The Outer Banks is a great destination because there are so many different things to do. Whether you’re heading to the Outer Banks for the tourist attractions, traveling with your family, or spending your holiday on the OBX, there's something for everyone! But with so many options, you definitely don't want to miss out on the "greatest hits" - the must-see things to do on the Outer Banks that make every trip unforgettable. Keep reading below for the ultimate Outer Banks bucket list guide with everything in one place where you'll find all the important things that we think you should add to your next Outer Banks vacation itinerary.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Drive on the Beach in a 4WD Vehicle (Corolla or Cape Hatteras) – Experience the thrill of off-roading directly on the Outer Banks’ pristine beaches. Both Corolla and Cape Hatteras offer some of the best beach driving in North Carolina—just be sure to grab a permit before hitting the sand! Check out our Guide to Outer Banks Beach Driving for information about when and where you can take your 4WD vehicle off-road on the Outer Banks. This includes what kind of permits you need and where to find them as well as the rules, regulations, and additional tips for ensuring that your 4WD experience on the Outer Banks is fun and safe.
2. See the Wild Horses of Corolla – Take a guided tour or venture out on your own to spot the famous Corolla wild horses that you'll find wandering freely around the undeveloped beaches of Carova. These horses, often referred to as "Banker" mustangs, are believed to have made their way to the Outer Banks in the 15th and 16th centuries, tossed overboard from trading ships during a storm.This is one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do on the Outer Banks that ensures memories to last a lifetime.
3. Climb to the Top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Ascend the 257 steps of the tallest brick lighthouse in North America for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. Located in Buxton, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Outer Banks and is a must-visit spot for history buffs and photographers alike. Don’t forget to explore the nearby museum to learn about the lighthouse’s fascinating past and its relocation in 1999 to protect it from shoreline erosion.
4. Kayak at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and the Kitty Hawk Coastal Preserve – Paddle through serene coastal wetlands teeming with wildlife, from graceful egrets to playful otters, at the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Hatteras Island, is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. If your Outer Banks vacation rental is closer to the northern Outer Banks, the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve offers equally stunning scenery with its winding water trails through maritime forests and salt marshes. Rent a kayak or bring your own and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable adventure into a whole new world of unique aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems.
5. Try Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Soar over the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast with a hang gliding lesson at Jockey’s Ridge, one of the top adventure activities on the Outer Banks. These historic dunes are the perfect launching point for anyone looking to experience a sky-high adventure to rival the flights of the Wright Brothers. Whether you're an experienced adrenaline junkie or someone looking for a unique vacation experience, the professional instructors from Kitty Hawk Kites are ready to help guide you every step of the way. This is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
6. Explore Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge – Venture into the untamed wilds of the Outer Banks at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem located near Manteo. Home to the endangered red wolf, this hidden gem near Manteo is a prime spot for kayaking, hiking, and spotting black bears in their natural habitat. Check out our guide to OBX Nocturnal Wildlife before your trip and see how many nighttime animals you can identify during your stay! But remember: keep a safe distance, don't interact with the wild animals, and definitely don't feed them - this can be dangerous for them and us! This is the perfect spot for any nature lover who is looking to experience the natural wonders of the Outer Banks.
7. Go Parasailing Over the Outer Banks – Get a bird’s-eye view of the Outer Banks while soaring high above the ocean when you go parasailing. Parasailing is an exhilarating adventure and an unforgettable way to explore the pristine coastline. Whether you're looking for a solo or tandem flight, this is a great opportunity for couples, families, and solo adventurers to get the experience of a lifetime. To ensure proper safety, parasailing should be an activity you try at a local company with the proper training. Kitty Hawk Kites guarantees USCG-licensed boat captains and CPR-certified crews on each outing and offers parasailing adventures in Duck and Manteo.
