Located just off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a group of barrier reef islands known for their views and vast beachfronts.
Home to the Wright Brothers' first flight in Kitty Hawk, the islands celebrate their place in aviation history with museums and events. The Outer
Banks were also home to Roanoke Colony, which you can visit along with other sites such as Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pea Island National
Wildlife Refuge, and Jockey's Ridge State Park - home to the tallest sand dune in the eastern United States.
Also known as Hurricane Harbor
or, the Graveyard of the Atlantic, the Outer Banks has been the final resting place for many ships over the years. Shipwrecks left the islands with
herds of wild feral horses, which have a docile personality for wild animals and are worth finding when you need a break from the beach. Those more
interested in pirates than shipwrecks will enjoy the Outer Banks' legend of Edward Teach, known more famously as Blackbeard, who was based and
ultimately killed in the area.
All ages and personalities are sure to enjoy the many possibilities that the Outer Banks provides
visitors. Take part in some of the local culture, follow the legends, or just bask in the sun for a fun-packed vacation.
Spotlight
Outer Banks Kiting
Ready to learn something new and different – ready to learn how to kiteboard? Stop by Outer Banks Kiting to meet up with instructors who have over 10 years in the kiteboarding industry. You can opt in for a customized private lesson ensuring that you not only have a great experience, but learn amazing advanced maneuvers. You only need three things to start your day: Water shoes, wetsuit and sunscreen – the rest is set!
Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks
408 Queen Elizabeth Ave. Manteo, NC 27954
This interactive pirate sailing adventure takes places during the summer season each year, and it s a great activity for families with enthusiastic and imaginative children. Aboard the ship, kids can have their faces painted like pirates or mermaids, get decked out in the appropriate attire, and get prepared to participate in a real live pirate dual against the famed Pirate Pete. Activities include reading treasure maps, finding sunken treasures, and collecting floating messages in bottles, all...
read moreThis interactive pirate sailing adventure takes places during the summer season each year, and it s a great activity for families with enthusiastic and imaginative children. Aboard the ship, kids can have their faces painted like pirates or mermaids, get decked out in the appropriate attire, and get prepared to participate in a real live pirate dual against the famed Pirate Pete. Activities include reading treasure maps, finding sunken treasures, and collecting floating messages in bottles, all while trying to recover sunken treasure!
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Rick's Jeep Adventures
610 Currituck Clubhouse Drive Corolla, NC 27927
Rick’s Jeep Adventures offers customizable jeep rentals and fully guided tours to see the Outer Banks Wild Horses. Rick’s is the only company that allows guests to customize their Jeeps, which have options like top up or down, 2 or 4 door, doors on or off, ice cooler included or not, and all have the ability to drive on the beach. Tours last for a little over 2 hours and throughout you are taught the local history and information about the Spanish Wild Horses that you are driving to see.
Outer Banks Massage Therapy
791B Sunset Blvd Corolla, NC 27927
Outer Banks Massage Therapy is a relaxing spa located in the Timbuck II shopping center in the heart of Corolla. They provide a variety of massage and relaxing spa packages and are open year round. They also provide in home services up and down the Outer Banks from Nags Head to the 4x4 beaches of Carova.
Skydive OBX
410 Airport Rd. Manteo, NC, 27954
Attention all thrill-seekers! Jumping from a plane at 9,000 feet should get your endorphins flowing — and you get the bonus of a bird’s-eye view of Roanoke Island. Skydive OBX offers tandem skydives for ages 18 and older. You jump strapped in a harness with an instructor, so the adventure requires only minimal training for the customer. The free fall is 30 seconds and the entire ride is about 5 minutes long. Expect the entire process, with training, to take about an hour. Reservations are re...
read moreAttention all thrill-seekers! Jumping from a plane at 9,000 feet should get your endorphins flowing — and you get the bonus of a bird’s-eye view of Roanoke Island. Skydive OBX offers tandem skydives for ages 18 and older. You jump strapped in a harness with an instructor, so the adventure requires only minimal training for the customer. The free fall is 30 seconds and the entire ride is about 5 minutes long. Expect the entire process, with training, to take about an hour. Reservations are required.
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Spotlight
Jennette's Pier
7223 South Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina is a popular fishing destination and offers great ocean views. Locals and visitors alike are invited to come and walk along the pier, or spend the day fishing. The Pier House is available to all, a place to satisfy all fishing needs, including daily fishing passes and rentals for those who don’t have their own gear. The pier also plays hosts to a wide array of educational and hands on programs and classes each week and throughout the year.
