Benefits of Visiting the Outer Banks in Winter
Even though vacationers often visit the Outer Banks during the summer for some fun in the sun, there are still plenty of Outer Banks winter activities that make it worth visiting during the off-season. The Outer Banks in the winter is slower and much cozier, so you’ll get to take advantage of the full island and the surrounding area without needing to wait in long lines, and likely at a cheaper rate.
Additionally, there are plenty of fun and exciting Outer Banks winter activities you can do without stepping foot on the beach. All in all, Outer Banks in the winter is a wonderful escape that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Things to Do in the Outer Banks in Winter
The Outer Banks has a number of attractions that are just as exciting in the winter as they are in the summer. There are both indoor and outdoor Outer Banks winter activities that are fun for the whole family. The area also offers attractions for a variety of budgets, so no matter what, you’ll be able to find something you’ll love.
Visit a Lighthouse
One of the best things to do while traffic is lighter on the Outer Banks is to visit the multiple lighthouses that once actively patroled the shores from Corolla to Ocracoke. While most lighthouses will be closed for climbing during the winter, strolling by and seeing these brilliant structures against the beautiful natural landscape of the Outer Banks is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Time it right, and you'll be able to see all 5 lighthouses during your stay including the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Catch a glimps of these massive pieces of history and be sure to come back again during the summer for the chance to actually climb them and see the Outer Banks from above!
Spend a Day at the Wright Brothers Museum
No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without a visit to The Wright Brothers Museum. Come celebrate America's first flight in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Walk the ground of the Wright Brothers Memorial and walk in the footsteps of history. For even more fun, plan your Outer Banks winter vacation around December 17th and experience Wright Brothers Day in the spot where it happened. Enjoy exhibits, speakers, and a full day of celebration commemorating this amazing feat.
- The Wright Brothers Memorial is located at 1000 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, 27948.
- They are open 9 AM – 5 PM daily year-round (other than on Christmas Day).
- Tickets for Adults (16+) cost $10 while children 15 and younger are free.
Visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Who says the beach can't be wonderful in the winter? In fact, the winter is one of the best times to visit the beach where you will be able to experience unforgettable sunsets and a much more secluded experience during the off-season. Take the time to look for ghost crabs in the evening or search for sea glass along the shoreline. There are also hundreds of species of birds that call this area of the world home, so why not try out your birding skills and see how many you can find?
Explore the North Carolina Aquarium
Few educational places out there excite both kids and adults the way that aquariums do. The concept and design of aquariums has come a long way in the era of environmental preservation and for those that exist for the purpose of research, education and conservation, they can be a great resource to the local ecology. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island celebrates the unique geography and diverse ecosystem of the Outer Banks and is a great place to spend the afternoon! In fact, in 2019, USA Today recently named the North Carolina Aquarium system #7 in the Top 10 Best Aquariums in North America! If you love the Outer Banks and learning about marine life, take a short drive to Manteo and experience this aquarium in Outer Banks, NC for yourself!
- The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located at 374 Airport Rd. Manteo, NC 27954.
- They are open 9 AM – 5 PM daily year-round (other than on Thanksgiving and Christmas).
- Tickets range in cost with Adults (13-61) costing $12.95, Seniors (62+) $11.95, Military $11.95, and Children (3 – 12) $10.95. Children 2 and younger get in free. NC Aquarium Society Members also get free admission.*
Enjoy Less-Crowded Walks on the Beach
One of the best perks of visiting the Outer Banks in the winter is the sheer untouched beauty of the beaches in the off-season! This undeniably beautiful stretch of beach often finds itself on a number of National "Best Beaches" lists, including world-renowned beach expert "Dr. Beach's" annual round-up of best American beaches. And during the winter, you can take in all the beauty and splendor of nature's favorite backdrop without the crowds! And if a polar plunge isn't quite your thing, this is also one of the best times to go beachcombing in the morning! Take advantage of the winter winds coming in and snatch up some beautiful shells, sea glass, and more.
