Outer Banks Shopping

Celebrating more than 40 years as an Outer Banks shopping mecca, Birthday Suits is a favorite for swimwear – in fact, it’s been voted Best on the Beach for swimsuits for more than 10 years in local polls. Women's swimsuits are the specialty here – the latest styles for all ages, mix-and-match separates, bra-sized swimwear and mastectomy suits – but they also sell suits for kids and men. For kids there’s everything from swim diapers and toddler suits to board shorts and competition swimwear in sizes infant to preteen. Men will find surf trunks, board shorts and briefs from sizes 28 to 4X large. Don’t forget the sun-protective rash guards for kids and adults. Birthday Suits is a clothing store, too, with designer and California surf brands, sportswear, shoes and beach-inspired accessories like sunglasses, flip flops, hats, jewelry and purses. Love the OBX logo? You’ll find original OBX brand accessories and clothing here. The flagship store is on the Bypass in Kill Devil Hills.

One of the oldest surf shops on the Outer Banks, Cavalier is a family-run operation and is known for providing great customer service in sales and rentals. You can buy or rent hard or soft-top surfboards, bodyboards and skimboards. They also offer private or group surfing lessons with a focus on safety and surfing etiquette. Lessons are a great way to get started in surfing or an opportunity for more experienced surfers to hone specific skills. Beach chairs, umbrellas and standup paddleboards are available for rental as well as purchase. In the shop you’ll find lots of surf and sports clothing, wetsuits, sunglasses, sandals, brand and logo stickers and accessories for the entire family. Cavalier Surf Shop logo t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for all ages are legendary souvenirs for generations of visitors and are beloved by locals as well. 

At this tiny cottage shop in Rodanthe, Hatteras native roots are apparent among elegant gifts, original art and rustic vintage items. Stop in to explore an assortment of offerings and village history. Print pictures at the Kodak Kiosk or book a guided history tour. The name honors a beloved Rodanthe resident, Nora Midgett Herbert, who had an abiding wish to open a gift shop to welcome the village visitors. Her husband built her the building on ship’s timbers in 1968, but the shop was not to be until decades later, following an unexpected renovation after Hurricane Irene. You’ll find it across from North Beach General Store and near Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.