Things To Do in Washington, NC: A Guide For a Perfect Day
What do you get when you mix southern charm with waterfront dining and outdoor beauty? You get Washington, North Carolina! This scenic little town is located right on the Pamlico River and offers visitors a tranquil escape. But don’t just take our word for it, come explore the sights, attractions, and enchantment of our little waterfront gem.
We’ve created a helpful guide for having a perfect day in Washington, NC, and included the best stops to fill your day. We’ve also added details on staying at our property, the Pamlico House, one of the area’s best lodging accommodations. You can also browse our
Attractions page for more thrilling activities in our neck of the woods.
Morning Pick-Me-Up
Is there anything better than a shot of espresso in the morning to get you firing on all cylinders? You might need one when you pack your schedule full with our later picks. Take a look at our picks for a stellar cup of joe, breakfast sandwich, fruit smoothie, cookie, bagel, or whatever your guilty pleasure is.
The Water Street Cafe
Price: $
Menu: Coffee, teas, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, wine, beer and mimosas with a view
Address: 132 E Water St, Washington, NC
The Mulberry House
Price: $$
Menu: A little bit of everything; Coffee, brunch and gourmet dinner dishes
Address: 189 W Main St, Washington, NC
Play
Now that you’ve had a little pick-me-up, let’s head out and seize the day! Washington has a ton of great outdoor attractions for basking in the morning sun and soaking in the atmosphere. So pack the kids, grab some sunscreen, and enjoy the area. Here’s a few of the most popular things to do:
Goose Creek State Park
Located just 18 minutes away from downtown Washington, Goose Creek provides multiple activities throughout the park with 8.5 miles of trails. Walk along Palmetto Boardwalk’s murky, swamp walkway, ride bikes along tranquil paths, or go birdwatching.
If you enjoy a nice hike, set out on trails like Mallard Creek Loop (1-mile loop) or Flatty Creek Trail (0.3-mile loop). However you spend your day, Goose Creek State Park in NC offers a great start to your day.
Fishing on the Pamlico River
Would you rather swap hiking shoes for some waders? Don’t worry, Washington, NC has you covered there too with its prime location on the Pamlico River. The Pamlico River actually flows into Pamlico Sound, one of the largest estuaries in the country.
There are plenty of spots to cast your line, and you’ll have access to a variety of slippery specimen including leopard frogs, salamanders and a different species of fish. Some of these include vibrant stripers, bluefish, kingfish, and mahi mahi.
Learn
North Carolina Estuarium
Address: 223 E Water St, Washington, NC
Hours: Tues-Friday (10:30 A.M.–3:30 P.M.), Sat-Mon (Closed)
The North Carolina Estuarium is a natural science museum and environmental center. An estuarium is a special type of aquarium where fresh and saltwater mix. The museum opened in 1988 and features fascinating exhibits and artwork.
Perfect for a day with the kids to learn about the plants and animals who are native to North Carolina.
Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum
Address: 1052 E Main St, Washington, NC
Hours: For up-to-date hours, check their website or call (609) 444-8974.
Browse the historical artifacts that detail the harrowing stories of abolitionists and enslaved people involved in the Underground Railroad.
The museum contains informative newspaper clippings, clothing, books, and props so guests can learn about those who used the Pamlico-Tar River as a pathway to freedom.
The Pamlico-Tar River provided a safer and more efficient passage into a new life, and the museum is a valuable National Park Service site.
Shop
Get those credit cards out and let’s talk all things shopping in the waterfront district. Washington has some great spots downtown for antique lovers, furniture collectors, clothing addicts, and everything in between. For some local businesses, check out South Market Antiques and Riverwalk Art Gallery. You can also visit the Washington Square Mall if you’re doing some damage and want some general shopping.
Dine
Now that you’ve spent the day outdoors, learned something new, and done a bit of shopping, grab a late lunch or early dinner. There are plenty of up-scale experiences, quaint cafes, and delightful restaurants in Washington, NC to choose from. While we can’t say what the best choice is, here’s some of our winners ranked by price:
Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar
Price: $
Cuisine: Casual American Bar & Grill
Address: 1052 E Main St, Washington, NC
Marabella Pizza & Grill
Price: $-$$
Cuisine: Italian-American
Address: 610 Carolina Ave, Washington, NC
Ribeyes Steakhouse
Price: $$
Cuisine: Steak House
Address: 228 W Stewart Pkwy, Washington, NC
The Bank Bistro
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Southern Cuisine & Bistro
Address:
216 W Main St, Washington, NC
Drink
Visit a local brewery or alehouse and embrace a wine-and-dine evening. Washington, NC has some of the best spots to enjoy river-side dining, listen to live music, and let your hair down.
Pitt Street Brewing Company on the Pamlico
Offerings: Scenic and casual dining, with a variety of lager, ale, stouts, seasonal, and fruit beers.
Address: 307 W Main St, Washington, NC
What was once an old boathouse has been transformed into a beloved local hot spot. To retain the boathouse's historic charm, the Pitt Street Brewing team gave the property a facelift and refurbished much of the original materials. Visitors can enjoy the dockside dining with plenty of seating, bier garden, and picnic-style tables.
Two Rivers Alehouse
Offerings: Delicious, up-scale eating and unique alcoholic creations like wine slushies.
Address: 186 West Main Street, Washington, NC
Savor an enchanting night at Two Rivers Alehouse with delightful dishes like the crab-stuffed soft pretzel and gourmet meat and cheese charcuterie board. Sip your signature beer or savor a Pinot Noir while listening to the alehouse’s lineup of live music. If you’re not a drinker, you can enjoy gourmet dishes like hummus and pita and apples with caramel dipping sauce.
1906 Bistro & Bourbon Bar
Offerings: Hand crafted cocktails, mocktails, draft beer, and delightful shareables.
Address: 100 W Main St, Washington, NC
Inspired by the early 1900s, at the height of early American cocktails, the 1906 Bistro & Bar was located in what was originally The Savings & Trust Bank. Their bistro and bar offerings are as top-notch as their commitment to preserving their history.
Their menu features a rockstar lineup of cocktails, draft beers, and shareable dishes like a charcuterie basket and veggie flatbread.
They even have some unique offerings like mock-tails for those who take advantage of "dry January" and refrain from alcoholic beverages for the month. Swing by and try a few cocktails, and enjoy the historic and laid-back atmosphere of this local spot.
Stay at The Pamlico House B&B
We hope our little guide has inspired you to come visit and see what all the fuss is about in the waterfront district. Locals and visitors enjoy Little Washington’s southern charm and quaint, hometown feel.
When you're planning your trip, consider staying with us at the Pamlico House B&B. Our historic B&B is found in the heart of Washington’s Historic District and is the perfect home base for exploring the area.
Whether you’re visiting for a simple weekend getaway, a romantic wedding celebration, or just an escape, the Pamlico House B&B is truly a jewel of Little Washington.
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