Go Hiking on the Nature Trails
There are some incredible spots to go hiking on the Outer Banks and the winter is one of the best times to do so! Come check out these beautiful local spots like the Currituck Banks Reserve, Nags Head Woods Preserve, and Jockey's Ridge State Park this off-season! You'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Outer Banks without the heat and mosquitos. There are also an abundance of maritime forests that provide the chance to see a unique ecosystem in action. It's hard to overestimate just how cool it is to see Kitty Hawk Woods on a chilly winter morning with the birds, deer, and more providing a calming spot to recharge and start your day.
Go Birdwatching
The winter is an amazing time to go on the incredible scavenger hunt that is birdwatching on the Outer Banks! Whether you're searching for geese, ducks, heron, or osprey, there are dozens of different types of birds to be on the lookout for on the OBX. Check out our guide to birdwatching to find out some of the best places to visit, the types of birds you'll see during the different times of year, and tips for making the most of your birdwatching adventures.
Explore Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
When it starts getting chilly outside, there's no better time to find a delicious way to warm up! Use this time to check out some of the best places to grab a drink on the Outer Banks. Make your way over to one of the OBX's breweries and beer gardens for local brews that are sure to become your new favorite. For the wine drinkers, check out our Outer Banks Wine Tour and don't miss out a free wine tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards. Seaside Vacations guests can receive a FREE Reserve Wine Tasting and a tour of the winery with their reservation number! For something a little harder, take some time to check out the distilleries to explore on the Outer Banks! And as an added bonus, Seaside Vacations guests can receive a 35% discount on Buffalo City Distillery's Taste of History Tour.
Enjoy a Spa Day or Yoga Retreat
Less crowds on the beaches also means that this is the perfect opportunity to prep for a spa day or a yoga wellness retreat! Treat yourself to a massage, acupuncture, or yoga class to help beat those winter blues and make the most of your winter escape on the Outer Banks. Influenced by the peace and calm of the ocean, there are countless spas and massage therapy spots up and down the beach with everything you need to relax and unwind. Check out Outer Banks Spas and Wellness Centers here or check out the Best Outer Banks Yoga Spots for even more ideas. And while you're at it, don't miss out on the chance to save! Seaside Vacations guests can get a 10% discount the cost of a cave session (usually $39) at The Outer Banks Salt Cave! Looking for something a little more intense? Seaside Vacations guests can also receive a 10% discount on hydration therapy with OBX Renew IV To You!
Go Stargazing
You may have heard a lot of discussion recently about being able to see the planets or stars - and the Outer Banks is one of the world's top places to catch an uninhibited glimpse! The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been nominated as one of the best locations in the world to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way and both Ocracoke and Duck have been listed as some of the best places to stargaze in North Carolina. So when the beaches are a little more empty and the nightlife is a little more calm, grab your telescope and get outside! Check the weather and plan around the New Moon to ensure a memorable, clear stargazing experience. Check our Outer Banks Stargazing Guide for even more ways to make your winter OBX stargazing adventure one for the books.
Celebrate the Holidays the Outer Banks Way!
There are so many exciting things to do on the Outer Banks during the holiday season. Visit the Winter Lights at the Elizabeth Gardens in Manteo and be sure not to miss the Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting every year! There are also lots of fun holiday markets to find that perfect Christmas gift. There are also lots of wonderful ways to bring in the new year by celebrating New Year's Eve on the Outer Banks! So whatever way you celebrate, you're sure to find that the Outer Banks is one of the most amazing places to be any time of the year.
Book an Outer Banks Winter Rental Today!
During the off-season, OBX has plenty of fully furnished winter rentals. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property or a cozy bungalow, you’ll be able to find the perfect winter rental for your needs. And be sure to check out our specials page for even more great ways to enjoy your next visit to the Outer Banks!
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We’ll see you at the beach.
