Memorial Day is generally considered the start of summer here on the Outer Banks - and you can absolutely feel the electric shift of the energy as we start heading into our peak beach season. It's time to exchange jeans for shorts and tennis shoes for flip flops as the warm ocean water, long days at the beach in the sunshine, and local events all usher in the warmer season! June is the perfect month to dive into everything that our island paradise has to offer. So whether you're traveling with the kiddos, having a much-needed girls' weekend by the shore, or ready to hang out in the surf with your toes in the sand, here's your guide for the best things to do on the Outer Banks in June!
1. Spend the Day at the Beach (Of Course)!
It wouldn't be a trip to the Outer Banks without a day at the beach! June is arguably one of the best times to visit the beach on the OBX with the ocean just starting to get warm enough for swimming - typically in the low to mid 70s - but it's also not going to get so blistering hot that you can't comfortably walk on the sand. It's the perfect time to break out those flip-flops, get some sun on your shoulders, and soak up the fresh breezes coming off the ocean. Bring a frisbee or a ball to the beach for fun family games, book some surf lessons, or get out onto the water with a boogie board for some memory-making time together in the water. And if you're ready to relax, stretch out with a book or a yoga mat and get your zen on along the shoreline! Just make sure to remember your hats and umbrellas, sunscreen, and plenty of drinks and snacks.
Top Beach Picks for June:
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Spacious, open, undeveloped, and great for beachcombing
- Ocean Bay Blvd. Beach Access – Ideal for groups and families with small kids, since there's a lifeguard and beach house
- Corolla Village Road - Currituck Lighthouse Access – Clean, quiet, out-of-the-way, and perfect for families
2. Attend a Summer Festival
June is a great time to visit the Outer Banks because it's truly the kick-off to summer - and it's also festival season on the beach! The local calendar starts filling up with fun outdoor activities that the whole family will love as well as concerts, local art shows, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to come be a part of the local community by engaging in the local culture and experiencing unique festivals and events that you won't find elsewhere! Whether you're looking for some fun arts and crafts to do with the kids or want to spend some time perusing the local wares, few things are better than June on the OBX.
Top Festival Picks for June:
3. Visit a Local Farmer's Market
One of the best ways to support the local community while sampling the delicious local flavors or picking up your new favorite souvenir is by visiting a farmer's market! These markets are ideal for picking up the extra sauces and fresh veggies you need to pair with some local seafood or enjoying a delicious scone or muffin with some locally roasted coffee. OBX markets start returning full-force in June so get ready to enjoy some fun live music, food trucks, and crafts and games for the kids. Farmer's markets on the Outer Banks are not just about shopping. They're about forming a community and having a fun outing that the entire family will be talking about your whole trip!
Top Farmer's Market Picks for June:
4. Go Wild with Water Activities
With the summer heat starting out in full effect, there's nothing better to do than cool down by hitting the water! June's mildly warmer weather and fabulous temps make it a prime time to get ready and enjoy watersports and guided water adventures! There are calm adventures for the whole family, exciting adrenaline rushes for the thrill-seekers, and everything in between, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Top Water Activity Picks for June:
5. Visit a Lighthouse
There's something so iconic about the lighthouses on the Outer Banks. These magnificent feats are not just beautiful - they're an essential part of the local nautical history and they offer breathtaking views from the top after a rewarding, athletic climb. June is the ideal time to take on this challenge before things start getting too hot! And as an added bonus, wait times are usually a LOT shorter in June than they are in the peak months of July and August! Each lighthouse is spectacularly unique with trails, boardwalks, and historic buildings to explore!
Top Lighthouse Picks for June:
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla)
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Buxton)
- Bodie Island Lighthouse (Nags Head)
6. See The Lost Colony
For more than 85 years, The Lost Colony has been hitting the stage in Manteo as the nation's longest-running outdoor symphonic drama! Get ready to experience the chills and thrills of the story of the first English settlers to attempt colonization of Roanoke Island, whose colony disappeared at the turn of the 16th century. Performed outside under the stars on the shores of the Roanoke Sound, this show specializes in award-winning costumes, live music, dancing, pyrotechnics, and storytelling that the whole family will enjoy. Coming in June means you'll have the chance to enjoy smaller crowds and somewhat cooler weather, making this a premier time enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience under the stars.
7. Grab Some Coffee & Ice Cream
Whether you're looking to start your day off with a treat or end the day with a scoop of ice cream and a sunset, there's nothing quite like getting a sweet treat at the beach! There are a number of delicious spots that are ideal for making memories with the family. And the perfect thing about June is that the weather is still going to be temperate, the crowds are still a little smaller, and the days are continuing to get longer, meaning each day of your vacation offers even more time to soak up the surf, sand, and sunshine! Whether you're looking for an old-fashioned cone or a creative twist on gourmet coffee, June on the Outer Banks has you covered.
Top Treat Picks for June:
8. Plan a Family Photo Session
The weather in June is perfect with budding wildflowers, golden hour skies, and a beautiful beach backdrop that ensures unforgettable family photos! Whether you're planning to get a family photo, a couples shoot, or even celebrate an engagement, this is a great time to capture those memories here on the OBX! And when you stay with Seaside Vacations, you can receive a special rate for an hour-long portrait session at your rental through Brooke Mayo Photographers! Check out the Club Seaside deal here. There are few souvenirs more precious to take home with you than an unforgettable family photo that you can hold onto for years to come.
9. Go Fishing!
June is prime time for fishing here on the Outer Banks! Whether you're looking to fish from a pier, step out into the surf, or book a charter with one of our local captains, there are endless options for all sorts of angler fun. The waters are starting to warm up, which means that a wide variety of species start making their way to the shore. Luck will be on your side as you get ready to try your hand at catching your prized fish. It doesn't matter whether you're just starting out or an experienced angler, June is the perfect time to try your hand at fishing!
Top Fishing Picks for June:
10. Take a Sunset Cruise or Dolphin Tour
A sunset on the OBX is what dreams are made of - especially when you're taking in those views from a charter on the water! Book an evening sunset cruise or get ready for a dolphin-watching trip that the whole family is going to love! Let the captains do the hard work while you enjoy snacks, drinks, and spending time with your loved ones as you seek out the unforgettable views. Trust us when we say that your kids are going to remember the sights of dolphins jumping alongside the boat in the waves for the rest of their lives! And for the adults, a sunset cruise to Sanctuary Vineyard is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Top Tour Picks for June:
BONUS: June Events on the Outer Banks
- Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding KickOff Weekend
- Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days
- 50th Anniversary of Jockey's Ridge State Park
- Annual Rogallo Kite Festival sponsored by Seaside Vacations
- Dare Day Festival
- Kitty Hawk Kites Waterfront Festival
- Dowdy Park Farmers Market
- First Flight Market
- Under the Oaks Arts Festival
- 2nd Annual Jim Tobin Memorial Dolphin Tournament
- Hatteras Marlin Club Blue Marlin Release Tournament
- Travis Tritt Concert
- Jake Owen with Uncle Kracker
- The Outer Banks Brewing Station presents The Independence 1 Mile Beer Run
Enjoy June in a Beach House Built for Summer!
The start of summer really is one of the best times to visit the OBX. Things are warming up but it's not too hot yet and it's the perfect time to take advantage of those long, warm OBX days, epic sunsets, and the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world. June rentals book fast, and for good reason! Make sure to grab your ideal rental NOW by looking for homes with:
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Hot tubs under the stars
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Screened-in porches and oceanview decks
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Easy beach access for sunrise strolls
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
