There are many ways to enjoy yourself on your Outer Banks Vacation. From local attractions to local secrets, here is our list of the Top 10 things you MUST DO on your Outer Banks Vacation!
Enjoy this quick video highlighting our unique destination: the Outer Banks of North Carolina!
10. Outer Banks Watersports
Coming in at #10 is two very popular watersports; stand up paddle boarding, aka SUP, and kayaking. Whether on the Ocean (on a calm day) or on the Sound, SUP and Kayaking is fun for all ages! For guided tours, try Outer Banks Kayak Adventures. Or rent your own watersports gear from Ocean Atlantic Rentals.
9. Bring Your Dog to the OBX
Bring your dog is #9 because it must be known that the Outer Banks loves dogs! Many of the beaches are dog-friendly (see area rules & regulations) as well as hundreds of private pet-friendly vacation home options! View pet-friendly rentals here.
8. Spend All Day at the Beach
It was a just a matter of time before we had to say it… #8 Spend all day at the beach! It’s what you came here for. Soak up the sun and splash in the salt-water, repeat for hours. Don’t forget the sunscreen.. or the cooler! Find a beach access. Did you know you can arrange for beach chairs and umbrella to be set up for you daily? See more.
7. H2OBX Waterpark
The next feature is one of the newest and most exciting things to do on the Outer Banks! H2OBX Waterpark is a world-class waterpark with over 30 adrenaline-inducing rides, slides, and attractions! It is just a couple miles over the bridge in Powells Point. Buy reduced tickets here.
6. Ghost Crabbing
If you’re up for a kid-friendly adventure in the evening you’ve gotta try #6, Ghost Crabbing! After the sun goes down, grab a flashlight and a net and go to the nearest beach access for a hilarious game of chase with the crabs. They are surprisingly easy to find.. they are everywhere (creepy)!
5. Enjoy an Outer Banks Sunrise or Sunset
If you need some peace and tranquility in your life, then #5 will be an enjoyable must-do, watch the sun rise and set over the water. Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and the Sunset over the Currituck Sound – both absolutely breathtaking!
4. Wild Horses of Carova Beach
The next feature #4 is the famous Wild Horses of 4×4 Carova Beach! Take a wild horse tour or drive your own 4×4 vehicle (beach driving) to witness these beautiful wild Spanish Mustangs playing on the beach or grazing in the dunes. Horses can sometimes be hard to find so we recommend taking a tour through Wild Horse Adventure Tours.
3. Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, NC
For #3 we have the one and only Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast! Kids will love kite flying, jumping/rolling down the dunes or even hang-gliding seasonally. It is free to the public and open year-round. Be prepared to get a work-out walking around these dunes!
1 & 2. Make Memories & Have Fun!
To finish off the list we had to feature two of the main reasons why people come here… Besides coming here to have fun (yes that is totally going to happen), you came on vacation to spend quality time with those you love. Family bonding happens best when you stay in a Vacation Rental home or condo (#2). Multiple generations together under the same roof, cooking together, laughing together, sharing stories and…. #1 making memories! This is why the Outer Banks is the BEST beach destination for families.