Visitors to the Outer Banks are recreation lovers. After all, with an area known for its natural beauty, why wouldn’t you want to be outside taking full advantage of every Outer Banks thing to do you could think of? Perhaps the Outer Banks’ biggest draw is Mother Ocean and her surrounding sandy beaches. When it comes to things to do on the Outer Banks, the top of anyone’s to-do list involves getting in or near the water. That translates into sunbathing, swimming, body boarding, skimboarding, surfing, scuba diving, shelling, sea glass hunting, shore walking…and did we mention just sitting and looking at those meditative waves rolling in? Check out the Things To Do in Hatteras section and the Things To Do in Ocracoke section for the scoop on the best ways to enjoy the water.
Of course, the Outer Banks things to do on the sound are just as numerous as those on the ocean. Take a peek at the sound, and you almost always see someone boating, sailing, parasailing, kiteboarding, standup paddleboarding, clamming, windsurfing, kayaking or Jet Skiing. Check out Things To Do in Nags Head or Things To Do in Duck, NC, for your watersports options.
Outer Banks Things To Do on Dry Land!
Feel more like a dry activity? No problem! If fishing is the ticket, there are many opportunities to wet a line with piers, bridges, shorelines, the sound, bays, offshore and inshore charters. Along a similar drift, a dolphin or sightseeing boat tour is a popular Outer Banks thing to do, and you can learn more in the Things To Do on Roanoke Island section. And no equine lover's trip to the Outer Banks is complete without seeing the wild horses, a popular Thing To Do in Corolla, NC. Want to see as much of the Outer Banks as you can by walking, jogging or biking? Then you’ll love it here! Each town has either a designated bike path, boardwalks or back roads that are so lovely you’ll forget all about the fact that you have three more miles to go!
Outer Banks Things To Do by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Things To Do by Category
At the end of N.C. Highway 12 just past the ferry docks, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum attracts attention with its composite of ship shapes, porthole...read more
With a loyal following since 1990, Hairoics has many of the top-rated stylists, nail techs, estheticians and massage therapists on the beach. They truly...read more
Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and...read more
Hang 12 Art is the studio and gallery of artist Brad Price. Known for his pet portraits and colorful oil paintings portraying Outer Banks life, Price has a...read more
Hatteras Island Beaches Safety Information
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches are routinely named on Dr. Steven Leatherman...read more
Dr. Howard M. Ruderfer offers chiropractic adjustments and massage by appointment in Buxton. House calls are available upon request. read more
If you're a fan of horseback riding, you've probably dreamed of riding along a wide-open beach. Here's your chance! These folks take you out for private...read more
Hatteras Island Ocean Center is an indoor/outdoor nature center that provides a wide variety of interactive educational activities for people of all ages....read more
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop...read more
This soundfront recreation center offers rentals of kayaks, sailboats, standup paddleboards (SUP) and windsurfing equipment plus lessons in windsurfing,...read more
This classic surf shop in an old cottage has been a fixture on the island surf scene for more than 40 years. The shop sells new and used boards and surf-...read more
Hatteras Jack is well-known for its expertise in building custom rods and reels. They also stock all the bait and tackle you could need for a Hatteras...read more
