The town of Duck with its waterfront dining and pristine beaches - some of the best for shell collecting - is a top notch vacation spot. The origin of the town name, like so many Outer Banks villages, can be traced back through history.
Some, like Kill Devil Hills originate in pirate lore. Duck, as you might imagine has more to do with the abundant waterfowl than the crossed bones or swords of the Jolly Roger. Hunters have been flocking to the area since the 1800's to bag their limit. Hence, Duck.
This charming little resort town, with only 500 year-round residents sports several beaches that are listed as some of the best in the nation. Water sports and outdoor adventure, a nationally recognized jazz festival, world-class dining and eclectic shopping puts Duck on the bucket list for many travelers and vacationers.
Water SportsActivities in Duck, North Carolina
Thanks to the town of Duck's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, water sports are a huge area attraction. Duck has a similar landscape to neighboring Currituck County towns of Carova and Corolla; however a larger portion of Duck's local economy is based on water sports like jet skiing, kayaking and surfing.
Although many people who stay in the town have never beensailing on the open water or been on a stand up paddleboard, hundreds if notthousands of people partake in activities based on the water. Over half a dozenlocally-owned businesses specialize in providing all of the equipment you needfor fun on the water in Duck. Vacationers should consider partaking in guidedkayak tours or sailing excursions, or rent the proper equipment and create yourown tour; departing from any water access readily available.
Regardless of if you spend your summer days lounging on the town's unspoiled beaches, eating your way around Duck, or partaking in a high intensity water sport on either the Currituck Sound or Atlantic Ocean, you're sure to have a memorable vacation at one of the Outer Banks' highly regarded towns.
Interested in participating in water sports? Check out these businesses:
Shopping in Duck,North Carolina
Vacationers choose to stay in Duck instead of another other Outer Banks town for many reasons, one of which is the town's fantastic options for shopping. A far cry from your typical chain retail establishments find elsewhere around the nation, locals compare Duck's shopping scene as the Outer Banks' "Rodeo Drive." However unlike Beverly Hills, visitors can enjoy an array of quirky art galleries, specialty clothing stores, and mom and pop restaurants abound while touring the town by foot.
The shops in Duck are clustered into a half-mile strip and once you find a place to park, you and your group can enjoy hours of unique shopping and dining options. There is a paved path alongside N.C. 12 that keeps travel by foot safe for pedestrians. If you're vacation rental home is close enough to downtown Duck, a bicycle is a preferred method (if it's not raining). If you didn't strap your families group of bikes to the back of your car, you can always rent a bicycle from Ocean Atlantic Rentals or several other local businesses. No matter your age, personal style, or whatnot, you're sure to enjoy the terrific shopping options available in the quaint town of Duck.
Be sure to visit these locations on your next shopping trip in Duck:
Scarborough Faire Shopping Village
Dining in Duck, North Carolina
The town of Duck is known and beloved for both its casual and fine dining experiences. Like most of the Outer Banks, the majority of restaurants in Duck focus on American fare with an emphasis on seafood. You'll get to experience cuisine imagined by some of the most creative chefs in the world.
Gather the whole family for a seafood excursion, pass timesipping coffee on the porch, enjoy a romantic dinner while listening to jazz,dine under the stars, grab a slice of pizza, or catch up on your favorite teamwatching the bar tv!
Here are some of our favorite Duck restaurants inalphabetical order:
