Jockeys Ridge State Park
Overlooking the sand dunes from the boardwalk
An Outer Banks vacation is mostly about nature and coastal experiences, but not all are water based!
We love visiting unique state parks, and Jockeys Ridge State Park is home to the tallest sand dune system in the eastern United States and is one of the most popular things to do in OBX.
The dunes here are constantly changing shape due to wind and reach up to 100 feet high from where you get spectacular views of the Carolina coastline on one side, and Roanoke Sound on the other.
Start at the visitor center and museumto learn about the ecology, then head out to explore the massive dune system by following the 360-foot boardwalk.
Kite flyers
Popular activities here include hang gliding, sand-boarding and kite flying , nature trails, sunset viewing, and learning to hang-glide .
Ranger-led programs throughout the year are mostly free, but some require pre-registration.
And during the warmer months it is highly suggested to bring your own shoes, sun protection and plenty of water sand dunes get HOT.
There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. But keep in mind, this is a day-use only park with no campgrounds!
Hot Locals Tip:
Go past the sand dunes to West Soundside Rd, it goes to a nice beach on the sound where you can walk in the water forever.
The Lost Colony Roanoke Island
Outer Banks is also an important part of American history as one of the first English colonists arrived on this island and settled here.
And these events of history are depicted through a play on a huge stage. With more than 120 artists, music, drama, and history, it is a great option for history buffs.
The longest-running play is performed on an outdoor amphitheater during the summer months at the original Roanoke Colony site. This is one of the activities in OBX for history lovers.
Show Timings: 8:30 pm Tickets: $20 to $35 per adult and half-price per child Book your tickets for the play.
Update: The shows for 2020 are canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Enjoy Breezy Beach Weather
The weather on the Outer Banks in the spring sets the scene for countless outdoor adventures. The temperatures rise throughout April, reaching the mid to high 70s! Its the perfect opportunity to hike and explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore and admire the areas flora and fauna this time of year.
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More Places To Drink In The Outer Banks
Just down the street from them, Outer Banks Distilling will show you around. Theyll share their expertise on the area and its spirits, plus a taste of their award-winning rum .
In Kitty Hawk, TRiO mixes a beer, wine, and cheese market with an inviting restaurant whose amazing lunch and dinner menus are worth multiple return trips.
Wright Brothers National Memorial Outer Banks Nc
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a tribute to Wilbur and Orville Wright, who achieved the world’s first successful airplane flight on December 17, 1903. In addition to viewing the monument, visitors will get the opportunity to look at a replica of the brothers’ camp and airplane hangar, see the exact spots where the first take-off and landing took place, and admire a life-sized sculpture of the 1903 Wright Flyer. A state-of-the-art visitor center offers interactive exhibits and a book store, and the park is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day of the year except for Christmas Day.
1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
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Our Thoughts And Yours Too
Now that you see there are more than enough off-season things to do in The Outer Banks, what do you think now?
You know how we feel, but wed love to know your thoughts. Also, if youve visited the Outer Banks during the not-busy spring, fall, or winter, wed love to know what you thought of your time there.
What To Do In The Outer Banks
Bodie Island Lighthouse on Bodie Island
Pretty much any beach-oriented activity thrives on these sandy shores: surfing, swimming, strolling at the waters edge, sunbathing, picnicking, skim boarding, fishing. Plentiful public access points lead beachgoers over the dune line that separates the shore from the road, with the exception of Southern Shores and Duck. While public parking is available at many beaches, the high volume of visitors in-season makes carpooling a good idea.
Southern Shores and Duck beaches, which are public, can only be reached by private access points belonging to cottages or home-owners associations. They provide residents and guests a quiet escape to savor the surf and sand without the crowds.
The Outer Banks ocean varies from swimmable surf to hazardous conditions. Each islands west side, however, has a sound with calmer, shallow waters for swimming and watersports. Companies such as NorBanks Sailing and Watersports outfit both experienced sportsmen and newcomers for kayaking, standup paddle boarding, jet-ski rides, sailing, parasailing, and cruises in the Currituck Sound.
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Browse The Pea Island Art Gallery
Over 100 local and regional artists are represented within this historic replica of the 1874 Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Browse the Pea Island Art Galleries expansive offering of watercolors, oils and acrylics, sculpture, jewelry and untold other beautifully inspirational & tempting works of local art.
