What is a Red Flag Day?
When you see red flags on Outer Banks public beaches, this means that swimming in the water is prohibited. This has been established by the county for your safety as well as the safety of ocean rescue and lifeguard staff. Even if the weather is nice, if you see red flags, that means that the water is unsafe for swimming. This could be due to strong rip currents or anything else that causes ocean conditions to be unsafe and puts swimmers at serious risk of injury or death if they enter the water. Check out our guides for "What to Know About Red Flag Days" and "Beach Safety" for all the information you need regarding red flags, rip currents, and overall beach safety!
What Can We Do on Red Flag Days?
When visiting the beautiful Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina, a Red Flag Day might initially seem like a dampener on your beach plans. However, there's no need to worry! The OBX offers a plethora of exciting activities beyond the beach. Here's a list of fun and engaging things to do when the red flags are flying!
Have Fun in the Sand
Just because you can't get in the water doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beach! Have a beach cleanup day, relax with your favorite beach read, or build a sandcastle and work on your tan! Check out some of our beach safety tips and be sure not to dig holes on the beach - there are plenty of other ways to have fun without getting in the water!
Head to H2OBX
Splash and play in the water at H2OBX Waterpark - voted the number one Outer Banks family attraction. It's a TON of fun and you can enjoy more than 30 rides, slides, and attractions with various intensity levels. Let the kids enjoy their own fun with interactive play areas and slides for the younger kids or get together on the family rides for a kid-friendly adventure! There's also thrill rides for those who want a little something more. See for yourself here.
Have an Adventure
Take advantage of the discounts Kitty Hawk Kites offers only to Seaside Vacations guests. Choose adventures including hang gliding, kayak tours, vineyard cruises and more! Learn more about how Kitty Hawk Kites can enhance your Outer Banks vacation with fun and unique experiences here.
Check Out the Soundside
There are quite a few sound accesses on the Outer Banks, especially near Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head or on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Get there early to secure your spot and spend some time playing in the shallow water, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and more!
Explore the Lighthouses
The Outer Banks is home to several iconic lighthouses, each with its own unique history and charm.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, offering breathtaking views from the top.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse: With a picturesque setting and a visitor center that delves into its rich history.
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse: Known for its unpainted red brick and panoramic views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean.
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
Step back in time at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, where Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first successful powered flight in 1903. The visitor center features exhibits on their groundbreaking experiments, and you can also explore the reconstructed camp buildings and flight lines.
Discover the Outer Banks History Center
Located in Manteo, the Outer Banks History Center offers fascinating exhibits on the area's maritime heritage, local legends, and notable events. For the history buff in your group, it's a great way to learn more about the rich cultural tapestry of the OBX.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
This interactive historic site in Manteo allows visitors to experience life as an early colonist. Tour the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century sailing ship, explore the Settlement Site, and visit the Adventure Museum for hands-on exhibits that are perfect for families.
Fun at the North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers a captivating look at marine life native to the region. From sea turtles and sharks to touch tanks and interactive exhibits, the aquarium is a fantastic indoor activity for all ages.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Red Flag Days are perfect for sampling the culinary delights of the Outer Banks. Enjoy fresh seafood at renowned local restaurants, savor Carolina BBQ, or treat yourself to a delectable dessert at one of the many charming bakeries and ice cream shops.
Shop Till You Drop
Take advantage of the various boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops scattered throughout the Outer Banks. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, local art, or beachwear, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your shopping cravings.
Take a Scenic Drive
Explore the natural beauty of the OBX with a leisurely drive along the coastline. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway offers stunning views, quaint villages, and ample opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the chance to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for bird watching and wildlife photography.
Go Hiking
Check out these fantastic local spots that are perfect for scratching that hiking itch during your next Outer Banks vacation. Multiple hiking trails up and down the Outer Banks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Outer Banks. Take a look at our Outer Banks Birdwatching Guide for an idea of what types of fowl you'll see during your trip and who knows, you may even find a new hobby that you love!
Catch a Movie or Live Performance
Head to the R/C Kill Devil Hills Movies 10 for the latest blockbuster or enjoy a live performance at Pioneer Theater or Theatre of Dare. The Lost Colony, an outdoor symphonic drama in Manteo, is a must-see if the weather permits.
Take a Corolla Wild Horse Tour
No visit to the Outer Banks is complete without getting a first-hand view of one of our most precious treasures - the Corolla Wild Horses. These majestic animals roam freely along the northern beaches and are a sight to behold. Guided tours provide insights into the history and habits of these horses while ensuring you can safely observe them in their natural habitat. Bob's Wild Horse Tours, owned and operated by local resident Bob White, began in 1996 when his father gave some visitors a tour of the 4WD beach area. Today, Bob's Wild Horse Tours uses open-air safari trucks designed to give riders great views of the beach and of course - the horses!
Take a Dolphin Tour or Fishing Charter
Experience the joy of watching dolphins in their natural environment or having some fun fishing out in the open waters. Several operators in the OBX offer dolphin tours that give you the chance to see these playful creatures up close. Check out Capt. Johnny Dolphin Tours and join Captain Stuart Wescott aboard The Captain Johnny boat for a guaranteed dolphin watch cruise in the protected waters of the Roanoke Sound. Also be sure to check out Wanchese Marina Dolphin Tours & Fishing Charters, Fishin' Fannatic Charters, Instigator Fishing Charters, or Family Water Adventures for great Club Seaside deals and a variety of nautical fun!
Go Parasailing or Jet Skiing
For those seeking a bit of adventure, parasailing offers a thrilling way to see the OBX from above. Soar high over the water and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the coastline. Kitty Hawk Kites offers single, double, and triple flights with more than 30 years of experience on the water!
PLAN YOUR NEXT OBX GETAWAY TODAY!
Red Flag Days may restrict beach activities, but they certainly don't restrict the fun you can have on the Outer Banks. With so many alternative activities available, you're sure to find something that piques your interest and makes your vacation unforgettable. So, embrace the red flags as an opportunity to discover a different side of the OBX!
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.
