People come to the Outer Banks from all over the world in hopes of enjoying nature, soaking up some of the oceanside sunshine, and having an adventure in the great outdoors. Having a picnic on the Outer Banks gives you the chance to enjoy all three while making memories with your loved ones and taking advantage of all the great weather on the OBX! Whether you're looking for a new and exciting way to engage with the local cuisine, stopping by the soundside after a kayak adventure for a mid-day meal, or relaxing in the park surrounded by trees and a fresh ocean breeze, the Outer Banks has numerous picnic spots that are perfect for gathering up your loved ones and experiencing a truly magical meal outdoors. Let's explore some of the best places on the Outer Banks to spread out a blanket and enjoy some al fresco dining.
Beachfront Bliss
Corolla Village Road (Currituck Lighthouse Access)
Why Visit: This welcoming spot on the northern Outer Banks starts our list, offering a beautiful blend of history and nature! Enjoy the quiet remoteness of this beach, making it perfect for a quiet picnic in peace and the perfect launching point to explore Corolla.
Best For: Couples, people looking for a quiet retreat, and families interested in history
Ideal Picnic Setup: Consider a quiet sunrise with a basket and a small, foldable table for an early morning adventure.
Photo Tip: Grab the perfect iconic photo of your picnic setup with the lighthouse peeking through the trees in the background!
Jennette's Pier & Gulfstream Street Beach Accesses (Nags Head)
Why Visit: These beach accesses offer easy access to the sand, plenty of space, and a family-friendly environment with parking, showers, and restrooms.
Best For: Families, small groups, and casual lunches.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Get ready to spend your day in the sun with a pop-up table and a tent or canopy for shade.
Photo Tips: Take advantage of the waves for a fun shot of the kids playing with your picnic setup in the foreground.
Coquina Beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
Why Visit: Coquina Beach is the perfect option for a less-crowded spot with wide beaches and a pristine oceanside spot.
Best For: Couples, photographers, and people with pets
Ideal Picnic Setup: Make it a picnic to remember with a large blanket, sturdy cooler full of ice, and an umbrella for that midday shade!
Photo Tips: Coquina Beach is a dreamy spot for sunrise photos over the ocean or an idyllic shot of your picnic blanket with the shoreline in the background.
Soundside Serenity
Jockey's Ridge State Park (Nags Head)
Why Visit: Jockey's Ridge is a classic picnic spot for visitors and locals alike with the tallest sand dunes on the east coast and a soundside access with unforgettable sunsets.
Best For: Families looking for outdoor adventure, romantic dates, and drone photographers
Ideal Picnic Setup: Position yourself near a large dune with blankets and cushions for a relaxing getaway
Photo Tips: Capture a sunset over the sound with your picnic setup in the foreground or get a glimpse of the castle hidden in the sand at the top!
Duck Town Park (Duck)
Why Visit: Duck Town Park offers shaded picnic areas, a peaceful boardwalk, and a fun playground that will keep everyone entertained
Best For: Mid-day meals, families with kids, and people who love the outdoors
Ideal Picnic Setup: Use one of the park's many shaded picnic areas or sit right out on the boardwalk and soak up the views of the sound while you dine.
Photo Tips: Be sure to capture the park's bountiful greenery or wildlife like birds and squirrels as the background to your spread.
Manteo Waterfront Boardwalk (Manteo)
Why Visit: The Manteo Boardwalk is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and evening for restaurant dining or a picnic on the water. Take in stunning views of the Roanoke Sound with grassy areas and shaded benches that's perfect for enjoy a sounside evening meal.
Best For: Couples, families, and people with pets
Ideal Picnic Setup: The benches on the water are perfect for relaxing with a sandwich in the shade as you have fun watching the hustle and bustle of the waterfront and the beachy small-town vibes.
Photo Tips: Take the perfect Insta-worthy picture of your picnic setup with the docked boats, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and a sunset in the background!
Parkside Picnic Perfection
Whalehead Club (Corolla)
Why Visit: The Whalehead Club and Historic Corolla Park are a perfect picturesque setting that is a blend of history and Outer Banks natural wonder.
Best For: Families, romantic dates, and taking the dog for a walk
Ideal Picnic Setup: Bring your vintage checkered picnic blanket with a wicker basket for a vintage cottagecore experience.
Photo Tips: Snap a picture of your setup with the Whalehead Club and a sunset over the sound in the background.
Roanoke Island Festival Park (Manteo)
Why Visit: Great waterfront views and plenty of open space for the kids to run around and get some fresh air.
Best For: Families, history lovers, and kids.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Find the perfect spot in the shade and spread out a large picnic blanket for the whole family.
Photo Tips: Stop by the Queen Elizabeth II replica and get a picture of the whole family in front of the boat!
Sandy Run Park (Kitty Hawk)
Why Visit: This park is a locals' favorite in Kitty Hawk with a scenic boardwalk over the water, shaded picnic areas, and a pond where you can feed the turtles!
Best For: Nature lovers, families with kids, and those looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path picnic spot.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Use the shaded picnic tables near the water for the perfect fresh-air dining experience, especially on red flag days!
Photo Tips: Capture the beautiful reflections of the trees on the water while enjoying your picnic spread.
Hidden Picnic Gems
Bodie Island Lighthouse (South Nags Head)
Why Visit: Right alongside the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this historic site if the perfect spot for a scenic picnic away from the crowds with the beautiful black-and-white striped lighthouse, marshes, and local wildlife nearby.
Best For: Photographers, couples, and history buffs.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Set up at one of the nearby picnic tables for easy dining while taking advantage of the numerous birdwatching opportunities in the marsh!
Photo Tips: Capture your picnic with the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse in the background, especially during golden hour for the best lighting.
Salvo Day Use Area (Hatteras Island)
Why Visit: This is a great opportunity to enjoy the quiet isolation of Hatteras Island as well as some of the best watersports opportunities around.
Best For: Families, beach-goers, and watersports enthusiasts.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Bring your coolers with plenty of drinks, some fresh shrimp, and get set up at one of the tables in the picnic area.
Photo Tips: Catch a sunset over the water or snap a picture of your picnic with kayakers in the background.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (Hatteras Island)
Why Visit: This is a must for a serene, nature-immersed picnic spot with over 400 species of migratory birds, quiet marshes, and a secluded spot away from the busier parts of the island.
Best For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and older couples.
Ideal Picnic Setup: Bring a lightweight blanket or beach chairs where you can set up on the soundside along the water or on the oceanfront beaches after a short walk.
Photo Tips: Capture the vibrant wildlife in action—whether it’s a great blue heron wading through the marsh or a dramatic sunset over the Pamlico Sound.
Picnic Tips FAQ
What is the best time to have a picnic on the Outer Banks?
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Morning (7-10 AM): Cool temperatures, peaceful atmosphere, and fewer crowds.
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Sunset (5-8 PM): Breathtaking views and dreamy lighting for photos.
What should we bring for a picnic on the OBX?
Here are some of our must-bring picnic essentials:
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Reusable plates, cups, and utensils
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Portable cooler with ice packs and ice (or frozen water bottles to keep things cool!)
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Insulated water bottles
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Bug spray and sunscreen
- A hat and/or umbrella
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Blanket or beach chairs
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Bluetooth speaker for ambiance
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Trash bags (Leave No Trace!)
What other activities can we do after having a picnic on the Outer Banks?
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Bring a kite to take advantage of that unbeatable Outer Banks breeze.
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Pack a frisbee or beach ball for family fun. Portable disc golf or croquet is also a great option!
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Try a nature scavenger hunt with kids. The parks are perfect for finding leaves, shells, and more!
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Set up a watercolor painting session with the scenic OBX views. This is a great option at the Whalehead Club, capitalizing on those Roaring Twenties vibes.
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Bring a Polaroid camera and capture memories for a vintage OBX scrapbook.
- Check out our Ultimate OBX Bucketlist and get started seeing everything you can!
What picnic etiquette should we keep in mind?
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Always clean up after yourself.
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Respect local wildlife and don’t feed seagulls or the wild horses (it's illegal!).
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Avoid glass containers for safety.
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Check weather and tide conditions before heading out.
Book Your OBX Rental and Plan a Picnic Today!
From oceanfront bliss to soundside serenity, the Outer Banks offers countless stunning locations for a picnic. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family outing, or a solo retreat, OBX’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor meal.
Bonus: Download our free OBX Picnic Checklist here for a downloadable guide to make planning your next OBX Picnic even easier!
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.
