The 20 Best things to do In Outer Banks, North Carolina

Spotting and Photographing the Ghost Crab in Carova and Corolla beach

Are you searching for a perfect vacation destination gateway? The North Carolina Outer Banks is the best to relax and unwind. So, what things can you do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina? You can go fishing, bird watching, and camping. Moreover, you can visit the chain of islands, beaches, national parks, and museums. Here are the 20 things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Cape Hatteras

20. Going for Sun Bathing, Camping, Kite Flying at the Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras is designated as a National Seashore found on Hatteras Island. It has a beautiful beach where you can sunbathe as you lazy around. You can also engage in more active adventures, such as fishing or kayaking. Moreover, you can engage in kite flying in Cape Hatteras. It was here that the Wright Brothers’ airplane first flew. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will enjoy camping spots that accommodate motor homes, trailers, and tents. You will sleep as you listen to the wave sounds. Moreover, you can explore the beach as you drive through the offside shore.

Manteo

19. Visiting the Elizabethan Gardens for Bird Watching and Statues in Fort Raleigh’s Historic site in Manteo

The garden opened in 1960. It is an excellent place to spend your afternoons. As you stroll the garden, you will see various beautiful flowers blooming during different seasons. Moreover, you will encounter canopy trees that provide a great bird-watching site. The Elizabethan Gardens have exquisite sculptures that symbolize the history of the locals. The garden also has a British monarch bronze statue detailing all her power. Moreover, you will see the “child Virginia” statue; she was the first English child to be born in America. However, around 1590 she and her family mysteriously vanished.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

18. Going for a Photo-shoot and climbing the 220 steps at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Currituck lighthouse was built in 1875 and is found in Historic Corolla Village. According to Travel US, ships encountered a blindspot before the lighthouse on Virginia’s Cape Henry and Bodie Island. As you tour this lighthouse, you will climb 220 steps to reach the top. The top of the lighthouse has beautiful views, and you can pause for pictures as you enjoy the view. Moreover, the lighthouse is functional and directs incoming boats. There is also a gift shop where you can buy nautical-themed souvenirs. You will also notice that the exterior of the lighthouse has no painting. It still maintains the original color of the bricks. Moreover, schools are always visiting on weekdays. To have quality time when visiting the lighthouse, go during weekends.

North Carolina Aquarium to watch Sharks and Otters

17. Touring the North Carolina Aquarium to watch Sharks and Otters

If you are touring the Outer Banks and want an indoor fun activity you can engage in, look no further. The North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores is the perfect place to spend your time. Moreover, the Outer Banks has four aquariums no matter where you are; there is always an aquarium near you. In this aquarium, you will spot sharks swimming up and beneath you. You will feel their movement when you touch the glass for a few seconds. Moreover, you will also marvel at the beautiful otters that enjoy splashing through the waterfalls.

National Memorial of Wright Brothers to View the Spot Where the First Flight Took off

16. Visiting the National Memorial of Wright Brothers to View the Spot Where the First Flight Took off

The National Memorial of the Wright Brothers is a reminder and a tribute to Orville and Wilbur. They were the first people to succeed in airplane flight in 1903. As you tour this center, you will see exhibits and films that will educate you about the story of the Wright Brothers. You will also see the first flight line, flight boulder, and where the first flight took off. You will also tour the brothers’ camp, the airplane hangar, and the monument of the Wright Brothers located on Kill Devil Hill. Moreover, you will see the Wright Flyer sculpture of 1903.

Longest Running Play of Lost Colony on Roanoke Island

15. Watching the Longest Running Play of Lost Colony on Roanoke Island

It is also called the Roanoke Colony. It is an English Colony established in 1587; however, in less than three years, it mysteriously vanished. According to Shorelineobx, the play has been running since 1937. It usually runs r from May to August each year at the Waterside Theater. Nobody knows what happened to this English Colony of 117 people. Therefore, the theatrical team recreates the story every year and acts it at the same site or location they used to occupy. Moreover, you must buy tickets in advance because this play is popular.

