Things to Do in Outer Banks, NC
This was such a serene coastal paradise! I thought it was breathtakingly beautiful with its windswept dunes, wide golden beaches, charming lighthouses, and wild horses roaming freely, all set against a backdrop of endless Atlantic Ocean views and small, character-filled seaside villages.
I drove from Norfolk, Virginia (about two hours) and spent three dreamy days at a charming beachfront inn in Nags Head. I strolled along endless sandy shores, visited the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and climbed Jockey’s Ridge State Park to admire the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast. I also explored the quaint village of Manteo with its waterfront boardwalk and dined on the freshest local seafood. Here are the best Outer Banks attractions I think you should explore.
1. Wright Brothers National Memorial
We drove about 1.5 hours southeast from Norfolk to Kill Devil Hills.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, is one of my favorite historic landmarks.
I love that it commemorates the first successful powered flights of the Wright brothers in 1903, making it an underrated destination for history buffs and families alike.
My favorite part was standing at the exact spot where the first flights took place and then walking up the hill to the towering granite monument with sweeping views of the coastline.
I found the visitor center fascinating, with exhibits, replicas, and stories that made the history come alive in an inspiring way.
For couples or families, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is one of the best places to connect with both history and the beauty of the Outer Banks.
What I Loved Most: I loved climbing the hill to the tall white memorial tower. From the top, I looked out at the Atlantic and the sand dunes, and I felt small but proud, like I was standing at the very beginning of possibility.
My highlights? I stepped inside the reconstructed camp buildings and imagined the brothers huddled here, the smell of pine boards and damp sand in the air. I lingered by the replica of the 1903 Flyer in the visitor center. Its thin frame looked delicate, but I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I kept thinking how the world changed because two brothers refused to quit.
A downside? I found little shade on the open fields. The sun pressed down, and the wind whipped grit into my face. I had to squint against it. But maybe that was part of standing where flight was born. It wasn’t meant to be comfortable.
We spent the night at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills. The sunset here was spectacular!
Plan your Wright Brothers National Memorial visit:
- Location: Kill Devil Hills, Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Highlights: Flight path markers, reconstructed camp, 1903 Flyer replica, memorial tower
- Cost: Adults ~$10; children under 16 free
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
2. Bodie Island Lighthouse
From Kill Devil Hills, we drove just 20 minutes south (12 miles) along NC-12 to the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Bodie Island Lighthouse, near Nags Head, North Carolina, is one of my favorite lighthouses, and it’s easily one of the best photo-worthy stops on the Outer Banks.
I love that it rises 156 feet with its classic black-and-white stripes, making it an iconic and underrated treasure along the coast.
My favorite part was climbing the lighthouse (seasonally open) for panoramic views of marshes, waterways, and the Atlantic Ocean—it was breathtaking.
I found the surrounding area peaceful, with wooden boardwalks and trails that made it a perfect spot for birdwatching and exploring nature.
For me, Bodie Island Lighthouse is more than just a historic structure—it’s one of the best ways to experience the beauty and maritime history of the Outer Banks.
3. Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve
From Bodie Island Lighthouse, we drove about 1 hour 10 minutes south down NC-12.
By midday I reached the Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve, one of the rare maritime forests still thriving on the East Coast.
Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve is one of my favorite natural escapes, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for outdoor lovers in the Outer Banks.
I love that it’s a rare maritime forest, with miles of hiking trails winding through dunes, marshes, and woodlands that feel completely different from the typical beach scenery.
My favorite part was exploring the quiet trails shaded by live oaks and pines, and then coming across views of salt marshes filled with wildlife—it felt wonderfully underrated and peaceful.
I found it to be a perfect balance of adventure and serenity, making it ideal for couples, families, or anyone wanting to experience the wild side of the coast.
For me, Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve is more than just a hike—it’s my favorite kind of Outer Banks discovery, where nature, beauty, and tranquility come together in one unforgettable experience.
Afterward, I stopped at a roadside spot called Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe. I ordered their famous apple uglies, fried dough wrapped around chunks of apple, sugar, and cinnamon. It came out warm, sticky, and big enough to call lunch. The smell reminded me of county fairs and Sunday kitchens. I ate outside under a palm-thatched awning, brushing sugar off my lap and already wishing I had ordered two.
4. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
From Buxton Woods, we drove just 5 minutes east to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, America’s first designated national seashore (established in 1953).
Cape Hatteras National Seashore felt like the reason the Outer Banks exist in the first place. Miles of undeveloped coastline stretched in both directions, broken only by dunes and wind-sculpted grass.
We parked near one of the beach access points and walked barefoot through fine, warm sand. The water was rough that day, whitecaps dancing, gulls wheeling overhead.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina is one of my favorite coastal escapes.
I love that it stretches for more than 70 miles of protected shoreline, offering pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and a sense of untouched beauty that feels wonderfully underrated.
My favorite part was walking along the wide, sandy beaches at sunrise, with nothing but the sound of the waves and seabirds—it felt peaceful and unforgettable.
I found the seashore perfect for both relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, camping, and even climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse nearby.
For couples or families, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the best ways to experience the raw beauty and serenity of the Outer Banks.
5. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
From Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we drove about 25 minutes north to Rodanthe.
We reached Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, once home to the brave crews who patrolled these shores long before there was a Coast Guard.
The buildings were restored but modest, weathered wood, rope lines, lookout towers. I walked through the drill shed and imagined men running through the surf in heavy boots to rescue stranded sailors.
I love that it was once an active U.S. Life-Saving Service station, dedicated to rescuing shipwrecked sailors along the treacherous Carolina coast.
My favorite part was exploring the original buildings and exhibits that told the stories of heroic rescues—it felt like stepping back into a piece of forgotten history.
I found the site fascinating, especially the demonstrations that bring to life the bravery and skill of the surfmen who served here.
For me, Chicamacomico is more than just a museum—it’s one of the best ways to connect with the seafaring legacy of the Outer Banks.
6. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
From Kill Devil Hills , we drove about 40 minutes west to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island. This is where England’s first New World settlement was attempted in 1587, the “Lost Colony” that mysteriously vanished.
Before sunset, I made my way to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, where the Lost Colony left more questions than answers.
The remains were subtle, earthworks under trees, plaques where a village may have stood. I listened to an audio tour about the settlers, the Native peoples, and what might’ve happened. A breeze stirred the pines, and somewhere nearby a cicada sang like it had something urgent to say.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is easily one of the best underrated places to experience American history.
I love that it preserves the site of the first English settlement in the New World, famously known as the “Lost Colony.”
My favorite part was walking through the shaded trails that led to reconstructed earthworks and learning about the mystery of the vanished colonists.
I found the visitor center engaging, with exhibits that covered Native American history, early colonization, and the legacy of the Freedmen’s Colony during the Civil War.
For couples, families, and history buffs, Fort Raleigh is one of the best destinations to explore the layered stories of the Outer Banks.
Dinner that evening was at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar in Manteo. I ordered the shrimp and grits, and it came nestled in creamy stone-ground grits with just the right amount of garlic and smoky sausage.
7. Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center
From Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we drove about 15 minutes south to the village of Frisco, home to the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center.
I love that it highlights Native American heritage alongside local ecology, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and environment.
I stepped inside the old coastal building and felt the calm gently shift, shelves lined with pottery, baskets, wood tools, and even a dugout canoe discovered nearby. The still air carried a quiet respect for the land and its history. As I entered the gallery dedicated to the Croatan, Roanoke, and Hatterask tribes, I thought, “This place holds voices older than the shoreline.”
After touring the exhibits, I wandered down the nature trail through maritime forest and salt marsh, the breeze stinging a bit with sea spray. Here and there, signs invited me to pause, watch a bird at its feeder or imagine life around a reconstructed longhouse circle. The mix of artifacts and forest felt like a living story unfolding.
What I Loved Most: That this humble museum holds a nationally recognized collection in a setting where culture, nature, and education feel inseparable.
Plan your visit to Frisco Native American Museum:
- Location: 53536 NC Highway 12, Frisco, North Carolina
- Vibe: Quiet, thoughtful, deeply rooted in place
- Cost: Around $8/adult; $5 for youth or seniors; $20 for a family pass
- Hours: Typically open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–5 PM; limited winter hours
Best Time to Visit Outer Banks, NC
I’ve visited in nearly every season, but late spring to early fall (May–October) is when the OBX truly shines. You’ll enjoy beach days, open seafood shacks, and warm, breezy evenings. Summer’s great if you’re bringing kids, though I personally love the quieter shoulder seasons, May and September are magic for peaceful walks and gentle waves.
How to Get to Outer Banks, NC
- By Car: I always drive in, it’s part of the charm. You’ll cross scenic bridges on U.S. Highway 158 and NC Highway 12, winding through dunes, marshes, and small towns as you go.
- By Air: I’ve flown into Norfolk (ORF) when I wanted to start from the north, and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) when coming from farther west. Regional flights into Dare County (MQI) get you even closer if you’re short on time.
- By Ferry: I once took the ferry to Ocracoke and it was a highlight of the trip. The North Carolina Ferry System gives you a slow, scenic way to reach parts of the southern OBX, it’s worth it if you love the water.
Where to Stay in Outer Banks, NC
- Recommended for Families: Surf Side Hotel (Nags Head) – I stayed here with family and it checked every box: oceanfront views, a pool, free breakfast, and a great location close to mini golf and the dunes.
- For a Romantic Retreat: The Inn on Pamlico Sound (Buxton) – I spent a quiet weekend here and can’t wait to return. You’ll enjoy gourmet meals, peaceful sunsets over the water, and cozy rooms that make you want to stay in and slow down.
Final Thoughts
The Outer Banks didn’t just tell stories, they asked me to walk through them. From windswept dunes to weathered lookout towers, forest trails to first flights, every stop seemed to offer a different tone in the same song. I came looking for history, but I found texture: rough pine, smooth shells, stone paths, sea spray. And somewhere between a lighthouse and a fried apple pastry, I realized that the Outer Banks isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place that lingers.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how the Outer Banks offers the best of everything, Kitty Hawk’s unique history, the underrated calm of Ocracoke, and the wild beauty of Corolla’s horse-filled beaches. Each experience feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite reasons to return again and again.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
