Shopping in Beaufort, NC
Downtown Beaufort Boutiques & Coastal Treasures
Beaufort, North Carolina is more than historic charm and waterfront views — it’s also a shopper’s paradise. Just steps from Compass Hotel Beaufort, the downtown district is lined with independently owned boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops that showcase the unique character of the Crystal Coast.
Popular downtown Beaufort shops include:
General Store: A true local treasure, the General Store blends old-fashioned candy counters with coastal gifts. From quirky souvenirs to hand-scooped ice cream, this spot delivers a dose of small-town delight in every corner.
Island Traders of Beaufort: Discover coastal-inspired treasures at this nautical-themed apparel & gift shop, where every shelf feels like a little piece of paradise waiting to be packed in your beach bag. Whether you’re after a beachy keepsake or the perfect outfit for sunset cocktails, this shop is worth a stop.
Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market: Spend a Saturday morning under the live oaks browsing this open-air market where local farmers, fishermen, and artisans bring fresh produce, seafood, baked goods and handmade treasures to the heart of downtown.
Kitty Hawk Kites: This outdoor store keeps things light, fun, and adventurous: toy-filled racks, airy shirts, kites dancing in the wind, and experiences that let you touch the sky or surf on Beaufort’s beautiful waterfront.
Jarrett Bay Boat House: Known for its deep roots in North Carolina’s boatbuilding heritage, the shop offers a unique selection of nautical gifts, casual coastal apparel, and exclusive Jarrett Bay merchandise.
Wander along Front Street and you’ll discover a variety of art galleries, gift shops, and nautical-themed boutiques, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Whether it’s coastal décor, artisan crafts, or the latest resort wear, Beaufort’s shops offer plenty of reasons to stroll and explore.
Explore Nearby Shopping on the Crystal Coast
While Beaufort’s walkable downtown is a highlight, the surrounding communities of Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle add even more variety.
The Downtown Morehead City / Arendell Street area is home to lots of unique, locally owned boutiques, gift shops, artisan galleries, and coastal style stores all within walking distance. Admire historic facades and the waterfront, and pop into unique stops like the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Store or Coastal Current Boutique (which also offers mahjong classes!)
Atlantic Beach has an intimate beach-boutique feel, with a small cluster of stylish local shops geared toward resort wear, gifts, accessories, and more, with one of the most popular being The Posh Pelican. Be sure to round out your shopping trip with a stop at Atlantic Beach Surf Shop. This surf store has been serving the area since 1964, and locals and visitors alike love flaunting their logo around town.
Emerald Plantation Shopping Center houses big box retailers, restaurants, a cinema, and a mix of locally owned small businesses. This indoor and outdoor mall makes it easy to shop, snack, and stroll in the heart of Emerald Isle.
Plus, each of these areas has unique gift shops, specialty stores and hidden gems that turn shopping into a sightseeing experience.
Visitors can browse surf shops, antique stores, and open-air markets throughout the Crystal Coast, making retail therapy a fun complement to any coastal getaway.
Plan Your Shopping Getaway in Beaufort
Staying at Compass Hotel Beaufort means you’re right in the center of it all. Spend the day exploring boutiques downtown, then relax poolside at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill. Whether you’re here for a weekend trip or a longer Crystal Coast vacation, Beaufort shopping is the perfect way to blend leisure with discovery.