Your Guide to Pamlico, NC
The Pamlico region of North Carolina is a peaceful coastal area known for its wide riverfront views, maritime history, and connection to the state's inland sounds and estuaries.
Centered around the Pamlico Sound - the largest lagoon along the U.S. East Coast - this region includes charming towns like Washington, Bath, Oriental, and Belhaven. Visitors will find scenic waterfronts, historic districts, and an abundance of outdoor recreation, including boating, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. With its quiet creeks, wide open water, and slower pace of life, the Pamlico region offers a relaxing escape into North Carolina's coastal heartland.
Lodging options in the Pamlico region include cozy inns, waterfront cottages, and vacation rental homes. The area is ideal for travelers looking to explore hidden gems, enjoy water-based activities, and experience authentic small-town charm. Whether you're sailing along the sound, visiting North Carolina's oldest town, or simply watching the sunset from a dock, the Pamlico region offers a quiet and scenic getaway off the beaten path.
Find your perfect Pamlico
What we now know as Oriental was first settled about 1870 by Louis B. Midyette. He took shelter in the area's natural harbor on the Neuse River and the mouth of Smith Creek when he was blown off course on his way to New Bern.
Many locals attest that Oriental is a "contagious destination," where vehicular travelers via the two lane US 55, or maritime travelers along the Neuse River or Pamlico Sound, tend to stop by for a night or two, and end up sticking around for an...
Explored in the late 1500s it was finally settled in 1690. James Bonner started the town on his own farm in the 1770s. After serving in the Continental Army, Bonner returned home and in 1776 renamed his town, originally called ''Forks of the Tar,'...
Originally named Jack's Neck, Belhaven was once a bustling industrial town with a half-dozen lumber companies and a branch of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad.
Located on the outskirts of the historic downtown area, the New Bern Battlefield Park is a unique destination that served as the site of one of the largest battles in the Craven County area during the Civil War.
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of...
