Nestled on the East Coast barrier islands lie the cherished Outer Banks of North Carolina. Unspoiled beaches, deep-rooted history, abundant nature, and a welcoming vibe await. Families flock to this spot annually and keep coming back for more. Here are the beloved old-school adventures in the Outer Banks that may interest you.
OBX Beaches
Tranquility awaits at OBX beaches. Embrace the refreshing ocean breeze and the soothing rhythm of the waves. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers prime East Coast spots for fishing, splashing, or surfing.
Unwind on these sunny, uncommercialized shores—where beach dreams come true.
Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a historic icon, stands tall at 210 feet. Known as ‘America’s Lighthouse,’ it offers a captivating 257-step climb with eight resting platforms. Experience legendary panoramic views from the top, which are well worth the sweat it takes to get up there, making it an emblem of the Outer Banks.
Heroic Tales at Chicamacomico Life Saving Station
Pre-Coast Guard days, the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station operated from 1874 to 1954 as a pivotal site for marine rescues. The 29 life-saving stations, six to seven miles apart, lined the Carolina coast.
Today, Chicamacomico is one of only two original stations accessible to the public nationwide. Decommissioned in 1954, it is now a museum honoring the remarkable 178,741 lives saved at sea and serving as a tangible link to a bygone era when daring rescuers risked all to battle the unforgiving ocean.
Pirates
The Outer Banks hold a rich pirate history. In the piracy era, figures like Calico Jack, Black Bellamy, and Captain Kidd sailed the waters off North Carolina. The infamous Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, ended in Ocracoke during a skirmish with Virginia troops on November 22, 1718.
Today, a pirate shop stands at that very spot with an excellent exhibit on Blackbeard.
Kids can explore pirate lore at Manteo’s Sea Gypsy IV, embark on treasure hunts, and enjoy pirate-themed mini-golf at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf. Dive into OBX’s pirate legends, once daunting for Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, now offering swashbuckling tales.
A Unique Find: Martian House of the ’60s
Your kids will be excited to visit a Martian House. Outer Banks’ flying saucer house is one of the remaining few in America, located on NC’s Highway 16. Step inside to explore the quirky 1960s portable Futuro home and its eccentric outdoor decorations.
Look out for a potential Martian encounter. Please consider leaving a tip to support the owner.
Dunes
Jockey’s Ridge State Park boasts the tallest dunes in the country, offering a stunning display of natural beauty where the desert landscape meets the Carolina coast. Scaling these sandy peaks presents both a challenge and a victory, rewarding climbers with breathtaking panoramas.
Encompassing 420 acres, this sandy domain invites hang-gliders and kite enthusiasts to try their skill at its expansive terrain. Experience a sense of boundless freedom as the wind propels you, or your kite, skyward.
The Wild Side of OBX
Drop by Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (a measly 6,000 acres) to see migratory birds, plants, fish, and turtles in this 12-mile stretch along NC Highway 12. The property features salt marshes, ponds, tidal creeks, and barrier dunes, making it a birder’s paradise.
Nearly 400 different bird species can be viewed here throughout the year.
The boardwalk at Manteo, in Dare County, is the most picturesque setting in the Outer Banks, though there are no beaches here. While strolling the boardwalk, I noticed a faint smell of jasmine in the air, and the town looked like a greeting card.
Manteo is a great place to enjoy picturesque views or take photos, including the unique Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.
Beaches, of course, are a top attraction in the Outer Banks. Enjoy the sun and surf free of charge while enjoying the misty ocean breezes, stellar views, and relaxation.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island and is part of the National Park Service.
Kites Kites and Nostalgia at Kitty Hawk Kites
Kites draw many visitors to the Outer Banks due to the ideal winds for this beach activity, echoing New England beach vacations. Kitty Hawk Kites provides a top-notch selection of kites at various Outer Banks locations.
Apart from shopping, they offer rentals and lessons for kiteboarding, kayaking, and surfboarding, along with condo rentals. March through June provide optimal conditions for water sports. Enjoy the charm of classic New England beach outings with a vibrant array of kites flying in the OBX winds.
For the best kites, Kitty Hawk Kites is the go-to spot, promising to brighten your beach day with joy and vivid colors painting the sky. There are numerous locations.
Shop and Stroll at Scarborough Lane Shoppes
Attractions along Manteo’s waterfront offer activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and pirate boat tours. The town boasts world-class restaurants with a variety of cuisines and fresh seafood.
Explore boutique shops and art galleries showcasing ladies’ apparel, jewelry, and crafts. Shopkeepers are welcoming, and the product quality is excellent.
When in the Outer Banks, step into the past at Nags Head’s Ben Franklin store, an old-school favorite variety store. Discover a range of items from arts and crafts to beachwear and fishing equipment. The store is a treasure trove of eclectic finds, offering various products from multiple eras.
Scarborough Lane Shoppes is another popular place to check out 60 stores connected by covered porches. These stores feature women’s apparel and accessories, art, olive oil, lavish linens, a fudge shop, a Christmas Mouse, and a flip-flop shop.
The Outer Banks: You’re Going To Love it Here
There are so many things that you can do in the Outer Banks and not be on top of each other like so many other popular vacation destinations. Outer Banks is a place you’ll love, from world-class eateries to outdoor activities, stellar accommodations, and fun attractions.
Read about more of our beach adventures: