The Outer Banks is one of those places that changes completely depending on where you are. Corolla feels quiet and family-focused, Hatteras feels wild and remote, and towns like Manteo have a slower historic charm that sits apart from the beach itself.
Some people come here for fishing and adventure, others for quiet mornings, local restaurants, nature trails, or long drives along the coast. There really isn’t just one “right” way to experience the OBX.
Whether it’s your first trip to the Outer Banks or you’ve been visiting for years, these are some of the places and experiences we recommend most often.
Best Outdoor Things to Do
Beyond the beaches themselves, some of the best parts of the OBX are the places that get you outside exploring — from massive sand dunes and scenic coastal drives to quiet walking trails and piers by the water.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge is one of the most iconic places in the Outer Banks for a reason. The views from the top of the dunes are incredible, especially around sunset, and it’s one of our favorite places to end the day. You can also go hang glide here or book beginner lessons if you want something a little more adventurous.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Driving through Cape Hatteras National Seashore feels completely different from the busier northern beaches. The coastline feels wilder and more untouched, with long stretches of protected shoreline and scenic drives through dunes and marshland.
Currituck Banks Boardwalk & Maritime Forest Trail
If you want a break from the beach for a little while, this is an easy walk through one of the few remaining maritime forests in the OBX. It’s peaceful, shaded, and a good spot for spotting wildlife.
Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier is worth visiting even if you’re not planning to fish. It’s a great spot for sunrise walks, ocean views, or spending some time by the water without committing to a full beach day.
Best Beaches
One of the best parts about the Outer Banks is how much the beaches change from one area to the next. Some are easier for families and long beach days, while others feel quieter, more remote, and closer to nature.
Corolla
Corolla is one of our favorite beaches for families with small children. The beaches are wide, the ocean is shallow, and there’s a good balance of restaurants, activities, and space to spread out. It’s also a great area for bike rides, morning walks, and seeing the famous Corolla wild horses.
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the OBX. The wide shoreline, natural dunes, and large parking area make it an easy choice for families spending the day at the beach. It also tends to feel more open and less crowded than some of the smaller beach accesses nearby.
Pea Island
Pea Island has a much more undeveloped feel than the northern beaches. It’s our favorite beach in the OBX because it feels the most secluded, with long, empty stretches of shoreline, scenic drives, and a truly remote atmosphere.
Water Activities & Adventure
For a lot of people, the Outer Banks is all about being on or around the water. Whether that means fishing, surfing, kayaking through the sound, or taking a boat ride at sunset, there are plenty of ways to experience the OBX beyond sitting on the beach.
Charter Boat Fishing
Fishing is a huge part of the culture here, and there are options for just about every experience level. Offshore charters are known for bigger game fish and full-day adventures out in the Atlantic, while inshore trips are usually calmer and great for families or beginners. If you’re more interested in surf fishing, Cape Point on Hatteras Island is one of the most well-known fishing spots in the Outer Banks.
Watersports
Depending on where you stay, you’ll find rentals and tours for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, surfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, and dolphin cruises throughout the OBX.
OBX Plane Flights
Scenic flights are one of the coolest ways to see the Outer Banks from a completely different perspective, especially around sunrise or sunset on a clear day.
History & Landmarks
The Outer Banks has a lot more history than many people expect on their first visit. Between shipwrecks, aviation history, fishing villages, and historic coastal towns, there are plenty of places worth exploring when you want a break from the beach.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills marks the site of the first successful powered flight. Even if you’re not especially into aviation history, it’s one of those classic Outer Banks stops that’s worth experiencing at least once. The monument itself overlooks the surrounding coastline, and the open grassy hill is great for families and kids to explore.
OBX Lighthouses
One of the most recognizable parts of the Outer Banks is its lighthouses. Each one feels a little different depending on where it’s located, and they’re some of the best landmarks to visit while exploring the coast.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the OBX.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
One of the easiest lighthouse stops to visit, with marsh views and boardwalks nearby.
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Located in Corolla near historic buildings, shaded oak trees, and the quieter northern beaches.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse
The oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, located in the heart of peaceful and historic Ocracoke Village.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Located on Hatteras Island, this museum focuses on the shipwreck history that gave the Outer Banks its famous “Graveyard of the Atlantic” nickname. It’s a great rainy-day activity and an interesting stop if you want to learn more about the area’s maritime history.
Historic Downtown Manteo
Manteo has a completely different feel from most of the beach towns in the OBX. The historic downtown area is walkable and relaxed, with a scenic waterfront, local shops, bookstores, and restaurants all close together. Nearby, you’ll also find the North Carolina Aquarium and the Elizabethan Gardens, which are both worth visiting if you’re spending a day exploring Roanoke Island.
Take a Day Trip to Ocracoke
The island has a slower pace that feels far removed from the busier northern beaches, and honestly, getting there is part of the experience.
Getting There
Most people reach Ocracoke by ferry from Hatteras Island. The ride itself is beautiful and gives you a chance to see the sound, marshes, and open water from a different perspective. During the busy summer season, it’s a good idea to arrive early since ferry lines can get long.
What to Do in Ocracoke
Ocracoke is less about rushing between attractions and more about slowing down and exploring the island itself. Spend some time at the beach, walk through the village, browse the local shops, or visit the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse — one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the country. Renting bikes or golf carts is also a fun way to explore the area.
Where to Eat
Two of the spots people mention most often are SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill and The Stockroom Street Food. SmacNally’s is a classic casual waterfront stop after a day outside, while The Stockroom is known for more creative food and a smaller local feel.
Best Restaurants in the OBX
Food is a big part of an Outer Banks vacation, especially after a long beach day. Some places are local institutions people return to every year, while others are simply good spots to relax for a while and enjoy the atmosphere.
Country Deli
A longtime local favorite known for oversized sandwiches.
Art’s Place
Casual burgers, seafood, and a relaxed beach-town atmosphere.
Miller’s Waterfront
Popular for seafood, sunset views, and dining on the sound.
Blue Moon Beach Grill
One of our favorite dinner spots, especially during the season when they have live music in the evenings.
Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar
A local favorite known for fresh seafood and its authentic oyster bar atmosphere.local favorite known for fresh seafood and its authentic oyster bar atmosphere.
Rainy Day Activities
Even beach vacations get rainy days sometimes, and honestly, the OBX still has plenty to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Places like the North Carolina Aquarium, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, local bookstores, coffee shops, and exploring downtown Manteo are all good ways to slow down for a few hours until the weather clears.
Plan a Family Photo Session in the OBX
Family vacations are one of the few times everyone is together in the same place at the same time, which makes the OBX a pretty special place for family photos.
The session itself often becomes part of the vacation memory — sunset on the beach, kids running barefoot through the sand, and an evening spent slowing down together for a little while.Sunset tends to be the most popular time for sessions, but the best location and timing often depends on where you’re staying and the overall feel you want from your photos.
For more ideas, explore our guide to the best photo locations on the Outer Banks.
See what a session can look like in our featured family photo session in Corolla, NC
Final Thoughts
The Outer Banks is one of those places that’s easy to settle into once you’re here. Some of the best days aren’t the ones packed with plans, but the slower ones — grabbing breakfast somewhere local, taking the long way back from the beach, or staying on the beach a little longer for sunset.
And while there’s nothing wrong with spending the whole week by the ocean, some of our favorite parts of the OBX have always been the places in between.
