Activities and Attractions
The world is talking about our barrier islands' beaches!
- Coquina Beach in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, near Nags Head, is listed by Fodor’s as one of the 7 Best Family Beaches in the East
- Forbes Traveler has named Nags Head, NC as one of America’s Favorite Beach Towns
- The town of Kill Devil Hills, NC is ranked by Surfer magazine as #6 of its Ten Best Surf Towns in America
- The Travel Channel lists Duck, NC as one of its Best Beaches
- National beach expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. "Dr. Beach") has ranked Cape Hatteras as one of his 2009 Ten Best Beaches in America
Ocean breezes sweep across barrier islands to reach pristine forests of live oak, protected wetlands, and sand dunes - all delicately carved by nature. Mild seasons, clean beaches, stunning sunsets, and six championship courses featuring Scottish links design and manicured bent grass greens combine to make Outer Banks Golf a great choice. You can even experience the thrill of ocean and soundside views from the same tee!
Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Knight built their private residence, now known as the Whalehead Club, along the Atlantic flyway to enjoy their passion for waterfowl hunting. The restored museum is the finest representation of art nouveau architecture in the state. An exhibit in the downstairs gallery features the house's original furnishings.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, standing at 208 feet, is the tallest in the United States. The lighthouse is painted in black and white spirals, with a red base. Its light can be seen for 20 miles, warning ships of the submerged sand bars where so many ships have foundered.
The seven buildings of this site, listed on both the National and State Historic Registers, comprise the most complete lifesaving station in the United States. The oldest structure, built in 1874, is under active restoration to its original condition. Visitors can view its Gothic architecture with post and lintel construction, which is seldom seen today. The main station, constructed in 1911 and modified in 1928, has been restored and is used as a museum. A gift shop is also on the premises.
One hundred and seventeen men, women and children establish the first English settlement in the new world on Roanoke Island in 1587-then mysteriously disappear... Relive the exciting story of The Lost Colony, America’s first and longest-running outdoor drama.
Flower-bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees greet visitors at this 16th-century pleasure garden created by The Garden Club of North Carolina. Designed as a living memorial to the lost colonists. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken garden.
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island presents the aquatic environments of coastal Carolina through its theme "Waters of The Outer Banks." The aquarium’s variety of exhibits promise to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters, see largemouth and striped bass, river otters and the American alligators.
Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 27-acre North Carolina State Site and cultural center, is a celebration of history, education and the arts.
Visit the quaint village of Wanchese (on the south end of Roanoke Island) and watch fresh fish and seafood being packed and shipped around the world.
Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Located in Nags Head, it is one of the most significant landmarks on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Always changing, always beautiful.
A 1,400-acre maritime forest with more than five miles of hiking trails and information center.
The first successful sustained powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine were made here by Wilbur and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903. A 60-foot granite monument dedicated in 1932, is perched atop 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill commemorating the achievement of these two visionaries from Dayton, Ohio.
Unique facility conducts research on the ocean processes affecting the coast such as storm impacts and beach erosion. Instruments continuously monitor the waves and the beach, while several unusual vehicles, including the 35-foot tall, three-wheeled, CRAB, support the research activities. Ninety-minute walking tours are offered.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse stands 158 feet above the dunes, with a first order fresnel lens flashing its first beacon on December 1, 1875. Located in Corolla, NC, its was built to fill the last remaining "dark spot" of the NC coast between Bodie Island to the south and Cape Henry, VA to the north. Many ships foundered in the 80-mile darkness between the two lighthouses, but this lighthouse, with its beam visible for 18 miles, solved the problem. To distinguish it from other regional lighthouses, it was left unpainted in natural red brick.
Looking for an outdoor adventure? The Outer Banks is a coastal playground full of natural activities for both the novice and experienced adventurer.