One Day in Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina is one of the friendliest towns along the Intracoastal Waterway and in this guide, we are sharing some tips and tricks that will ensure you enjoy your time in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. With a beautiful, walkable downtown area, Elizabeth City full of local businesses and southern charm, it’s sure to be an enjoyable stop along America’s Great Loop or another local boating adventure. We recommend visiting Elizabeth City Tuesday though Saturday as many of their local business or attractions are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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About Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City is located on the Pasquotank River, just north of the Albermarle Sound, and is known for being the Harbor of Hospitality. The city offers 48 hours of free dockage to visitors and was known for welcoming visitors with a rose, wine, and cheese. It’s still known for being a friendly stop for transient boaters from across the world. The waters that connect Elizabeth City to the Pasquotank River and the great Pamlico Sound were some of the waterways that the infamous pirate, Blackbeard once sailed. The town was frequented by the Wright brothers on their way to the Outer Banks. Elizabeth City is the home of three institutions of higher learning – two colleges and one university. Elizabeth City was named one of the Best 100 Towns in America and has a lot to offer its visitors.

When to Visit Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Getting To + Around Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Getting to Elizabeth City by Boat

Elizabeth City has two primary routes in which boaters can access it. 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. For the most up to date information, check out Active Captain. Check out a full boaters map of Elizabeth City.

Getting around Elizabeth City

The Downtown core of Elizabeth City is walkable and pedestrian friendly. Enjoying the town by foot gives you a great perspective of what’s available in the area. Most of the places mentioned in this guide are easily accessed by walking, however, some of the shops might be more easily accessed by bike. Elizabeth City has a 36 Walk Score and a 49 Bike Score (see more about walk score and bike score at the bottom of this article).

Where to Stay in Elizabeth City, North Carolina

We share a variety of places to stay whether you’re traveling to Elizabeth City via boat on America’s Great Loop, cruising locally, meeting family or friends along for a long weekend, or enjoying a weekend getaway.

Free Docks

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 Universtiy 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.

There are hot showers available to transient boaters located in the waterfront market brick building with a green door. Look for the bathroom signs. For full boating information in Elizabeth City, check out their website!

Check out Active Captain or Navionics for the most recent information on the free docks and what each one offers. 

Anchoring

There are a few anchorages near Elizabeth City, which offer varying protection from the wind and current from the Pasquotank and subsequent Albemarle Sound. You can dinghy on over to one of the free docks or the Elizabeth City Municipal Boat Ramp. We recommend checking Active Captain for holding information as well as any other recent reviews and information.

Marinas

Vacation Rentals + Airbnb’s + Bed and Breakfasts

• Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfasts
• Elizabeth City Airbnb’s

Hotels

Elizabeth City has several hotels, however, all of them are not located in the downtown area. If you have family or friends visiting, or are visiting by car for a weekend getaway, you’ll have to drive into Elizabeth City for the activities we’re recommending.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Elizabeth City
• Best Western Plus Elizabeth City Inn & Suites
• Comfort Inn Elizabeth City Near University
• Hampton Inn Elizabeth City

Campgrounds

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.

Boondocking

Although there is not a lot of boondocking available nearby Elizabeth City, the Elizabeth City Walmart allows overnight parking. It’s a 12 minute drive from Walmart to Mariners’ Wharf.

Transient Visitors in Elizabeth City, North Carolina

This is not the best stop along America’s Great Loop for provisioning and hardware or marine supplies as most of the locations mentioned below are not within walking distance to the Mariners’ Wharf Park, however, we included them for visitors who may be traveling by car.

Provisioning

Food Lion – This grocery store is not within walking distance for transient boaters.

Hardware + Marine Supplies

Don’s Place – A 15 minute walk from Mariners’ Wharf.

Harbor Freight Tools – This hardware store is not within walking distance for transient boaters.

Lowe’s Home Improvement – This hardware store is not within walking distance for transient boaters.

Tractor Supply Co. – This hardware store is not within walking distance for transient boaters.

