The Outer Banks in North Carolina have been popular destinations a long time before the Netflix show of the same name came out. Also known as OBX, this chain of barrier islands, sandbars, and spits is geologically and culturally unique, offering an experience you can’t get elsewhere in the US. Also, the fact that it offers over 100 miles of gorgeous golden beaches doesn’t hurt either. If you’re planning a beach break in a one-of-a-kind destination, keep watching. Here are the best things to do in the Outer Banks, NC.
Hit the beach
The Outer Banks, NC, is a chain of barrier islands stretching over 200 miles. Naturally, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Outer Banks for families, couples or travellers with pets. While it’s easy to assume that if you’ve seen one beach, you’ve seen them all, it’s worthwhile visiting several. Each has some unique features, or offers different ways to enjoy the gorgeous seaside environment.
Two of the most popular beaches are Nag’s Head and Kitty Hawk Beach. They’re both wide, and their warm yellow sands stretches for miles on miles. Pitch an umbrella, and settle in for a day of relaxation, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or Frisbee in the sun. If you’re travelling with pets, most beaches in Outer Banks, NC, are pet friendly if your furry friend is on a lead. However, the beach in the town of Duck allows your dogs to run off lead, so long as they’re listening to you. And because beaches are so popular here, this isn’t the last you’ll hear from us about seaside attractions.
Roanoke Island
This island in the Outer Banks, NC, was one of the first areas populated by European colonists in the US. In fact, this was where the first English child, Virginia Dare, was born. However, the fascination with Roanoke Island centers around it being The Lost Colony. At some point between the years 1587 and 1590, the colonists disappeared from the island, never to be seen and recorded again. This enduring puzzle has enraptured mystery enthusiasts for centuries.
A visit to the modern Roanoke Island offers visitors a chance to explore the earliest days of English colonization in the US. While the island has plenty to offer, history and mystery buffs will have plenty to see here. The Settlement Site is a re-enactment of what a 16th century colony would look like, staffed by passionate enthusiasts. American Indian Town is a newer attraction, and represents what a Coastal Algonquin settlement would have looked like. And if the high seas interest you, then climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a striking Tudor-era tall ship that is begging to be fully explored.
And for those curious about the disappearance of the colony, be sure to catch a showing of The Lost Colony. This outdoor symphonic drama, first staged in 1937, tells a dramatized version of the events of the colony’s disappearance, as imagined by Paul Green. The Lost Colony has been seen by millions, and even won awards, and is not to be missed.
Waterfront dining
The natural beach beauty in Outer Banks, NC, is one of it’s main draws. So when you’re dining out, why not take advantage of the scenery and grab a bite with a great view? While there is plenty of great food in OBX, here are some seaside highlights.
Fish Heads Bar and Grill near Nag’s Head beach is a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. 40 beers on tap to choose from, 15c shrimp from 4pm-6pm, a long boardwalk extending into the tranquil waters, and a relaxed and chilled vibe. Take a seat, enjoy the waves crashing beneath you, and fill up on shrimp tacos, burgers, and great beer.
Also at Nag’s Head is Sugar Creek Restaurant is another standout, also offering seating on the pier above the ocean. This restaurant offers amazing views of the surrounding waters and the Sound, and there’s even the opportunity to watch wildlife and waterfowl roam. Add to that a menu of award-winning grills and fresh seafood, and you have a winner.
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Lighthouses
The Outer Banks, NC, is famous for its rough coastline. It earned the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for a reason. As such, the islands are dotted with iconic lighthouses that should absolutely be visited. With 17 lighthouses scattered across the Outer Banks, it’s easy to find a few nearby to visit. We would be here all day if we talked about each lighthouse, so let’s just highlight the most famous.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands out for miles, day or night, especially with its black and white spiral paint. This lighthouse is world famous, and can even be climbed all the way to the top, depending on renovations. The area around the lighthouse should be explored, as the structure has a long and very interesting history. And if history isn’t your thing, then just soak in the view and take some great photos of an iconic landmark in North Carolina.
