This is a great tool to keep up with what’s happening in Elizabeth City, month by month. See more...

Now you don’t have to search for the latest; with our convenient email notification, it comes to you. Sign up now!

Fact Sheet

Download this page
MSWord document
Adobe PDF document

Location

Centrally located on the East Coast, Elizabeth City is situated in northeastern North Carolina halfway between Norfolk, VA, and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The approximately distance from the following cities is:

Norfolk, VA -- 49
Outer Banks, NC -- 50
Raleigh, NC -- 170
Washington, DC -- 245

How to Get There

Automobile access to Elizabeth City is available via:

U.S. Highway 17 North, from the South (Edenton, NC)
Interstate 64 East/U.S. Highway 17 South, from the North (Norfolk, VA)
Interstate 64 East/U.S. Highway 17 North, from West (Raleigh, NC)
Interstate 95 South/U.S. Highway 158 East/Highway 17 South, from West (Roanoke Rapids, NC)
U.S. Highway 158 West, from North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Air Transportation

The closest national airport is Norfolk (VA) International, located about 45 minutes from Elizabeth City. The Elizabeth City Regional Airport, with a 7,219-foot runway, can accommodate helicopters, Lear Jets and 747s.

Waterways

Bounded by the Great Dismal Swamp to the north and the Pasquotank River to the southeast, Elizabeth City is known as the “Harbor of Hospitality.” The city’s location on the Intracoastal Waterway makes it a popular stop for recreational boaters from around the world. On arrival, boaters may take advantage of 48-hour free dockage at Mariner’s Wharf and a host of nearby restaurants, shops, visitors center and attractions, all within walking distance.

Weather

Elizabeth City's climate is mild and comfortable throughout the year, with a low temperature of 32° F in January and a high of 89° F in July. To check daily weather forecasts, go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com

Elizabeth City — Nestled in History, Steeped in Charm

Located on the Pasquotank River, Elizabeth City has all of the charm and hospitality you’d expect in an authentic southern town. The Museum of the Albemarle, the northeastern regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, anchors one end of the downtown waterfront, while one-of-a-kind shops, antique stories, art galleries, restaurants and other attractions line the picturesque Main Street area. Elizabeth City has six National Register Historic Districts and is home to the Pasquotank Arts Council Gallery, Elizabeth City State University Planetarium and Port Discover Science Center. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp and the abundance of outdoor recreational offerings. Accommodations range from a variety of cozy B&Bs and small inns to recognized hotel chains and locally-owned and operated motels. Entertainment options abound, thanks to a variety of live theatre venues and a year-round roster of festivals and special events.

Meetings and Conferences

As the largest city in Northeast North Carolina, Elizabeth City is an ideal meeting site, offering a beautiful waterfront and convenient, centralized location. The city offers 670 hotel rooms and more than 30 venues throughout the community to accommodate groups, business conferences and events for 10 to 450 people that include society, military, education, religious and fraternal organizational meetings.

Awards and Recognitions

The Elizabeth City area is …

Featured in the book The 100 Best Small Towns in America by Norman Crampton.
Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live on the Coast.”
Cited as one of the top three best retirement towns by Retirement Lifestyles in the Carolinas magazine.
Known as the “Harbor of Hospitality” for the tradition of handing roses to visiting boaters.

Recognized by The North Carolina Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus with two 2007 Platinum Awards in the categories of print advertising and Web site creative. Elizabeth City Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Russ Haddad received the Association’s 2007 “Rising Star” Award for his role in driving the region’s tourism efforts.
Recognized by the National Park Service for three sites in its National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom program: the Pasquotank River (the first river in the United States to receive this distinction), the Elizabeth City State University Great Dismal Swamp Boardwalk Project and the Dismal Swamp State Park.

Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitor Bureau

For travel information and suggested itineraries, call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or (252) 335-5330 or go to www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com

Photo Credit: Main image in header, photo appears courtesy of ECSU/University Relations & Marketing.