Beaufort-by-the-Sea North Carolina offers some of the best fishing, sailing, kayaking, shelling and other great outdoor activities. Beaufort Inlet, guarded by Fort Macon, is one of the safest inlets accessing the Atlantic Ocean. The Intracoastal waterway is just inshore of the inlet. Beaufort NC Real Estate is varied, with historic properties, investment income producing properties, condominiums, and raw land. Beaufort’s Restaurants range from simple pizza places, hamburger joints, coffee shops, fine dining establishments, fresh seafood, cold beer and fine wine. Home to the Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament.