Best Things to Do In Outer Banks NC : Top 21 Not to Miss
I’ve been going to the Outer Banks every year since I was little, so it has a special place in my heart. 🩵 The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a chain of barrier islands on the East Coast, now known for being the fictional location of the famous Netflix show but more importantly – for being a great vacation spot full of natural beauty. There’s so much to see, so I’ve put together a guide so you can find the absolute best things to do in Outer Banks NC.
The Outer Banks is also a must-stop destination on the East Coast and are 100% the best beaches in North Carolina for backpackers and long-term travelers. Enjoy!!!
Top 5 Things to Do In Outer Banks NC
Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park : #1 of the Best Things to Do In Outer Banks NC
Jockeys Ridge State Park in Nags Head is hands down the best and most unique of the things to do in Outer Banks, as it’s home to the largest sand dune system on the Atlantic Ocean. And the best part is it’s free!!
You’ll feel like you’re on another planet! Maybe that’s a little exaggerated but it does feel like you’re in the desert without the scary critters.
Come expecting a bit of a tiring walk up to the top, but it’s worth it! Once you get to the dunes there’s a perfect view of the sunset if you time it right. Make sure to give yourself enough time to walk up comfortably, about an hour or so.
The gates to the parking lot close at 8:00, but you’ll see everyone heads down from the top to their cars so just make sure you follow them so you don’t get stuck. 😉 A lot of people also bring a kite to fly at the top!
If you’re adventurous, you can try sand boarding, kite boarding or even hang gliding – the main attraction and something really unique to the Outer Banks! Hence why I have a whole section below about this activity. There’s also hiking trails here along with swimming, paddle boarding and even kiteboarding.
Take a Hang Gliding Lesson (In one of the best places to do it in the U.S.!) : Best of the Things to Do In Outer Banks For Adventure Seekers
If you’re visiting the Outer Banks and love adventure, you should definitely try this 3-hour hang gliding lesson. Jockey’s Ridge is one of the best places in all of North America to hang glide, so if you’re going to do it, now is the time!
Best of all it’s very safe, making it a suitable activity for all ages in your group, and you’ll make amazing memories of flying for years to come.
See Wild Horses In Their Natural Habitat
See the wild horses of Corolla in their natural habitat via open-air 4WD ride on the sand dunes along the ocean with this exciting Wild Horses tour. The Corolla horses are well known and are the second most famous wild horses on the East Coast.
They’re actually feral horses, which are horses which have descended from domesticated horses and later have adopted a wild state.
You’ll also get private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area with this tour. Perfect for nature lovers and anyone who loves adventure. Be wary if you get nauseous because driving on the dunes can be a little stomach churning.
If you have time after your horse tour, make sure to stop by the Corolla Beer Garden right next door for a drink, craft coffee or bite to eat from this local favorite (I’m obsessed!!).
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers Memorial is a must-visit and one of the best things to do in Outer Banks for people interested in history and/or aviation, serving as a tribute to innovation and modern aviation. Considering the amount of flights I’ve taken in my lifetime, I’m very thankful for Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first flight!!!
The towering memorial also has a visitor’s center and informative exhibits, like markers tracing these historic flights, plus ranger talks at certain times of the day.
After your visit, stop by the Outer Banks Brewing Station for a locally brewed beer and a bite to eat. It’s the first wind-powered brewery in America and has a great atmosphere to match the well loved craft beer.
See the Lost Colony Show
My second pick for the best things to do in Outer Banks is the The Lost Colony Show which happens nightly during the summer season at 8:30pm.
I’m usually not super interested in shows like this, as I’m not as interested in history as some other travelers, but this one is very cool between the atmosphere, the effects and the story.
The Lost Colony show takes place at an outdoor theatre, themed accordingly and with musical numbers and special effects like fire.
They also offer a concessions stand with snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine. Simply put, this isn’t a show you’ll be easily bored at. If you want to learn even more about the show, consider getting a backstage tour ticket.
Bonus : Explore Historic Manteo Before Your Lost Colony Show
Since the Lost Colony show takes place in historic Manteo, I wanted to include a snippet about it here in case you have time to visit before your show.
You can explore the town with this Manteo walking tour, or grab a bite to eat and drink at the Lost Colony Brewery, the Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar or another one of the cute restaurants.
P.S. Four out of the five best things to do in OBX are in the Kill Devil Hills / Nags Head area, making it the best choice for where to stay in Outer Banks NC for first-time visitors.
