Welcome to Duck, North Carolina, a charming seaside village nestled in the heart of the Outer Banks. Known for its serene beaches, quaint shops, and welcoming community, Duck offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to engage in some birdwatching, enjoy the best of soundside watersports, or get away from the hustle and bustle of the busier parts of the Outer Banks, Duck offers a quiet, idyllic retreat for families, couples, and refreshing single retreats. Check out this day-by-day exploration of Duck for our recommendations of hidden gems, local recommendations, and must-dos to get the most out of your Duck vacation! And be sure to browse our Duck vacation rentals and check out our page on things to do in Duck.
Day 1: Arrival and Sunset Stroll
Coming into Duck during the summer months can be a bit of a drive, so it's important to bring plenty of car games and snacks and fill up on gas on the way in! There are two ways to get to the Outer Banks, coming from the north or the south, with the journey across the Wright Memorial Bridge usually bringing in a large majority of vacationers. During the peak months, the trip across the bridge can take several hours, so it's important to be patient and careful as you make your way in! Keep left coming off the bridge as you'll be taking a left past the Home Depot, heading north towards Duck, Corolla, and Carova! Be sure to take in the scenic drive through Southern Shores, checking out the beautiful homes on the main road and soaking up the sunshine as it filters through the greenery and forests of this part of the beach.
Keep an eye on your phone for a text from us! Unless you purchased early check-in (which means guests may check-in at 2:00 p.m. as homes become available), check-in starts at 5:00 p.m. on your date of arrival! And while we can't guarantee an earlier time or there are extenuating circumstances where additional cleaning may be required, we'll be sure to send you a text as soon as the home is available. In the meantime, it's important that you don't go to the property before check-in. If you manage to get to Duck before your home is ready, take some time exploring The Waterfront Shops and Scarborough Faire Shopping Village! There's plenty of beautiful shops to see and souvenirs to snatch up for all your friends back home.
As the sun begins to set, take a walk along the Duck Town Park Boardwalk, a scenic path that winds through the marshes and offers stunning views of the Currituck Sound. And when it's time for dinner, don't even think about cooking while you're all trying to get settled in! Head to The Blue Point or AQUA Restaurant, where you can enjoy some fresh, local seafood and cocktails while watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink.
Hidden Gem:
- Duck Boardwalk: Stretching nearly a mile, this boardwalk offers breathtaking views of the sound, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picturesque sunset.
Day 2: Beach Day and Duck Donuts
Any first full day in Duck has to start with a visit to Duck Donuts. As soon as you step into the store, which can easily be walked to when you're staying in the heart of the town, you'll be greeted with the smell of warm, sugary treats with the option to customize your own! Be sure to check out seasonal favorites and grab some coffee while you're here. Head back to your rental for an easy, breezy morning, or get straight to the beach to begin a day digging your toes in the sand! Take a look at our guide to Beach Safety before getting too far - it's important to consider everything from rip currents to lifeguards and shower locations! Keep in mind that the town of Duck DOES NOT have any PUBLIC beach accesses but if you're staying here, many communities do have private neighborhood accesses and wooden walk-overs for residents, renters, and guests.
With that in mind, the beaches in Duck are pristine and less crowded than others on the Outer Banks, in part due to the access restrictions. Spend the day in the soft sand, swimming in the gentle waves, and building sandcastles. With participating homes, use your VayKLife Gear Credit to rent umbrellas and chairs, bicycles, kayaks, games, carts, and more for use during your stay! You can grab other adventure gear from Kitty Hawk Kites and spend the day catching a wave or boogie boarding in the surf! For lunch, few things are better than a picnic lunch! Head to one of our local Outer Banks grocery stores for supplies and settle down under your umbrella for some R&R.
Hidden Gem:
- Bangkok Thai Sushi: Not up to cooking after spending the day at the beach? Head to Bangkok Thai Sushi for sit-in or takeout deliciousness. They offer the finest combination of Thai delicacies and premier sushi to elevate your OBX experience. They even offer online ordering for added convenience!
Day 3: Kayaking and the Town Park
For day 3, we suggest beginning with a kayaking adventure on the Currituck Sound. Check out Kitty Hawk Kites for all the gear and guidance you'll need or consider booking a kayaking tour for a local look at the flora and fauna of this unique, OBX ecosystem. Paddling through the calm waters, you'll get the chance to see herons, ospreys, and even a playful pod of dolphins out in the ocean. Whether you're seeking a leisurely exploration of coastal marshlands or a challenging journey through dynamic ocean waters, the Outer Banks has something to offer for everyone. Check out our Guide to Kayaking on the Outer Banks for more ideas and suggestions!
