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There’s no place quite like the Outer Banks. With its miles of sandy beaches, quaint towns, and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that this North Carolina barrier island is such a popular vacation and family-friendly destination.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone on an Outer Banks vacation.
Here are the top 28 things to do Outer Banks, North Carolina:
1. Enjoy The Outer Bank’s Best Beaches
You won’t be at a loss for fun beach time here. Choose from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head. All these beaches come with different feelings and activities.
If you love sand dunes, you’ll want to check out Jockey’s Ridge. If your family is more into fishing, then Nags Head is a great option with its pier and charter boats.
Of course, watersports are a must while you’re here. You can go kiteboarding, sailing, fishing, or even swimming with the dolphins at the OBX Marine Science Center.
2. Roanoke Island Festival Park
This is a great place to take the family for an educational day trip. It has interactive exhibits on the first floor of the Visitor’s Center and outdoor living history on the grounds.
Explore the Elizabeth II, a replica of one of the ships that brought English settlers to Roanoke Island in 1585. This ship is fully rigged and you can go on board for a small fee.
In the outdoor areas, some actors portray the daily life of an English colony. They demonstrate crafts, such as woodworking and pottery, and you can even try your hand at candle dipping.
There are also several special events held here throughout the year, like the Roanoke Island Festival of the Arts and the American Indian Heritage Celebration.
The Arts Festival is a great place to find unique gifts and original artwork, while the Indian Celebration is a fun way to learn about the Outer Banks’ native culture.
3. The Wright Brothers National Memorial
This is a must-see in Kill Devil Hills for anyone interested in aviation or American history. It commemorates Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first flight which took place on the Outer Banks in 1903.
Visitors can take a ranger-led tour of the grounds, see a replica of the Wright brothers’ camp, and even take a virtual reality tour of their historic flight. This memorial is also a great place to take in sweeping views of the Outer Banks.
4. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
This is the perfect place to enjoy a day of hiking, picnicking, or just taking in the stunning views in Nags Head. The area is home to the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast, and it’s a popular spot for hang gliding and kiteboarding.
Kiteboarding here is especially popular because of the strong winds that come off the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re new to the sport, there are several schools in the area that offer lessons.
There’s also a visitor center with interactive exhibits, and ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.
5. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Climb the 257 steps to the top of this iconic landmark for breathtaking 360-degree views of the island. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters off the Outer Banks since 1803. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in America.
You can also explore the nearby keeper’s quarters, which have been turned into a museum. Get here by taking a free ferry ride from Ocracoke Island.
6. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
This 156-foot tall lighthouse stands on the northernmost point of the Outer Banks in Corolla and has been in operation since 1875.
Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse, climb to the top, and enjoy views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors enjoy seeing the original Fresnel lens, which is still in working order.
7. The Lost Colony
This is a must-see for any history buff. The Lost Colony is an outdoor drama that tells the story of the English settlers who disappeared from Roanoke Island in 1587. According to history, no one knows what happened to these settlers, and the play offers several possible theories.
The play is performed every summer and is the longest-running symphonic drama in the United States. Since it is a seasonal play, check the website for performance dates and times.
Even when the play is not in session, learn more about this part of history at the on-site museum.
8. Whalehead Club
This historic landmark is a beautiful example of art deco architecture. The Whalehead Club was built in the 1920s as a private hunting club and now operates as a museum.
Visitors can take a tour of the mansion, grounds, and gardens. There are also several special events held here throughout the year, like concerts, art shows, and holiday celebrations.
9. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
This is a great place to hike, do birdwatching, or just enjoy the peace of nature. The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is the largest maritime forest on the East Coast.
The 2,400-acre preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Visitors love hiking the 12 miles of trails through the woods. Cost of admission is free.
10. Bodie Island Lighthouse
As you can see, there are a few lighthouses in the area. This 156-foot tall lighthouse was built in 1847 and is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the East Coast. It is a popular object of photography due to its black and white spiral stripes.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open for tours from April through October. There is also a visitor center and gift shop on site.
Climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Bodie Island, and the surrounding marshes.
11. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is a nature lover’s paradise. Pea Island is home to over 365 species of birds, and it’s a great place to hike, fish, or just enjoy the views. It is located on the southern tip of Hatteras Island.
There is also a visitor center with exhibits on the history and ecology of the area. The refuge is open year-round, and ranger-led programs are offered seasonally.
12. Roanoke Island Aquarium
If you are on vacation with kids, this is a great place to spend an afternoon. The Roanoke Island Aquarium is small but has a variety of sea life, including sharks, stingrays, and seahorses.
There is also a touch tank where kids can get up close and personal with some of the creatures. The aquarium is located on Roanoke Island and is open year-round.
One of the most popular attractions here is the 300-foot long boardwalk that takes you through a marsh habitat.
13. Hang Gliding
For the more adventurous, try hang gliding off the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This is the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast, and it’s a popular spot for hang gliding, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
Several companies offer lessons and rentals. Kitty Hawk Kites is the largest and most popular company in the area. They offer hang gliding lessons for all levels, as well as rentals.
14. Fishing
Whether you are an experienced angler or just want to try it for the first time, fishing is a popular activity in the Outer Banks. Several charter companies offer half-day and full-day trips.
You can also fish from the shore or from a pier. Some of the most popular spots for fishing include the Nags Head Pier, Jennette’s Pier, and the Oregon Inlet.
Consider renting one of the fishing charters in the area. You have many to choose from such as the Catch 22, which is a 56-foot long vessel that offers private and group charter fishing trips.
Crabbing
In addition to traditional fishing, you and the kids may enjoy crabbing. All you need is a crab net, bait, and a bucket. You can find all of these items at any bait and tackle shop in the area.
There are several spots where you can crab. One of the most popular is the Croatan Sound, which is located between Hatteras and Roanoke Islands. You can also crab from the piers in Nags Head and Manteo.
15. Shopping
The Outer Banks has several shopping districts with a variety of shops and boutiques. The most popular shopping areas are in Duck, Nags Head, and Corolla.
You’ll find everything from souvenir shops to art galleries to clothing stores. There are also several antique shops in the area.
One of the most popular places to shop is the Tanger Outlets. This outlet mall is located in Nags Head, and it features over 60 stores. Get there by taking the free shuttles that run from most of the major hotels in the area.
16. Eating Fresh Seafood
One of the best things about being on the coast is the fresh seafood. The Outer Banks has several seafood markets and restaurants that serve up local catches.
Head to the historic fishing village of Wanchese to visit the fish houses and see the boats come in with their catches of the day.
You can also buy fresh seafood to take home with you. Some of the markets in the area include the Wanchese Seafood Company, Lee’s Market, and the OBX Crab Shack.
Some of the most popular fish in the area include flounder, tuna, and clams. You can find these on the menu at most of the seafood restaurants in the Outer Banks.
17. Seeing Wild Horses
The Outer Banks is home to a herd of wild horses that roam freely on the beaches. These horses are descendants of Spanish mustangs that were brought over by explorers in the 16th century.
You can see these horses on the beaches of Corolla and Carova. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so that’s the best time to see them.
If you want to get up close and personal with the horses, several companies offer tours. These tours take you through the backcountry to see the horses in their natural habitat.
18. Hiking
There are several hiking trails in the Outer Banks, and they range from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Nags Head Woods Nature Trail, the Currituck Banks Reserve, and the Croatan National Forest.
If you want a challenge, hike to the top of Jockey’s Ridge. This sand dune is the tallest in the state, and it offers amazing views of the coast.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water with you on your hike. And, if you’re hiking in the summer, be sure to apply sunscreen and take breaks in the shade to stay cool.
