Fort Macon State Park — Attraction in Bogue Banks

One of my favorite places to stop when visiting Atlanta Beach! There is a large parking area but in the summer it is usually crowded and you may have to circle a few times in order to find a spot. When trying to access the beach there's three different points to access the beach. One at either far end of the parking lot which is just a short walk through the dunes and then a main wooden breezeway in the middle of the property. The breezeway is accessible by a set of stairs but they also have a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and at the end of the breezeway there are free cold showers for rinsing off after the beach and at the end of it is a seating and viewing section that is covered. It's really nice for people that can't actually transverse the sand and beach to sit and take in the sight. Below the breezeway there are public restrooms and at the top of it during the summer they have a concession stand. Probably my favorite part about it is for a $3 or so you can buy 5-minute tokens for a hot shower in the recently remodeled shower and changing area. We will often take day trips down there to enjoy the beach and bring a change of clothes, a fresh towel, and toiletries either with the intent of going out to some more nice to eat before leaving town or simply to have an enjoyable car ride home and not feel like you took half the beach with you.

At the far end of the parking lot there are about six or seven covered shelters and picnic tables with charcoal grills. These are first come first serve so if you're thinking about it make sure you get there early. We have thrown many functions there for a nonprofit I'm associated with for a meet and greet. And at that far end by the picinic area is one of the walkthrough accesses directly to the beach.

The beach itself is among some of the most beautiful in the world. That's not an exaggeration. during the summer months they also have lifeguards on duty which is rare these days. They have a mark swimming section that these fine people watch over you and your...

Fort Macon State Park offers visitors both the chance to surround themselves with nature will also getting a rare glimpse into history, particularly the Civil War. Even after being made into North Carolina's second state park, Fort Macon was again used during World War II as it proved to be an excellent look-out location near Beaufort. Today, it has been restored to showcase it's significance during the Civil War and guests get the chance to step back in time while they explore the various rooms and look out spots around the fort. However, I know all of this from a visit I made five years ago. This time around I had my four-legged-friend who (to my knowledge) was not welcome at the historical area. Therefore, I'll be focusing on the natural areas around the fort.

Fort Macon is ideal for anyone who is looking to check out a state park that is both close to civilization and isn't going to be an area to wear them out in long hikes and steep climbs. There are two beaches at Fort Macon: the first is a well kept swimming area near the front gate of the park that offers plenty of free parking as well as bath house; the second is closer to the fort and the Intracoastal Waterway. The second beach is too dangerous to swim at due to high currents that form both naturally as well as from large ships entering the Waterway, however, it is a popular place for a quiet picnic or to fish.

The trails around the park are very manageable for just about any level of hiker. Fisherman's Path goes out by the beach (and is very convenient if you're a fisher looking for the best spots). Elliot Coues Trail circles the park and highlights both the maritime forrest that surrounds the back of the preserve as well as the beach areas out front. It also runs by the U.S. Coastguard Base that acts as an eyehole for the park and the surrounding area. That said, as with all maritime forrest areas that run close to natural marshland and swamp be sure to bring your bug...

I have been to Fort Macon State Park, more times than I can remember. The Fort has come a LONG way from what I remember in my childhood. At Fort Macon, you will see how the Fort was constructed, artifacts used during this time, images, and a true perspective of what life use to look like. There is more to Fort Macon State Park other than the actual Fort itself. Hike trails, swimming on the ocean side or the edge of the sound meeting the ocean, and take in the stunning views from the top of the Fort. Additional, if you have never been, I recommend going when they first open, to avoid crowds and to take time to appreciate each room. You can spend 2 hours just at the Fort, and you might not see everything. You won't know how much spent went by exploring everything just inside the Fort. My 3 Favorite things: The original baking oven to the Fort. The room with all of the uniforms on mannequins. My Favorite thing- go on a day they fire the cannons. I recommend ear protection, no matter how far you sit.

I don't work for the Park, and I'm not paid for this review, but I do hope that you enjoy the Fort, and please feel free to to drop some change in the donation box, so people for generations will be able to enjoy the beautiful place nestled on the tip...