fort macon state park

Atlantic ocean on one side and the beautiful Fort Macon on the other ! A fantastic historical site to see. You will feel like you are walking among those that battled there. Lot's to see, plus a great gift shop and a movie to start your tour with.

What a great spot open to the public. Beautiful beach, great views of the inlet with large ships coming and going, a jetty, nice dunes and very well maintained.

We only visited the outside of the park. It was very quiet and a great place to get out for a short stroll to stretch your legs.

We visited on Valentines weekend. Even though my visit was a couples trip, it is a great place to bring a family. It was very busy despite the cold, windy weather. The exhibits are very informational and attention drawing. We learned a lot about the coastal area in which its located and the use of the fort during different eras. We would definitely visit again!

We had so much fun learning about this place and getting to see the coast guard rescue a sail boat that was stuck in the ocean.

We were there from Dec 26 - Jan 4 th. The surrounding areas surprised us with so very much to do! Non stop fun!

If you're in the area you need to stop by Fort Maccon. Very low cost (free). Tons of shells, fishing, photographers, and people on the beach. There lots of large shells if that's what you want to do. We saw several dolphins the last time we visited. After you walk on the beach, walk up to the actual civil war fort. It's unique and impressive. The fort is elevated so you will get additional great views of the beach and Shackleford island.

We stopped by on a windy January late afternoon. The inside was informative, yet some of the mannequins seemed a little strange. Since it was cool out we didnt look around the trails but still very cool and when the weather warms up we will go back to check it out.

So there is Fort Macon which sits on the pointe at the furthest end of the park. I reviewed it in a separate review for Fort Macon - I recommend it. NO SWIMMING DOWN AT THE FORT. Kites, fishing, walking and sunbathing only. Shelling, meh - read on...Now for the "park". I have been going to this Fort Macon Park for over 45 years. It is continually updating. If you are looking for free beach access to swim, fish etc use the first entrance on the right (if you go to the Fort proper you passed it). Get there before 10 - 10:30 in peak season!! Parking is free. There are ramps, showers, bathrooms. Not positive but: (I will look next time i go and update)I think there are snacks in season only.I think there may be a tiny playground for littles. From here if you are a walker or sheller, you can walk one direction toward Fort Macon proper and the other direction toward the Oceana Pier (long haul walk-better shells). EXCELLENT FOR KITES (especially off season as there are hardly any people). If you need a kite. Go back down Fort Macon Rd and through the main intersection - in a shopping center on the right with the Food Lion there is an excellent kite shop with little one day kites for jr. or you can go wild hundreds of dollars kites for the adults. (also games, puzzles etc) Kites Unlimited & Bird stuff.Shelling much better here than at the Fort proper end of the park. Can walk up to the Fort from here but definately more parking at the Fort proper end.

You can do on your own at your own pace or with guide, as you wish. The push of a button at each exhibit walks you through the history

Oh wow, what a visit. My family and I attended today, and I am purely blown away. I had the bar set by our visit for Fort Caswell, and had expected much the same. I am glad my expectations were set so low, because it allowed me to take in all of what the Fort had to offer.The staff, Legen.....wait for it.....dary! Talk about southern hospitality at its finest. From the receptionist to the gift shop employees to the tour guide. We simply walked in and the lady working the front desk came out to meet us. She then invited us to some of the festivities that are going to be taking place very soon. While in the gift shop, the attendants were chatty as could be, and I enjoyed quite the long conversation about everything from the weather to local eateries. Then the tour guide, he was very knowledgeable and professional and never hesitated to ask the most mundane of questions.The site itself, it took my breath away. Fort Macon is very well taken care of and was slammed packed with visitors. The steps are all original, but kept in very safe order. There are signs that caution that the fort was built for soldiers and not for safety, but still had appropriate railings and guard rails up. As we walked around, all of the rooms were spectacularly repaired and some were actually set up as they would have been in the civil war. The view from atop the fort was incredible, and we were able to see sights in every direction. It really gives someone a feeling for how life was during the time the fort was in use. The beach access is currently under renovation and includes a smallish picnic area. All in all, this is going on my list of places to visit again. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and are looking to return very soon.

Our family really enjoyed this trip, and all of us (from 4 to 35 y/o) learned something new. The Visitor's Center is lovely, and the fort has been restored in a loving, high tech manner. Definitely worth the drive!

There is a lot of information to take in, but unlike a lot of historical sites, this one is huge and can't really be damaged so letting the kids (ages 16, 14, 10, 6) wander while the parents read is a real luxury. The older ones even enjoyed learning and seeing the various displays.The visitor center was nice and even reasonably priced. The beach was fun, but you can't get in the water there. The Bogue Inlet had really dangerous currents apparently. If you call ahead to the Coat Guard station they may take you on a tour of the boats and facilities. They did for us since it was a dull day during the off season period between Christmas and New Year's.

History on the beach. Admittedly I didn't spend much time at the attraction. What I did see was impressive. It was very windy and drizzling. But what a view! It's worth another look so I will go back to explore further.

It was a beautiful warm sunny day in December so we drove to check out this fort and spend some time at the beach. This was an unexpected fun time. Admission is free and expectations were low. Really enjoyed exploring the history. One thing to mention is that there are no railings and lots of places to fall, so we had to keep a hand on young kids. There is beach access from the same parking lot as the visitors center. There is an additional beach access with picnic huts, showers, foot sprayers etc... all the water was turned off when we visited in Dec.