Native American Museum & Natural History Center
53536 Highway 12, PO Box 399, Frisco, NC 27936
Step back in time and discover the beauty and creativity of the earliest inhabitants of Hatteras Island as well as the diversity and complexity of Native American cultures from across the United States. Located in a building with a long and varied history, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits, and natural history displays. Galleries filled with native art, pottery, weavings, baskets, weaponr...
read moreStep back in time and discover the beauty and creativity of the earliest inhabitants of Hatteras Island as well as the diversity and complexity of Native American cultures from across the United States. Located in a building with a long and varied history, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits, and natural history displays. Galleries filled with native art, pottery, weavings, baskets, weaponry, jewelry, stone work, and MUCH more provide an overview of an amazing number of diverse and beautiful cultures. Designated as a North Carolina Environmental Education Center, the museum also includes several acres of nature trails winding through lush maritime forest. A spacious pavilion overlooks salt-marsh water and provides an ideal spot for special workshops and programs. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm; Mondays by appointment. The museum includes a gift shop with native art, jewelry, and one-of a kind– items as well as a book store. Guided tours and special programs are available. Admission: $5.00 individuals; $15.00 families; $2.00 seniors. Winter hours adjusted, December—March. FREE Native American artifact to all school-age children.
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Jockey's Ridge State Park
PO Box 592 Milepost 12 on US 158 bypass in Nags Head, Nags Head, NC 27959
This state park, located in Dare County on the Outer Banks, features the tallest natural sand dune system on in the Eastern United States. Open March through October, the park offers picnic shelters, a visitor center, a museum and an auditorium to visiting guests. There are self-guided walking trails available throughout, and great wildlife and ecosystems to observe and enjoy.
Spotlight
The Lost Colony
1409 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954
The Lost Colony is an Outer Banks Original production, originally created to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the birth of Virginia Dare. Since it was first staged in 1937, millions have come to see the show, which is the nation’s premier and longest running symphonic drama. The play was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association.
Spotlight
The Lost Colony
1409 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954
The Lost Colony is an Outer Banks Original production, originally created to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the birth of Virginia Dare. Since it was first staged in 1937, millions have come to see the show, which is the nation’s premier and longest running symphonic drama. The play was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association.
Deepwater Theatre
School Road, PO Box 596 Ocracoke, NC 27960
The Deepwater Theatre is one of the great musical destinations of the Outer Banks, but is also home to a variety of other activities and events. Each day of the week, the theatre has a different focus – Monday’s feature ‘strange stories and quirky tales of the Ocracoke Island’, Wednesdays feature the Ocrafolk Opry, Thursdays feature the Molasses Creek band, and then there’s also yoga and quilting and other musical acts during the rest of the week. Check out the changing schedule whenev...
read moreThe Deepwater Theatre is one of the great musical destinations of the Outer Banks, but is also home to a variety of other activities and events. Each day of the week, the theatre has a different focus – Monday’s feature ‘strange stories and quirky tales of the Ocracoke Island’, Wednesdays feature the Ocrafolk Opry, Thursdays feature the Molasses Creek band, and then there’s also yoga and quilting and other musical acts during the rest of the week. Check out the changing schedule whenever you’re in town!
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Spotlight
The Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Downtown Manteo
The Outer Banks and the whole Northeast region of North Carolina has waited a long time for this music festival. Well folks, the wait is OVER! The first annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is just around the corner! Come hear that old familiar twang, in the tradition of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and so many other legendary performers. Come hear today's Bluegrass stars, such as Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson picking their strings outside, under crisp October skies. We're bring...
read moreThe Outer Banks and the whole Northeast region of North Carolina has waited a long time for this music festival. Well folks, the wait is OVER! The first annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is just around the corner! Come hear that old familiar twang, in the tradition of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and so many other legendary performers. Come hear today's Bluegrass stars, such as Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson picking their strings outside, under crisp October skies. We're bringing 'em in from all over the country for two days of down home cookin' and good ole Southern pickin'. Join us next October for a fun filled family weekend with the music of our roots, the music of our grandfathers, the music of America.......Bluegrass!
