Keep it Cool When Summer Sizzles in Elizabeth City

Our unique geographic location on the Inner Banks of North Carolina offers easy access to water and we love to take full advantage of it! When the temperature rises, cool down in Elizabeth City with these fun summertime outings.

Summertime Sailing

Sailing is a fun watersport for people of all ages. River City Community Sailing offers sailing camp for the kids (ages 8 - 16) and adult classes too! No matter your experience level, you can get out on the water and learn how to be the master of your own sails. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the riverfront, learn a new skill, and have tons of fun doing it!

Spaces are limited so make sure you register and reserve yours now! If you prefer a private lesson, River City Community Sailing has you covered. From May - October, they offer private and semi-private lessons so you can get the full, hands-on experience.

Check out our event calendar for more information and opportunities.

 

 

Kayak the Waterways

One of the best places to take in the beauty of our waterways is on a kayak, and there are so many places to do it! Whether you enjoy fishing or just coasting through the creek, Elizabeth City has you covered. 

Here are 5 of the best places to kayak around Elizabeth City.

Don't have a kayak of your own? No problem! You can rent kayaks at Pelican Marina, the Dismal Swamp State Park visitors center, Merchants Millpond State Park visitors center, or even go on a guided kayaking tour with Native Girl Kayaking or Captain Jeff from Albemarle Fishing Charters!

 

Splash Pad

Travelling with little ones in tow? They'll love a day at the splash pad!

While the smaller kids enjoy playing in the water, the older kids will love the basketball courts, baseball fields, and skateboard park! As for the adults, you can sit at the nearby tables under the canopy and relax. Once everyone is good and tired, take a short stroll to Sonic (located at the entrance to Corsair Circle) for a tasty frozen treat.

Note: Elizabeth City has two splash pads: Enfield Park and Fun Junktion (splash pad temporarily closed).

 

 

Rowing on the River

Elizabeth City is excited to add rowing to the list of fun activities on the waterfront in 2020! River City Community Sailing is bringing the sport to the Pasquotank River this summer with classes and camps including Rowing 101 - an hour and a half long beginner level lesson. If you're only in town for a short time, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the water and get your daily exercise in at the same time.

 

 

Party on a Pontoon

Round up a few of your best buddies or make it a day of riverfront fun with the family. You can rent a pontoon boat from The Pelican Marina and spend the day on the water enjoying the warm weather and good company. Stay dry on the boat or take a dip in the river to cool off. My personal favorite river activity involves just three things: a rope to tie off, an inner tube, and an ice cold drink. After your day of fun on the river, dock near Paradiso Roma Ristorante and enjoy a drink and dinner on the deck overlooking the water.

 

Cool Off With a Sweet Treat

And last but certainly not least...this one isn't water related, but can you really turn down dessert? No matter which part of town you're in, Elizabeth City has a sweet treat right around the corner.

On the North side of town is Nu-Quality Ice Cream. Established right here in Elizabeth City in 1960, this cute shop is a local and visitor favorite! One of the best things about it is their pet-friendly approach. Your fur-baby can get their own scoop of ice cream and some milk bones to enjoy with you.

If you're near the bypass, swing by Berri-Licious Frozen Yogurt Bar for tons of toppings and a rotation of frozen yogurt flavors to satisfy everyone's tastebuds. To top it all off (pun intended), if you're hungry you can even grab something more substantial like a freshly-made sandwich or a hot dog.

Right down the street from the waterfront and splash pad is another sweet stop, La Michoacana Jalisco. They use fresh ingredients in everything from their handmade ice cream to tamales. If you're looking for something unique, you've got to try their mouth-watering churro split!

Summer is always a good time in Elizabeth City, especially if you love the outdoors. Next time you visit, stay cool with these fun activities and don't forget to tag us in your Elizabeth City adventures on Instagram with #VisitECity!

 

Looking for more things to do and places to see in Elizabeth City? Check out our Insider's Guide Blog for a local's perspective on why EC is a great place to visit any time of year!

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