Unusual Things to Do in Washington, NC

The NC Estuarium runs a free, 90-minute pontoon boat tour up the Tar and Pamlico Rivers, April through October, spotting osprey nests and river otters along the way. It's genuinely free, but seats fill fast, so call ahead to reserve at (252) 948-0000. Donations support the Estuarium's environmental education work.

Housed in a real, restored railroad car, this small museum tells the story of enslaved people who sought freedom through Washington and Beaufort County as part of the National Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opened in July 2026 just ahead of America's 250th birthday, the Museum of the Pamlico showcases artifacts spanning the colonial era through the Civil War, all tied to Washington, Beaufort County, and the Pamlico River Basin. Catch it on the right day and you might spot George and Martha Washington themselves making the rounds, courtesy of a costumed re-enactor or two rather than actual 18th-century time travel.

Ten miles east of town, Goose Creek offers 8.5 miles of trails, including stretches that run unadulterated along the river for a genuinely peaceful walk, plus a cypress swamp boardwalk and a river beach, all free for day use. Bring a kayak for the Pamlico, or just come for sunset over the water.

Paddle out from Inner Banks Outfitters, across from Haven's Gardens, and follow the coastline toward Castle Island, keeping an eye out for great blue herons and the occasional dolphin.

River Vibes, right downtown, is another good option for kayak and paddleboard rentals if you'd rather start from the heart of Main Street.

The Little Washington Sailing School has taught local kids to sail on the Pamlico for years, using a small fleet of Optimist prams and 420 sailboats. It's a youth program, not a drop-in adult class, but on a nice afternoon you can watch the kids making their tacks right off the Stewart's Parkway waterfront, one of the more charming free shows in town.

A guided, on-foot food tour through downtown Washington, with stops at some of downtown's most popular restaurants along the way, plus a good dose of local history. Booking is required; check their site for upcoming dates.

Take the elevator up from the Mulberry House lobby to Rice & River, a sushi restaurant with river views on the rooftop of one of downtown's oldest buildings, easy to miss unless someone points you to it.

Blu's rooftop deck looks out over the Washington waterfront, with an innovative, seasonal menu that often comes with live music on weekends.

Takeout only, no tables, no ketchup allowed, and a chili recipe nobody outside the family has ever gotten out of them. The downtown location is the original, screen door and all, and that door slamming shut behind you is basically the house doorbell. Bill's has been doing this since 1928. Ask for it "all the way."

Right next door to The Hackney restaurant, the distillery behind 1000 Piers Gin uses fresh-peeled citrus and local botanicals in small batches. No appointment needed for tastings on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; any other time, call ahead or sample it at The Hackney's bar.

The restored, Art Deco-era Turnage Theatre is downtown's main stage for music, film, and performance, but ask about the upstairs vaudeville theater for a look at a part of the building most visitors never see.