Things to do in Outer Banks

Things to do in  Outer Banks

Shipwrecks and seaside shacks

A string of barrier islands more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) long, the Outer Banks offers the serenity of an old-school beach vacation—think: quiet boardwalks, seafood shacks, and boutique B&Bs. Spanning Duck to Hatteras, you’ll find a surprising amount of things to do in the Outer Banks, from wandering Cape Hatteras (the country’s first national seashore) to hang-gliding off sand dunes, and following in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers to searching for wild horses and the lost colony of Roanoke. Here, there are no skyrises and no sprawling resorts. Just wild, nostalgic adventure.

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Top activities in Outer Banks

2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck

2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck

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1611
From
USD57.10
OBX Ghost Tours

OBX Ghost Tours

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140
From
USD25.00
Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

Beginner Hang Gliding Lesson

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39
From
USD129.00
Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe
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Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe

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12
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USD59.00
Jumpmasters OBX Fun Park

Jumpmasters OBX Fun Park

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12
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USD16.40
Surf Lessons on the Outer Banks
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Surf Lessons on the Outer Banks

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36
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USD89.00
Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks
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Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks

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4
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USD65.00
Corolla Kayak Adventure
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Corolla Kayak Adventure

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9
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USD59.00
Alligator River Kayak Adventure
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Alligator River Kayak Adventure

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58
From
USD59.00
Gnarly Nags Head Scavenger Hunt

Gnarly Nags Head Scavenger Hunt

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1
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USD25.00
Hourly Kayak Rental in Whalebone

Hourly Kayak Rental in Whalebone

From
USD29.00
per group
Kayak Rental on the Outer Banks

Kayak Rental on the Outer Banks

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9
From
USD35.00
Pirate City Ghosts

Pirate City Ghosts

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3
From
USD32.00
Manteo Historic Walking Tour

Manteo Historic Walking Tour

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185
From
USD28.00
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All about Outer Banks

When to visit

A classic “school’s out” destination, the Outer Banks has a high season of June–August. While this is a great time to visit for warm weather, the region’s shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds, better deals, and still-temperate days. Plus, you’ll catch events like Day at the Docks, Duck Jazz Festival, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in September and October.

Getting around

The barrier islands of the Outer Banks run for much of the North Carolina coastline—about 130 miles. While there are a smattering of taxi services and tours to take, you’ll want a car. The drive from Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south, for example, is close to four hours. Even if you’re staying in one region, having four wheels will keep your trip independent and spontaneous.

Traveler tips

When you’re scouting out the visitor’s center, boardwalk, and nature trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park—plus the tallest sand dune on the East Coast—add nearby Jennette’s Pier for fishing, Duck Donuts for a sweet snack, and Outer Banks Brewing Station for a brew to your itinerary. Kitty Hawk, famous for the Wright brothers’ flight and Kill Devil Hills are can’t-miss stops in OBX’s Northern Beaches area, too.

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Time Zone
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Country Code
+1
Language(s)
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Tours
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People Also Ask

What should you not miss in the Outer Banks, NC?

Being over 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) long, there’s a lot to do in the Outer Banks. Most travelers prioritize visiting the sites like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, hanging out on sugary beaches like Nags Head, scoping out the massive sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and, of course, eating lots of fresh seafood.

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What do people do in the Outer Banks?

With 100+ miles (160.9+ kilometers) of barrier islands to explore, visitors have many options for things to do in the Outer Banks. Most of the activities revolve around the white sand and salty water—think swimming, exploring the piers, hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, scoping out lighthouses, and more. There’s also fantastic seafood, great shopping, and so much history (hello, lost colony of Roanoke).

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Which part of Outer Banks is the best?

The “best” part of the Outer Banks depends on your interests. As a general rule, the farther north or south you go, the fewer people there will be. You’ll find lots of amenities and attractions in easier-to-reach spots like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk; further out, you’ll find quieter destinations like Corolla—and its famous wild horses—and the undeveloped Ocracoke Island.

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What is the Outer Banks most known for?

The Outer Banks is most known for its superb access to the Atlantic Ocean—there are 100+ miles (160.9+ kilometers) of barrier islands here, and they vary from touristy beach hubs to undeveloped natural wonders. The area is also relatively famous for its spectacular lighthouses and human history: Blackbeard, the Wright Brothers, and the lost colony of Roanoke all have OBX connections.

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What time of year is best to visit Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks’ high season is typically June through August, when crowds flock here to cool off from summer’s high temps. If you can swing a shoulder season visit, i.e. March–May or September–November, you’ll be rewarded with 60-80ºF (15-26ºC) temperatures, discount prices, fewer lines, less traffic, and smaller crowds.

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What food is Outer Banks known for?

North Carolina’s Outer Banks area is known for its ultra-fresh seafood. Tuna is popular as it’s available year-round, but you’ll also find delectable softshell crab, shrimp, scallops, oysters, grouper, mahi, swordfish—the list goes on. To get a taste, check out spots like Outer Banks Boil Company in Corolla, Mahi Mahi’s Island Grill in Nags Head, and Harbor House Seafood on Hatteras Island.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the top activities in Outer Banks?
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