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Downtown Holidays
First Friday ArtWalk
Visiting Downtown Elizabeth City
Parking
Free 2-hour street parking is available on most downtown streets, and some businesses and organizations have their own parking lots. Public parking lots include the following lot addresses:
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Mariner's Wharf Park - 202 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC
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Waterfront Park - 508 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC
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Church Street Lot 1 - 401 N Water St, Elizabeth City, NC
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Church Street Lot 2 - 309 S Poindexter St, Elizabeth City, NC
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North MLK Lot - 216 N MLK Jr St, Elizabeth City, NC
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North Poindexter Lot - 219 N Poindexter St, Elizabeth City, NC
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Parking -- There are 2165 parking spaces in the Downtown Central Business District.
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875 free public parking spots - 418 in public lots and 457 parallel spots.
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880 free spaces in lots available for specific businesses/parks (Ex: Museum of the Albemarle, Harbor Centre, Charles Creek Park)
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276 Private Commercial spaces
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134 Private Residential spaces
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More spaces will be added with the Water Street Transformation Project and the Water Street Road Diet Project.
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Accommodations
From hotels to charming bed & breakfasts to Airbnb's, there are plenty of places to stay here! Click here to learn more!
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Full Downtown Business Directory
A full listing of our downtown businesses with contact information.
Directions
If you don't have an exact address to navigate to Elizabeth City Downtown, we recommend using the Mariners' Wharf Park address at 202 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. There is free parking at this address. Please note that Water Street is closed for major events like the NC Potato Festival and the Coast Guard Marathon. In those events, please follow signs for public parking options.
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From the Outer Banks, head West on US-158, turning left at Barco to stay on 158 until you cross the drawbridge. Turn left at the intersection at the foot of the drawbridge (onto Water Street), or you may turn left onto Poindexter, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, or N. Road Street to enter the Downtown area.
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From Virginia, head south on US-17 then take Exit 264 for Elizabeth City. Turn Left on Elizabeth St, and the Downtown District is on your right before the drawbridge.
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From Wilmington or Southeastern NC, take I-40 North to NC-11 North to US-264 East, to NC-903 N, then Hwy-64/17 North to Elizabeth City. Stay to the Right at the 17-Bypass fork to enter Elizabeth City, then turn Right onto Elizabeth Street. The Downtown District is on your right before the drawbridge.
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There are a series of Wayfinding signs as you enter from each direction that will also help guide you to the Downtown and Waterfront area.
History
In the 18th century, Elizabeth City emerged as a bustling trading hub along the Pasquotank River. Starting as a small community around what is now the Drawbridge, with the opening of the Dismal Swamp Canal in 1793, commerce in Elizabeth City flourished. Officially named in 1801, the city owes its moniker to Elizabeth "Betsy" Tooley, a local tavern owner who generously donated land for its development.
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Elizabeth City played a strategic role in the Underground Railroad and during the Civil War. The Pasquotank River, the first river in the country to receive an Underground Railroad Network designation, was an artery to safety in the Great Dismal Swamp or to freedom in the North. Following the Battle of Roanoke Island in 1862, Union forces swiftly took control of the city, maintaining dominance over coastal North Carolina for the duration of the conflict.
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In the early 20th century, Elizabeth City's economy saw another surge, driven by the expansion of railroads and port activities. This growth continued into World War II when the city became home to vital military installations. The establishment of Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City in 1940 and Navy Air Station Weeksville in 1941 provided crucial surveillance against German U-boats along the East Coast. Additionally, the Elizabeth City Shipyard played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing numerous subchasers in record time.
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With over 350 years of history, there's so much to learn and explore in Elizabeth City! Check out the VisitEC history page for more information and walking tours or visit the Museum of the Albemarle for more regional history.
Happy Hour with Friends
If you’re looking for a Happy Hour spot with friends, we’ve got the perfect place for you somewhere downtown! 2 Souls Wine Bar brings you wine, beer, specialty spirits, charcuterie boards, and moments spent with the people you love. At Seven Sounds Brewery, you can enjoy the bustling taproom with their brews (and wine and spirits), or take in views of the water from the rooftop deck or the family-friendly biergarten. Outside food is welcome! Ghost Harbor Brewing Company is Elizabeth City's first microbrewery and a great craft beer experience. Relax and enjoy the sweet life at J'Mellee's Jamaican Restaurant & Daiquiri Lounge. At Juniper, enjoy an elegant atmosphere and hand-crafted cocktails, located off Historic Pailin's Alley. Coaster's Downtown Draught House is a favorite Cheers-style watering hole for locals with a large selection of beers on tap, as well as spirit options and wine. Pine & Porch offers home decor and a cozy bar indoors that serves craft beer, mimosas, and more with an outdoor music space. For a more action-filled evening, visit Kin’Folk Axe Throwing and enjoy the bar and a variety of fun, including axe throwing (of course!), rage rooms, cornhole, pool, and arcade games! If you want food with your drinks, try the high tops and bars at SAGOS on the River, Hoppin’ Johnz, The Bistro Burger Bar, Allecious, or Tooley’s Tavern at the Boathouse. A unique experience can be had patio-style at River City Biergarten (limited days/hours) located in the Historic River City Lodge.