In the afternoon, it's time for Duck Town Park and relaxing in the sunshine. This 11-acre park is a hidden gem with walking trails, a playground, and a charming amphitheater. Check out the events section for information about different shows and special events taking place out on the town green!
Hidden Gem:
- Duck Deli: Known for its hearty sandwiches and friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to refuel after a morning on the beach.
Day 4: Exploring Local Shops and Eateries
Duck is home to an array of charming shops and boutiques. We spent the morning browsing through the unique offerings with small, locally owned shops and boutiques. From local art to beachwear, there was something for everyone. When you're ready to hit the shops for a full afternoon of fun, head straight for Scarborough Faire Shopping Village, The Waterfront Shops, and Cotton Gin! During peak season, June 15 through September 5, Scarborough Faire Shopping Village shops are open from 10AM-8PM Monday through Saturday, and 10AM-5PM on Sundays. Grab a latte and a local pastry from Treehouse Coffee before pursuing Island Bookstore and Beach Gallery for your next great read or art piece for your home. Get some stylish new threads at Gray’s, an Outer Banks classic, Mango’s, or Modern Beach House. Explore Lovie’s Modern Salon, The Island Attic, Sandcastle Kids, or Carolina Moon before grabbing some OBX Frozen Yogurt and choosing from a wide selection of tinctures and herbal remedies at Natural Selection Apothecary before heading back to the beach house! Meanwhile, The Waterfront Shops are home to more than 27 boutiques, restaurants, and other shops connected with a boardwalk that allows you an unbeatable view of the Currituck Sound. There's a little bit of something for everyone in Duck where you can enjoy the resort-style experience of vacationing in a small, seaside town.
For lunch, head on over to The Village Table & Tavern or Coastal Cravings for some delicious local fare as you relax and recount your shopping successes! Grab some hushpuppies or fried green tomatoes to start off before enjoying some fresh, local seafood or a delicious sandwich!
Hidden Gem:
- Treehouse Coffee: A cozy spot with great coffee and pastries, perfect for taking a break from your shopping!
Day 5: Bicycle Tour and Visiting the Rest of the OBX
On day five, rent some bikes from Kitty Hawk Kites and set off to explore the town on two wheels. Duck is incredibly bike-friendly, and you're going to love riding along the scenic trails and quiet residential streets. Head out on the Duck Trail which is a 6-mile long, multi-use path that traverses the entire length of the town! Soak in the fresh ocean air and sunshine as you get a glimpse of this beautiful area! It's hard to be stressed when you're immersed in the easy breezy atmosphere of Duck.
After a morning of cycling and lunch back at the house, why not make your way south for a little bit to explore the rest of the Outer Banks? Check out the Wright Brothers Memorial or go fly a kite on Jockey's Ridge so you can say that you've seen the largest living sand dune on the East Coast!
Hidden Gem:
- Village Yoga: Being at the beach is relaxing all on its own, but something you really need to get away from it all and revitalize your yoga practice! Duck Village Yoga is a wonderful spot with skilled instructors to help you find your OBX zen. For more yoga tips and wellness, be sure to check out our blog!
Day 6: Corolla Wild Horses and Water Sports
No trip to the northern Outer Banks is complete without a drive up to see the famous wild horses in Corolla. Check out Bob's Wild Horse Tours for a first-hand view of one of our most precious treasures - the Corolla Wild Horses. Bob's Wild Horse Tours uses open-air safari trucks designed to give riders great views of the beach and of course - the horses! It is recommended that you book your tour in advance - tours fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.
In the afternoon, head back to Duck for some watersports. Duck’s gentle waters are ideal for paddleboarding and windsurfing. Rent some gear from Kitty Hawk Kites and prepare to spend hours enjoying the warm, shallow waters of the sound.
Hidden Gem:
- Outer Banks Olive Oil: Prepping to cook after a day of watersports and exploring? Be sure to stop by Outer Banks Olive Oil for some delicious infused oils and vinegars that are guaranteed to elevate your meal prep! Their rosemary and chipotle oils are fantastic with fish.
Day 7: Farewell, Duck
At the end of the week, you're hopefully feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! Spend the morning walking along the beach, collecting shells and soaking in the last moments of tranquility. Before heading home, stop by for a farewell brunch at Red Sky Cafe, known for its creative dishes and warm hospitality.
Hidden Gem:
- Red Sky Cafe: A must-visit for foodies, offering a unique twist on classic brunch favorites.
PLAN YOUR NEXT OBX GETAWAY TODAY!
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 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.
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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.
