The Outer Banks is a breathtaking vacation spot, known for its stunning natural scenery and thrilling outdoor activities.
With long stretches of sandy beaches and various offshore pleasures, the Outer Banks boasts a wide variety of outdoor ventures for every type of traveler. Because these beaches are family-friendly, they are a perfect destination for a memorable family vacation and an ideal spot for everyone to unwind and relax. No loud theme parks and city noise, no expensive hotels, no boardwalks, flashy nightlife, and mainstream tourist traps. These qualities make Outer Banks ideal for those seeking a getaway from busy everyday life.
With many islands, secluded villages, and quaint towns to visit in the area, you will have an abundance of cultural experiences that will keep you coming back. The following list will illuminate all the unique attractions in the Outer Banks that will bring color to your trip.
The 32 Most Popular Things To Do In Outer Banks, North Carolina
32. North Pond Trail
4.0 (1 review)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
31. Brigand Bay
5.0 (1 review)
30. Duck Island
5.0 (5 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
29. Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
4.2 (5 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 24251 Atlantic Dr Rodanthe NC
Tel: 252 987 2323
Web Address: http://hatteras-island-visitor-guide.org/
28. Buxton Woods
4.2 (6 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
27. Canadian Hole
3.9 (7 reviews)
Credit: Viv Lynch, License, Flickr
26. Pea Island Beach
4.8 (17 reviews)
Credit: Mathieu Landretti, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Rodanthe NC
Tel: 252 216 9464
Web Address: https://fws.gov/refuge/pea_island/
25. Bodie Island
4.7 (22 reviews)
Credit: DrStew82, License, Wikimedia commons
24. Buxton Woods Trail
4.7 (25 reviews)
Location: 46375 Lighthouse Road Buxton NC
Tel: 252 473 2111
Web Address: https://nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
23. Museum of the Sea
4.8 (32 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 46377 Lighthouse Road Buxton NC
Tel: 252 995 4474
Web Address: http://nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm
22. Cape Point
4.7 (32 reviews)
21. Old Lighthouse Beach Access
4.8 (36 reviews)
Location: Buxton NC
Web Address: https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/park-at-a-glance-cape-hatteras-national-seashore/cape-hatteras-national-seashore-beaches/cape-hatteras-national-seashore-bodie-to-cape-point-beaches-atlantic/cape-hatteras-national-seashore-cape-hatteras-lighthouse-beach/
20. Cape Point
4.9 (49 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Unnamed Rd. Buxton NC
Web Address: https://outerbanks.com/cape-point.html
19. Kite Point
4.7 (76 reviews)
Credit: Don McCullough, License, Flickr
Location: North Carolina Hwy 12 Buxton NC
18. Coquina Beach
4.9 (102 reviews)
17. Avon Beach
4.9 (103 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
16. Beach Access Ramp 43
4.5 (114 reviews)
Credit: Harry Miley, Google Maps
Web Address: https://nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/beachactivities.htm#ORV
15. Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station
4.8 (152 reviews)
Location: North Carolina Hwy 12 Rodanthe NC
Web Address: https://uslife-savingservice.org/station/endangered-stations/oregon-inlet-life-saving-station-1898-rodanthe-nc/
14. Rodanthe Beach Access
4.7 (187 reviews)
Credit: Jimmy Hall, Google Maps
13. Pea Island Art Gallery
4.8 (188 reviews)
Credit: Paul Diming, Google Maps
Location: 27766 North Carolina Hwy 12 Salvo NC
Tel: 252 216 5647
Web Address: https://peaislandartgallery.com/
12. Frisco Mini Golf & Go Karts
4.0 (329 reviews)
Location: 50212 Trent Lake Ln Frisco NC
Tel: 252 995 6325
Web Address: https://friscominigolfandgokarts.com/
11. Salvo Day Use Area
4.7 (413 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Salvo NC
Tel: 252 473 2111
Web Address: http://nps.gov/caha
10. Rodanthe Pier Place
4.5 (796 reviews)
Location: 24251 Atlantic Dr Rodanthe NC
Tel: 252 987 0030
Web Address: https://rodanthepierllc.com/
Our Top picks
9. Pea Island
4.9 (34 reviews)
Credit: Mathieu Landretti, License, Wikimedia commons
8. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
4.8 (80 reviews)
Location: Buxton NC
Web Address: https://nps.gov/caha/index.htm
7. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site
4.8 (161 reviews)
Credit: Unknown author provided, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 23645 North Carolina Hwy 12 Rodanthe NC
Tel: 252 987 1552
Web Address: http://chicamacomico.org/
6. Cape Hatteras
4.8 (202 reviews)
5. Avon Fishing Pier
4.6 (1,092 reviews)
Location: 41001 North Carolina Hwy 12 Avon NC
Tel: 252 995 5480
Web Address: http://avonfishingpier.com/
4. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
4.6 (1,843 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1401 National Park Dr Manteo NC
Tel: 252 473 2111
Web Address: https://nps.gov/fora/index.htm
3. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
4.8 (2,050 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 14500 North Carolina Hwy 12 Rodanthe NC
Tel: 252 473 1131
Web Address: https://fws.gov/refuge/pea-island
2. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
4.8 (4,361 reviews)
Credit: Jon Gudorf Photography, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 46379 Lighthouse Road Buxton NC
Tel: 252 473 2111
Web Address: https://nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm
1. Bodie Island Lighthouse
4.8 (4,759 reviews)
Credit: Mathieu Landretti, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road Nags Head NC
Web Address: https://nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/bils.htm
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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