8. Rent a Jet Ski and Ride Through the Pamlico Sound – Experience the Outer Banks at full speed by renting a jet ski from Kitty Hawk Kites. Zip across the sound’s calm waters while enjoying the scenic beauty of the barrier islands and get ready to experience the marshes and scenic waterways firsthand. This is an equally great activity if you're looking for an adrenaline rush or simply searching for a leisurely water ride and the chance to see wildlife and hidden alcoves in the sound.
9. Go Deep-Sea Fishing Off the Coast – The Outer Banks is one of the best fishing destinations on the East Coast, making this a must-do for anglers of all persuasions! Book a charter from Oregon Inlet or Hatteras Village and head offshore to reel in marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Whether you're an experienced angler or someone looking to get your sea legs for the first time, the skilled captains of the many commercial vessels are more than happy to help you have the adventure of a lifetime. Check out Wanchese Marina, Fishin' Fannatic Charters, or Instigator Fishing Charters for a special deal on charters when you stay with Seaside Vacations!
10. Walk the Boardwalk at Duck Town Park – Make sure you take some time during your next Outer Banks vacation to take a relaxing stroll along the Duck Town Park & Boardwalk! The Duck Boardwalk in Duck, NC, is a top destination for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty and charm of the northern Outer Banks. The boardwalk offers plenty of waterfront views, shopping, and dining, as well as a park with 11 acres of maritime forest and exquisite walking trails! Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and stop by one of the waterfront restaurants for a bite to eat with a view.
Historical & Cultural Experiences
11. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial – Become a part of aviation history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. This iconic Outer Banks attraction features replica gliders, a visitor center, and stunning views from the monument's hilltop. Celebrate the first successful flight that took place on December 14, 1904 and enjoy the unbelievable view from the top of the hill. The kids will love the interactive exhibits in the memorial and the walking paths are a great opportunity to get some exercise and breathe in the fresh, ocean air.
12. Explore the Lost Colony Site on Roanoke Island – Step back in time at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, where the mystery of America’s first English colony continues to intrigue historians and visitors alike. Located on Roanoke Island, this National Park Service site boasts recnstructed reconstructed earthworks, an informative visitor center, a monument to the Freedman's Colony at Roanoke Island, and American's longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony. Learn about the enigmatic disappearance of the settlers and the ongoing research to uncover their fate.
13. Tour the Historic Whalehead Club in Corolla – This beautifully restored 1920s mansion offers a glimpse into the lavish past of Outer Banks high society. This historic buildings was first opened in 1925 and it known around the world ifts Art Nouveau-style architecture. In its lifetime, the Whalhead Club has been a hunting lodge, a Coast Guard shelter, a correctional school, and a rocket fuel testing location! The tours are a lot of fun and there's plenty of acreage to walk around, take in the sights, and enjoy the fresh air. The waterfront setting makes it one of the most picturesque spots in Corolla and it's an easy walk over to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse for a bit of a thrill!
14. Take a Ghost Tour or Historic Walking Tour in Manteo – Get ready to enjoy the haunted history of Roanoke Island with a Ghost Tour or a Historic Walking Tour in Downtown Manteo! Local legends, pirate tales, and eerie colonial mysteries make for a thrilling night out. Outer Banks Ghost Tour which specializes in creating a family-friendly night of thrills and history. For a calmer tour that focuses on the history of Manteo, as told by a local, join retired Police Chief Francis D'Ambra for an evening walking tour through the Historic Waterfront of Old Manteo. And as a bonus, Seaside Vacations guests will receive 10% off each guest when booking a tour with Club Seaside!
15. Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – Located in Hatteras, this recently updated museum is the perfect spot to come learn more about the nautical history of the Outer Banks, showcasing shipwrecks, piracy, Civil War battles, and local connections to Coast Guard history. This museum holds many artifacts from famous wrecked ships of the OBX coast, including the USS Monitor: a Civil War battleship that sank only 16 miles off the coast of Hatteras! You can even view priceless artifacts from one of the most well-known shipwrecks of the Atlantic, Queen Anne’s Revenge. That’s right -- the sailing terror and home of Blackbeard, or Edward Teach, himself!
