The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on Roosevelt Drive, is an impressive collection of typical North Carolina coastal species, rare aquatic residents, and hands-on activities that will surely garner a full morning or afternoon of off-the-beach adventure.
The aquarium first opened its doors in 1976, just five years after a generous donation from wealthy local resident Alice Hoffman's estate, which was left to the Roosevelt family, specifically Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., President Teddy Roosevelt's oldest son, and his wife Eleanor. The original 298 acre parcel of land that was donated was converted to a wildlife preserve, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, with a special section dedicated to the founding of the new North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, one of three aquariums in the state of North Carolina. (The other two aquariums are located on North Carolina's Outer Banks at Roanoke Island, and in Kure Beach, near Wilmington.)
The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and has added even more attractions and special class and presentation space to its already expansive complex. Upon entering, visitors will be led through a variety of individual "galleries" that pay homage to a certain North Carolina aquatic ecosystem, including a Mountain Gallery, a Piedmont Gallery, a Coastal Plain Gallery, a Tidal Water Gallery and an Ocean Gallery. In addition, the aquarium is home to a discovery classroom for special workshops and educational programs, and two large spaces, the Soundside Hall and the Big Rock Theater, for informative movies and videos, and / or special events.
An aquarium gift shop and Dairy Queen ice cream store can be found by the exit for warm-weather treats and aquarium souvenirs that range from fuzzy sea otters and other sea life to aquatic books for children and adults alike.
Popular attractions within the aquarium include two "touch tanks" where visitors can get their hands on real marine residents. The two tanks feature a "Tidal Touch Pool," showcasing a large variety of aquatic invertebrates like local sea urchins, and the "Skate and Ray Encounters," which features slippery rays and skates zooming by aquarium patrons overlooking the tank.
The centerpiece of the aquarium is arguably the 306,000 gallon tank located in the ocean gallery.A massive structure that features a replicated sunken German U-Boat in the foreground, this tank features the aquarium's largest species, including hundreds of schooling fishes, a goliath grouper, and a variety of sharks, such as sandbar sharks and nurse sharks, all of which are common residents in the offshore waters of North Carolina.
Other notable local stars include three river otters, who play with abandon to the delight of passing visitors, and a very rare White Sea turtle who was originally brought to the aquarium for emergency care, and now remains one of its most famous residents.
Free daily programs are available year-round, and include a "Live Dive!" show, where experienced divers submerge into the giant tank to mingle with the sharks and feed the fish, and video presentations or hands-on activities that are designed with kids in mind.
There are a number of special seasonal events held annually at the aquarium as well, including its popular "Trick or Treat Under the Sea" event, a fun and safe Halloween party for kids that is spooky, educational, and results in plenty of candy to take home.
In addition, the aquarium can be rented for special events, such as unique weddings and receptions, or corporate events, and frequent patrons can also "adopt an animal" and use their personal donations to continue the care and feeding of the aquarium's most popular residents.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is open year-round, every day, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., (with the exception of major holidays.) Admission prices generally run around $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children from 3-12, and no charge for children under the age of 2. School groups receive free admission, and there are special discounts for military members as well as "free admission" days on Veterans Day and on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, held annually on the third Monday of January.
A local attraction that is sure to become a favorite vacation memory, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is certainly a source of pride for this small coastal town. One of only three state managed aquariums in North Carolina, and featuring a wide array of famous, watery residents, a trip to the aquarium during any time of the year is sure to put a smile on every Pine Knoll Shores or Crystal Coast vacationer's face. Add this attraction to your "must-see" list, and discover all the wild Crystal Coast residents that thrive just below the Atlantic Ocean's surface.
When it comes to stunning scenery, New Bern is certainly hard to beat. Straddling the Neuse and Trent Rivers, this coastal community is renowned for its brilliant waterfront views in every direction, as well as its historic downtown scene where the waterfront is almost overshadowed by the variety of historical structures and sights. To make the most out of a scene-stealing vacation, make sure that you check out these top destinations for a waterfront sunset, a little birdwatching, or just a breath of fresh air with a stellar backdrop.
Trace the historic roots of Harkers Island and its centuries-long life on the water with a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of Harkers Island along Island Road, (an authentic Crystal Coast community that is a far cry from the bustling beaches), this uniquely surprising museum shines a light on how fascinating and essential this small-town community is to the Southern Outer Banks landscape.
