Outer Banks newcomers are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the beaches, from Carova to Ocracoke Island. Vacation rentals are, in fact, the predominant accommodations available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their Outer Banks crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.
The Outer Banks isn't just a fantastic beach vacation destination. The barrier islands that comprise this treasured North Carolina destination, from Carova to Ocracoke, are filled with a number of attractions that have been drawing visitors for decades. From incredible historical sites, such as the Wright Brothers Memorial and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to special one-of-a-kind destinations like The Elizabethan Gardens or the North Carolina Aquarium, families will find plenty to explore both on and off the beach. The Outer Banks, after all, has had centuries of history and national events take place on its shores, from the original English settlers of the late 1500s to the first flight more than 300 years later. In addition, the fragile barrier islands combine to create one of the most unique environments on the East Coast, paving the way for exceptional birding, nature hikes, and endless watersports explorations. With 4 historic lighthouses dotting the islands, incredible cultural landmarks, and a collection of museums, natural preserves and refuges, every visitor should take a day or two to explore the innumerable attractions that surround the beaches. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just want to scope out something new, the Outer Banks has dozens of attractions that will surely wow and inspire everyone in the family.
For postcard-perfect long weekends, or full week stays that have exceptional access to indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and amenities, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a stay at a local Outer Banks hotel or motel. A number of hotels on the Outer Banks have been welcoming guests for decades, and as a result, vacationers have come back year after year for the fantastic service and the mile-high oceanfront or soundfront views.
Dining out is a key ingredient to any fantastic vacation, and on the Outer Banks, where fresh seafood is offered in abundance, going out to eat at least once during your stay is practically a requirement. Visitors will be delighted to find that when it comes to restaurant options, there are plenty to choose from on the beach. From casual cafes and sandwich shops to fine dining establishments and ethnic cuisine, the Outer Banks is covered with some of the best eateries on the North Carolina coastline. It's no wonder that Food Network legend Guy Fieri decided to visit and feature nearly a dozen Outer Banks restaurants on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, which aired in 2012 and 2013.
Many visitors love to incorporate a little retail therapy into a relaxing vacation, and on the Outer Banks, visitors will find plenty of avenues to explore to enjoy a long, leisurely day of shopping. From beach plazas and outlet centers to oceanside boutiques and hidden art galleries, the Outer Banks features a world of shops with their doors wide open to potential patrons. Load up on those Outer Banks T-Shirts and souvenirs for the folks back home, or delve into the beach style with a trip to a local surf shop or charming boutique. The Outer Banks also features a number of gift shops, jewelry stores, specialty shops, and art galleries to pick up a few completely unique pieces to serve as long lasting reminders of a fabulous vacation. From the basics to the beautiful, visitors will be happy to find that every stretch of these barrier islands offer their own unique collections of shops and galleries to explore.
We've got one of the most complete lists of deals and offers in the Outer Banks. View money saving offers from local restaurants, tour companies, boutique shops, activity companies, and more. New offers are added weekly, so make sure to check back often.
Weddings on the Outer Banks can be as simple or as elegant as a couple desires, from laid-back affairs that call for khakis and flip-flops, to formal events that cumulate at some of the most luxurious reception facilities the Outer Banks has to offer. Of course, the biggest attraction for barefoot brides is a beach wedding, and hundreds of couples take to the sand to recite their vows with the ocean in the background. Before running off to the shore, bear in mind that the beaches on the Outer Banks may have varying restrictions or permits required depending on the area.
One of the reasons so many vacationers flock to the Outer Banks is the thrill of driving on the beach, a rare privilege that few East Coast beach vacation destinations can offer. On the Outer Banks, beach driving enthusiasts will find miles of shoreline to explore, from the uninhabited shoreline along Ocracoke Island to the solely 4WD accessible beaches of Carova, north of Corolla.
Like an unexpected gift, the sighting of dolphins along the Outer Banks delights and amuses many summer visitors. Many people view these chance encounters as a treasured highlight to a relaxing vacation and will happily spend hours observing the dolphins' antics. What few people realize is that they are likely viewing the same group of dolphins, day after day and summer after summer. Some bottlenose dolphins will spend their summers in the waters of the Outer Banks and then migrate south for the winter only to return again in the early summer the next year. This early migration has led some people to call them the "Retirees of the Sea."
Visitors to the 4WD accessible beaches just north of Carova may experience a truly remarkable encounter with the area's oldest and most beloved residents, the Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Stranded on the Outer Banks for centuries, but still enjoying the laid-back beach lifestyle, these feral and wild creatures are tolerant of the visitors who visit their beaches for the warm sun, cool waves, and miles of space.
Each of the Outer Banks five lighthouses is unique. For a beautiful view, visitors can climb Currituck Beach Light, Bodie Island Light and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for a small fee in season. It's an unforgettable way to see the Outer Banks! Don't forget to bring your camera, as these unique structures and surrounding grounds are some of the most picturesque and iconic attractions in the area.
Check out our picks for the top 10 things to do in the towns of Duck and Corolla! Climb a lighthouse, relax on the beach, stroll through a park, dine on fresh fare, go boutique shopping, watch the sun set and more.
