Atlantic Beach

A Surf-Bather's Mecca

Atlantic Beach, the oldest town on Bogue Banks, is a long stretch of shoreline at the eastern end of this barrier island. It first came into popularity in 1928 when a bridge was built connecting Morehead City to this area. Before then, a beach pavilion called "The Pagoda" was located here (originally built in 1887). And at that time, "surf-bathers," as they were then called, stayed at the Atlantic Hotel in Morehead City and ferried over by sailboat to Atlantic Beach's sound side, dragging their provisions along behind.

When the 1928 bridge was later built, a beach resort with dining facilities and bathhouses was added. But because visitors were asked to pay not only a bridge toll but also to swim, business was slow. Two Pavilion fires and several years later, the toll bridge was transformed into a drawbridge, and later, the drawbridge was replaced by the current high-rise bridge that now connects Morehead to Atlantic Beach. Today Atlantic Beach bustles with recreational options, including a range of family activities and restaurants, plenty of boating and water sports, deep sea fishing, renowned East Coast fishing tournaments, and more. Year-round population here is about 3,500 residents, but during summer months, the count soars to approximately 35,000.