20 Fun Things To Do In Outer Banks North Carolina

Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dunes on the Atlantic coast. Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, it's a perfect spot for adventure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy activities like hang gliding, sandboarding, and hiking on the expansive dunes.

The park also offers stunning views of the Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, especially at sunset. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the dune’s ecology and history. It's a must-visit for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Outer Banks.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is a must-visit attraction in the Outer Banks. This historic site commemorates the first successful powered flights by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903.

The memorial features a 60-foot granite monument atop Kill Devil Hill, marking the spot where the Wright brothers conducted their glider tests. Visitors can explore the visitor center, which includes replicas of the Wrights' 1903 Flyer and other exhibits detailing the history of aviation.

The memorial also has markers showing the takeoff and landing points of the four flights made on that historic day, along with a reconstructed camp building and hangar.

Kayaking or canoeing in the Outer Banks is a fantastic way to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Popular spots include the Currituck Sound, where you can paddle through calm waters and see wildlife like birds and fish.

Another great place is Roanoke Island, offering scenic views and tranquil waters. For a unique experience, try kayaking around the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where you might spot alligators and other animals.

These activities are suitable for all skill levels and offer a peaceful way to explore the Outer Banks' diverse ecosystems and picturesque landscapes.

For anyone looking for things to do in the Outer Banks, a visit to this aquarium offers a chance to explore and enjoy the rich marine environment of the region. Located on Roanoke Island, the aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of North Carolina through a variety of exhibits. 

Highlights include the "Living Shipwreck" exhibit, which features a 285,000-gallon tank filled with sea turtles, sharks, and other oceanic species, and the "Waters of the Outer Banks" exhibit that mimics local marine habitats.

The aquarium also includes interactive touch pools where visitors can get up close with starfish and other tide pool creatures.

Fishing or strolling on Jennette's Pier is a popular things to do at outer banks. This historic pier, originally built in 1939 and reconstructed in recent years, offers both recreational fishing and scenic walks over the Atlantic Ocean.

Anglers can rent equipment and fish for a variety of species, including mackerel and striped bass, enjoying the thrill of catching fish against a stunning ocean backdrop.

For non-anglers, the pier provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, offering panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities to observe marine wildlife. Additionally, educational programs and events are often hosted here.

Relaxing at Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the quintessential things to do OBX NC. This national seashore stretches over 70 miles along the Outer Banks, offering pristine beaches, unspoiled natural beauty, and a serene atmosphere ideal for unwinding and connecting with nature.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as sunbathing, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, beachcombing for seashells, and birdwatching. The seashore is also famous for its towering sand dunes, including Jockey's Ridge State Park, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

"The Lost Colony" is a renowned outdoor drama that stands as one of the iconic Outer Banks attractions. It takes place at the Waterside Theatre on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, depicting the mystery of the Lost Colony, America's first English settlement.

This theatrical production has been running since 1937, making it one of the longest-running outdoor dramas in the U.S. The story unfolds under the stars, telling the tale of the ill-fated settlers who mysteriously disappeared in the late 16th century.

The production involves a large cast, elaborate costumes, and impressive special effects, set against the backdrop of the Roanoke Sound.

Originally built as a hunting lodge in the early 1920s, this grand, 21,000-square-foot mansion is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. The home features a blend of Art Nouveau and Mediterranean Revival styles, making it a unique example of early 20th-century design.

One of the highlights is the impressive, tiled swimming pool and the historic boathouse. Whalehead is also known for its role in local history, having been a prominent location for social gatherings and events in its heyday.

This makes Whalehead a must-see among the many things to do on the Outer Banks, NC, providing visitors with both historical insight and scenic beauty.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, stands as a prominent historical landmark and popular tourist attraction. Built in 1875, it reaches a height of 162 feet and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Atlantic Ocean from its top.

Visitors can climb the 220 steps to the observation deck, where they can learn about the maritime history of the region and enjoy stunning vistas. The lighthouse is renowned for its distinctive unpainted brick exterior, which sets it apart from other lighthouses along the coast.

It's a must-visit for anyone exploring the outer banks stuff to do, offering both educational insights and stunning views.

This lighthouse, first lit in 1872, stands tall at 156 feet (47.5 meters) and is known for its black-and-white striped pattern. It's situated on Bodie Island, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The lighthouse helps guide ships safely along the coast and is a key landmark in the area.

When visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse, you can enjoy a tour to learn about its history and the important role it has played in maritime safety. The lighthouse is open to the public for climbing, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the top.

Nearby, you'll find the Bodie Island Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, which has been restored to show what life was like for the lighthouse keepers in the past.

