Top 10 Things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina
Written and Photographed by Gwendolyn Call
The Outer Banks is a fantastic band of islands off the coast of North Carolina. It’s like no other, with miles of beach to explore while taking a leisurely walk to kite surfing and 4-by-4 driving on the sand. This location is a must-see destination for any traveler. The options are wide open, and you’ll have a hard time seeing it all in just one vacation, so be prepared to book another trip. The Outer Banks will have you falling in love with North Carolina coastlines.
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10. Cruise the Beach – Driving on the beach is not something you see every day. However, you’ll find various places to take a cruise in your vehicle along the Outer Banks coasts. Not only is it a cool thing to do—imagine windows rolled down, hair blowing and the saltwater breeze—but it is also a great way to cover miles of beach and look for wildlife, including dolphins.
9. Shell and Sea Glass Hunting – Are you ready to let your inner child-hunting skills come to life? Searching for treasure is fun and free, which is always a bonus when you’re part of an RV family. Hunting for treasures on the beach is always an exciting part of any beach vacation, but this is particularly thrilling due to the vast array of shells you can find on the Outer Banks beaches. The Outer Banks are also known for the sea glass, shark teeth and various unique shells.
8. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station – Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the most significant representative of what men did to save lives after shipwrecks, and they served tirelessly from 1874 to 1954. The vast collections of boats and artifacts are impressive.
7. Local Food – There is no better place to indulge in your love of seafood than the Outer Banks. There are so many fantastic choices, and some of the best are local mom-and-pop places along the way that are perfect for indulging in local food flare. Crab cakes are a must, so add them to your list. If seafood isn’t your thing, you’re in luck. There’s also a variety of BBQ, burgers and pizza. If you have a sweet tooth, donut shops abound and Duck Donuts is highly recommended.
6. Drive the National Seashore – Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the first in the country, stretching more than 70 miles and spanning from the top of the islands to the bottom. It’s a place for recreation, from accessible beach walks to exhilarating kite surfing. If you like photography, this is the perfect beach for you, especially because you can drive on most of it, making it more accessible for pictures.
5. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – If you’ve ever wondered if lighthouses are essential, you’ll soon learn how important they are after just a few moments at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. “Since 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—the tallest brick lighthouse in North America—has protected one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic coast. Offshore of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile-long sandbar called the Diamond Shoals. Hundreds of shipwrecks in this area have made this stretch of the Atlantic coast known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic.” (National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/caha/, 2023)
4. Kite Surfing – If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ve come to the right place because this kite-surfing destination will keep you on your toes. The island’s layout and the wind make this destination a kite-surfing lover’s dream. It’s best to work with a local company who’ll meet you and help get you situated. It’s no easy feat, so be ready for a workout.
3. Deep Sea Fishing – You’ve arrived at the perfect location for offshore and deep-sea fishing. Truck after truck arrive with fishing poles, all looking for that one big catch. If you want to catch that dream fish, hire a company to take you to all the right places. Or you can try your hand at fishing off the shore or pier.
2. Wright Brother National Park – This incredible national park is in my must-see Top 10. It’s steeped in history, learning, hands-on activities, and fun. It also has a Junior Ranger program, which is always a win for those who may be homeschooling. After many years of experimentation, on December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful powered airplane flight right in this very spot.
1. The Wild Horses of Corolla Beach – Corolla Beach in North Carolina is best known for its Wild Spanish Mustangs, which are believed to have been the first on the islands, next to the Native Americans. They’ve endured it all and are the most endearing and mystical residents of the Outer Banks. The wild horses graze and live from Corolla Beach to Carova Beach, but they spend much time in the northern portion of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Currituck is a favorite for them to roam. You can venture onto the beach in a 4-wheeled drive vehicle or take a tour to try to catch a glimpse of one of these magical creatures.
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