Feel the historic appeal of downtown New Bern from this 3 bedroom 1940's modernized bungalow walkable to Tryon Palace and everything downtown New Bern has to offer! Two marked parking spots available onsite with complimentary overflow parking available on Queen St.Welcome to our appealing 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow walkable to downtown New Bern. Onsite parking is limited. The 4 marked parking spaces in the driveway are shared by the two homes in the back. PLEASE LIMIT PARKING TO TWO CARS IN MARKED SPACES. Overflow parking is available around the corner on Queen Street by the impressive Cedar Grove Cemetery. Our home is located in a vibrant, historic area with a lot of character. One of our neighboring properties is currently unoccupied and awaiting some TLC, adding to the unique, eclectic ambiance of the neighborhood. While it may appear a bit rough around the edges, rest assured our home is well-maintained and entirely equipped to provide you with a comfortable and delightful stay.PARKING Guest parking spots are marked on the driveway. Please limit cars in marked spots to two cars, as these four spots are shared by both back homes. Overflow parking is available on Queen Street in front of Cedar Grove Cemetery. DO NOT PARK IN UNMARKED AREAS AS YOU WILL BLOCK THE NEIGHBORS! The neighbors are permanent residents and we aim to not make daily life hard for them! THE SPACE A generous 1384 square feet, our bungalow features three bedrooms with a mix of queen and full beds and TVs, two full bathrooms, an upstairs balcony, downstairs front patio, and back patio with dining furnishings and a grille! EXTERIOR Unwind on the front patio or upstairs balcony at the end of a day appreciating downtown New Bern, or grille out on the fenced in back patio. LIVING ROOM The living room couch pulls out into a bed if someone wants separate sleeping arrangements. The open-concept living room combines with the dining space and connects to the completely-equipped kitchen. KITCHEN The fully-equipped kitchen offers all the necessary appliances and silverware for a seamless cooking experience, including a dishwasher. Savor your choice of drip coffee or Keurig. We provide coffee, creamer, and sweeteners.Bedrooms are on the second floor, with bathrooms conveniently located on both the first and second floors.PRIMARY BEDROOM Bedroom 1 features a cozy queen size bed, wall-mounted Roku TV, bags rack and closet. BEDROOM 2 Bedroom 2 features a comfortable full size bed, Roku TV, work station, and closet. Step out the front door to savor the upstairs front patio.BEDROOM 3Bedroom 3 features a comfortable full size bed, Roku TV, and closet.BATHROOMSThere are two full bathrooms in this home: one upstairs and one downstairs. BACK PATIOSurrounded by privacy fencing, the back patio includes a dining table with 6 chairs. We also provide a propane grille for outdoor cooking and dining. LAUNDRY A complimentary washer and dryer complete with detergent and dryer sheets are included in the bungalow for your convenience. Laundry closet on the first floor.About New Bern, North Carolina:New Bern, North Carolina, is a historic riverfront city located where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet. Known for its beautiful downtown, rich history, and spectacular beauty, New Bern offers a enchanting blend of Southern hospitality and cultural attractions. Founded in 1710, New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and is filled with delightfully preserved homes, gardens, and landmarks that reflect its colonial and antebellum past.Things to Do Around Town:Exploring New Bern's Historic District is a must, where you can walk through streets lined with historic homes, visit the Tryon Palace, and discover the stories of the city's past. Tryon Palace, a reconstructed colonial governor's mansion, offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and striking gardens. Nearby, the North Carolina History Center provides a deeper look into the state's past through innovative exhibits and engaging programs.Downtown New Bern is bustling with boutique stores, art galleries, and a variety of dining options that cater to every taste. The waterfront offers pretty vistas, ideal for a leisurely walk or a boat tour on the rivers. You can also visit the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, where you can appreciate a cold soda in the same location where the drink was first created.For outdoor enthusiasts, Union Point Park and Lawson Creek Park provide great spots for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the breathtaking riverside vistas. The Croatan National Forest, just a short drive away, offers hiking, camping, and bird-watching opportunities amidst diverse ecosystems.New Bern is also a cultural hub, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year, including the trendy MumFest in the fall. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the striking ambiance of a coastal Carolina town, New Bern offers something for everybody. LOCATION Located across from the centrally-located New Bern Police Station, our home is the ideal base to discover downtown New Bern's attractions:.2 miles from street parking and Cedar Grove Cemetery.3 miles from Tryon Palace, Birthplace of Pepsi, Bear Towne Escape Room, Fireman's Museum, NC History Center, Farmer's Market.7 miles from Cruise the Neuse Boat Tours .7 miles from Family Dollar.9 miles from Union Point Park1.5 miles from Carolina East Medical Center2.5 miles from Walmart 3.4 miles from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport4.5 miles from Copper Ridge wedding venue4.7 miles from Amelia Grove wedding venue18.6 miles from Cherry Point58 miles from Atlantic Beach
- New Bern
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6