Coffee with the Locals
Coffee is a must-have for many of us, so our coffee houses are a great place to mingle with locals. Just don’t get between us and the caffeine. ;-) Muddy Waters roasts their own coffee beans on-site making the downtown smell amazing all morning! They feature career baristas with decades of experience, made-from-scratch treats, and a great drinks menu. The Kraken Coffee House offers a fun atmosphere and a bounty of coffees, boba teas, and more. They've also just started their own bean roasting (off-site). A little bit pirate, a little bit sea monster, they have a variety of coffee alternatives and add-ons, including CBD oil, mushroom coffee, turmeric drinks, and seamoss lattes. The SweetEasy is an artisanal bakery and sweets shop located inside the beautiful historic Virginia Dare Arcade with delicious desserts and the hot (or iced!) coffee drinks to go with them! If tea is more your style, make reservations at Main Street Tea House for a British-style afternoon tea, served with scones, clotted cream, and other seasonal goodies.
Shrimp & Grits Trail
Celebrate Shrimp & Grits, a traditional dish of the coastal Carolinas, with our trail of deliciousness through Downtown Elizabeth City. See if you can try them all! Start with waterfront seating at SAGOS on the River, which serves Shrimp & Grits for Sunday Brunch and as a seasonal special. Next enjoy this coastal classic when it’s a Daily Special (a fresh catch!) at Cypress Creek Grill. Next on the trail, Tooley’s Tavern offers Cajun Shrimp & Grits all year long. For breakfast or lunch, stop in at Colonial Café and try their Charleston-style shrimp over cheese grits. If it’s Tuesday, you’ll want to visit Allecious for their Shrimp & Grits Tuesday Special. Visit The Bistro Burger Bar for brunch on Saturday or Sunday to try their "colossal" shrimp and polenta cakes with chorizo sausage gravy. Enjoy the southern vibes at Hoppin’ Johnz, serving Shrimp & Grits as a seasonal entree. Finish your trail back on the waterfront with a view from the other side of the river, with Shrimp & Grits at Proof aka Paridiso Roma Ristorante.
Burger Trail
For the burger lovers, we have a dining trail of deliciousness! Start with the Single Rose caprese-style burger at Proof (formerly Paradiso) and enjoy their waterfront dining. Cross the bridge to visit Hoppin’ Johnz and devour their Smokehouse Burger with bourbon barbecue sauce and tobacco onions. The Bistro Burger Bar has a whole slew of 1/4 lb beef, lamb, portobello, or chicken burgers to choose from. Blue cheese lovers will enjoy the chargrilled Black & Blue Burger from Allecious Restaurant. Don’t miss the Jameson Jam Burger with made-from-scratch bacon & onion Jameson jam at Tooley’s Tavern. Your final burger is the Butcher Smashburger from SAGOS on the River - enjoy your burger while you take in the harbor view.
International Influences
Embark on a global culinary journey without ever leaving Downtown Elizabeth City with our array of international restaurants. Dive into the Mexican flavors of Big Boss Burritos, indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine at Toyama, or experience the vibrant spices of Jamaica at J’Mellee’s Jamaican Restaurant & Daiquiri Lounge. Craving Italian? Savor the rich palate of Proof’s cuisine, or opt for a taste of Naples with Elizabeth City Pizza Co.'s Neapolitan-style pizza. Cozy up with traditional British pub fare at Tooley’s Tavern or make reservations at Main Street Tea House. Enjoy southern New Orleans tastes at Hoppin' Johnz new South Cuisine.
A Day with the Kids
There’s lots to do for families with children in Downtown Elizabeth City! Sign them up for music lessons at Viking Sound Studio, acting lessons at Arts of the Albemarle, dance lessons at Meraki Academy of Dance, or art lessons at Studio 511! If you want a fun day trip without lessons, pop in to Lily Pad Pottery, a paint-your-own-pottery studio–they provide the pottery, paint, brushes, and kiln, you just show up and paint! Afterwards, walk on over to Port Discover, a children’s hands-on STEM center that includes a flight simulator, racing boats, and more!
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Kid-friendly food options include the Colonial Cafe, serving classic American breakfast foods like pancakes, biscuits, and bacon (open for breakfast and lunch only), Big Boss Burritos serving Mexican-inspired street food with their “Baby Boss” menu, The Coop offering chicken wings, tenders, hot dogs, and tater tots, and Elizabeth City Pizza Company for a classic pizza. After your meal, grab some yummy desserts at The SweetEasy!
