33 of The Best Things to do in the Outer Banks

Are you searching for the best things to do in the Outer Banks? The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast.

The Outer Banks (OBX) are known for their incredible beaches and proximity to the ocean.

There is such a wide array of things to do at OBX including relaxing by the beach, visiting one of the many lighthouses in the area, exploring one of the historic sites, and so much more.

As North Carolina residents, we know the best things to do along the coast.

Below you will find the ultimate list of the best things to do in the Outer Banks to help you plan your next trip to this beautiful coastal region of North Carolina.

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The Best Things to do in the Outer Banks

1. See the Different OBX Lighthouses

There are four main lighthouses along the Outer Banks and each one is located in a different area.

These lighthouses are beautiful and must be on your list of things to see when visiting OBX.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located in the Corolla area of the Outer Banks. Unlike many lighthouses this one stands out amongst the crowd because it is made out of red brick.

If you are up for a challenge, be sure to purchase a $12 admissions ticket so that you can climb to the top of the lighthouse to catch views of the surrounding area.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island Lighthouse is located in the Nags Head area of the Outer Banks. This lighthouse also stands out because of its contrasting colors… this lighthouse has thick black and white stripes.

If you would like to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse, be sure to visit the lighthouse in the summer months and the price ranges from $5-$10 depending on your age.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located in the Buxton area of the Outer Banks and sits on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

This lighthouse stands out for two reasons… the first being that this lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.

Secondly, it stands out because of its black and white colors that are painted onto the lighthouse similar to candy cane stripes!

If you are interested in climbing up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, it will cost you $4-$8 depending on your age.

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, as the name suggests, is located in the Ocracoke area of the Outer Banks.

This lighthouse stands out amongst the crowd because of its all white color.

Unfortunately, due to the lighthouse’s old age, you cannot climb the steps of the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse but you can visit the surrounding areas.

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is located in the Nags Head area of the Outer Banks and is home to the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic Coast.

There are countless activities that you can participate in when visiting this state park including hiking, hang gliding, swimming, kiteboarding, and much more.

3. Outer Banks Scenic Byway

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives down the coast of North Carolina.

This byway stretches out 138 miles and passes through several different islands along the way.

If you are a fan of road trips or car rides in general, be sure to check out the Outer Banks Scenic Byway for some truly fabulous views of the OBX area.

4. Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in the Kill Devil Hills area of the Outer Banks.

This National Memorial was built to honor and commemorate the Wright Brothers and their first successful flight on the airplane that they built.

If you are a history buff or want something unique to do when visiting the OBX area, be sure to check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial for a truly memorable time.

5. Visit the Various OBX Piers

There are countless piers in the OBX area and each one is different from the next!

If you are looking for some beautiful views of the beach and ocean or you are looking for a great place to fish… you must check out one of the many piers.

The sun setting on a beach with ocean waves coming to shore.

Jennette’s Pier

Jennette’s Pier is one of the more popular pier’s in the area and is located in Nags Head.

This pier is infamous for its incredible fishing and is a great place to bring the whole family!

Avon Fishing Pier

The Avon Fishing Pier is located in Avon and is known for catching some seriously big fish such as the Red Drum!

If you are in the area and want to check out a great place to fish or catch a sunrise, be sure to check out the Avon Fishing Pier.

Avalon Pier

The Avalon Pier is located in Kill Devil Hills and is home to fantastic views, great fishing, along with a bar and a Snack Shack!

This pier truly has something for everyone to enjoy and its views of the ocean are impeccable.

6. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Whether you are going by yourself, as a couple, or with the entire family… the North Carolina Aquarium of Roanoke Island is an incredible place to visit for animal lovers.

You can see countless fish, turtles, sharks, and so many other aquatic animals living it up.

Visiting the Roanoke Island Aquarium is a great activity to do anytime of year whether it is sunny or rainy but keep in mind, this would be a great activity to do on a rainy day at the beach!

7. Go For a Rush – Try Hang Gliding Lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites

A common excursion for thrill seekers in the Outer Banks area is to try hang gliding!

Kitty Hawk Kites is home to the largest hang gliding school in the world and you can find their Training Center right in the Outer Banks!

If you are looking for a rush or want to try something new and exciting, you must check out hang gliding for an experience that you will never forget.

8. Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Manteo and are filled with lovely and vibrant flowers, plants, butterflies, and much more.

If you are looking for a break from the typical beach day in the Outer Banks, you must check out the Elizabethan Gardens for a magical day.