Food & Drink Must-Tries
16. Try a Famous Apple Ugly from Orange Blossom Bakery – This oversized, deep-fried apple fritter is a local legend! A visit to Orange Blossom Bakery in Buxton isn’t complete without indulging in this must-try Outer Banks treat. They've been serving up these famous pastries since the 1950s and even though they do offer loots of delicious pastries and sandwiches, the Apple Ugly is the must-try. LOCAL TIP: Make sure you get there early, as these sell out FAST. And don't be afraid of the line - it's definitely going to be worth the wait.
17. Eat Fresh Seafood at a Waterfront Restaurant – From steamed blue crabs to blackened mahi-mahi, Outer Banks seafood is some of the best on the East Coast. Make sure to enjoy some of these delicious ocean delights alongside a warm breeze coming off the ocean or a brilliant sunset with the moon shining overhead. Enjoying a meal with a waterfront view is sure to be a memory you'll never forget. Try a local favorite spot like The Blue Point, The Black Pelican, or Fish Heads Bar & Grill! And for more recommendations, check out our guide to waterfront dining here.
18. Enjoy A Local Brewery/Distillery Experience – There's something special about touring a local distillery or enjoying a brew that speaks to the beauty and unique nature of the Outer Banks. Take the time during your next vacation to stop by one of the creative local breweries and beer gardens that have popped up on the Outer Banks over the last decade. Looking for something even more inclusive? Stop by Buffalo City Distillery or Outer Banks Distilling for a distillery tour and tasting! Plus, Seaside Vacations guests can receive a 35% discount on Buffalo City Distillery's Taste of History Tour.
19. Go Wine Tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards – Located just minutes from the Outer Banks, this family-owned vineyard offers tastings of award-winning North Carolina wines in a scenic countryside setting. Sanctuary Vineyards has been a locally run vineyard on the Outer Banks that honors the last seven generations of the Wright family starting with settler Jacob Wright who once shipwrecked on the shores of Duck, North Carolina. Seaside Vacations guests can receive a FREE Reserve Wine Tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards and a tour of the winery - which is always an incredible time! Check out our full OBX wine tour recommendations here.
20. Enjoy a Seafood Boil at Your OBX Vacation Rental – Treat your family to a classic Outer Banks seafood boil, featuring fresh shrimp, crab legs, corn, and potatoes. Many local caterers offer delivery and set-up or personal chef services for an unforgettable dining experience. Outer Banks Boil Company is a local staple, offering fresh steam pots with seafood, potatoes, and corn, with pickup locations in Corolla, Kitty Hawk, and Hatteras Island. Coastal Cravings, in Duck, also offers To-Go Seafood Pots filled with fresh seafood and seasonings that you can take back home with you to steam yourself.
Family Fun & Relaxation
21. Take a Ferry to Ocracoke Island and Explore – Hop on the ferry from Hatteras and discover the remote beauty of Ocracoke Island, home to charming shops, plenty of nautical history, and some of the most secluded beaches in the Outer Banks. Visit the lighthouse, grab lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants, and find the perfect souvenir to take back home! And don't forget to stop by the British Cemetry for something unique to do on the island!
22. Fly a Kite at Jockey’s Ridge, the Tallest Sand Dune on the East Coast – With steady ocean breezes and towering dunes, Jockey’s Ridge is the ultimate spot for kite flying in North Carolina. Grab a kite from Kitty Hawk Kites just across the street, and get ready to have an unforgettable adventure. Explore the beautiful visitor center and walk along the 384-foot boardwalk to help you navigate the paths through the sand. And if you're looking for a little more thrill for the adventure, Seaside Vacations guests can save $20 on beginner hang gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites!
