Washington has always been a “sea-to-table” kind of town. Nestled in North Carolina’s Inner Banks, along one of the largest estuaries in the United States, Washington boasts a thriving seafood industry and generations of culinary tradition. Whether you want to catch your own seafood or savor a dish prepared by a James Beard Award–nominated chef, the Washington Seafood Trail offers a taste of the best the region has to offer.
From Sea to Table
From fresh oysters and locally caught seafood to coastal-inspired dishes and neighborhood favorites, Washington, NC’s Seafood Trail celebrates the flavors that make the Inner Banks special. Explore local restaurants, savor the catch of the day, and discover the people and places keeping Washington’s seafood traditions alive. Whether you’re craving an oyster bar, a waterfront-inspired dining experience, or a classic seafood shack, there’s a taste of Little Washington waiting for you.
Down on Mainstreet
This is the locals favorite lunch spot for a reason. Friendly, casual, and bustling with people, Down on Main Street runs a tight ship during its lunch service. Order up some shrimp and fried cheese grits, grilled tuna, crab cakes, or citrus grilled salmon. All the seafood is brought in daily and served with crushed ice in your sweet tea to make for a satisfying tasty, midday break. Don’t worry if there’s a line, it moves pretty quick.
Home to James Beard nominee Chef Jamie Davis, the Hackney offers visitors a true Sea to Table experience. The menu changes almost daily based upon the freshest produce and the catch of the day. From tuna and grouper to shrimp, oysters and the sweetest blue crabs, each dish is prepared with bold flavors, using different techniques to really let the ingredients shine and speak for themselves. Have one of those meals that you will be thinking about for years to come.
Come hungry and get ready to get your seafood fix at Slammin Sammy’s! This local favorite serves up oysters, shrimp, flounder, crab and other coastal classics in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Whether you’re cracking into a plate of seafood, enjoying oysters at the bar, or settling in for a cold drink and a game, Slammin Sammy’s brings together good food, local flavor and the laid-back spirit of Washington.
Make a stop at The Stubborn Mule, where Washington’s coastal character comes to the table. This downtown oyster bar celebrates the bounty of North Carolina’s waters with fresh oysters, seafood favorites, and coastal-inspired dishes served alongside a full bar and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re settling in for oysters on the half shell, chargrilled oysters, or a hearty seafood dinner, The Stubborn Mule is a delicious way to experience the flavors of the coast in the heart of Washington.
If you love seafood then you are going to love the Washington Crab and Seafood Shack. Fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, and more cooked to order. Everything is freshly caught, and you can taste it. So what will it be? Low country boil, bacon wrapped sea scallops, fried oyster burger, seared tuna. Maybe a combo plate is in order.
Whether you’re gearing up for a day on the water or bringing the flavors of the coast home, Washington, NC, has you covered. Cast off and explore local bait and tackle shops stocked for your next fishing adventure, or browse fresh seafood markets filled with local favorites. From rods and reels to fresh-caught seafood, discover the local businesses that help make every coastal experience a little more memorable.
Eastside Bait and Tackle
Eastside Bait and Tackle can help you channel your need to bait, cast, hook, and reel. This is a full service tackle shop that caters to the needs of brackish and salt water: inshore and offshore. They offer lures and lines for anything from hickory shad inshore to blue marlin offshore. Come here first and that fish doesn’t have a prayer.
Warren’s Sport Headquarters Is here to keep you honest. They can tell you what fish are in season. They can set you up with the correct rods, reels and lines you need to reel in the big one. The rest of the day comes down to a little talent, lots of luck or a convincing story about what might have been.
If you are better with a shopping cart than you are with a fishing rod, Washington Crab is the place for you. Every day their market offers fresh fish (whole and filets), blue crabs, crabmeat, shrimp, oysters (shelled and shucked) clams, crab legs, crab cakes, lobsters, and much more. Shop the local market or order online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Eat like you’re on vacation in Washington, even when you’re not.
From peaceful paddles to adventures across the Pamlico River, Washington, NC, offers plenty of ways to get out on the water. Rent a kayak, canoe, or boat to explore scenic waterways, take in waterfront views, and discover the wildlife that makes the Inner Banks special. Want to dive deeper into the region’s coastal environment? Visit the North Carolina Estuarium to learn about the unique estuary that shapes our waterways, wildlife, and way of life. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing day on the river, your next waterfront experience awaits in Little Washington.
Inner Banks & Moss Landing Marina
Sail the same waterways as the infamous pirate Blackbeard and experience all that the Pamlico River has to offer. Located in Moss Landing Marina, Pamlico Boat offers many options to get out on the water. Rent a deck boat or Pontoon if you want to fish or swim. Grab a kayak or canoe if you feel like exploring the coastline. Or, take your chance on a paddle board if you need a good core workout.
Get out and explore the Inner Banks from the water with Inner Banks Outfitters. Paddle through Washington’s waterways and experience the Pamlico River up close, with opportunities to spot wildlife, take in waterfront views, and discover the natural beauty surrounding the city. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or looking for a new way to explore, it’s an easy way to make your Washington adventure a little more memorable.
Discover the waters behind Washington’s seafood story at the North Carolina Estuarium. Explore more than 200 exhibits showcasing the Pamlico River, coastal wildlife, and the unique estuary where fresh and saltwater meet. From live aquatic life and interactive displays to artifacts from the region’s watermen, the Estuarium offers a deeper look at the waters that have shaped Washington’s seafood culture for generations.
Take your adventure to the water with River Vibes Kayak Rentals. Grab a kayak and explore Washington from a whole new perspective as you paddle along the Pamlico River and its surrounding waterways. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing paddle, a little adventure, or a chance to soak up the scenery, River Vibes makes it easy to get on the water and experience the coastal side of Washington.
Make yourself at home in Little Washington, where Southern charm, small-town hospitality, and unique accommodations make it easy to stay a while. Drop anchor at a cozy inn, unwind after a day of exploring, and wake up ready for another taste of the Inner Banks. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer escape, When Pigs Fly Inn and Little Inn on Main offer inviting places to settle in and experience Washington at your own pace.
Little Inn on Main
Little Inn on Main offers boutique accommodations in the heart of Washington, North Carolina's Historic Harbor District. Just steps from the scenic waterfront, our location provides easy access to downtown shops, galleries, restaurants, and attractions.
Nestled in the beautiful historic district of Washington, your room at the When Pigs Fly Inn (located in the historic Frank A. Moss House) is a four-minute walk to, well... everything The waterfront boardwalk, the Civic Center, and the Washington Harbor District with its quaint shops and restaurants
Washington has always been a “sea to table” kind of town. Its geographical location on the Pamlico Sound, one of the largest estuaries on Earth, has provided…
Discover Washington, NC’s great outdoors, where the natural beauty of the Inner Banks invites you to slow down, explore, and find your next adventure. From paddling…
Making your first trip to Little Washington? Let this be your guide to experience what makes Washington so unique and staple as a waterfront community on the Inner banks of…
Calling all history buffs! Your next adventure starts in the "Original" Washington. Wander through historic buildings, museums and waterfront landmarks, as you…