9. Discover the Beaches of the Outer Banks

There are countless beaches that make up the Outer Banks area and each one has something special to offer and is located in a unique area.

If you are visiting the Outer Banks and you are looking to explore different beaches, below you will find a list of our six favorite beaches in the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk
Nags Head
Corolla
Rodanthe
Duck
Coquina

Clover on one of the best beaches in the Outer Banks.

10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located in Buxton and consists of 70 miles of land from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island.

On the Cape Hatteras National Seashore you can participate in countless activities and excursions including relaxing at the beach, driving your car on the beach, fishing, camping near the beach, and much more.

11. Roanoke Island Festival Park

The Roanoke Island Festival Park is an incredible way to step back into time and experience what life would have been like for the first settlers to arrive in America.

This historic site has interactive exhibits, an American Indian town, a replica of the Elizabeth II ship, and much more.

If you are a history buff or would like to learn more about our first settlers, you must check this out.

12. Go Sightseeing for Wild Horses

Wild horses have been living on the islands of the Outer Banks for hundreds of years now.

To experience these marvelous creatures firsthand in their natural habitat, we recommend booking a Wild Horse Tour!

13. Hit the Links – Golf in Outer Banks

The state of North Carolina itself is home to some of the most outstanding golf courses in the United States.

When it comes to the Outer Banks, there are countless golf courses to choose from in the area.

We recommend checking out the following courses for an incredible experience hitting the links near the beach!

14. Go Fishing

Whether you are looking for the best surf fishing, pier fishing, or would rather book a charter to go deep sea fishing… the Outer Banks truly have it all.

Be sure to grab the best surf fishing rod or your beach fishing cart and head towards the ocean to reel in some incredible fish.

Three men doing one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks as they surf fish off the beach.

15. Go Kayaking with Coastal Kayak Touring Company

One of my favorite warm weather activities is to go kayaking!

We highly recommend that you check out our post on the best kayaking tours in the Outer Banks for a fun excursion to do around the area.

There are several different tour options to choose from including options around Bodie Island Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Alligator River, and more.

16. Corolla Adventure Park

If you are looking for a super fun and unique experience, you have got to check out the Corolla Adventure Park!

This park has obstacle courses you can complete along with ziplining, climbing, and axe throwing!

17. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

For history lovers, be sure to check out Fort Raleigh National Historical Site.

This site preserves the location of the first English settlement, the Roanoke colony.

Not only will you learn an abundance about the first settlers that came to America but you can walk around the site where these settlers actually lived.

18. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located on Hatteras Island and focuses on the maritime history and shipwrecks that have occurred near the Outer Banks.

You can learn an abundance about the shipwrecks that have occurred in the surrounding areas. Plus, they offer family and children friendly scavenger hunts too!

19. Walk Down Duck Boardwalk

The Duck Boardwalk is about a mile long stretch and is an excellent area for individuals, couples, friends, and family to walk along the trail and take in the surrounding views!

Not only is this a great place to get a leisurely workout in but there are an abundance of shops and restaurants nearby as well as the Duck Town Park!

20. Eat Something Sweet at Duck Donuts

If you are looking for a sweet treat, you must stop by Duck Donuts for some truly excellent local donuts.

Duck Donuts is known for making some unique flavored donuts such as Blueberry Lemonade, Bacon in the Sun, Strawberry Confetti and many others.

21. Hunt for Ghost Crabs

If you are looking to make a great memory with your family, head to the beach at night time to go ghost crab hunting!

Be sure to bring some flashlights, fishing nets, and buckets to try and catch ghost crabs with the family.

This was one of my favorite memories as a kid and it’s sure to make a great memory for your family.

Just be sure to release the ghost crabs when you are done hunting for the night!

22. Drive Your Car on the Beach

One of the most unique things to do on the North Carolina coast is to drive your vehicle on the beach!

Some beaches that let you drive on the beach are Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Hatteras Island.

However, it is important to note that some of these beaches only let you drive on the beach during specific seasons or dates so be sure to check out this website for more helpful information.

23. Nags Head Woods Preserve

The Nags Head Woods Preserve is a great area to go hiking and exploring! This preserve consists of ridges, ponds, marches and other land areas.

Within the Nags Head Woods Preserve there are countless trees, plants, and wildlife that live in this area.

If you are looking to escape from the typical beach vibe of the Outer Banks, be sure to check out the Nags Head Woods Preserve for a unique forest experience.

