Harkers Island, North Carolina, is a serene, small community nestled along the Crystal Coast, known for its deep-rooted maritime heritage and tranquil isolation. Located just east of Beaufort, this 3.9-square-mile island is home to about 1,200 residents who cherish their “Down East” culture, marked by a distinctive “high tider” dialect and traditions of fishing and boatbuilding. Surrounded by Core Sound and Back Sound, the island offers stunning views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and nearby Shackleford Banks. Its history stretches back to Native American Coree inhabitants and European settlers in the 1700s, with Ebenezer Harker purchasing the island in 1730. Today, Harkers Island remains a hidden gem where visitors can savor fresh seafood, explore quiet marshes, and experience a tight-knit community that feels worlds away from modern hustle.
Photos of Harkers Island, NC
Things To Do in Harkers Island, NC
