Beaufort, N.C. — The quaint, historic waterfront of Beaufort, a town of about 4,000 on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, is a major attraction for visitors.

"I come down here every day and walk, look at the sights and the pretty girls," said Larry Taylor, who is enjoying his retirement in Beaufort.

The self-described old-timer said there's something special about strolling along the waterfront.

"It just calms you down. There is wildlife out there, dolphins and porpoise," Taylor said.

For a switch from boats, you can check out the historic homes along Beaufort's tree-lined streets.

Beaufort embraces its pirate history – the notorious Blackbeard and his crew frequented the port in the 1700s.

These days, boats from around the country and the globe find safe harbor there. The yacht and fishing crowd stroll along the docks and shop-lined streets.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum, on Front Street, teaches about the state's rich boating history. On display are a Fresnel lens specially made to cast beams far from lighthouses; a wildlife exhibit; thousands of seashells; relics from Blackbeard's ship, the "Queen Anne's Revenge;" and boats from dugout canoes to sailing skiffs.

"It's free, so it's well worth it," said Susan Deeny, whose family had traveled from Raleigh. "And it's air conditioned."