//
Census-designated place in North Carolina, United States
Photo: DrStew82, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Harkers Island is a small town of about 1,525 people (as of 2000). It's located in the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina, adjacent to (and sometimes considered to be part of) the Crystal Coast. The island, as with the rest of the Core Sound area, has strong historical ties to fishing and waterfowling.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Locals have been carving wooden decoy ducks for generations, and efforts were made to formally renew this craft in 1987. The museum has exhibits on decoy carving, waterfowl art, oral histories and local artifacts, as well as exhibits and programs on local heritage and a 4-acre freshwater waterfowl habitat area.
The ghost village on the northern tip of Core Banks on the south side of the Ocracoke Inlet. Established in 1793 and once the largest settlement on the Outer Banks, Portsmouth was ravaged by a hurricane in 1899. The settlement was thereafter abandoned, and today you can explore the empty streets. In April, descendants of the settlers gather on the island for a homecoming and dinner on the grounds.
On the eastern end of the island. A mound of seashells, built by the Tuscarora tribe who used to live on the island, which researchers think may have been the start of a bridge across Core Sound.
Completed in 1812 and reconstructed in 1859, which can be reached by ferry from all over the Crystal Coast. It's part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, covering 55 miles over 3 undeveloped barrier islands. Most visitors reach the lighthouse by taking a privately-chartered islandexpressferryservices.com 15-minute boat ride from Harkers Island, for around $15 round-trip. The island also has lovely wide beaches for sunbathing, swimming and shelling that can be reached by a 2.5-mile truck ride (called Beach Shuttle, formerly Mule Train) from the lighthouse area: (252)732-4578
Open for lunch and dinner daily, except Monday (lunch only). Large seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday nights.
On-site fishing center, marina and ferry ($15) to Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. Within walking distance of a restaurant and grocery store. $40 - $55, or $80 for a large house that sleeps 10.
Open Monday through Saturday; call for winter hours. Owned by a local carver, offering decoys, nautical gifts, baskets, pottery, prints and jewelry.
M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 2PM-5PM. Features the work of local people -- decoys, gifts, sweatshirts and t-shirts, pottery, prints, books and more. Proceeds help support this "people's museum."
The only main road to Harkers Island is US-70, either coming northeast from Morehead City and Beaufort, or southwest from Cedar Island and the Outer Banks.
Read in the guideYou'll have to have your car to get here, so you'll probably want to use it to get around. But the island isn't huge, so bring your bike with you if you want some exercise.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
New Bern · Regional · EWN
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Harkers Island and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.