Bodie Island Lighthouse
Nags Head
The horizontally striped lighthouse rises 159 feet above sea level just south of Nags Head. The base of the tower is open seasonally, along with restored Double Keeper's Quarters, which contains lighthouse exhibits and a book shop. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Corolla
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, operated by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. (OBC), under a lease agreement with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Division of Archives and History, preserves, maintains, and exhibits the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse, its restored Keepers Quarters, and several dependencies for the enjoyment and education of the public. Exhibits interpret the construction, significance, and social history of this lighthouse. Collections including oral histories, institutional archives, photographs, and a variety of miscellaneous published and unpublished manuscripts are housed in the corporate offices of the OBC and at the Outer Banks History Center, both at Festival Park in Manteo. First illuminated on Dec. 1, 1875. Over 1,000,000 red bricks were used to build this lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 214 steps to get a breathtaking view of the ocean and sound. Open 10 to 6 daily, April thru October. Admission is $5.00 for all people 8 years and older. currituckbeachlight.com
Currituck Beaches
Corolla
To the west is the North River, to the south is the Albemarle Sound and to the east is the Currituck Sound. Millions of vacationers are attracted to the wide, clean and beautiful beaches each year. Open year round. Currituck County Tourism
Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Carova Beach
Corolla from the North Beach access 4-wheel drive ramp. Two miles of wildlife preserve for hiking and beach activities. Inhabited by a variety of native wildlife showcasing a prime example of maritime forest. Foot and four wheel drive access only. ncnerr.org noaa.gov nature.org
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Carova Beach
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge recreation.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Ocracoke Visitor Center
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Visitor Center seeks to educate visitors about the cultural heritage and natural history of the island. Exhibits focus on the Life Saving Station, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, pirate activity there, Ocracoke's role in the Civil War and in World War II, its British Cemetery, the native horses and other wildlife, and early tourism. nps.gov
Coquina Beach
South Nags Head
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Buxton
The tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Open for climbing Good Friday - Columbus Day. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Outer Banks
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources and provides a wide variety of recreational and research opportunities relating to the cultural history and natural heritage of the Outer Banks, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Main offices and research facilities for Fort Raleigh, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located at the Fort Raleigh facility. Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal). Free. Fee for camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreation.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore & Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke Island
Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore in the country. It extends from Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet and includes 13 miles of pristine beach on Ocracoke Island. Local folks call this area "the park" and it offers a wide variety of activities such as birding, boating, camping, cycling, fishing, surfing, swimming, seashelling and wind-boarding! For a wonderful look at nature, visit the Hammock Hills Nature Trail on the island. Salt-water fishing requires no license or permit. Local shops on the island offer a variety of rentals such as bikes, kayaks, wind boards, etc.to help you explore this area. Ocracoke Island has the uniqueness of having the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. These factors give the visitor a choice of water activities, depending on their abilities. There is also a National Park Campground on the island, situated between the two bodies of water with easy highway access nearby. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Village of Duck
Duck
This charming village is a great location for browsing in boutiques, galleries and gift shops. townofduck.com
Jennette's Fishing Pier
Nags Head
The oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, ''Giants of the Sea,'' showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday - Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. jennettespier.net
Kitty Hawk Kites
Nags Head
Known widely as the world's largest Hang Gliding School for over 25 years, Kitty Hawk Kites is the Outer Banks' Family Adventure Center. Try one of our many family adventures, on the water or off. Learn to Hang Glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor to 2000 ft. The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks for their first flight, so can you. More adventure activities available are Kite Surfing, the newest watersport phenomenon, Dolphin Tours on a 24-passenger Jet Boat, challenging Rock Climbing Walls, for all ages, and much more. Don't forget to check out one or all of our kite and toy stores, full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Kid's programs run throughout the summer, as well as many spectacular kiting and hang gliding events! Kitty Hawk Kites
NCDOT Ferry System: Hatteras / Ocracoke
Hatteras Island - Ocracoke Island
ncferry.org
Outer Banks Fishing Tournament Calendar
| Offshore and inshore tournaments. Surf fishing. |
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is a 75-foot sturdy, whitewashed tower built of brick with a concrete veneer exterior. The walls of the lighthouse are five feet thick at the base. Work on the lighthouse was actually completed in 1823. The total cost for the lighthouse and other buildings around its base was less than $12,000.00. For more than 175 years, its beacon has shown out across this remote island and across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has braved countless storms and weathered many hardships. Its bright light is visible 14 miles at sea. It has led generations of sailors home and has become a symbol of the independent islanders who have made Ocracoke their home for more than 200 years. The interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public but wonderful photo opportunities are available on the grounds. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. The lighthouse is also one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. Ocracoke Light
Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
Ocracoke Island
Come and explore the uninhabited Portsmouth Village and discover a remote, pristine beach and its fascinating seashore creatures. Excursions begin with a twenty-minute boat ride from beautiful Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village. Once on the island you will discover the historic deserted village of Portsmouth. This settlement was once a thriving port town, established in 1753, with over 685 residents in 1860. It is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical buildings open for you to see include the U. S. Life Saving Station, Schoolhouse, Post Office/General Store, Church, and visitor center. Then, its off to a beautiful, remote beach where you can discover excellent shorebird and dolphin watching, sea turtle tracks, and other fascinating creatures. Or, you can take a swim and enjoy the best shelling on the Outer Banks. The ATVs are shared (two people per ATV). Drivers must be at least 16. Children must be 6 years of age to take the tour. We provide the ATVs for the tour and do not take personal ATVs. portsmouthislandatvs.com
Rodanthe Watersports and Campground
Rodanthe
Full service watersports rental center and soundside waterfront campground for tents and RVs. watersportsandcampground.com
US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility
Duck
The Field Research Facility, located north of Duck on Hwy. 12, helps scientists study the ocean processes. Summer tours are offered Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. Free - mid June thru mid August. frf.usace.army.mil
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