24. Go Jet Skiing

If you would like a fun and unique experience on the Outer Banks, be sure to check jet ski rentals at Trivillage Water Sports!

Jet skiing is such a fun activity to do by yourself, with your significant other, or as a family.

Not only will you get to experience a rush out on the water but its an excellent way to take in the surrounding ocean and beach views!

25. Bird Watching

The Outer Banks are bustling with various bird species because of its phenomenal location along the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route.

If you are a bird fanatic or if you want to take your kids to admire various birds, you must go bird watching in the area.

For some of the best places to spot birds, be sure to check out this website.

26. Visit the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site

The Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site is an excellent place to visit to learn the history about life-saving stations and the coast guard.

If you are in the area, this historic site will definitely increase your knowledge on these groups and teach you about these men that risked their lives to save others.

27. Catch a Sunrise or Sunset on the Beach

One of my all time favorite things to do at the beach is to catch a sunrise or a sunset on the beach by the ocean.

There is something so surreal about watching the sun come up or sun set by the water.

Plus, it is so magical to watch the horizon change colors as the sun rises or sets on the beach.

Abby and Sam smiling on the beach during sunset.

28. Indulge at Fish Heads Bar and Grill

Fish Heads Bar and Grill is located in Nags Head and is home to locally sourced food that is sure to get your mouth watering.

They serve up cold beer and delicious seafood, right by the ocean!

If you are in the Nags Head area, you must check out Fish Head Bar and Grill for a delicious experience.

29. Grab a Pint (or Two) at Outer Banks Brewing Station

Not only does the Outer Banks Brewing Station serve up countless beers on tap but they also have an abundance of food on their menu for you to enjoy!

Plus, this brewery is kid friendly and even has quite the extensive kids menu for your little ones to enjoy.

30. Bring Your Furry Friend to the Nags Head Dog Park

If you’re like us, we rarely go anywhere without our black labrador retriever, Clover!

Be sure to check out the Nags Head Dog Park for a fun time for your furry friend to roam leash free and mingle with other dogs.

31. Go Sightseeing for Some Dolphins with Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours

There is something so special about seeing dolphins thrive in their natural habitat… if you are like us and you are a huge dolphin fan, be sure to check out Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours.

They offer two hour long tours that will take you out on the water searching for dolphins so that you can see them swim and play in the open ocean!

32. Go Horseback Riding

If you are looking for a memorable excursion by the ocean, check out OBX Horseback where you will be able to casually ride on a horse right beside the ocean as your horse trots down the beach!

33. Grab Breakfast at Bob’s Grill

If you are looking for the best way to start your day, you must check out Bob’s Grill.

This breakfast joint serves up delicious eggs, incredible pancakes, scrumptious hash browns, and so much more.

If you are a breakfast or brunch fan, you must stop by Bob’s Grill OBX for a memorable meal.

One of the best things to do in the Outer Banks is taking in the surrounding views of the beach and ocean.

FAQs About The Outer Banks

What should you not miss in the Outer Banks NC?

You definitely should not miss one of the lighthouses, piers, or beaches when visiting OBX!

We recommend checking a few off your list as you vacation in the Outer Banks area because each one has something new and exciting to experience and enjoy.

What is the nicest part of Outer Banks?

Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are two of the nicest parts of the Outer Banks.

However, you truly cannot go wrong with any of the other popular areas such as Corolla, Duck, and Kitty Hawk.

What do people do in the Outer Banks?

People relax by the beach, go pier fishing, eat at local restaurants, and take in the surrounding views in the Outer Banks.

What is the Outer Banks most known for?

The Outer Banks is most known for its beautiful islands that have extraordinary beaches and oceans.

Now more recently, Outer Banks is also known for the hit Netflix series too!

What should I wear to OBX vacation?

When packing for a vacation to the Outer Banks, it really depends on what season you are visiting the area in.

If you are planning a trip to the Outer Banks during the warm summer months be sure to bring typical beach clothing and accessories.

Below you will find a list of our favorite beach essentials for visiting the OBX.

Where are the best places to stay in the Outer Banks?

There are endless options to choose from when picking the best place to stay in the Outer Banks!

Below you will find some of our favorite hotel options in the area.

First Colony Inn – Nags Head
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk – Kitty Hawk
Hampton Inn & Suites Outerbanks/Corolla – Corolla

Abby and Sam sitting on the beach in their beach chairs.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the absolute best things to do in the Outer Banks! Happy Exploring!