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 featuring a statue or sculpture

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center featuring a bay or harbour, fishing and signage

Cape Hatteras National Seashore showing 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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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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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 featuring a lighthouse

4. Bodie Island Lighthouse

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Bodie Island Lighthouse showing a lighthouse

5. 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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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?

Nags Head Fishing Pier

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Nags Head Fishing Pier and enjoy activities such as fishing in Nags Head. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.

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.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

3/5(1 review)

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

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.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

5/5(2 reviews)

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

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Admire the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, explore the maritime forest and see the shallow Roanoke Sound body of water in this unique state park.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

With a large range of boat choices, one of the eastern seaboard’s largest charter boat fishing fleets has options for all fishing enthusiasts, and non-fishermen too.