19. Going to the Movies
There are two movie theaters in the Outer Banks, and they’re both located in Kill Devil Hills. The Cinema Cafe is a popular spot, and it offers a full menu of food and drinks. You can order your food and drinks at your seat, and they’ll bring it to you during the movie.
The other theater in Kill Devil Hills is the KDH Outdoor Movies. This theater shows movies on a giant screen, and you can watch from the comfort of your own car.
If you want to see a movie under the stars, this is the place to go.
20. Taking a Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for a spooky activity, take a ghost tour. These tours take you to some of the most haunted places in the Outer Banks.
The tours typically take place at night, and they include stops at cemeteries, haunted houses, and other spooky locations.
One of the most popular tours is the Ghosts of Kill Devil Hills tour. This tour takes you to some of the most haunted places in Kill Devil Hills, including the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Roanoke Island Festival Park.
21. Taking a Bike Ride
With over 100 miles of paved bike paths, the Outer Banks is a great place to go for a ride. You can explore the area on your own, or you can join a guided tour.
If you want to explore on your own, rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the area.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a surrey and pedal your way around town. Just be sure to stay on the dedicated bike paths, as cars are not allowed on these roads.
22. Cruises
One of the best things about being near the water is that you can take a cruise. There are several cruises to choose from, and they range from dinner cruises to sunset cruises.
If you want to learn about the history of the Outer Banks, take a lighthouse cruise. These cruises take you to see some of the most famous lighthouses in the area, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
And, if you’re looking for a romantic activity, take a sunset cruise. These cruises are typically shorter than other types of cruises, and they offer a beautiful view of the sunset.
Want to see some dolphins? Take a dolphin-watching cruise. These cruises take you out on the water to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
23. Learning How to Surf
The Outer Banks is a great place to learn how to surf with its gentle waves and sandy beaches. There are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all levels.
Surf’s Up OBX is one of the most popular surf schools, and they offer group and private lessons. You can also rent a board for the day if you want to try it on your own.
24. Golfing
If you are a golfer, you will be happy to know that the Outer Banks has several golf courses. The courses in the area range from beginner-friendly to challenging.
Some of the most popular courses include the Kilmarlic Golf Club, Nags Head Golf Links, and the Currituck Club.
If you like mini golf, there are several courses to choose from as well. Putt-Putt Fun Center and Jungle Golf are two of the most popular places to play.
25.Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe
For a unique experience, visit the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe. It is the only remaining life-saving station in North Carolina, and it is a National Historic Landmark.
The station was built in 1874, and it was used to rescue shipwrecked sailors. Today, it is a museum that you can tour. Bring home memories and purchase souvenirs and gifts in the gift shop.
The museum is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it is free to visit.
26. Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island is a small island off the coast of North Carolina. It is only accessible by ferry, and it is a popular destination for visitors to the Outer Banks.
The island is home to several restaurants, shops, and galleries. You can also find a number of historic sites, including the Ocracoke Lighthouse and the British Cemetery.
If you want to stay on the island, there are several hotels and vacation rentals to choose from.
27. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see some of the area’s wildlife. The refuge is home to black bears, bobcats, deer, and alligators. It has 164,000 acres of land for you to explore.
There are several trails that you can hike, and there are also canoe and kayak rentals available. There is also a boardwalk that takes you through the wetlands. Take advantage of eco-tours to learn more about the refuge and its wildlife.
The refuge is open year-round, and there is no charge to visit.
28. Avon Fishing Pier
The Avon Fishing Pier is a great place to catch some fish. The completely wooden bridge is 600 feet long and was built in 1963. It was the first pier constructed on Hatteras Island.
Today it attracts fishermen from all over the United States who want to catch one of the huge red drum fish in the area.
The pier is open daily in the spring and fall from 6 am – 10 pm. You can also buy bait and tackle at the pier house.
In conclusion, there are many great things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Whether you want to spend your time on the beach, exploring the area’s history, or getting out on the water, you will find plenty of activities to keep you busy. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Outer Banks today!
