The Outer Banks is an exciting place to spend time during the day. From welcoming small-restaurants to beaches filled with sunshine and laughter, you'll find whatever you're looking for on the Outer Banks. But whether you're a night owl or just someone looking to continue the good times after the sun goes down, the Outer Banks also has a lot of fun nighttime activities for the whole family that will help you make the most of your time at the beach. Keep reading for a list of some of the best things to do at night on the Outer Banks.
Explore the Nightlife
If you're looking to enjoy the traditional nightlife adventures like bar hopping and concerts on the Outer Banks, you're in luck. Enjoy the chance to have some delicious seafood and signature cocktails as you take in talented local artists and have an all-around good time. Look for karaoke and trivia as well as big-name performers who visit the area throughout the year. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, there's plenty of ways to keep the party going after the sun goes down. Check out our guide to the Outer Banks, NC Nightlife for local recommendations of the best bars and concert venues.
Go Stargazing
Did you know that 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. There's no better time than during your next Outer Banks vacation to head outside and catch a glimpse of all the beauty and brilliance that comes from seeing the stars at the beach. If you've got equipment, great. If not? Bring your smart phone out onto the deck of your Outer Banks vacation rental or drive out to the beach and get a glimpse of what the world looks like away from artificial lighting. Check out our Outer Banks Stargazing Guide for more tips and tricks to get the most out of your Outer Banks stargazing adventure.
Hunt for Ghost Crabs
If you're looking for something to do as a family that will make memories for the kids, hunting for ghost crabs after the sun has gone down is possibly one of the best options. Bring your flashlights and find a beach access for a cost-free activity that you and your kiddos will be talking about for years to come. You can find these little guys running along the shoreline and burrowing into the sand as the moon peaks up over the horizon in the evening. And the best part? This is something you can do any time of the year! So whether you're coming to the Outer Banks for the summer or looking for a place to spend the winter holidays with a little less snow, searching for ghost crabs under the moonlight is always an option. Click here to more information.
Take a Full Moon Lighthouse Tour
If you're looking a truly unique experience that is sure to make your Outer Banks vacation unforgettable, book a Bodie Island Lighthouse Full Moon tour at www.recreation.gov. Experience the chance to clumb up 219 steps of the lighthouse under the light of the full moon. You'll be walking in the footsteps of lighthouse keepers before you as you take in the beauty of the Outer Banks under the moonlight. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour with climbs available between 7:30PM and 10:30PM depending on the month.
Take an Evening Kayak Tour
Taking a kayak tour is an amazing way to experience the unique ecosystems of the sounds and waterways on the Outer Banks. An even more magnificent way to get the most out of your next trip to the Outer Banks is to take an evening sunset kayak tour with Kitty Hawk Kites! See the sunset from the Corolla Salt Marsh or make your way down to Hatteras Island for a world famous sunset. Take in the beautiful image of the full moon over the water and capture memories of the Outer Banks that you won't soon forget.
Go on a Tour of Downtown Manteo
If learning more about the area while enjoying the crisp, cool night air is more your thing, why not take a tour of downtown Manteo? Join retired Police Chief Francis D'Ambra for an evening walking tour through the Historic Waterfront of Old Manteo. Learn all about local folklore and history as enjoy Manteo under the streetlights. And Seaside Vacations guests are eligible to receive a free adult ticket when booking a part of four or more!
If something a little more spooky is your jam, check out one of Kitty Hawk Kite's walking ghost tours beginning at Duck's Cottage Downtown Books in Manteo. OBX Walking Tours is another option where you can enjoy the experience of a guide leading you through downtown Manteo by lantern telling spooky stories and the haunted histories of the Outer Banks. It doesn't matter if you're a believer or not - these tours are fun for everyone!
See a Movie
Sometimes, after you've spent a day at the beach playing in the surf, sand, and sun, all you want to do is get away into the air conditioning and relax with a bag of popcorn and some snacks. If you're looking to watch a movie from the comfort of your Outer Banks vacation rental, check out some of these movies and TV shows set on or near the Outer Banks for movie night inspiration!
If going out is more your style, check out the Pioneer Theatre in Manteo or RC Kill Devil Hills Movies 10 for the ideal movie experience. Catching the latest, greatest film is just somehow better when you watch it near the beach!
BOOK YOUR NEXT OBX VACATION TODAY
Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure, a historic escape, or a quiet retreat in solitude, the Outer Banks is perfect for your next vacation. Check out our Trip Planning Ideas for curated itineraries of fun things you can do during your stay and be sure to read up on beach safety before heading to the beach.
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 historic adventure to 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.
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, 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.