It might seem tricky to fit in all the attractions, historical sites, and fun activities off the beach into an Outer Banks vacation, and still have plenty of time left over to just lounge on the sand. That said, there are a number of attractions up and down the North Carolina coastline that any new visitor would be remiss to miss.
The Outer Banks is considered one of the best family vacation destinations on the East Coast, and the wide-open natural setting of sand, surf and sun lends itself easily to fun activities for "kids" of all ages. While rival vacation destinations may have more diversions, bars, and beach boardwalks, it's easy for vacationing families to stay simply entertained on the Outer Banks, particularly the younger ones in the group.
Find your perfect beach, amenities, beach guidelines, and more. The Outer Banks is unique in that every beach community along the skinny chain of barrier islands is distinctive, with its own enticing atmosphere and long list of perks. From lifeguard stations in some of the most popular spots in town, to desolate shorelines where visitors won’t see another person for miles, it’s easy to pick a beach destination along the Outer Banks that perfectly suits a family’s vacationing style.
Northeast North Carolina may be best known for its miles of uncluttered beaches, farm land, and assortment of seafood restaurants and charming local shops, but for golfers, the Northeast NC can be an ideal and serene golfing retreat. While neighboring vacation destinations, like Myrtle beach, SC, may boast dozens of golf courses clustered together, Northeast North Carolina's courses are scattered throughout the Outer Banks, the Currituck mainland and nearby towns just a short drive away.
Interested in the local Outer Banks nightlife? Head to the beach. One of the most popular after-dark activities on the OBX beaches is ghost crab hunting, and all a prospective OBX Hunter needs to participate is a flashlight and a love of the great outdoors.
Swimming is a local sport that never goes out of style on the Outer Banks, and with literally miles of ocean and sound waters to paddle around, there's no shortage of refreshing locales to enjoy a dip. Vacationers will find they have their choice of swimming destinations, from the fun and challenging ocean waves, to the shallow splashing waters of the sound, to the assortment of public and community pools found all along the islands.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a "Must See" attraction for any Outer Banks aviation enthusiast, history lover, and virtually any Kill Devil Hills vacationer who wants an up-close look at the towering granite structure that towers over the town's landscape.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its black and white candy-cane stripes, is one of the most famous and recognizable lighthouses in the world. Protecting one of the most treacherous stretches of the Outer Banks, with a beam of light that spans 20 miles into the ocean, the lighthouse is also the world's tallest brick lighthouse at a staggering 208' ft. tall.
Seasoned visitors to Ocracoke Island love to soak in its rich heritage and culture which dates back to the 1500s, and features some legendary and longstanding residents. Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are protected in a secluded 180 acre area enclosure on the soundside of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but can still be enjoyed by anyone passing through the island on NC Highway 12.
Sign up to receive Outer Banks deals, news and information. We send our newsletter periodically in the off-season and weekly in Summer.
Triathletes train for months to achieve their dream.Come to the Outer Banks Triathlon and experience the enthusiam, inspiration and skill! The Sprint Triathlon distance is perfect for those beginner triathletes. Move up to the Olympic Triathlon distance or choose the Half Triathlon distance and see if you have what it takes!
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX. The buffet offers a variety of seafood and non seafood options. Try some of Jimmy’s seafood options and load your plate with blackened tuna, Louisiana crawfish, steamed scallops and mussels, fried oysters and deviled crabs. Not in the mood for seafood? Fill your plate with carved and sliced turkey with gravy, steak, cheese pizza and fettuccini alfredo. The buffet also offers a kid section. Let you kids load their plates with chicken tenders, hot dogs, broccoli, curly fries and tacos. Don’t forget dessert! The buffet also offers soft serve ice cream, and a plethora of baked goods.
The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of Rodanthe's greatest treasures. This historical lifesaving station has been a popular attraction for Hatteras Island visitors for decades, and stands on the very edge of the small town of Rodanthe. Over the years, this station has been battered by hurricanes, ocean and soundside flooding, and ferocious gusts of winds, and yet it is still standing, and serves as a proud reminder of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks' rich lifesaving history.
Henry’s Restaurant offers down home, simple food done Outer Banks style. This is the kind of delicious food grandmothers of North Carolina have been cooking for generations. You’ll feel like you're visiting family with the comfort food and the restaurant’s nautical-style decor. The kid-friendly and casual restaurant has been serving hearty portions to locals and visitors since 1989. Breakfast is what Henry’s does best, although it’s a wonderful restaurant for lunch and dinner as well. Start your day with incredible hotcakes, omelets, biscuits, french toast, eggs benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and even fried trout, served 7:00am to 1:00pm daily.
Spring and fall visitors will notice the popularity of kiteboarding on the Outer Banks the moment they ride down a stretch of soundfront highway. In the off-season months, it's not unusual to spot dozens if not hundreds of multi-colored kites lining the skies over the Outer Banks' miles of sound waters.
Located on the Outer Banks since 1986, Pizzazz Pizza recently opened its latest restaurant in Nags Head, at the Shoppes at 10.5 off the Bypass at Milepost 10.5.
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share of vacationers' interest. This is understandable, as when most folks think of an Outer Banks vacation, they envision miles of unspoiled beaches, refreshing ocean waves, and plenty of room to spread out a beach blanket, and Frisco's beaches have all of these attributes in spades.
