Atlantic Beach is located between Emerald Isle and Morehead City along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the oldest of five towns located in this region, and was originally the site of a small pavilion built on the beach in 1887, with little more than a refreshment stand and stalls for changing clothes. Today, Atlantic Beach is home to approximately 3,500 permanent residents, and the population swells to around 35,000 during the summer months. The center of town known as “The Circle,” is at the southernmost end of the Atlantic Beach Causeway and offers amusement park rides for children, an array of shops and businesses, and plenty of parking for the beach. Aside from swimming, sunning, windsurfing, fishing, and almost any other type of beach activity imaginable, Atlantic Beach is home to the 398-acre Fort Macon State Park. Here, guided tours are given of the fort; there is a museum, nature programs and trails for hiking. The North Carolina Aquarium is located in nearby Pine Knoll Shores, where visitors can get a fun, close-up look at North Carolina’s maritime ecosystem. The aquarium features a popular touch tank, a riverbank display with live alligators, canoe trips, interpretive beach walks, excursions to remote barrier islands and much more. If you’re looking for a place to bring the family for some good, old-fashioned fun in the sun, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina won’t disappoint. Article sourced with thanks from North Carolina Vacation Atlantic Beach Graphic sourced with thanks from My Resort Network