The Outer Banks offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy:
Outdoor and Water Activities
- Spend time on the pristine beaches, such as Kill Devil Hills, Corolla Beach, Nags Head Beach, Kitty Hawk, Duck Beach, and Ocracoke Island’s Lifeguard Beach, known for clean sand and gentle waves ideal for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding
- Engage in water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, and surfing
- Charter fishing boats or try pier and beach fishing at one of the seven piers, including Jennette’s Pier and Avon Fishing Pier
- Take dolphin watching tours or explore the waters by boat
- Drive on the beach in an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) or go horseback riding along the shore
- Bike the extensive 105 miles of terrain or hike hidden trails and sand dunes, including Jockey’s Ridge State Park, famous for sandboarding, kite flying, and hang gliding
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Visit historic lighthouses such as Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Currituck Lighthouse, many offering climbs for panoramic views and museums on local history
- Explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial with indoor and outdoor exhibits about aviation history
- Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to learn about shipwrecks off the coast
- Experience the outdoor drama depicting Indigenous Peoples’ stories or stroll through tranquil gardens with historical ambiance
Wildlife and Nature
- Explore wildlife refuges like Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, offering paddling trails, wildlife drives, and birding opportunities
- See the famous wild Spanish mustangs roaming freely on Corolla Beach, with guided tours available for safe viewing
Other Experiences
- Enjoy local dining and nightlife, such as Fish Heads Bar and Grill and Outer Banks Brewing Station
- Visit charming towns like Manteo for shopping, walking tours, and cultural experiences
- Take aerial tours by airplane, helicopter, or biplane for unique island views
These activities ensure a rich blend of adventure, relaxation, history, and nature for any visitor to the Outer Banks
