Things to do in Outer Banks

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Outer Banks

Types of activities

Where to stay

Outer Banks Travel Guide

Wright Brothers National Memorial showing a statue or sculpture

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center showing boating, signage and a bay or harbor

Cape Hatteras National Seashore which includes a sunset

Jennette\'s Pier featuring a sandy beach

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Top places to visit

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

When you drive into Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you might see oystercatchers or piping plovers flying overhead before you even hear the waves on the beach. These are signs of the magical place you’re entering. Spend at least a weekend exploring the 70 miles (110 kilometers) of coastline that are part of this remarkable preserve.

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North Carolina Outer Banks Bodie Island Lighthouse Autumn Morning Marsh Boardwalk, Shutterstock ID 164239178, purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch 1, Order: , client: , other:

2. Jennette's Pier

Experience some of the finest fishing available in the Outer Banks at Jennette’s Pier. Learn about the region’s history in the pier house. The pier was completely rebuilt after major destruction in 2003 when Hurricane Isabel blasted through the area. With support from the North Carolina Aquarium Society it is now an eco-friendly education center and a sustainable fishing hotspot.

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Jennette\'s Pier featuring general coastal views

3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina should make a point of seeing the twisting, white and black stripes of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The distinctive spiral pattern on this structure makes it a pretty subject for a photo. Come to see a beautiful relic of maritime technology and learn about the troubled history of those who have relied on its guidance in nearby waters.

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse

4. Wright Brothers National Memorial

If you’ve read about the first plane taking off near Kitty Hawk, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where this epochal moment occurred. Stand in the trail of history and see where Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their first four test flights between 1900 and 1903.

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5. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center offers a range of charters, including offshore, near shore, inshore and head boat fishing. Located in the beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the center is perfect for fishing and nature enthusiasts alike. Learn to fish on an inshore charter or take on deep-sea sport fishing on an offshore boat.

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What to do in Outer Banks

Popular places to visit

Jennette's Pier

Fish for striped bass, flounder and bluefish or simply admire the oceanfront surroundings from this eco-friendly pier in North Carolina’s beautiful Nags Head.

Corolla Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Corolla Beach during your trip to Whalehead Beach?

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

This soaring brick lighthouse is among the very tallest in North America. It’s a great place to learn about American maritime history.

Sunrise by a fishing pier in North Carolina

Nags Head Fishing Pier

After visiting Nags Head Fishing Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nags Head. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the fishing spots.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

A true testament to the origins of aviation history, this monument is also a visually impressive and inspiring feature of the North Carolina landscape.

One of the northernmost towns along the coast in North Carolina, Duck is an idyllic town on the shores of the Currituck Sound. This shot was taken from the town's boardwalk while looking West over the sounds. It is advisable to visit the location in Winter as that is off season - so you can spend more time taking in the beauty of the North Carolina coastline and also sunsets are usually much more picturesque around the time owing to the cooler temperatures and lower amount of atmospheric haze.

Plenty of things around Duck to see. Further north, there is the Currituck Lighthouse where you can climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse. North of Corolla, there is an area where you can drive along the coast on the sand - 4X4s a must. Here you can spot some Spanish Mustangs, horses out in the wild. If you're lucky, you can spot them running along the beach in the surf. I'd recommend taking a tour through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund - the money from the tours is used to help the wild horses in every which way possible and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

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Duck Boardwalk

After visiting Duck Boardwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Duck. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Pirate's Cove Marina

Explore the waterfront in Manteo with a trip to Pirate's Cove Marina. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the notable monuments in this family-friendly area.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Climb the iconic lighthouse just south of Nags Head and experience spectacular natural views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas.