking. Summer can get pretty hot and humid, which isn’t ideal for hiking or strolling.
For boaters, the best time to visit Elizabeth City on America’s Great Loop is around April or early May as it keeps you in line to be in the Chesapeake Bay by May. Arriving in Elizabeth City earlier will give you cooler temperatures, but arriving later will make it more challenging to arrive in the Great Lakes by the summer.
💡 Try to visit on Tuesday-Saturday as many businesses close on Sunday and Monday!
Getting To and Around Elizabeth City, NC
How to get to Elizabeth City
- Car: If you’re driving, you’ll find easy access via major highways like US-17 and NC-343, which connect you right to Elizabeth City’s downtown.
- Coat: See our Boating Guide to Elizabeth City below for arriving by boat
- Bus or train: We couldn’t find any bus or train options to reach Elizabeth City, so traveling by car or boat is preferable. The closest big city is Norfolk VA which is 51 minutes away by car.
- Plane: Norfolk Virginia also has its own airport, Norfolk International Airport, where you can catch a flight into and then rent a car to Elizabeth City.
Making your way around Elizabeth City
Once you’re in Elizabeth City, getting around by foot or bike is quite easy as the downtown is very pedestrian-friendly. Most places mentioned in this guide are easily accessed by walking, however, some shops might be more easily accessed by bike if you’re provisioning as a Looper. Elizabeth City has a 36 Walk Score and a 49 Bike Score!
Where to park in Elizabeth City
The main parking lot where you can find free parking is at the WC Witherspoon Memorial Library on Colonial Ave in downtown Elizabeth City. Besides this parking lot, free street parking is abundant throughout the downtown, make sure to pay attention to signage detailing hours and conditions. We also saw another public lot by Albemarle Floral with many open spots!
How much time do you need in Elizabeth City, NC?
You can comfortably explore Elizabeth City in 1-2 days, depending on your pace and interests. A day is enough to stroll the charming downtown, visit key attractions like the Museum of the Albemarle, and enjoy the waterfront at Mariners’ Wharf. If you want to dive deeper, kayaking on the Pasquotank River or attending a local festival might make a second day worthwhile.
Where to stay in Elizabeth City, NC
As Elizabeth City is a relatively small town, we recommend staying as close as you can to the downtown. In this section, we’ve broken down some of the top hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds at a variety of price points. Don’t forget to check Airbnb and VRBO if you’re interested in more apartment-style options.
Hotels and B&Bs
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Elizabeth City (Best Budget option, 6-minute drive, 45-minute walk to downtown)
- Comfort Inn Elizabeth City Near University (Budget, 4-minute drive, 24-minute walk to downtown)
- Hampton Inn Elizabeth City (Moderate, 5-minute drive, 37-minute walk to downtown)
- Blue Ruby at Grice-Fearing House Bed and Breakfast (Moderate B&B located downtown)
Campgrounds and RV Parks
- Elizabeth City Coast Guard RV Park is a 10-minute drive from Mariners’ Wharf but is only available for people with a military ID.
- North River Campground is located east of Elizabeth City and is a 21-minute drive to Mariners’ Wharf.
Boater’s Guide to Elizabeth City, NC
As we mentioned above, Elizabeth City generously offers 48 hours of free docking for visitors coming in by boat! We visited Elizabeth City, North Carolina while we lived on our boat and traveled around America’s Great Loop and felt very welcomed as boaters! Here’s a breakdown of everything we learned while docking here!
💡 For full boating information in Elizabeth City, check out their website!
How to approach
Elizabeth City has two primary routes by which boaters can approach, southbound or northbound from the Pasquotank River. An important bridge to keep note of is the Elizabeth City Bridge, which has limited availability during rush hour in the morning and evening. Many travelers cruising through the Dismal Swamp Canal will visit Elizabeth City.
Check out our Dismal Swamp Cruising Guide!
🗺️ Check out this full boaters map of Elizabeth City.
Where to dock
Elizabeth City is known for being the Harbor of Hospitality. They have several free docking options for transient boaters. When choosing which free dock to stay at, it’s important to keep wind direction in mind as the Pasquotank River has a lot of chop and fetch if the wind is coming from that direction.