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. Network is HARBORNET and there is no password.

Things to do in Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Museum of the Albemarle

The Museum of the Albemarle was a highlight to our trip in Elizabeth City! Not only is the museum free, but its large exhibits provided a great deal of information on Elizabeth City and the Albemerle region. It is open 10am-4pm Monday through Saturday and admission is free, however, donations are appreciated.

Walk Down Pailin’s Alley

Learn the history of Pailin’s Alley and how its revitalization was initiated by the small local businesses. Take in the Pailin’s Alley Mural as well as the night time ambiance with lights and outdoor seating from the adjacent local businesses.

Kayaking

Enjoy the water by kayaking on the Pasquotank River or if the conditions are a bit choppy, head on over to Charles Creek. If you arrived here by car, you can check out a variety of waterways further away from the downtown center. Check out the Visitor’s Guide for more ideas!

Downtown Waterfront Market

Elizabeth City has a great farmer’s market called the Downtown Waterfront Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm located in their Mariners’ Wharf. The season runs May through September. For up to date information, check out their Facebook page.

Self-Guided Historical Main Street Commercial District Tour

Take a self guided walking tour of the historical main street commercial district. Learn about the history of the area’s two main districts: shipping, wholesaling and manufacturing, and the retail and banking area on Main and Road Streets. Use this brochure as your guide.

Where to Eat in Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Food

Paradiso Roma Ristorante – An Italian restaurant that features local produce, steaks, and seafood, and all pastas are tossed with Romano cheese. The owner, Andrew, strives to create dishes you are unlikely to make at home and provide a menu of dishes that are unlike most dishes found in Elizabeth City. They use locally sourced food to create an ever changing menu. Best of all, this restaurant is dog friendly on their outdoor patio which faces the Pasquotank River. Open Tuesday through Saturday, but check out their Facebook page for up to date information. This restaurant is not located in Downtown, however, it is a short walk 10 minute from Mariners’ Wharf. Contact the restaurant ahead of time for vegetarian options.

Hoppin’ Johnz – Focuses on southern ingredients with classic culinary influences. They have a lunch and dinner menu that include salads, sandwiches, and burgers to gumbo, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, steaks, pork chops, and much more. They are open Monday through Saturday and have an outdoor patio.

The Mills Downtown Bistro – Serving tapas, crepes, and flatbreads. Open Tuesday through Sunday. They have vegetarian options.

Elizabeth City Pizza Company – Their menu includes New York Style pizza with a variety of toppings and they even have a gluten-free crust option. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Big Boss Burritos – A local business that features huge burritos and taco salads and include a vegetarian option (burrito fresco). They have indoor seating and are open Monday through Saturday.

Toyama Japanese Restaurant – A local Japanese sushi restaurant open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and is closed for two hours between meal times. Their menu includes soups, salads, sashimi, sushi, and a variety of entrees. They have a few vegetarian options including a Tofu Teriyaki and a Hibachi Vegetable. Check out their full menu here.

Island Breeze Grill – Caribbean restaurant featuring a variety of dishes including savory curry chicken, slow-cooked oxtail, jerk chicken, and beans and rice. Vegetarian options include vegetable roti, a vegetable platter, and a black bean avocado burger. Their menu focuses on healthy, slow-cooked dishes packed full of flavor. This restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday.

Breweries + Drinks

Ghost Harbor Brewing Company – Elizabeth City’s first microbrewery is located on Pailin Alley and was an integral part of the restoration and revitalization of Pailin Alley. You can find what’s being served on tap here. They have a variety of events throughout the week including live music, trivia, music bingo, and open mic. They are open Tuesday through Sunday and allow dogs to hang out inside with their humans.

Seven Sounds Brewing Company – An independent brewery that is new to Elizabeth City as of 2022. They’re located on the Pasquotank River, have a great outdoor space, rooftop space, and are open seven days a week. For full information on their events, check out their Facebook page.

