The Outer Banks has so many things to do it's hard to squeeze them all into one vacation! We are breaking down our favorite Outer Banks attractions into guides for different types of people! Today's edition is for the adventure seeker, someone who wants to get out and experience the thrills the OBX has to offer. Stay tuned for more guides to come!
View All OBX Attractions & Things To Do
1. Outer Banks Wild Horse Tours
Just north of Corolla, in the Carova 4x4 area that borders on Virginia, only accessible via the beach is an area inhabited by Wild Spanish Mustang. Carova Beach is well known for it's wild horses, attracting visitors far and wide. We have several homes available for rent in the area, or if you should choose to stay in a home south of Carova, you can visit for free. Just make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle and read the rules and regulations in regards to driving on the beach. If you want to stay and relax on the beach, you will need a permit which are free to those who live or are renting a home in the area, or you can obtain a pass online during Memorial Day and Labor Day. There are limited supplies. Driving however is free. Remember, you must stay at least 50 feet away from the horses and you should not feed them.
If you are interested in learning more about the banker horses, and the history of how they arrived here and have survived then we highly recommend a guided tour. Local experts will tell you everything you need to know, and you won't have to worry about navigating the beach and dunes, and unpaved roads behind the dunes. It's truly a magical place, and you won't feel like you're in North Carolina anymore!
Learn More About the Amazing Wild Horses of Carova!
2. First Flight & Corolla Adventure Park
If you enjoy a good challenge, then we have two options for climbing and zip-lining enthusiasts. Two adventure parks, one in Nags Head and one in Corolla. They are a little different, but both offer fun, challenging obstacles for all levels of adventurers, plus great views of the area from above!
First Flight Adventure Park Corolla Adventure Park
3. Outer Banks Hang Gliding
If you want to experience a similar feeling as the Wright Brothers and their first flight, then why not try hang gliding? Just south of Kill Devil Hills is another famous landmark, Jockey's Ridge. You can take hangbliding lessons and experience heights of 5-15 feet, or you can be taken up by a tow plane at the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg or the Currituck County Airport and reach heights of 2,000-5,000 feet! Talk about a thrill!
4. Outer Banks Fishing Charter
If you enjoy the thrill of catching a big fish then this option is perfect for you! Be prepared for a half or a whole day of adventure. Venture offshore to the Gulf Stream for species like billfish, tuna, and dolphin. Charters are offered in Oregon Inlet, Manteo, Hatteras and more. If you're not ready for the big dogs, check out head boat fishing options like Corolla Bait & Tackle Charters and Fishin' Fannatics.
Learn More About Outer Banks Fishing Charters
5. OBX Sky Diving & Scenic Flights
Experience the Outer Banks from the sky with a beautiful view of the barrier island, ocean, sound, lighthouses, and more! What better place to experience flight than where it began! For skydiving, check out Skydive OBX. They offer jumps out of the Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo. For scenic flights, check out OBX Airplanes and get ready to see the Outer Banks from a while new perspective!
6. Evojet Race Boat Personal Watercraft
Meet a new alternative to the jetski and a great way to have a blast on the water! If you have the need for speed, you will want to try out the latest water sport to hit the Outer Banks, the EvotJet! Learn more here!
7. Parasailing & Watersports
The Outer Banks has tons of awesome ways to get out on the water and have fun! You can try out an activity on your own by renting equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, skimboards, and boogie boards from equipment rental companies such as Ocean Atlantic Rentals who deliver to you! Or you can kick it up a notch and explore the waterways via jet ski, parasailing, and more! Visit our Watersports Activities page for details!
