Top Sites In The Outer Banks, NC
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a destination that offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. With its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and delicious food, it’s no wonder visitors return year after year.
My girls have been dying to visit the Outer Banks since they became fans of the show “Outer Banks”! It was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, but they were still excited to check it out.
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Norfolk International is the closest major airport to the Outer Banks. The drive time from Norfolk Airport to the Outer Banks takes approximately 1.5 hours. We stayed between Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head. I wanted to explore the entire Outer Banks, so I thought this was a central location to stay.
Here are the top things to see between Corolla and Ocracoke when visiting the Outer Banks.
Corolla
One of the most unique experiences in the Outer Banks is seeing the famous wild horses that roam the beaches. You can take a tour or drive to see them on your own. Tours are in open-air jeeps. Tour guides will stop at interesting sites and share local history and information about the Corolla Wild Horses.
If you choose to drive on your own, it’s only accessible with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There is an area to stop and air down your tires before you reach the beach.
Historic Corolla Park
Things to do in Corolla Park:
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education: Learn about the local wildlife and history. I loved seeing pictures of the early residents, and favorite local recipes.
Visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse: Climb its 220 steps to the top for stunning views of the coastline.
Whalehead Club: Explore this historic 1920s-era Art Nouveau-style mansion and its beautiful grounds. They have tours during the week of the 21,000-square-foot mansion.
Duck
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the sound side mile-long boardwalk full of shops, and restaurants. Stay for stunning sunset views. Next to the Duck Boardwalk, you'll find the Duck Town Park with trails that run through the maritime forest and willow swamp.
Kitty Hawk
Monument to a Century of Flight: We started our day at The Monument to a Century of Flight. The Black granite panels chronicle one hundred of the most significant events in aviation’s first century... Free to visit.
Sandy Run Park: One of OBX’s best-kept secrets! This is a beautiful 16-acre park with a pavilion, picnic areas, and wooden boardwalks where you can see turtles and ducks. There is also a kayak launch into the Canals.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Being a flight attendant for the past 28 years might have gotten me a little excited about our visit… This memorial commemorates the first successful powered flights by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903.
The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks for its strong winds, soft sand, friendly locals, and privacy.
Wright Brothers National Memorial:
Visitor Center: We loved the exhibits in the visitor center. We learned about the Wright brothers’ experiments and found reproductions of the 1903 Flyer and other early Wright aircraft.
Outside the visitor center is a reconstruction of the 1903 Camp Buildings. The brothers built their living quarters and the hangar building. They built their flying machine in Dayton, Ohio, then shipped it to the Outer Banks.
First Flight Boulder and Markers: This is the location where the Wright brothers took off and landed during their historic flights. The markers indicate the distances of each of the four flights on that significant day.
The Memorial Tower: Located atop Kill Devil Hill, this 60-foot granite monument is dedicated to the Wright brothers' achievement. They would carry their Kitty Hawk Flyer up this sand hill! Climb to the base for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Kitty Hawk Pier: Relax or fish off the pier.
Kill Devil Hills
Avalon Pier: Another great spot for fishing and taking in the ocean views. Get some grub and enjoy the live music.
Nags Head
Nags Head Woods Preserve: Hike through this maritime forest with diverse plant and animal life.
Jockey's Ridge State Park: This state park has the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast and the perfect conditions for kite flying and hang gliding. It was beautiful to see at sunset.
Roanoke Island
Manteo Waterfront
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Free): Explore the site of the first English settlement in North America, where you can learn about the Lost Colony and the early attempts at colonization. This is also the birthplace of Virginia Dare, the first child born of English parents in the New World. Unfortunately, between 1587 and 1590, supply ships failed to arrive at the colony. The next time the colony was visited, the settlement had been abandoned, and no survivors were found. The fate of the Lost Colony has never been solved.
What to see at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site:
The 1896 stone monument that commemorates the birth of Virginia Dare.
Earthwork: Archeological evidence reveals earthwork and metallurgical activity were present on this site in the 1580’s.
The First Light of Freedom monument commemorates the Roanoke Island Freedman’s Colony set up during the Civil War.
You can also walk the 1.25-mile Freedom Trail that leads to the Crotan Sound. The trail ends near the site where the Freedman’s Colony & Civil War forts once stood.
Walk the Thomas Hariot Trail, a 0.3-mile loop through the maritime forest to the Albemarle Sound.
The Waterside Theatre hosts an outdoor drama, The Lost Colony. This is the nation’s longest-running symphonic drama, which tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of the Roanoke Colony in 1587.
Nearby is the Elizabethan Gardens ($). Stroll through these beautifully landscaped gardens, designed to memorialize the lost colonists. The gardens feature a variety of plants, statues, and a lovely view of the sound.