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Spotlight
Colington Cafe
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
(261 reviews)Colington Ave, 1029 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Colington Café has been operating for over two decades, and focuses on serving local food with a gourmet touch at an affordable price. The café is located in a Victorian house just one mile from the beach, surrounded by giant oak trees and stunning gardens. The restaurant features daily selections depending on the morning’s freshest local fish, and whatever the on-site dessert chef decides for an after meal treat. They also have an extensive and affordably priced wine list with more than...
read moreThe Colington Café has been operating for over two decades, and focuses on serving local food with a gourmet touch at an affordable price. The café is located in a Victorian house just one mile from the beach, surrounded by giant oak trees and stunning gardens. The restaurant features daily selections depending on the morning’s freshest local fish, and whatever the on-site dessert chef decides for an after meal treat. They also have an extensive and affordably priced wine list with more than seventy different selections to choose from.
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Spotlight
Colington Cafe
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
(261 reviews)Colington Ave, 1029 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Colington Café has been operating for over two decades, and focuses on serving local food with a gourmet touch at an affordable price. The café is located in a Victorian house just one mile from the beach, surrounded by giant oak trees and stunning gardens. The restaurant features daily selections depending on the morning’s freshest local fish, and whatever the on-site dessert chef decides for an after meal treat. They also have an extensive and affordably priced wine list with more than...
read moreThe Colington Café has been operating for over two decades, and focuses on serving local food with a gourmet touch at an affordable price. The café is located in a Victorian house just one mile from the beach, surrounded by giant oak trees and stunning gardens. The restaurant features daily selections depending on the morning’s freshest local fish, and whatever the on-site dessert chef decides for an after meal treat. They also have an extensive and affordably priced wine list with more than seventy different selections to choose from.
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Lighthouse Bagels & Deli
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
(234 reviews)807 Ocean Trl, Corolla, NC 27927
Lighthouse Bagels is one of the best places to get breakfast in Corolla, North Carolina. Dreamed up by owners Rick and Pati – both New Jersey natives with a passion for great bagels and deli-style sandwiches – Lighthouse bagels has been in business for over 10 years and serves up fresh kettle baked bagels daily. In addition to breakfast they also serve lunch, complete with Boars Head meat deli sandwiches, wraps and salads. They claim to have not only the best breakfast in town, but the lunch...
read moreLighthouse Bagels is one of the best places to get breakfast in Corolla, North Carolina. Dreamed up by owners Rick and Pati – both New Jersey natives with a passion for great bagels and deli-style sandwiches – Lighthouse bagels has been in business for over 10 years and serves up fresh kettle baked bagels daily. In addition to breakfast they also serve lunch, complete with Boars Head meat deli sandwiches, wraps and salads. They claim to have not only the best breakfast in town, but the lunch in town too.
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Spotlight
OBX Biplanes
410 Airport Rd Manteo, NC 27954
OBX Biplanes offers the thrill of open cockpit biplane rides that take you over the scenic Outer Banks area. Here you will take flight in a model 1990 WACO YMF-5 plane, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the thrill of flying high over the picturesque coastline. There’s even a chance of seeing schools of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and shipwrecks below. Tours last from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can even pick the route that you’ll follow for maximum viewing pleasure...
read moreOBX Biplanes offers the thrill of open cockpit biplane rides that take you over the scenic Outer Banks area. Here you will take flight in a model 1990 WACO YMF-5 plane, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the thrill of flying high over the picturesque coastline. There’s even a chance of seeing schools of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and shipwrecks below. Tours last from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can even pick the route that you’ll follow for maximum viewing pleasure.
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Spotlight
OBX Biplanes
410 Airport Rd Manteo, NC 27954
OBX Biplanes offers the thrill of open cockpit biplane rides that take you over the scenic Outer Banks area. Here you will take flight in a model 1990 WACO YMF-5 plane, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the thrill of flying high over the picturesque coastline. There’s even a chance of seeing schools of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and shipwrecks below. Tours last from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can even pick the route that you’ll follow for maximum viewing pleasure...
read moreOBX Biplanes offers the thrill of open cockpit biplane rides that take you over the scenic Outer Banks area. Here you will take flight in a model 1990 WACO YMF-5 plane, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the thrill of flying high over the picturesque coastline. There’s even a chance of seeing schools of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and shipwrecks below. Tours last from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can even pick the route that you’ll follow for maximum viewing pleasure.
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Duck's Cottage
1240 Duck Road Duck, NC 27949
Duck’s Cottage is a coffee shop and bookstore all rolled into one, located at the Waterfront Shops in Duck, North Carolina. Famous for their Coconut Crunch Coffee, they also have a wide and varied selection of books available for purchase. Here you can get your caffeine fix and enjoy an afternoon of reading all in the same place. Duck’s Cottage ships their coffee beans whole or ground, and is the perfect place to pick up a local souvenir.