On a budget? You’ll want to enjoy one of our many free options. Tour the exhibits at the Museum of the Albemarle, visit a story time at Pasquotank County Library, check out the Parks & Rec schedule of events for free downtown fun, enjoy a stroll along the river at Waterfront Park & Mariners’ Wharf, or let the kids play at Charles Creek Park Playground & Boardwalk.
Try Something New
You're looking for something unique and memorable, so try one of these Downtown Elizabeth City options! Divine Illumination Holistic Healing is a center for healers from all over to share their gifts, medicines, and modalities with you. Try a chakra cleanse, sound bath, guided meditation, and much more. The Electric Garden offers an electrifying taste experience with organic cold press juices, smoothies, and smoothie bowls in a Jamaican-influenced environment. Shop at Jade Whale Co., a skate emporium with unique gifts and crystals - they've got something fun for everyone! Step into a carefully curated jungle at Roots Plant Company, a plant nursery specializing in tropical houseplants, specialty soils, plant accessories, and expert advice for plant moms and dads. Make an appointment at Haven Mental Wellness & Sacred Healing Space for yoga therapy, halotherapy (salt), or ancestral healing.
Try Something Old-Fashioned
Step into Downtown Elizabeth City's nostalgic charm! Explore eclectic vinyl records, mouthwatering candies, and classic American fare. Discover vintage treasures at All the Things and find hidden gems in their Man Cave or the wonders of the SciFi area—all at steal prices. Start your day right at Colonial Café for classic breakfast delights or make reservations at Main Street Tea House hosts elegant tea parties. Dive into music history at Shut Up & Listen Records or savor locally sourced meats at My Corner Butcher, housed in a 1918 warehouse on the National Register of Historic Places. Unleash your culinary creativity at Kitchen Kuriosities with unique kitchen gadgets, vintage cookware, and more.
Boutique Trail
Dive into a shopping adventure at Downtown Elizabeth City’s eclectic boutique shops, each with its own distinct style and prepare for a day of retail therapy! Cozy Carolina is your go-to for all things cute and cozy! Find the perfect outfit, accessories, and charming home goods here. Enjoy the stylish setting and Instagramable dressing room at Water’s Edge Boutique with women's clothing and accessories. Stay ahead of the fashion curve with Latitude 36’s trendy clothing inside the historic Waterworks building. Explore Bijoux Vibes for chic women's clothing and frills, including a hat bar for the perfect finishing touch. Jade Whale Co. will immerse you in skate culture and unique gifts, including crystals and one-of-a-kind items. Embrace coastal vibes at Small Town Trendz with laid-back beachwear and stylish urban attire, featuring popular brands. At Lazzy Frog, find casual clothing for the whole family, plus practical accessories and gifts. At Copper Canyon Soap Co you can indulge in luxurious hand-made soaps, candles, bath bombs, and skincare products. Eclectic Jewelry will help you elevate your ensemble with estate, handcrafted, and unusual jewelry pieces, along with personalized services. Discover the right gown for any occasion at Emerald Rose Couture, along with rental and alteration services.
Public Areas & Parks
Parks
1. Waterfront Park: 508 S Water St
2. Coast Guard Park: 710 Riverside Ave
3. Charles Creek Park: 719 Riverside Ave
4. College/Dog Corner Park: 600 Southern Ave
5. Mariners' Wharf: 501 S Water St
6. Moth Boat Park: 799 E Main St
7. Pool Street Park: 299 E Main St
8. Veterans' Park: 222 N Water St
Alleys
9. Pailin's Alley: runs between Colonial Ave & Elizabeth St
10. Fowler Alley: runs between Colonial and Water
11. Ives Alley: runs between Poindexter & McMorrine
Public Art Projects
The Downtown area is a proud supporter of the arts and currently showcases 20 public art projects, as well as 34 bike racks by local artists.
Main to Main Trail
Elizabeth City is part of the statewide, NC Main to Main Trail. The trail is a unique way to experience North Carolina communities. Since 1980, the State of North Carolina has been selecting cities and towns of all sizes to carry the distinction as designated North Carolina Main Street communities. The NC Main to Main Trail leads you through the state’s designated Main Street communities, highlighting each town’s best downtown and outdoor experiences.
Learn more: NC Main to Main Trail
About our NC Main to Main Trail Region - Northeast
This 17-county region includes the Outer Banks and the Inner Banks, an area that surrounds the Albemarle Sound, and the rivers that flow through northeastern North Carolina. Home to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and some of the oldest small towns in the state, the slower pace of the region makes it an ideal place to stroll through downtown districts, enjoy the fresh catch of the day or North Carolina oysters, frequent the shops and restaurants, and learn about the river lighthouses and the unique history of the communities. While there, learn about the agricultural history, make sure to experience the fishing, boating, and waterway cultures, enjoy hiking, cycling, and kayaking through the natural environment, and catch the brogue of the locals that call the Northeast region of North Carolina home.
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Learn more: Northeast Region | NC Main Street | Main to Main Trail
