In a coastal town like Washington, you can be sure that there is plenty of interesting nature and scenery to explore, and the North Carolina Estuarium is a great place to start. Located at the waterfront “where the river meets the sea,” visitors will find a number of great exhibits about local wildlife, including a great hands-on area where kids can see these creatures up close. Make sure to call ahead and reserve a seat on a free river boat trip out to the Pamilico-Tar River where you can see the area’s animals up close in their natural habitat. Continue your exploration of local nature with a visit to Goose Creek State Park. Stretching across 1,327 acres, this year-round park features eight miles of hiking trails. Visitors also can boat, swim, fish, have a picnic or just spend some time out in nature relaxing. Continue your exploration of the area by taking a Historical Washington Walking Tour. This self-guided tour takes visitors through the historic district of Washington. See well-preserved Victorian-era homes as you walk down the crepe myrtle tree-lined streets and learn about the history of this coastal town.
After your tour, stop by Festival Park and take in the waterfront views. Kids can enjoy the nautical-themed playground and Adirondack swing set, and the park is another great location for a picnic. You may get lucky and stumble upon one of the many events held in the park, ranging from festivals with amusement park rides, concerts and outdoor film screenings. It should come as little surprise that an area known for its natural beauty inspires great art, something that visitors to Washington’s Inner Banks Artisan Center can explore firsthand. This 5,000-square-foot gallery space is home to a number of great pieces by local artists. The center also has a good amount of studio space, so visitors can peek in and see Washington’s painters, potters, jewelers and glass blowers at work. Art lovers also will enjoy the River Walk Gallery and Arts Center. Located downtown, the gallery offers an interesting display of one-of-a-kind, locally made art pieces for those looking to add to their collection. The Gallery also offers workshops and night classes for those looking to unleash their creativity. With so much to see and do in the area, you will need a good night’s rest at the end of the day. If you are looking for Washington, NC hotels, make sure to book a room with Choice Hotels to get the most out of your stay.