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
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just...read more
Cape Hatteras Secondary School has tennis courts that are open to the public in daylight after school hours.read more
E-bikes are not only a fun way to explore the Outer Banks, but also a convenient and inexpensive way to get around without getting caught up in summer...read more
Cartwright Park has a picnic shelter, restrooms, grills and a playground. The park is named for Andrew Cartwright, founder of AME Zion churches in the...read more
Whether you enjoy the thrill of parasailing or the excitement of a Waverunner, it's waiting for you at Causeway Watersports. This adventure mecca is on the...read more
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....read more
Looking to get out on the water? Charlie’s Boat Rentals rents 19-foot Caribbean Skiffs, a 24-foot Carolina Skiff and a variety of pontoon boats in different...read more
If you’re looking for an exhilarating water adventure, check out Charlie’s Waverunners. They specialize in renting Waverunners and have lots of brand-new...read more
The Sea'scape is a beautiful 41' ketch that takes guests on private sailing charters in the Roanoke and Albemarle sounds. Tours leave from the...read more
Sign up for an excursion with Marcus Lawson to explore the sound waters in a 24-foot Carolina skiff, complete with all the equipment you need to gather...read more
Colorful and creative, Cloud Nine is a happening stop for shoppers and artisans and has been for more than 25 years. Buy beads to create your own jewelry or...read more
Coast and Go rents golf-carts and all-electric, fat-tire bikes on Ocracoke Island. Their e-bikes are a fun, efficient and eco-friendly way to tour the...read more