- Mariners’ Wharf has 14 transient boat slips available for a maximum of 48 hours. The longest slip is 50 feet (15.24 meters), there is no water or electrical service and reservations are not required (nor are they accepted). Slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, however, in our experience there have always been slips available. There is a Harborcam to view the dock and slip openings, which we’ve done on our way to the dock to check availability.
- Elizabeth City Waterfront Park has a free bulkhead and can fit a few boats depending upon their size. The bulkhead is on either side of the fishing pier located south of Mariners’ Wharf.
- Mid-Atlantic Christian University has free dockage on a wood, fixed dock. No electric or pump-out facilities exist, but bathrooms and showers are available. This option is on the north side of the Elizabeth City Bridge.
- Jennette Brothers, just north of the bridge on the west side of the river, offers dockage with the purchase of a meal from one of the local privately owned restaurants for each day you are moored at their docks. See their Dockmaster in their office for more details.
🚿 There are hot showers available to transient boaters located in the waterfront market brick building with a green door. Look for the bathroom signs.
Check out our Great Loop Anchorages and Free Docks Spreadsheet with 600+ anchorages!
Where to anchor
- Machelhe Island Anchorage is the closest anchorage to the downtown
- Elizabeth City upriver Anchorage is a bit further, but another local option
- Explore even more anchoring spots and reviews on Waterway Guide
Check out our anchoring course! We share all our tips and tricks for anchoring with confidence. Use the code “budget” for 10% off the course.
Marinas
Here is a list of marinas in the area, however, with all of the great free docking options, we highly recommend docking at one of the free docks near Mariners’ Wharf because of the cost and proximity to Downtown Elizabeth City.
Download the free Waterway Guide App to locate marinas, services, anchorages, free docks, navigation alerts, bridges, locks, and more!
Provisioning
- Food Lion is a large grocery store but is not within walking distance for transient boaters. We recommend taking a ride share or grabbing your bike (it’s 8 minutes away from downtown by bike).
- Dollar General is a bit closer to the water and can be reached by foot in 15 minutes max.
Hardware + Marine Supplies
- Don’s Place is a 15-minute walk from Mariners’ Wharf.
- Harbor Freight Tools is a 12-minute bike ride from Mariners’ Wharf.
- Lowe’s Home Improvement is an 11-minute bike ride from Mariners’ Wharf.
WiFi
- The Pasquotank County Library is a 12-minute walk from the Mariners’ Wharf Park. It is open Monday through Saturday and has wifi access from inside the library as well as the parking lot.
- There is also free wifi at the Mariners’ Wharf. The network is HARBORNET and there is no password.
Check out our blog post on Boat Internet!
🛥️ We lived aboard our boat Pivot for two and a half years! Read more about our Boat Life journey, where we share cruising guides, boat gear, recommended navigation systems, and more!
Watch our time in Elizabeth City on YouTube!
Maybe you’re also interested in:
- Oriental, NC: The Charming Town You’ll Visit and Won’t Want to Leave
- Our Guide to New Bern, NC: Things to Do, See, and Eat in Bear Town
- Our Favorite Things to do in Beaufort, NC: Ultimate Travel Guide
Ready to Explore Elizabeth City, North Carolina?
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6 responses to “Elizabeth City, NC Travel Guide – The Harbor of Hospitality”
I love this guide so much!! Elizabeth City will be a stop for us soon on the Great Loop and I can’t wait to see and do some if the things you talk about!!
Thanks!Thanks, Maggie! I hope it was helpful for your trip to Elizabeth City, NC!
This is great will love seeing more as we are leaving Jacksonville soon we love following you. Thank you for all of your time sharing your journey.
Awesome! Wishing you a safe journey ahead. Thank you for reading and following along!
This is such a vibrant overview! I love how you captured the small-town charm alongside the historical richness of the area. The blend of outdoor activities, cultural highlights, and waterfront appeal makes it seem like an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway or even a longer exploration. Your suggestion about visiting the Museum of the Albemarle was especially intriguing—I had no idea it offered such an in-depth look at the region’s history.
I’m curious, how would you compare Elizabeth City’s waterfront dining scene to other North Carolina coastal towns? Are there any particular local dishes or unique spots you’d recommend for someone visiting for the first time?
Thank you! Elizabeth City’s waterfront dining scene is full of good quality food and beverages from the restaurants along Palin’s Alley to the varity of breweries in town. It makes for a great destination for good eats!
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