For gallery hours and additional information, call 252-987-2879 or visit their
The 5 Best Ways To Enjoy The Outer Banks Winter
The summer heat is gone, but that doesnt mean youre out of options for exciting Outer Banks Activities. The Outer Banks winter presents so many incredible, off-season things to do without even stepping foot on the beach! Before you start planning your stay, make sure you request our complimentary Vacation Guide. Full of all of the areas best restaurants, attractions, and seasonal events, our expertly crafted guide is the only way to ensure that your Outer Banks winter getaway is one that youll never want to forget!
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Visit One Of Our 5 Lighthouses
From the Bodie Island lighthouse in Nags head to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, the OBX has no shortage of lighthouses rich with history and panoramic views of the barrier island from the top. Make a day trip to visit each of the five by starting in Corolla and venturing down South, all the way to Ocracoke.
+ Essential Things To Do In Obx
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As Australians who grew up by the beach near Sydney and who now live in Raleigh, we are so grateful we have awesome coastal places to escape to, and down below we are sharing our favorite things to do in OBX .
Kill Devil Hills Beach, Outer Banks
We recently watched the Outer Banks series on Netflix with our kids, and even though we already had an Outer Banks vacation high on our North Carolina bucket list, that show gave us the extra push to go there now!
In case you dont know, the Outer Banks is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands separating the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. And then there is the Southern part, otherwise known as the Crystal Coast.
These islands are dotted with some of the best beaches in North Carolina for your beach vacation, plus quaint towns, historic lighthouses, state parks, amazing sand dunes, delicious Outer Banks restaurants, fun watersports, and unique wildlife experiences!
Body boarding fun with our kids
This destination just speaks to us as a family who love nature and the great outdoors . And being just a 3.5 hour drive, I know its going to be one of our top weekend getaways from Raleigh in all seasons!
Jennettes Pier, Nags Head
Whether youre looking for relaxing beach days or adventure, casual dining or a little romance, stunning sunrises or sunsets, the OBX has you covered.
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Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
If youre looking for the best hiking trails in the area, look no further than the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, one of the eco-friendly things to do in OBX. Defined as one of the largest maritime forests on the East Coast, Nags Head Woods is a rare feature of our countrys ecosystems due to the increasing development of the coastline.
During a hike in Nags Head Woods, take in the thriving natural surroundings featuring over 550 species of plants, 150 species of birds, and 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. Eagle-eyed guests might also catch the rare glimpse of a mammal, like an otter splashing in the water.
Nags Head Woods was established as a residential community in the 1930s, which featured typical village amenities including a gristmill. To learn about the full history of the area, pick up an audio tour at the trail entrance to take with you on your hike.
Nags Head Woods was established as a National Natural Landmark in 1974 and boasts some of the most stunning natural landscape that the Outer Banks has to offer.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Outer Banks North Carolina
Stretching for more than 75 miles from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the country’s first national seashore. There are plenty of things for visitors to see and do here highlights include kayaking the sound, climbing one of the lighthouses on the shore, and marveling at the sea turtles that nest on the beaches during the summer months. The area also offers some of the best fishing and surfing on this side of the country, and visitors who want to spend the night here can do so in one of the park’s four campgrounds.
Phone: 252-473-2111
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Graveyard Of The Atlantic Museum
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a North Carolina Maritime Museum commemorating the explorers and their ships that sailed the ocean many years ago. An indoor experience, this museum provides the perfect outing for a rainy afternoon with children, making it one of the most family-friendly things to do in the Outer Banks.
Featuring a new ship-based exhibit annually, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is consistently offering new programs to give visitors a glimpse into the life of a sailor. For some extra special family fun, compete in the museums scavenger hunt that will have you searching for items as you explore the various exhibits collect them all and you get a prize!
Their Salty Dawg series that runs through the summer celebrates all things maritime, from food to music, from history to culture. Also featured in the summer months are opportunities to make maritime crafts as mementos for yourself or to share with someone you love.
Enjoy special events such as the Underwater Heritage Symposium in April, British War Graves ceremonies in May, and Holidays on Hatteras during the winter months.
Fun Things To Do In The Outer Banks Beaches
Odds are if you are considering visiting the Outer Banks, youre interested in going to the beach. Playing at the beach is one of the fun things to do in the Outer Banks. This area has some of the best beaches along the coast. Make sure to keep the beaches clean for the sea turtles.
