The Outer Banks is a great place to explore! With many historic landmarks, lighthouses, attractions, off-the-beaten path and nature observation areas you could fill your whole Outer Banks vacation with exploration! Here's a list of the top places to explore on your next Outer Banks vacation!
A little-known paradise located on the northernmost point of the Outer Banks. While technically not a town, this unincorporated region is a true hidden gem. With no paved roads to speak of, the area can only be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles. What the area lacks in retail and dining experiences, it makes up for in its adventurous appeal – for those willing to seek it out! Besides the call of the beach’s natural beauty, the area is known for being the best place to spot the feral Spanish mustangs who call the barrier islands their home.
The northernmost town in the Outer Banks. When you arrive in the Outer Banks, take a quick left and head back up north to this charming and historical beach town. Known for its proximity to the wild horses, its “off the beaten path” location, and, of course, the Historic Corolla Village and Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla is a popular destination, despite its not-so-central location. The town is also home to the Whalehead Club – a 1920’s mansion that over looks the stunning Currituck Sound. Definitely something to see if you are heading to Corolla!
Located just south of Corolla, the town of Duck is nestled between the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic. While it is well-known for it’s annual Duck Jazz Festival, it also boasts an impressive line-up of dining and shopping options, many of which can be found along the Duck Town Boardwalk that runs parallel to the sound waterfront.
The epitome of what a quaint maritime town should be, Manteo is certainly a must-visit location while staying on the Outer Banks. A popular OBX tourist destination, the North Carolina Aquarium, calls the town of Manteo home. Manteo is located on Roanoke Island which holds very deep historical significance not only to North Carolina, but to the country as a whole – it’s the birthplace of the first English child in the New World! Visitors can check out the well-known outdoor play “The Lost Colony” to learn more. While in downtown Manteo, you can stroll the waterfront in less than half an hour; that is, unless you get drawn in to one of the charming restaurants, boutique shops, or the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse for a closer look! The Elizabethan Gardens, Island Farm and Roanoke Island Festival Park are just a few other highly recommended destinations that Manteo has to offer.
If you’re heading to the Outer Banks for fishing, then you’ll certainly want to head to southern side of Roanoke Island and visit the village of Wanchese. Known primarily as a fishing village, Wanchese is home to the North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park. Much of the local seafood found in local OBX restaurants (and in other locations across the country!) is a product of the fishing vessels that go in to and out from Wanchese and the NCSIP. You can also find opportunities for charter fishing trips that leave from the village.
Venturing further south, after passing through the first several towns of the Outer Banks, you’ll venture on to Hatteras Island. The first village to greet you when you arrive is Rodanthe. One of the three tiny villages that make up what is known as “the Tri-Villages”, Rodanthe was made “famous” as the town behind the novel and subsequent movie, Nights in Rodanthe. Fishing off of the Rodanthe Fishing Pier, kite boarding on the sound, and surfing are popular activities that locals and visitors alike enjoy in the village.
Home to the infamous Wright Brother’s “First in Flight” Memorial, KDH is the neighbouring town of Kitty Hawk. In addition to its rich aviation history, another popular destination in the town is the Avalon Fishing Pier, one of the few wood fishing piers still standing in the state of North Carolina. Whether you’re looking to cast your own line, or just checking out other anglers at work, the pier is definitely an attraction for all. Kill Devil Hills is both the geographic center of the Outer Banks and the largest in terms of the number of permanent residents. It also offers it’s fair share of shopping and dining options!
Boasting the largest natural sand dune on the East Coast, the town of Nags Head is home to Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Whether you’re into flying kites, watching sunrises or sunsets, hang gliding, or just need a place to let your kids run out some energy, Jockey’s Ridge is a great place to visit. As a town, Nags Head is also a popular stop for anglers who enjoy casting a line off of Jennette’s Pier or right from the shore in to the surf. As is the case in most of these “central” Outer Banks towns, you’ll find no shortage of delicious restaurants and great shopping experiences in Nags Head.
In between the towns of Duck and Kitty Hawk lies the town of Southern Shores. While still a part of the OBX vacation area, this town is commonly known for being more of a residential spot for year-round locals.
Perhaps one of the most iconic towns in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is, for many visitors, the first town that they see when arriving in the area. While the area does contain quite a few large retail chain stores and dining options (hello, Walmart!), it is also home to some fantastic local restaurants and shopping. Much of the real estate here is modest compared to the beach-side palaces located just down the beach in the neighbouring towns. Kitty Hawk contains quite a few of the areas public beach accesses – so no matter where you stay, you can find a great beach access point here! A couple of other area attractions include a 5,000 square foot skateboarding park and the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve – a maritime forest with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and enjoying the nature that OBX has to offer.
Appropriately named, the second of the Tri-Villages is known as a haven for water sports enthusiasts. In fact, directly in the center of town is the REAL Watersports campus which sells and rents surfing and kiteboarding gear and offers lessons to watersports’ hopefuls. The same group also runs Watermen’s Retreat and Watermen’s Bar and Grill. While the options for shopping and dining in town are somewhat limited, additional options can be found in nearby towns.
The last of the Tri-Villages along Highway 12 is Salvo. The size of the village mimics the number of offerings in terms of restaurants and shopping locations - one must travel to a neighbouring town to find a full-sized grocery store! The Salvo Day Use Area differs from other off-road vehicle ramps nearby in that it offers restrooms, a picnic area, a changing area, a grilling area, and an ideal spot to check out sunsets! Once you leave Salvo, heading south, you will find other off-road vehicle ramps and pull-off areas in an area of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that is completely unmarked by any cottages or homes.
Heading still further south on the highway will bring you to the centre point of Hatteras Island, the town of Avon. Known for being both the geographic middle of the island and the home for the majority of the islands retail establishments and restaurants, Avon is popular amongst guests of all of the towns of Hatteras Island.
Home of arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton is the next town along Highway 12. While the lighthouse is most likely considered the biggest draw to Buxton, the town is also popular amongst surfers and anglers who like to take advantage of the town’s unique geographic position on the island. Buxton has a its own selection of tackle shops, souvenir stores, restaurants and other retail establishments – including a few Hatteras Island icons: Orange Blossom Bakery, Buxton Books, and Conner’s Supermarket.
What Frisco lacks in restaurants and shopping, it makes up for in the number of activities available for visitors to participate in. Water sports of all kinds are available both on the ocean side and the sound side of the town as well as horseback riding along the beach. If camping is your accommodation arrangement of choice, Frisco offers several options that may be of interest to you. The Frisco Native American and Natural History Museum is a great stop if Hatteras Island history intrigues you.
Also known as Hatteras Village, the namesake town is undoubtedly known for fishing. The town is home to several commercial fishing marinas, charter fishing docks, and off road vehicle ramps that allow anglers access directly to the beach for a prime fishing location. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum provides a look back in time at the town and the island’s maritime history. The town boasts its fair share of shops and places to grab a bite to eat.
The final town in the stretch of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke is truly one-of-a-kind amongst its fellow OBX towns and villages. Accessed only via boat or small plane – including the ferry that runs from Hatteras Village – visitors to Ocracoke Island say that a visit to the island is like taking a step back in time. Maritime charm is present as far as the eye can see. Ocracoke is often known for being the site of Blackbeard the pirate’s last battle. A yearly pirate festival draws in visitors from all over! The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the state of North Carolina and is also a popular tourist destination. While the town does have restaurants and shops of its own (especially in Ocracoke Village), chances are, unless you’re staying on the island or are planning a full day trip, you’re not likely to make the trek only for a bite to eat!