Park of Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head to Enjoy Walking in the Sand Dune

14. Visiting the State Park of Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head to Enjoy Walking in the Sand Dune

If walking in the dune has been on your bucket list, you must visit this park. You will have an unforgettable experience walking with bare feet on the tall natural dune. The dune can have a height of 100 feet depending on the wind gust. From the dune’s peak, you will see the ocean on the right and the Roanoke sound on the left. Moreover, the way you experience the dune is your choice. You may do walks, have a romantic kiss with your partner, have a picnic, or have twirls.

Attending the Kite Festival in Nags Head to Fly Some Kites and Watch the Kite Performances

13. Attending the Kite Festival in Nags Head to Fly Some Kites and Watch the Kite Performances

If you like going to events, you must attend the Kite Festival. The Kitty Hawk Kites are the ones responsible for organizing this festival. Moreover, the festival normally happens in September with a lot of attendees.

You can bring your kite to the festival and fly them along the giant kites. You will also learn about different tricks on how to fly your kite. Moreover, there are great performances from professional kite fliers. Also, the festival is synchronized with music to ensure you are entertained.

Visiting the Whalehead Mansion Museum to View a Steinway piano, Period décor and learn about Knight Family

12. Visiting the Whalehead Mansion Museum to View a Steinway piano, Period décor and learn about Knight Family

The mansion occupies 39 acres of land. The Whalehead was built in 1922. It served as lodging for the wealthy hunters that liked hunting waterfowl. Moreover, the knights made this Whalehead because his wife was not welcomed in hunting circles. According to Virginia Travel Tips, as you visit this mansion, you will see a Steinway piano, period décor, Tiffany light fixtures, and an antique clock. Moreover, the grounds have a beautiful environment with a stunning waterfront view during sunset.

Attending OBX Taste (Food Festivals) in Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, or the Northern Beaches

11. Attending OBX Taste (Food Festivals) in Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, or the Northern Beaches

If you like food, Outer Banks has food festivals you cannot fail to attend as you visit the Outer Banks. The food festivals celebrate dishes you can only find in the Outer Banks. Moreover, it does not matter if you like wine or food. The festivals will give you a cuisine and culinary experience. These festivals feature all types of food, such as s multi-course dinners, seafood, breakfast, and barbecue. Toast the Coast and Beer Yoga events promote the finest cheeses, wines, and spirits in the Outer Banks. Moreover, there is Crab Happy Lunch, where you will enjoy crab delicacies.

Visiting Ocracoke Island to View the Ocracoke Pony pen, Stroll the Beach and Do Fishing

10. Visiting Ocracoke Island to View the Ocracoke Pony pen, Stroll the Beach and Do Fishing

This island has a fifteen-mile natural beach where you can stroll and sunbathe as you enjoy the breeze of the beach. You can also engage yourself in collecting shells at the beach. Moreover, you can meander the trails of Ocracoke’s lush marshes and forests. You can visit the Ocracoke Pony Pen, which has wild mustangs. These ponies originated from Spanish shipwrecks in the early settlement periods. Moreover, the mustangs have thrived on the island over the years. As a result, they are making the island a unique attraction site.

Touring Springer’s Point in Ocracoke Island to Enjoy the Natural Trail, Pamlico Sound, and View the Teach Hole

9. Touring Springer’s Point in Ocracoke Island to Enjoy the Natural Trail, Pamlico Sound, and View the Teach Hole

You must visit this place if you love walking on natural trails and the quietness of a gorgeous natural environment. The Springer’s occupies a small parcel of land, and the public is free to access it anytime. Moreover, according to Outerbank, Springer’s point is the only undeveloped area on Ocracoke Island. This preserved Springer’s point is an excellent place if you like bird watching and exploring nature. You will also enjoy Pamlico Sound Waters, and do not forget to collect sea glass pieces, clams, and sea shells. Moreover, you will also view the Teach’s Hole and take pictures.