A wild horse tour in Corolla is a unique adventure where you can see the famous wild horses that roam freely on the beaches and dunes of Corolla, North Carolina. These horses are the descendants of animals brought here by Spanish explorers over 500 years ago.

During the tour, you'll ride in a special 4x4 vehicle designed for rough terrain to explore the beautiful, remote areas where these horses live. Guides will share interesting facts about the history and behavior of the horses, and you'll have the chance to see them in their natural habitat.

This is a fantastic activity among the things to do at Outer Banks, NC, especially if you love animals and nature. The tours usually last about two hours, and it's important to bring a camera and be ready for a bumpy ride.

Unlike some of the busier beaches in the Outer Banks, Currituck Beach offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. The beach is located near the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which is a great spot for visitors who want to combine beach time with a bit of history.

You can climb the lighthouse for a stunning view of the area. The beach is ideal for lounging, swimming, and picnicking. There are no large crowds here, so it's perfect for a relaxing day out.

Additionally, the area around Currituck Beach has natural beauty with its salt marshes and dunes. Remember to bring sunscreen, as there are limited shaded areas.

Walking the Duck Town Boardwalk is a delightful activity you can enjoy as part of the things to do on the Outer Banks, NC. This boardwalk is a scenic pathway located in the town of Duck, known for its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere.

It stretches along the soundside, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. As you walk, you'll see charming shops, restaurants, and cafes lining the boardwalk, making it a great place for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

The boardwalk also features several spots where you can sit and take in the lovely views of the water and surrounding nature.

Surfing is a popular activity in the Outer Banks, a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. One of the best places for surfing here is at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This area is famous for its consistent waves, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.

If you're new to surfing, you can take surf lessons here from local experts who will teach you how to catch and ride the waves safely. Another great spot is Jockey's Ridge State Park, where the winds can create excellent conditions for both surfing and kiteboarding.

The Outer Banks' beaches, like those in Nags Head and Avon, also provide fantastic waves and beautiful surroundings.

These gardens are designed to reflect the style of gardens from the Elizabethan era of England, around the time of Queen Elizabeth I. You’ll find lovely formal gardens with carefully arranged flowers, plants, and trees, along with pathways, fountains, and a charming replica of a 16th-century English garden.

The gardens also feature a large, elegant sculpture of Queen Elizabeth I, and often have educational displays about the history of the period. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and appreciate the beauty of traditional garden design.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a fascinating place located in Hatteras, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. It focuses on the history of shipwrecks and maritime disasters in the area, which is known for having a lot of shipwrecks due to its dangerous waters.

The museum features many exhibits, including artifacts from sunken ships, historical documents, and interactive displays that help visitors understand the challenging conditions sailors faced.

It also tells stories of bravery and survival from the shipwrecks that occurred in the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," a nickname for the waters off the Outer Banks.

One of the top activities among the things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, is visiting the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This iconic lighthouse, located on Hatteras Island, stands as a symbol of maritime history and is renowned for its striking black and white spiral stripes.

Built in 1870, it is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, reaching a height of 208 feet. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse plays a crucial role in guiding ships through the hazardous waters of the Diamond Shoals, known for shipwrecks.

The lighthouse is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a protected area that also offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and educational exhibits about the region's maritime heritage.

During this tour, you get on a boat and head out to sea, where you have a good chance of spotting these playful marine animals. Dolphins are known for their intelligence and agility, so watching them jump and swim is a thrilling experience.

Many tours offer guided trips where experts share interesting facts about dolphins and their behavior. It's also common to see other marine life, like seabirds and sometimes even whales.

These tours often take place in areas where dolphins are known to frequent, and the guides use their knowledge to find the best spots for dolphin sightings. Be sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, as you will be out on the water for a while.

The Sunset Boat Tour in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, offers a breathtaking experience as you cruise along the waterways during sunset. It's one of the most popular things to do in the Outer Banks, known for its stunning coastal views.

During the tour, you'll often see wildlife like dolphins and seabirds, adding to the scenic charm. Many tours provide knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about the area's history and ecology, enhancing your trip.

There are over 150 locally owned restaurants in the Outer Bank where you can enjoy fresh catches from the region. One notable restaurant is The Colington Café, known for its delicious seafood dishes, including crab cakes and fresh fish.

Another popular spot is the Black Pelican Oceanfront Café, where you can taste local specialties like tuna and shrimp. The Outer Banks is renowned for its seafood, especially blue crabs, clams, and oysters.

These restaurants source their ingredients from local waters, ensuring that you enjoy the freshest seafood possible. Many of these eateries have a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a casual dining experience.