16 More Things to Do In Outer Banks NC
Explore Roanoke Island Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park is a runner up on the list of absolute best things to do in Outer Banks, and it’s a GREAT spot for families. The Festival Park is a historic site that tells the story of America’s first settlement through replicas, costumed interpreters, hands-on activities and interactive exhibits all on the beautiful waterfront.
On a different note, the Roanoke Island Festival Park is also one of the biggest (and definitely the most beautiful) of the Outer Banks music venues. Check out a list of their upcoming events at the Roanoke Island Festival Park website.
Learn to Surf
Outer Banks is known to be one of the best surf spots on the East Coast if not the best, making it a great spot to learn. I was inspired to start surfing after visiting the Outer Banks every year while growing up, after seeing countless surfers from the shore or while I swam.
This specific surf lesson by Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School is a great choice for both kids and adults, where you’ll learn everything you should know as a beginner from the friendly instructors and start riding a few waves! 🤙🏼
Visit One of the Three Outer Banks Lighthouses
A classic beach activity for families is to visit the nearest lighthouse. Outer Banks has a few, but the most notable is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is the tallest lighthouse in the United States at 198 ft.! Visiting one of the lighthouses in the OBX is for sure one of the best things to do in Outer Banks for families.
The others include the Bodie Island Lighthouse (156 ft. tall) and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse (162 ft. tall). Climb the steps up to the observation deck of any of these three for a fantastic view of the gorgeous Outer Banks!
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is also home to the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education where you can learn about the area’s water fowling heritage.
Perhaps even better, right next to the locally owned and well loved Corolla Beer Garden which doubles as a small music venue and coffee shop.
Take the Ferry to Ocracoke Island
Visiting Okracoke via the drive-on ferry is a super unique day trip. It’s mostly uninhabited, making it perfect for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. There’s also the small, quaint town of Ocracoke and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse to see. I would put it in the top 5 except that it will most likely take up a whole day, which I assume a lot of people visiting the Outer Banks won’t have.
The town has lots of small businesses to visit. Try a legendary Apple Ugly at the Orange Blossom Bakery, sample beers at Howard’s Pub, coffee at Ocracoke Island Coffee Company or Dajio for lunch or dinner. To get around, consider renting bikes or a golf cart, and make sure to visit the secluded beautiful beach.
Some tips for the ferry – it’s first come first serve and runs every hour on the hour, so make sure to show up relatively early (~1 hour) to make sure you get a spot without having to wait through two ferries. CHECK!!!!!
Hunt for Ghosts in one of the U.S.’s most Haunted Beaches
The Lost Colony of Roanoke is one of the creepiest tales there is, so naturally there is going to be a highly-rated ghost tour here where it took place.
This Ghost Hunt tour takes places in Manteo where you’ll learn about the ghosts of the area while using ghost hunting devices to find them while you walk.
Along with being a great nighttime activity out, this is for sure one of the best things to do in Outer Banks NC during Halloween time or a Fall visit.
Try A Kiteboarding Lesson (OBX is one of the best Kiteboarding spots in the world!)
The Outer Banks is one of the best destinations in the world for kiteboarding, which also makes it the best spot to begin your kiteboarding journey! Sign up for a lesson to check this exhilarating sport off your bucket list – just try not to get hooked. People of all ages can take a lesson including adventurous kids.
Whether it’s your first time or you want to get back out on the water, there are lots of options to suit what you’re looking for. The best time of year to go kiteboarding in the OBX is April through October. You can always call your tour operator to make sure you’ll have good conditions before your lesson.
Keep in mind that a kiteboarding lesson is one of the most pricy things to do in Outer Banks NC, but it’l be more than worth it! Kite Club Hatteras is one of the best kiteboarding lesson companies and the most affordable of all the companies I’ve found. Kitty Hawk Kites is another, along with REAL watersports.
Water Sports Like Jet Skiing
Between the ocean and the bay, water sports rentals like jet skiing are one of the best things to do in Outer Banks NC, especially for teens or anyone looking for excitement during your vaca.
This 1-hour jet-ski rental is a good deal, especially when you have 2-3 people who want to ride. It’s also in a cool, more scenic spot on the Roanoke Sound, compared to some of the other rentals you can do.
Beach Yoga & A Spa Treatment : Seaside Wellness at the Sanderling Resort
The Sanderling Resort in Duck is your spot for wellness in Outer Banks. I’ve done the morning beach yoga classes here during several of our OBX trips, and every time it’s the perfect way to start the day in a way that is healthy and inspiring.
They used to do the classes on the beach itself but I believe now the classes are done on the new deck overlooking the ocean.
