Outer Banks, NC Activities, Things to Do & Attractions

Popular Activities

2-hour Guided Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour
The Outer Banks is home to a breed of wild horses that roam the sandy shorelines in certain areas. With this 2-hour guided adventure, you can load up in a 4x4 truck that’s been fitted with a canopy seating in the back to enjoy the open-air ocean breeze, wild mustangs, and other wildlife up-close for a fun experience with you and your family. Your guide will provide a live commentary along the way so you can learn about the history of the local area and fun facts about the wildlife you see during this family-filled trip.

Outer Banks Private Surf Lesson
Learning a new sport can be a fun experience on your next getaway. With these private surf lessons along the barrier islands, you can enjoy the Outer Banks area from the beautiful ocean water as you learn to ride the waves. Your instructor will begin by taking you through a safety orientation and the techniques necessary to perfect the skill of surfing. Then, once you are comfortable, you will head out into the water while your guide helps you through every necessary moment including lining up the wave, paddling, and when to hop up to surf your very own wave! The lessons allow one instructor per two people so you can make sure you get the attention you need to learn how to surf on your very own during your visit.

The Lost Colony
Bring the history of the first American colonies to life with The Lost Colony show. During the performance, you will witness the heartbreak, perseverance, loss, and courage many of the men and women went through during this time period. The performance includes over 120 volunteers, designers, actors, technicians and more to put this fantastic experience together each and every year. The show began in 1937 and is the nation’s longest-running outdoor show. The Lost Colony will be a great show for all ages to enjoy learning about the history of the nation that began along the east coast and experience the hard times the people went through to get to where America is today.

Historic Attractions

Bodie Island Lighthouse
Located near Nags Head, the beautiful black and white horizontal striped Bodie Island Lighthouse was first built in 1847, but, due to poor foundation, it was left abandoned shortly after. The second built was destroyed in 1861 by troops during the Civil War. The third one that is still standing today was completed in 1872 and was manned up until 1940 when it was switched over to the commercial electric. A visit to the lighthouse allows you to climb to the top up the 214 steps to see the beautiful surrounding scenery and Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Located in Buxton, NC on Hatteras Island, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse towers over the beautiful Carolina landscape at 210 feet tall and features a black and white candy-cane spiral structure. It is the second lighthouse built on the property and the one you see today was constructed in 1868. Enjoy the climb up 248 steps to the top of the lighthouse to see the amazing views, and don’t forget to stop at the gift shop located nearby to grab souvenirs to remember your unforgettable adventure.

Wright Brothers National Memorial
This memorial was built to honor the Wright Brothers for the first successful flight in 1903. At the site, you can explore the markers that line up to show the path of the flight and distance they flew. There are also replica hangars and living quarters to show you what the area looked like during the time of their experimental flights. While here, enjoy learning about the Wright brother’s hardship and perseverance that eventually led to where we are today in aviation.

Experience Nature in Outer Banks

• Elizabethan Gardens
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Museums and Art in Outer Banks

• Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
• Frisco Native American Museum
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit

Restaurants in Outer Banks

• Mad Crabber Restaurant
• Oceana’s Bistro
• Diamond Shoals Restaurant
• Fish Heads Bar & Grill