THINGS TO DO IN THE OUTER BANKS

EXPLORE THE OUTER BANKS

Welcome to the Outer Banks! Since you're here for a few days, we wanted to share our favorite spots and activities. Whether you're into adventure, relaxation, history, or just good food, OBX has something for everyone!

*Note: Some activities listed here are seasonal, so please be sure to check online for availability!

🏖️ MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

FREE & LOW-COST

Jockey's Ridge State Park - FREE

Tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast

Amazing sunset views

Great for photos and exploring

📍 Nags Head (30 min south)

Wright Brothers National Memorial - $10/adult

Where aviation history was made!

Beautiful grounds and museum

Learn about the first flight

📍 Kill Devil Hills (35 min south)

Bodie Island Lighthouse - FREE grounds, $10 to climb

Iconic black and white striped lighthouse

Climb 214 steps for incredible views

Great photo opportunity

📍 South Nags Head (40 min south)

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - $10 to climb

Stunning red brick lighthouse

Climb 220 steps for panoramic views

Close to Corolla!

📍 Corolla Village (10 min south)

Beach Access & Walks - FREE

Miles of beautiful, uncrowded beaches

Perfect for walking, beachcombing, photos

December beaches are peaceful and gorgeous

Multiple access points throughout Corolla

UNIQUE OBX EXPERIENCES

Wild Horse Tours - $50-60/person ⭐

See the famous Corolla wild horses

Spanish mustangs roaming free on the beach

4WD tours go into the protected areas

2-hour tours, book in advance!

Companies: Wild Horse Adventure Tours, Corolla Outback Adventures

Currituck Heritage Park - FREE

Historic Whalehead Club mansion

Beautiful grounds perfect for strolling

Learn about OBX history

📍 Corolla (10 min from venue)

North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island - $13/adult

Touch tanks, sea turtles, sharks

Great for all ages

Indoor activity (perfect if weather is bad!)

📍 Manteo (45 min south)

Downtown Manteo - FREE to explore

Charming historic waterfront town

Boutique shops and galleries

Roanoke Island Festival Park nearby

📍 Manteo (45 min south)

🍽️ WHERE TO EAT

We're food lovers, so here are our top picks!

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Stack 'em High Pancakes ⭐

Huge portions, fun atmosphere

Famous for enormous pancakes

Cash only!

📍 3720 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk

Duck Donuts

Made-to-order fresh donuts

Customize your toppings

Multiple OBX locations

Great coffee too!

Sam & Omie's

OBX institution since 1937

Classic diner breakfast

Local favorite

📍 Milepost 16.5, Nags Head

Front Porch Café

Healthy options

Great smoothies and acai bowls

Cozy atmosphere

📍 Duck

Art's Place

Local hangout

Homestyle breakfast

No-frills, delicious

📍 Kitty Hawk

LUNCH SPOTS

Kill Devil Grill ⭐

Farm-to-table, local ingredients

Seafood, burgers, salads

Upscale casual

📍 Kill Devil Hills

Blue Moon Beach Grill

Waterfront dining

Fresh seafood

Great lunch specials

📍 Nags Head

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar

Raw bar, steamed seafood

Casual beach vibe

Famous for oysters

📍 Multiple locations

John's Drive-In

OBX classic since 1977

Milkshakes and burgers

Super casual

📍 Kitty Hawk

Trio Restaurant & Market

Upscale sandwiches and salads

Wine shop attached

Great for a nicer lunch

📍 Kitty Hawk

DINNER - SEAFOOD

Tortugas' Lie ⭐

Great atmosphere and food

Excellent seafood

Fun, lively vibe

📍 Nags Head

Ocean Boulevard

Fine dining with ocean views

Special occasion spot

Reservations recommended

📍 Kitty Hawk

Fishbones Sunset Grille

Raw bar and local catches

Waterfront seating

Beautiful sunset views

📍 Nags Head

Waterman's Grill

Soundside dining

Fresh seafood

More upscale

📍 South Nags Head

Blue Point Bar & Grill

Duck waterfront

Great happy hour

Seafood and steaks

📍 Duck

DINNER - OTHER OPTIONS

Pigman's Bar-B-Que

If you're craving BBQ!

Casual, delicious

North Carolina style

📍 Kill Devil Hills

Barefoot Bernie's

Tropical vibe

Surf & turf

Fun atmosphere

📍 Kill Devil Hills

Outer Banks Brewing Station

Brewery with full menu

Burgers, seafood, pub fare

Local craft beers

📍 Kill Devil Hills

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant

Good Mexican food

Margaritas!

Casual and family-friendly

📍 Kill Devil Hills

Dajio

Japanese and Asian fusion

Sushi, hibachi, noodles

Something different

📍 Nags Head

1587 Restaurant - Special Occasion

Fine dining

Upscale menu

Reservations essential

📍 Manteo

PIZZA & CASUAL

Pizzazz Pizza

Good pizza, salads, subs

Multiple locations

NC Coast Grill & Bar

Pizza, wings, casual fare

Sports bar vibe

DESSERT & TREATS

Kilwins

Ice cream, fudge, chocolates

Multiple locations

Perfect after-dinner stop

Duck Donuts (again!)

Yes, donuts count as dessert

Pamlico Jack's - Nags Head Pier

Ice cream with ocean views

🛍️ SHOPPING

COROLLA (Close to Venue)

Monteray Plaza

Shopping center with various stores

Harris Teeter grocery

Restaurants

📍 5 min from venue

Timbuck II Shopping Village

Boutiques and shops

Restaurants

Beach gear

📍 10 min from venue

DUCK (15 min South)

Duck Waterfront Shops ⭐

Charming boardwalk shopping

Unique boutiques

Art galleries

Coastal decor and gifts

Beautiful waterfront setting

Duck's Cottage Downtown Books

Independent bookstore

Great selection

Coffee shop inside

OTHER SHOPPING

Gallery Row - Nags Head

Multiple art galleries

Local artists

Perfect for unique gifts

Tanger Outlets - Nags Head

If you need outlet shopping

All the usual brands

📍 40 min south

Christmas Shop - Manteo

Year-round holiday store

Ornaments and decorations

RAINY DAY / INDOOR

NC Aquarium - Already mentioned above

Roanoke Island Festival Park

Interactive history exhibits

Climb aboard the Elizabeth II ship

📍 Manteo

🍺 BREWERIES & WINERIES

Outer Banks Brewing Station

Local craft beers

Tours sometimes available

Full restaurant

📍 Kill Devil Hills

Weeping Radish Farm Brewery

German-style beers

Farm setting

Restaurant on-site

📍 Grandy (on the way from Norfolk)

Trio Wine & Market

Wine shop with tastings

Upscale market

📍 Kitty Hawk

Kill Devil Rum Distillery

Local spirits

Tours available

📍 Kill Devil Hills

📸 BEST PHOTO SPOTS

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Classic OBX shot

Jockey's Ridge sand dunes - Sunset photos

Duck waterfront boardwalk - Charming backdrop

Bodie Island Lighthouse - Iconic black & white stripes

Any beach access - Endless ocean views

Whalehead Club - Historic mansion

Wright Brothers Memorial - Historic monument

🚗 ESSENTIAL STOPS

Harris Teeter - Duck ⭐

📍 1200 Duck Road, Duck, NC

Full grocery store

Gas station

Pharmacy

Deli and prepared foods

FILL UP HERE before going to Corolla!

Brew Thru - OBX Tradition

Drive-through beer, wine, liquor store

Multiple locations

Unique OBX experience

Fun stop for party supplies