2 Souls Wine Bar – They’re known for their extensive wine list with cheese and charcuterie pairings. A beautiful setting makes it a great spot for a fun night out and is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Coasters Downtown Draft House – This local business is open 7 days a week and features fine craft beers, 24 taps, and bottle selection. Their menu includes quesadillas, salads, and sandwiches in a typical bar food style.

Coffee + Sweets

The SweetEasy – This coffee shop and bakery serves cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, and 1920’s themed coffees. Closed on Sunday and Monday. Their menu changes seasonally so be sure to check out the sweet creation of the season.

Muddy Waters Coffeehouse – This coffee shop is a 7 minute walk from the Mariners’ Wharf and has a variety of drinks, blended frappes, smoothies, bakery items and seasonal drinks. They are known for their Blackbeard Revenge 12 ounce blend. They ave casual indoor and outdoor seating and are open 7 days a week. Muddy Waters is dog friendly and may even have a treat for your four legged friend.

Festivals + Special Events

North Carolina Potato Festival

Every May the North Carolina Potato festival is held in Elizabeth City, North Carolina at the Mariners’ Wharf Park. A large stage with live music fills the waterfront area. Events include a little miss tater tot completion, corn hold tournament, and a national potato peeling competition. The US Coast Guard coordinates a 5K run/walk during the weekend.

Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival

Enjoy movies on the Mariners’ Wharf lawn every Tuesday in June and July. Movies begin at 8:30pm. Concessions are available for purchase from a locally owned movie theatre. For the movie schedule, check out their website.

Music on the Green

Music on the Green is held in October on the lawn at Mariners’ Wharf Park. This event is organized by Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. – a local non profit focused on the revitalization of the downtown core and economic development by supporting small businesses.

One Day in Elizabeth City Itinerary

Although you could spend several days in Elizabeth City, we found that one day was sufficient. As mentioned above, many business are closed in Elizabeth City on Sunday and Monday, so we recommend visiting on another day. Here is how we would recommend spending the perfect day in Elizabeth City!

Option One

Use this itinerary for a Tuesday-Saturday, or mix it up with the Sunday-Monday itinerary.

Walk along Mariners’ Wharf and through downtown Elizabeth City to Muddy Waters Coffeehouse. Order a cup of the local Blackbeard Revenge and a slice of banana bread before heading to the Albemarle Museum to learn about local history and ecology. After spending a few hours at the museum, head over to The Mills Downtown Bistro for some light tapas for lunch. That afternoon, either take your own kayaks or rent kayaks to explore the waterways. Finish your day with dinner at Paradiso Roma Ristorante while watching the sunset over the Pasquotank River.

Option Two

Use this itinerary for a Sunday-Monday, or mix it up with the Tuesday-Saturday itinerary.

If you’re interested in getting brunch on a Saturday or Sunday morning, head over to Mills Bistro for some omelets, french toast, or a breakfast burger. Afterwards take walk through the four near by parks (Mariners’ Wharf, Waterfront Park, Coast Guard Park, and Charles Creek Park) with your dog before doing a Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour around Elizabeth City to learn about the Main Street Commercial District. Head over to Pailin’s Alley and enjoy dinner at Hoppin’ Johnz before moving over to Ghost Harbor Brewery for brews on tap while listening to live music.

Watch our time in Elizabeth City, North Carolina on YouTube!

Jen’s Corner: Architecture + Urban Design + City Planning

Elizabeth City is part of the Main Street America Program through Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc – a revitalization corporation. “Both the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County benefit from a vitalized downtown business district. ECDI provides a return on investment to taxpayers through increased tax generation. Local Government receives increased tax revenue from improved property values due to property enhancements. A healthy downtown helps reduce sprawl and costly infrastructure.”

Jenn includes Walk Score and the US EPA’s National Walkability Index, but realizes the downfalls of each of these numbers. So they are included in these guides while knowing they’re flawed and provide only a broad understanding of the area but lack the greater detail.

We hope this post provided you with some insightful information on things to see and do in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. If there is something we missed in this travel guide, please let us know in the comments below!

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