Jenette’s Pier
If you needed another reason to visit Nag’s Head Beach, then the iconic Jennette’s Pier is one of them. This concrete structure extends 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, and is a popular destination for sightseeing, awesome photo opportunities, and for world-class fishing.
Besides being the longest pier in North Carolina, Jennette’s Pier is also a beacon of sustainability. The electricity for the pier house and public bathhouse is generated by three wind turbines, which make the pier easily recognisable at a distance. In addition, there are two aquariums to visit. One above in the pier house, and the other beneath the pier. Whether it’s to cast a line, learn more about sustainability, or just take some great photos, Jennette’s Pier should not be missed.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Created in 1984 to protect the ecologically unique pocosin wetlands, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is an area of nature that’s unlike any other on Earth. Spanning 152,000 acres, the Refuge is home to a wide variety of animals, and is one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks, NC.
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers nature lovers a chance to see a number of animals in their natural habitat. It lives up to its name, and there is a population of American Alligator patrolling the waters. Besides that, this is one of the few places to see red wolves in the wild; a successful breeding program means these elusive predators are thriving here. The Refuge also hosts the Eastern Seaboard’s largest black bear populations, so these intimidating creatures are a common sight.
The park is best explored in the Wildlife Drive, a self-driven tour of more than 15 miles of road criss-crossing the park. Two wheelchair accessible hikes are available, which offer excellent opportunities for birding. And to get even closer to nature, guided canoe tours are available too.
Duck, NC
Not the animal. And we’re not recommending that you dodge. But this humorously named town is a recommendation, as it offers Outer Banks charm and a connection to the natural environment that shouldn’t be missed. We recommended the dog-friendly beach in Duck already, but there is more to this little town.
The highlight is the Duck Boardwalk. This wooden walkway stretches almost a mile and wraps around Duck Town Park. The park itself has seaside forests, natural swamps and wetlands and amazing views of the open water. And when you’re done, grab an Insta-worthy dessert from Duck Donuts and keep exploring the quaint streets.
Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum
The Outer Banks, NC, is home to a number of historically significant events. But what might be the most significant event in recent history was the first heavier than air flight by the Wright Brothers. And whether you’re a history fan or not, visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum is a great activity.
The memorial is a 60-foot granite structure on top of the hill where the Wrights practiced and experimented. From atop the hill, you’ll have spectacular panoramic views of the island. Branching from that spot is marked walkway, indicating where the first flights took place, allowing you to walk along and appreciate how far we’ve come in a relatively little time. And be sure to check out the attached museum to learn more about the history of flight.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Home to the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic Coast, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is an outdoor experience well worth visiting. These towering dunes make for an adventure-lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of activities and fun to be had.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the Outer Banks’ home to wind sports. Whether it’s kite-flying, windsurfing, or hang-gliding, the dunes are the place to be. There are even special hang-gliding classes to attend, and prospective fliers will be airborne in no time. And if the wind isn’t quite in your favour, then be sure to try out sandboarding.
For those looking for a more sedate experience, the Park offers several hikes through the maritime environment. These hikes take you over the dunes and boardwalks, and is a great way to soak in the views.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Extending more than 70 miles and covering an area of over 30,000 acres, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a pristine and protected area of seaside beauty just waiting to be explored. While we’ve mentioned some activities that are found inside the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, exploring as much of this area as possible is one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks, NC.
Established in 1937, the National Seashore is intended to keep as much of this maritime environment protected as possible so that anyone can enjoy the beauty the area. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beaches, boardwalks over swamps and wetlands, soak in the sunsets, gather around campfires, and even spend their nights camping in one of the 4 campgrounds. Take advantage of the waves with surfing, swimming, or bodyboarding. And enjoy the nature by going birding or trying to spot native seals and other animals. The Cape Hatteras Nation Seashore is more than a popular tourist attraction; it’s a national treasure.
If you’re planning a trip the Outer Banks, NC, where would you go? How would you make the OBX experience? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to click the like video, subscribe to ViewCation, and hit the bell for notifications. Thanks for watching!