Outer Banks

1. Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a tribute to Wilbur and Orville Wright, who achieved the world's first successful airplane flight on December 17, 1903. In addition to viewing the monument, visitors will get the opportunity to look at a replica of the brothers' camp and airplane hangar, see the exact spots where the first take-off and landing took place, and admire a life-sized sculpture of the 1903 Wright Flyer. A state-of-the-art visitor center offers interactive exhibits and a book store.

1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

2. Bodie Island Lighthouse

Found at the very end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 156 feet tall and is one of less than a dozen brick lighthouses left in the United States. The structure was opened to the public in 2013, but it originally dates back to 1872. The lighthouse is open to visitors between the third Friday in April and the second Monday in October; the climb requires visitors to climb just over 200 steps and takes approximately 20 minutes. Only eight visitors are permitted on the lighthouse at a time, and tickets are required.

8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959

3. Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve

Home to more than a dozen species of rare plants and animals, the Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve encompasses approximately 2,500 acres of land on Hatteras Island. Stepping into the Buxton Woods is like stepping back in time; the land is almost completely undeveloped, just it was thousands of years ago. Most visitors head to the interpretative trail that starts just outside the village of Buxton, but plenty of unmarked trails wind their way through the woods as well. These trails can be quite confusing, so visitors who want to explore them are advised to bring a GPS system or a cellphone.

4. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Stretching for more than 75 miles from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the country's first national seashore.

5. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Located on the outskirts of the tiny town of Rodanthe, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is one of the most complete life-saving stations in the country. The site is home to two stations and five exhibit buildings filled with information on the history of maritime rescue, and it typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to explore. Self-guided tours include the opportunity to watch an educational video, and special presentations are available for groups of 20 or more people if reserved at least two weeks in advance. The station is open between mid-April and November, and rescue demonstrations are held during the warmer months.

23645 NC Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, Phone: 252-987-1552

6. Coastal Kayak Touring Company

Opened in 1999, the Coastal Kayak Touring Company offers guided kayak and standup paddleboard tours from six different locations throughout the Outer Banks. Popular destinations include the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, beautiful Kitty Hawk Bay, and several local wildlife refuges that provide the opportunity to spot alligators, bald eagles, and plenty of other animals. Night tours of Pine Island are sometimes available as well, but visitors interested in this trip are recommended to book in advance. No previous experience is required for any of the tours, but the company is also happy to cater to more advanced kayakers and paddleboarders.

1240 Duck Rd #116, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, Phone: 252-441-3393

7. Corolla Adventure Park, Outer Banks

Only half a mile away from the Currituck Lighthouse, the Corolla Adventure Park is an exciting aerial adventure park with 11 unique obstacle courses suspended between 12 and 50 feet in the air. There are approximately 60 different obstacles and ziplines in total, and all climbers wear a full-body harness to ensure their safety. The family-friendly courses are divided into four levels of difficulty, and there's something suitable for most people over the age of 4. Visitors are given 2 hours to enjoy the park, and reservations are encouraged between the months of June and August.

1215 Ponton Ln, Corolla, NC 27927, Phone: 252-597-1997

8. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Established to protect the remaining parts of the first English settlement in the United States, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on the northern end of Roanoke Island. The park's visitor center offers exhibits that tell the story of the island's Native American and English history; it also features a theater that plays a short film. There are several short walking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the site's maritime forest. The park is open to the public all throughout the year, and an outdoor drama is held onsite every evening during the summer.

1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, Phone: 252-473-2111

9. Ghost Crab Quest

Spotting ghost crabs isn't nearly as spooky as you might think, and the Ghost Crab Quest is a fun activity that the whole family will enjoy. Led by experienced guides, the tours give visitors the chance to spot and photograph the ghost crabs that inhabit the local beaches. The quests take place at the Sea Ranch Resort every Sunday evening during the summer, and the entire trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Each tour has space for up to 20 participants of all ages, and all equipment is included in the price of the tour.

Phone: 804-731-1353