23. Watch the Sunrise Over the Ocean and Sunset Over the Sound – The Outer Banks is one of the few places where you can catch a sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean and a sunset over the Pamlico Sound—all in the same day. On Hatteras Island, experience both the sunrise and sunset with a morning at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and an evening near Cape Point and Canadian Hole. Jockey's Ridge State Park boasts the tallest living sand dune system in the eastern United States, and if you make it to this state park for the sunrise, you'll truly feel like you've landed on another planet while the sunset over the sound will offer memories that last a lifetime. Check out more beautiful spots here.
24. Have a Beach Bonfire on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Roast marshmallows under the stars with a cozy bonfire on one of the Outer Banks’ most beautiful, untouched beaches. Enjoy the ocean's roar at night beneath the stars while you relax and soak up the warmth of a fire in the sand. Beach bonfires are allowed from May 1st to November 15th and make sure you get a permit from the National Park Service first! If you'd rather let someone else do the heavy lifting, simply book one of Outer Banks Beach Fires' many appealing beach fire packages and mention Club Seaside to get 10% off your Beach Fire Package!
25. Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – Home to sea turtles, sharks, and an interactive touch tank, this aquarium is a family favorite and a perfect rainy-day activity in the Outer Banks. USA Today recently named the aquarium #7 in the Top 10 Best Aquariums in North America, so you definitely can't miss this stop! Have some fun in the Fossil Hunt pit before heading inside to learn all about North Carolina's unique ecosystems, and visit the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center to learn more about sea turtle rescue on the Outer Banks!
26. Go Hunting for Ghost Crabs at Night – Head out to the beach at night to find ghost crabs in the sand! Ghost crabs are these tiny little crabs that dart in and out of holes in the sand at night when they come out to feed. Unlike traditional crabbing, these crabs are not harvested for any reason. Instead, you simply make a game out of seeing them with your flashlight and maybe snapping a picture for the 'gram! Walk between the tide lines beneath the light of the moon and get ready for an unforgettable game of hide-and-seek that the kids will love!
27. Book a Private Boat Tour to Explore Hidden Sandbars – Discover secluded sandbars, collect shells, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Outer Banks on a private boat tour from a local charter company. Several local tour companies offer a wide variety of customizable adventures, including looking for shells, snorkeling, eco tours, and more! We suggest Family Water Adventures, founded by Wicked Tuna Outer Banks Captain Tami Gray. And Seaside Vacations guests can enjoy $20 off any chater through our Club Seaside program!
28. Play a Round of Mini-Golf – From pirate-themed courses to glow-in-the-dark fun, mini golf is a classic Outer Banks activity perfect for kids and adults alike. Check out our guide to Outer Banks Putt-Putt Locations and find the perfect course for your family! There are amazing courses from Corolla to Hatteras Island, meaning wherever you're staying on your next Outer Banks vacation, there's sure to be a putt-putt course nearby! Come enjoy this OBX staple.
29. Capture the Perfect Family Photo at One of the OBX’s Iconic Piers – The Outer Banks is home to several piers that are great for fishing, walking, and taking that perfect family photo to hang on the mantle! Snap a sunset picture under Jennette’s Pier or Avalon Pier for a stunning keepsake of your Outer Banks vacation. Nags Head Fishing Pier also has a tiki bar overlooking the ocean as well as a small arcade while Outer Banks Fishing Pier boasts the famous Fish Head Bar & Grill for an unforgettable meal with a view!
30. Take a Dolphin Tour – There are few things more amazing than the experience of seeing dolphins swimming alongside your tour boat as you sail across the sound into the sunset. Capture this and many more memories when you book a dolphin tour during your next Outer Banks vacation. Keep an eye out for our Club Seaside partners who offer discounts and bonuses when you stay with us!
BOOK YOUR HASSLE-FREE Bucketlist VACATION TODAY
So whether you're hoping to come for a short stay getaway or you're excited to introduce the kiddos to some important North Carolina history while recreating memories of your childhood beach vacation, we've got the perfect place for you to stay while you're in town. There really is no bad place to stay on the Outer Banks, so why not plan a yearly trip and maybe stay in a different town each time? You're sure to find your perfect spot.
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.