You can also visit the spa at the Sanderling for a rejuvenating massage. Consider staying at the. luxurious Sanderling for a relaxing, wellness focused stay in the heart of the Outer Banks. ✨
Visit the Elizabethan Gardens
Wandering the stunning 10-acre Elizabethan Gardens, which were originally created to entertain Queen Elizabeth, is another one of the best things to do in Outer Banks for families. Inside you’ll find not only beautiful plants on the grounds but also statues and fountains, butterflies and lots of flowers. Walking here is good for the soul.
The Gardens are especially perfect for a visit with little ones because they have an Enchanted Garden activity where they can do a little scavenger hunt to find fairies throughout the gardens.
After your visit, stop for a beer at the Lost Colony Tavern or the Blue Water Tavern for a bite to eat in historic downtown Manteo.
Play a Round of Mini Golf : Best of the Things to Do In Outer Banks NC For Families With Kids
Lost Treasure Golf in Kill Devil Hills is one of my personal favorite things to do in Outer Banks NC and an annual tradition for my family and I. It’s got really cool theming and even starts with a train ride to the first hole. The holes are not too hard and not too easy, and it’s always one of the best memories of the trip.
Beware the line can get very long here, so don’t expect to be in and out. I think we usually wait about 30 minutes or so as a family of 4-5. It’s totally worth the wait though, and Lost Treasure is open until 11:00pm.
If you need an alternative, Mutiny Bay is another great mini golf course right down the road which is usually less crowded and more low key overall.
Kayak through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge : #1 of the Things to Do In Outer Banks NC For Nature Lovers
While there are multiple good spots for kayaking in the Outer Banks, by far the most unique is the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll see tons of wildlife but most notably, this wildlife refuge has the highest concentration of black bears on the East Coast of the U.S. Plus of course gators, birds, waterfowl and even otters.
Kayaking through this park is my #1 choice of the best things to do in Outer Banks NC for nature enthusiasts. I personally didn’t know about this park and now I’m super excited because I’ve never seen a bear in the wild and have always wanted to.
Visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
It goes without saying that the #1 best things to do in the Outer Banks is a beach day, but arguably the best beach is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is because it’s a protected national park filled with natural beauty – perfect for nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate having the beach to themselves.
If you’re planning on swimming, it’s best to set up near one of the lifeguard stands. You can find info on those at the official website.
Also, as mentioned above in the blog, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the country, and there are several nature trails surrounding it to check out, in case you want to visit while you’re down in Cape Hatteras.
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of the best things to do in Outer Banks NC with kids on a rainy day. Although it’s pretty small, they pack a lot of marine life inside like jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and even an albino alligator. There’s even a sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center here. 🐢🩵
Hunt for Shells At Pea Island
Visiting Pea Island is one of the things to do in Outer Banks you may not have heard of. It’s an established wildlife refuge dating back to 1938 to provide refuge for migratory birds. Driving over is one of my family’s favorite Outer Banks activities on vacation, specifically for shell hunting at low tide.
You can find all sorts of seashells like large in-tact conch shells, sea glass, and so much more, plus picturesque uninterrupted views and lots of birds. It feels completely different than most of the OBX beaches due to being mostly deserted.
Experience A Dolphin Tour Cruise
The Outer Banks is full of dolphins. You may even spot a few from the beach! But no doubt the best chance of seeing them is on a dolphin spotting cruise by Captain John (sightings guaranteed!). There are several ways to book, so see which fits your schedule best and then get ready to see some happy dolphins in the wild. 🐬
Booking options –
Stargaze : Most Underrated of the Things to Do In Outer Banks NC
South Nags Head is my absolute favorite place to stargaze. I’ve always loved looking up at the stars, so the first thing I do when I find out the dates for our annual OBX trip is to look at the moon chart.
The best years are the ones we visit either during an approaching New Moon or during a New Moon, which is when you’ll be able to see the most stars – maybe even a shooting star or two! I’ve seen at least one every year. 🌟
South Nags Head is a great place to stargaze because it’s relatively far from the more busy areas of Outer Banks. The closer you get to the Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore the better! For example Coquina Beach is a great spot right near Nags Head to see lots of stars.
Take some beach chairs out to the beach and stare up at the sky on a clear night. The longer you sit, the more stars you’ll see! Kids will also love going on the beach at night with flash lights to see the ghost crabs crawling around.
Things to Do In Outer Banks NC Map
Next up, read my complete guide to where to stay in Outer Banks NC so you can find all the best areas AND rentals + hotels. Enjoy!!!
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Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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