Outer Banks Historic Sites

The Outer Banks is rich in history and likes to wear its heritage on its sleeve. Between Native American tribes, colonial settlements, pirates, the Civil War and the first airplane, today’s Outer Banks historic sites line the area. Make your way from one end of the Outer Banks to the other, visiting lifesaving stations that used to assist those in peril out at sea, lighthouses that brought ships safely to shore, farms that give you a taste of Outer Banks life in the 1800s, educational museums, piers and settlement sites that hold mysteries. No matter where you go on the Outer Banks, there’s relevant historical information to be found. If you enjoy the great outdoors, hike through nature preserves, Pea Island or Portsmouth Island. If you’d prefer sites that are more indoor oriented, climb up some lighthouses or visit the beautiful old Whalehead estate in Corolla. Check out the below listings to see what Outer Banks historic sites capture your interest, hop in your time machine and take a step back in time.


Outer Banks Attractions by Area

Corolla | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island

Outer Banks Things To Do by Category

Family operated by native islanders possibly descended from pirates, these 90-minute, 1.5-mile walking tours are sure to entertain and educate. The tours...read more

Family operated by native islanders possibly descended from pirates, these 90-minute, 1.5-mile walking tours are...read more

Located on Roanoke Island, just five minutes from Manteo, Island Farm is a living history farm centered on the original Etheridge family property, once part...read more

The second-oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Ocracoke Lighthouse is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2023! The 75-foot, whitewashed tower and its...read more

There are many theories about how ponies found their way to Ocracoke Island. Some say they arrived on English ships during 16th-century exploration, others...read more

Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the...read more