Outer Banks - Top Ten Things To Do
Ranked #226 in Travel & Places, #10,916 overall
Top Ten Things to Do in North Carolina's Outer Banks
When you think of an Outer Banks vacation, you may have thoughts of surf and sand dancing in your head, but there is so much more to do on these North Carolina barrier islands than you may think.
Explore, discover, and create lifetime vacation memories when you visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With it's beautiful sandy beaches, majestic lighthouses, historic landmarks and outdoor adventure, the Outer Banks has something to offer for every member of the family.
Photo used under Creative Commons from b3nscott
You might be asking yourself, How does she know so much about the Outer Banks? Well, I have been vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for over 30 years. That's right, my family and I go to the Outer Banks almost every year!
There have been a few years when we decided to go to Disney World and Niagara Falls, that we didn't make it to "the beach", but our favorite vacation destination is the good ole' Outer Banks.
Several of the things on my Top Ten list, I haven't seen in years but others I have been to recently. I think they all deserve a spot on the list because each of them are an important part of what the Outer Banks is all about.
Outer Banks Map
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
Photo used under Creative Commons from Dan Bock
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where Orville and Wilbur Wright first took flight. Discover the Visitor's Center and the Centennial Pavilion where you will find exhibits, original equipment used by the Wright Brothers as well as a replica of the their 1903 flying machine.
Climb the hill where the Wright Brothers took their very first flight and explore their reconstructed living quarters and plane hangar.
Kids 15 and under get in free and adult tickets are $4.00.
The National Park Service - Wright Brothers National Memorial
Enjoy Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets
The gorgeous sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean are worth getting up early for. The new morning sun glistens off the ocean waters and calls to you to begin a new day.
Sunsets over the Albemarle, Pamlico or Currituck Sounds (depending on what area you are staying in) are beautiful too. Relax with a drink on your beach house deck and watch the sun dip into the sound. It is truly a sight to see.
Don't forget your camera, I took this lovely sunset photo in Duck, North Carolina in 2006.
Visit the Lighthouses
Photo used under Creative Commons from jimbowen0306
There are five lighthouses in the Outer Banks area.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse located in Corolla, North Carolina.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse are located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is located on Roanoke Island in Manteo, North Carolina.
Outer Banks Lighthouses
Ride the Ferry to Ocracoke Island
Photo used under Creative Commons from dbking
Discover the beautiful beaches of Ocracoke Island. Take the 40 minute, free vehicle ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina. Spend the day playing in the surf and collecting seashells. Have lunch at one of the many fresh seafood restaurants and enjoy a day of shopping. How ever you choose to spend your day on Ocracoke Island will you will surely enjoy this quiet, historic village.
Hatteras to Ocracoke Island Ferry Schedule
Official Ocracoke Island Website
Go Fishing
Photo used under Creative Commons from {JSR}
Charter boat fishing, surf fishing, pier fishing, sound fishing, the opportunities are abundant in the Outer Banks if you enjoy fishing. Fisherman travel from all over the world just to get a slice of the fishing action in the Outer Banks.
The State of North Carolina requires you to get a fishing license if you will be fishing any of the coastal waters. If you are visiting from out of state you can get a a 10 day pass for $10.00. At most of the piers you will not need a license because they are covered by a blanket license. Make sure you check before you go.
Outer Banks Fishing Piers
Outer Banks Charter Fishing
North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License
Visit Roanoke Island
Photo used under Creative Commons from NathanF
There is a full day worth of activities on Roanoke Island. Visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and learn about the history of the Roanoke Island area. Stroll through the paths of The Elizabethan Gardens, the flowers and statues are fantastic! Board the Elizabeth II at Roanoke Festival Park and take a step back in time as costumed interpreters tell you about their voyages across the Atlantic.
When the evening rolls around, don't miss the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony. Now celebrating it's 72nd anniversary. It chronicles the lives and disappearances of the first English settlers on Roanoke Island. It is spectacular!
Visit Roanoke Island North Carolina
The Lost Colony - An Outdoor Drama
Find the Wild Horses
Photo used under Creative Commons from Savannah Grandfather
The wild horses of the Outer Banks are believed to be descendants of Spanish horses which arrived over 400 years ago. They used to roam freely on the islands of the Outer Banks until recently when a special land reserve was set aside for them. Many of the wild horses were being endangered by us humans and our automobiles as we have built up homes and businesses in the Outer Banks area.
Now, the only way to see them is if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drive the along the beach north of Corolla. Where Highway 12 ends, you can drive along the beach past Carova and try to find them there. A pretty sure bet would be to take a guided tour with several "Outback" companies where you can rent four wheel drive vehicles and a guide will take you out to see the wild horses. These guys know where to find them!
Wild Horses of the Outer Banks
Enjoy Fun in the Sun
Grab your beach chair and sunscreen and head to the beach. Enjoy everything the ocean has to offer, hunt for seashells, swim, boogie board, skim board, and make sandcastles! Play a game of volleyball or throw around the football or frisbee. Relax under your umbrella and just take in all the action.
Many of the Outer Banks beaches have lifeguards. Swimming is prohibited if you see red flags flying. This means conditions are very dangerous and there are possible rip tides.
