Situated at the heart of the Inner Banks, Edenton’s bustling waterfront offers residents and visitors lots of ways to explore and enjoy life on the Albemarle Sound!
With the advent of warmer weather and the first glimpse of springtime blossoms, Edenton’s waterfront is a hub of activity, from kayaking and paddleboarding to fishing and boating.
If you’ve visited Edenton, then you know how the waterfront serves as a community gathering place for special events such as Edenton’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Edenton’s picturesque waterfront along the Albemarle Sound, our 2025 Concert Series promises to deliver three sensational evenings of family-friendly entertainment and fun over the summer months.
Pull up a lawn chair or picnic blanket, or dock your boat at the waterfront, and join in on the fun with special bands performing all summer long.
There are also boat slips with free two-night docking and access to electric hookups, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and shower facilities to make your stay in Edenton more comfortable.
If you don’t bring your own boat, you can still enjoy a cruise on the waters of the Albemarle Sound with an excursion offered by Edenton Bay Cruises on the Liber-Tea.
Captain Mark will regale you with stories of Edenton’s history while you get a waterfront view of Edenton and our breathtaking sunsets!
There is an incredible amount of history that happened on the water and even in the water around Edenton, and a tour on the Liber-Tea allows you to gain a different perspective of Edenton’s maritime history.
Almost everything in Edenton is connected to the water with our town’s history inextricably linked to the ebb and flow of the Albemarle Sound.
You’ll learn the fascinating story of how Edenton residents dredged old cannons up from the bottom of the Albemarle Sound to defend themselves during the Civil War.
You’ll hear how enslaved people became expert sailors who could guide trading vessels that arrived in Edenton safely into the harbor, and themselves even escape to freedom through Edenton’s Maritime Underground Railroad.
And, if you listen closely, Captain Mark may reveal a secret about one tree out in the Albemarle Sound that used to hold rum and was frequented by sailors before they’d journey out of town.
The Liber-Tea is a unique six-seater boat with an eco-friendly all-electric engine that barely makes a whisper, perfect for a relaxing hour out on the water, especially after you’ve been walking around exploring the land-side of Edenton.
Weather permitting, you can pick up tickets for one of Captain Mark’s daily tours at the boat dock across from the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center.
You can also book a sunset cruise or private tour with Captain Mark!
If you’re really keen to get on the water, join the Edenton Sail Club on Thursday evenings down at the waterfront for a sailing lesson or rent a kayak at the Colonial Park office to explore Edenton’s waterways on your own time.
The Sail Club offers young and old the opportunity to learn more about sailing and try it out. You don’t need any experience to join in one evening for a sail lesson. All are welcome!
However, if you’d prefer to stay on land, the Albemarle Sound is also known as a great spot for fishermen and offers lots of different locations to try your hand at fishing.
In fact, Edenton hosted Major League Fishing’s 2024 Bass Pro Tour where dozens of professional fishermen enjoyed the local waterways and tributaries, catching many prize-winning fish!
While you’re visiting Edenton, why not try your hand at fishing in the Albemarle Sound?
Take advantage of our waterfront fishing pier at Downtown Edenton’s Colonial Park or at the Chowan River Fishing Pier nearby.
After enjoying a leisurely day around the water, grab a drink from The Herringbone on the Waterfront near Colonial Park and settle into a seat on the deck or around the firepit for the best views of Edenton’s magnificent sunsets over the water.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather outdoors!
Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors on the water or on land, Edenton has options for everyone to enjoy life on the Albemarle Sound this spring and summer!
We invite you to make plans to head to the “South’s Prettiest Small Town” this spring or summer.
You can take advantage of staying close to all of the outdoor options by booking one of our historical B&Bs right in the heart of downtown Edenton.
We hope to see you soon!