North Carolina Aquarium: Discover the marine life of the Outer Banks region through interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and a shark tank.
Roanoke Island Festival Park: A family-friendly attraction that includes the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century ship, as well as interactive exhibits about the early settlers and Native American culture.
Island Farm: Experience life on a 19th-century farm with costumed interpreters, livestock, and hands-on activities.
Manteo Waterfront: Enjoy the charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the water. We went to Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop for lunch. We sat outside near the water and loved the views! 🙌 You can also rent kayaks or take a boat tour.
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Visit this small lighthouse at the end of a pier on the Manteo waterfront. It’s a replica of the 1877 lighthouse and offers lovely views. Under the lighthouse is a little museum that you can explore for free.
Nags Head
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is located on Bodie Island, South of Nags Head. The current lighthouse was built in 1872. It is the third lighthouse on Bodie Island, with the first two having been abandoned due to poor construction and destruction during the Civil War.
Hatteras Island
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic and wildlife-rich area located on Hatteras Island. Pea Island is known for its bird-watching, especially during the fall and spring migrations. Common sightings include herons, egrets, pelicans, and a variety of shorebirds. The refuge is also home to wintering populations of snow geese and tundra swans. Walk along the 0.5-mile accessible trail with observation platforms and scopes for wildlife viewing.
Rodanthe
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station: This historic site offers a glimpse into the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, the precursor to the Coast Guard. Explore the restored buildings and learn about the daring rescues performed by the life-saving crews.
Salvo
The Atlantic Ocean waves and the calmer waters of Pamlico Sound make Salvo an excellent spot for surfing and kiteboarding. Lessons and rentals are available from local outfitters.
The Inn at Rodanthe
The Inn at Rodanthe: I was excited to see The Inn at Rodanthe. It was named in the 2008 movie based on Nicholas Spark's popular novel, Nights in Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. It’s a beautifully restored, single family home (not an actual Inn), located in the small Hatteras Island village on Rodanthe. Address: 23289 E Beacon Road, Rodanthe, NC
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is decorated with iconic black and white stripes and is the tallest lighthouse in all of North America.
Hatteras Village Park: A small park in the heart of the village with a picnic area, playground, and walking paths. The trails through the park lead through maritime forest along wooden boardwalks over marshland.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum: Discover the maritime history of the Outer Banks, including shipwrecks, piracy, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. The museum features artifacts from shipwrecks, exhibits on the Civil War, and stories of legendary pirates.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry
We took the drive-on ferry from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. The ride takes about 60 minutes. The best part is it's free! You’ll pull into one of several lanes in front of the ferry dock. While waiting for a ferry, you can leave your car to use the restrooms, shop, or visit the snack shack. We waited about 1 1/2-2 hours to take the ferry.
Hatteras ferry terminal address: 59063 NC-12, Hatteras, NC 27943.
Ocracoke
Ocracoke Island is a charming and historic destination located at the southern end of the Outer Banks. Known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and unique culture. On Ocracoke, you can park your car in your driveway and leave it there. It's an island that is easily navigable by foot, bike, or golf cart. Ocracoke is all about local! You won't find hotel chains, Starbucks or McDonald's.🙌
Pony Pen: Not too far from the Ocracoke ferry is Pony Pen. These ponies are descendants of the mustangs from Spain that were left on Ocracoke Island many years ago. First recorded by locals in 1730, at one point Ocracoke Island had 300 wild horses, but today less than 20 horses call the island home. This remaining herd has been fenced in since the 1960s and continues to be one of the island's most beloved local legends.
Ocracoke Village: Explore the charming village with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. We stopped at Helios' Hideaway for a late lunch. 😋
Ocracoke Lighthouse: Visit the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S.
Ocracoke Beaches: Ocracoke boasts some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches. Its claim to fame is being named the #2 ranked beach in America (Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach). The beaches are great for collecting shells, particularly after high tide or storms.
Guide to Ocracoke Beaches:
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach: This beach, managed by the National Park Service, is regularly patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, making it a safe choice for families. It has amenities like restrooms, showers, and ample parking.
South Point: Known for its beautiful, untouched scenery, South Point is a bit more remote and accessible by 4WD vehicles. If you plan to drive on the beach, you’ll need a permit from the National Park Service. Be sure to air down your tires before driving on the sand. It's a great spot for fishing, shelling, and its a quieter beach.
Ocracoke Pony Pens Beach: Located near the pens where the famous Ocracoke wild ponies are kept, this beach is less crowded and offers a chance to see the ponies up close.
North Point Beach: Situated at the northern tip of the island, this beach is popular for its seclusion and great fishing. It's also accessible by 4WD vehicles.
We fell in love with North Carolina’s Outer Banks! Each location along the Outer Banks offers unique experiences and beautiful landscapes. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
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