Hiking in the Ecological Preserve of Nags Head Woods in Bodie Island

8. Hiking in the Ecological Preserve of Nags Head Woods in Bodie Island

These woods were established in the 1930s as communal residency. It featured village amenities such as a gristmill and waterpoint. Moreover, to learn more about the history of these woods, you will be given an audio tape to listen to as you hike. These woods have the best hiking trails in the Outer Banks. As you hike these woods, you will come across 50 amphibians and reptiles, 150 bird species, and over 550 plant species. Moreover, you may catch a glimpse of an otter splashing or playing in the water.

7. Visiting Roanoke Island Park for Hiking and Viewing of Elizabeth II Ship

The festival park occupies 25 acres of land, and it is a historical site where you will engage in the traditions and way of life that the English Settlers practiced in the 1500s. There are also performances and shows to help you understand the settlers’ earlier life. You can also tour the Elizabeth (II) ship to experience maritime travel and how the American Indian Culture evolved. The park is also a popular destination for weddings. Moreover, as you hike in this park, you will enjoy beautiful views from the piers and the beaches.

Enjoy Strolling and Taking Pictures of The Historic Corolla village

6. Enjoy Strolling and Taking Pictures of The Historic Corolla village

The Historic Corolla Village is a popular attraction site for tourists visiting the Currituck Outer Banks. You can stroll the sandy streets that are full of wooden signs. As you tour this village, it gives you the vibe of when life was simpler without technology. Moreover, you can photograph the different houses and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. According to Visitcurrituck, the village is home to Wild Horse Museum. You can also visit the restored homes of the village, such as A Village Garden, The Gard House, Gray-Lewark Outbuilding, the Parker House, and Parker Outbuilding.

Touring Avon Fishing Pier

5. Going Fishing and Touring Avon Fishing Pier

It was built in 1962 and has been Hatteras Island’s first pier. It is a wooden 600- feet pier. Moreover, you will enjoy the breeze, and you can also watch and record beautiful sunsets. Apart from strolling, you can go fishing and see if you will catch a big red drum. It also offers an ideal site for photography. Moreover, the Avon Fishing Pier is open from morning until 10:00 pm during summer.

Engaging in Wildlife Photography, Fishing, and Hunting in the Alligator Wildlife Refuge

4. Engaging in Wildlife Photography, Fishing, and Hunting in the Alligator Wildlife Refuge

An alligator refuge is an excellent place for you to do wildlife photography. You can also engage in fishing and hunting in the refuge. Moreover, you will also see Red Wolves as they are housed in this refuge since they are endangered species. The refuge has an annual Wings Over Water festival to celebrate the birds that hunt and nest in the refuge. It also has nature trails if you want to hike and enjoy the natural habitat. Moreover, you can enjoy watching many animals if you come at sunrise or sunset.

3. Touring and Sampling Rum in Outer Banks Distilling in Downtown Manteo

If you like drinking rum, you have you visit this distillery. It opened its doors in 2015 and is run by veteran microbrewers. The distillery focuses on small-butch rums series such as spiced expressions, gold, and white. According to Outerbanks, you have to be 21 years to tour the distillery.

The distillery is open for tours from Monday to Saturday. Apart from the three series, there is a limited edition rum series. The proceeds from this series go to help charity and uplifting local organizations.

Enjoy Wakeboarding, Sailing, and Paddleboarding at Nor’s Banks

2. Enjoy Wakeboarding, Sailing, and Paddleboarding at Nor’s Banks

Nor’s Banks watersports center is located in Currituck Sound. It was established in 1979. This center has every watersport you can imagine, such as sailing, wakeboarding, Paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing.

You can also sign up for private sailing lessons individually or in a group. It usually takes two days maximum for you to learn how to sail. Moreover, they have the best equipment for watersports so, you can be you will have a great time in this center.

Spotting and Photographing the Ghost Crab in Carova and Corolla beach

1. Spotting and Photographing the Ghost Crab in Carova and Corolla beach

The United States established the fort to protect the English settlement. It is located on Roanoke Island. It also has a park visitor center that teaches English history and Native American traditions and practices. It also has a theater where you will enjoy a film on the history of English settlers and Native Americans. There are also walking trails so you can enjoy and marvel at the beautiful scenery of the maritime forest. Moreover, it is open throughout the year, and you can enjoy outdoor drama if you visit during summer.

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