Some of the beaches in the major cities in the Outer Banks have lots of amenities and if youre looking for a quieter beach, check out the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is a great place to spend your beach days in the Outer Banks.
Weve put together a complete guide on visiting the beaches of the Outer Banks including what to bring, which beaches to visit, and other details like driving and pets on the beach.
Read More:The Ultimate Outer Banks Beach Guide
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Peruse The Elizabethan Gardens
The 10.5-acre Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo feature over 500 different plant species in a serene environment. The beautiful grounds are full of historic herbs, hydrangeas, 85 varieties of camellias, and the rose garden.
While exploring the rose garden, find Queen Elizabeth IIs rose from Windsor Castles 1976 royal rose garden.
Amongst the elaborate gardens locate the ancient live oak that dates back to when the first colonists landed on the Outer Banks in 1585. The pet-friendly gardens are open year-round, except for February.
Things To Do In The Outer Banks In The Winter
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Ive been wanting to check out the famed OBX since I moved to North Carolina last year, but a conversation with friends made me think I would have to wait until next summer to visit. I was happy to discover that the Outer Banks in the winter are just as magical as they are when the tourist hordes start to descend in June.
We should rent a beach house in the Outer Banks with the whole gang!
Its Saturday night in early November and the whole gang is out to dinner. Im never one to turn down an adventure of any sort, so naturally Im the first one to enlist. When? Im free any time.
Oh, well, not until late spring or early summer. Everything closes in the winter.
Everything?
Everything. I dont think you can even get to the Outer Banks in the winter.
I cant really fault my friend for thinking so, because its a common misconception. Most people who visit the Outer Banks only do so in the summer, because who takes a beach holiday at any other time of year?
People who love to travel without crowds, thats who.
Enjoy your winter vacation in the OBX! What else do you enjoy doing in the Outer Banks in the winter? Im sure there are lots of other activities I missed- tell me about them in the comments!
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What Island Has Wild Horses
Assateague IslandWild horses inhabit the protected beaches, pine forests, and salt marshes of Assateague Island, a 37-mile coastal split between Maryland and Virginia. On a protected barrier island off the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia, more than 300 untamed horses wander freely.Mar 26, 2020
Outer Banks Activities & programs
It doesnt matter if its the middle of winter or the height of summer, there are always Outer Banks activities available. Life has changed quite a bit on these barrier islands over the past couple of decades. It used to be that the main Outer Banks activities began on Memorial Day and finished right after the last Labor Day visitor headed home. But now there are programs available on the Outer Banks year round to entertain your whims, broaden your mind, invigorate your body or sweeten your soul. Most of the Outer Banks activities focus on our glorious natural playground that offers sea and sound waters, vast open skies, giant sand dunes, woods and nature preserves filled with wildlife.
The geography of the Outer Banks is unlike that of any other place in the world, and many Outer Banks activities take advantage of this defining factor. You can check out Jockeys Ridge State Park or one of the several nature preserves located in the area. Or seize the chance to get your toes wet with paddle trips, surf lessons or fishing expeditions in the ocean and sound.
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See The Dunes At Jockeys Ridge State Park
A Jockeys Ridge State Park visit means hours of fun exploring the eastern United States tallest sand dune system.
Choose between walking along the 360-foot boardwalk, trying to climb to the top of the 100-foot-high dune for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound, or meandering through the never-ending mirage of sand.
The state park has an excellent visitor center where you can learn about the dune ecology, wildlife in the park, and participate in various ranger programs.
It is best to visit Jockeys Ridge in the morning or around sunset when the sand is the coolest during the summer. For those who want more adventure, sign up with Kitty Hawk Kites for hang-gliding lessons from the dunes.
The Most Fun Things To Do In Outer Banks North Carolina
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After experiencing many of the fun things to do in Outer Banks and its natural beauty, we can report that this destination is just heaven.
Kill Devil Hills Beach
Theres over 100-miles of some of the best beaches in North Carolina and so much of it you can have to yourself, or at least enough room to spread your large blue sunshade.
Full of enough adventure, history, water sports and culture to keep you from getting bored, but not too much to distract you from quiet moments spent appreciating natural beauty.
Because it sure does have a lot of that. Its just another reason we love living here in North Carolina.
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