Outer Banks Beach Safety
Outer Banks Beach Accesses
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium
Photo used under Creative Commons from cygnus921
Many varieties of sea life live at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. You will find sharks, sea turtles, jelly fish, alligators, river otters and a wide variety of ocean and coastal fish.
The aquarium is a great place to visit on any day of the week and especially rainy days when you can't get out to enjoy the beach. One warning though, everyone else has the same idea! Just remember if it's raining, the North Carolina Aquarium has indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
Visit Jockey's Ridge State Park
Photo used under Creative Commons from Paradigm
Jockey's Ridge State Park is the tallest sand dune system on the East Coast. Visit the museum or the walking trails and discover the wildlife that live there. Make the trek to the top of the highest sand dune and enjoy the views. Many people like flying kites there and you can also go sand boarding.
The best time to visit is early in the morning before the sand gets too hot! Wear comfortable shoes for hiking to the top and for protection from the hot sand. Also, watch out for thunderstorms that happen frequently in the afternoons, a siren will sound if you need to come down from the sand dunes if inclement weather is about to occur.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Have you ever been to the Outer Banks?
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Outer Banks Guides and Maps
Outer Banks Links
- The Outer Banks of North Carolina! Official Site - Visitors Bureau
- The Outer Banks Official Website. Detailed information on North Carolina Beaches, affordable summer vacations, visitor services, accommodations, activities, attractions, dining, events, weddings, group services, and much more! Explore some of the best beaches in North Carolina.
- Outer Banks, NC Vacation Guide
- Outer Banks, NC Vacation Guide - Search for Outer Banks hotels, vacation rentals, realtors, nitelife, attraction, and recreation.
- OBX Connection | Outer Banks Vacation Guide Home
- OBX Connection is a Guide to North Carolina's Outer Banks, known as the OBX. We offer vacationers a wealth of practical information about the OBX. Find everything from Outer Banks vacation rentals to history and everything in between.
Outher Banks Weather
Current weather conditions in Kitty Hawk, NC
Local Pollen Reports
64°F (Feels like 64°F)
Last update: 6/3/12 3:55 AM EDT
Humidity: 81%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 58°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.83in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: calm From: Airport Conditions
Today
Mostly Cloudy
High: 79°F
Low: 68°F
Sunrise: 5:47 AM
Sunset: 8:16 PM
Monday
Jun 4
Mostly Sunny
High: 81°F
Low: 67°F
Sunrise: 5:46 AM
Sunset: 8:16 PM
Tuesday
Jun 5
Partly Cloudy
High: 72°F
Low: 65°F
Sunrise: 5:46 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM
Wednesday
Jun 6
Partly Cloudy
High: 73°F
Low: 66°F
Sunrise: 5:46 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM
Let me know you stopped by...
-
-
KateHon
May 26, 2012 @ 12:33 am | delete
- Wonderful images of the Outer Banks of NC! Congratulations on being featured on the 50 States monsterboard!
-
-
-
ohcaroline
May 15, 2012 @ 6:21 pm | delete
- It's a great place to vacation. So much to do and see as you aptly describe.
-
-
-
tvyps
Jan 26, 2012 @ 4:02 pm | delete
- Thanks for the vacation! I can hear the song by James Taylor now, "Carolina in My Mind."
Squid Angel blessed for a very nicely done lens!
-
-
-
tvyps
Jan 26, 2012 @ 4:02 pm | delete
- Thanks for the vacation! I can hear the song by James Taylor now, "Carolina in My Mind."
Squid Angel blessed for a very nicely done lens!
-
-
-
praise
Jun 5, 2011 @ 8:02 am | delete
- Thanks for the ideas, will be in OBX next month for the first time! 5* lens.
-
- Load More
About Me
Outer Banks Blogs
- Spring Brings National Recognition to North Carolina's Outer Banks
- By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau MANTEO, NC, May 31, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ --This spring the honors have been piling up for North Carolina's Outer Banks, including Cape Hatteras, which was named a "Top 10 US Beach" by Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach and ...
- HanesBrands exits Europe and sells Outer Banks
- The Imagewear division, which includes Europe, accounted for 8 percent of the company's sales and HanesBrands anticipates restructuring charges up to $85 million to $95 million in the second quarter. The deal will lower its sales by about $60 million ...
- Hanesbrands to exit unbranded printing, Outer Banks businesses
- N) said it would cut production of basic apparel used in screen printing and exit its private label business and the Outer Banks sportswear brand as it seeks to prop up falling margins. As part of the restructuring, Hanesbrands said it has agreed to ...
Travel with the RocketMoms
by shajo
Hi Everyone! It's me, Shajo. I enjoy being creative and Squidoo gives me an outlet for everything I ever thought or wondered about!
I'm a mom of...
more »
- 59 featured lenses
- Winner of 8 trophies!
- Top lens » Outer Banks - Top Ten Things To Do
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Visit Ocracoke Island Visit Ocracoke Island
- Unique Kitchen Sink Strainers Unique Kitchen Sink Strainers
- Lighthouses of the Outer Banks Lighthouses of the Outer Banks
- OBX-Outer Banks North Carolina OBX-Outer Banks North Carolina
- Lighthouse Replicas Lighthouse Replicas
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
