If this is your first time visiting the Outer Banks, your vacation planning research has likely led you to Google results full of the places mentioned below. The Outer Banks is such a beautiful place to visit. Naturally; we want to capture its beauty. The time we spend here, we also want to capture, so that we can reflect on the wonderful experiences we hope to again one day revisit.
Listed below are some popular attractions you can add to your "must see" list, so you can capture your very own snapshot of your time here among the natural beauty, historical landmarks, and welcoming seaside backdrops from the ocean, to the sound, and a great many stops between.
The actual Wright Brothers Memorial sits atop Kill Devil Hills. Dedicated in 1932, the memorial is a triangular pylon 60 feet high made of gray granite from Mount Airy. At the top of the hill you can overlook the Outer Banks and see ocean to sound. Visit this history filled landmark and shoot some awesome shots!
From Kitty Hawk down to Nags Head there are several piers where you can fish, crab, grab a bite to eat, have a drink, or explore from under for some shade and great photo opportunities. From north to south, Kitty Hawk Pier (a popular spot for hosting weddings), Avalon Pier (with two bars, an arcade, live music, and grub!), Nags Head Fishing Pier (with two restaurants and a tackle shop where you can pay a small fee to crab or fish), Jennette's Pier (with two large indoor fish tanks, wind turbines, a gift shop, and equipment you can rent to fish or crab , the Outer Banks Fishing Pier with a restaurant bar, and the new Bonner Bridge Fishing Pier, a remnant of the Bonner Bridge that was demolished and replaced by the Marc Basnight Bridge connecting South Nags Head to Hatteras Island. Read more about these fishing piers here.
The Lighthouses of the Outer Banks, range from Corolla to Ocracoke Island. There are five stunning landmarks that are sure to draw an eye to your photos. You are even able to climb some and get a bird's eye view. These lighthouses are staples of the Outer Banks and photos will make great reminders of a wonderful vacation.
The Manteo Waterfront is a great area to take photos, grab a bite to eat and even shop around! You can walk the boardwalk that connects the town boat ramp and marina, waterfront gazebo, playground, and picnic areas with the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and the George Washington Creef Boathouse on the Manteo waterfront. This is also where the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is located and can be a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Located at MP 12 in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the tallest natural sand dune on the east coast. Fly a kite, try hang-gliding or just relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset on the spacious dunes. Jockey’s Ridge is open daily, year-round and offers free admission and parking. These gorgeous dunes can set a beautiful background for photos.
The Outer Banks is well known for our beautiful beaches. One of the first things you’ll come to quickly realize about the Outer Banks is how diverse the beaches are. There are over 100 miles of shoreline in Dare County connected by the legendary coastal two-lane highway NC 12. Head up to Carova 4x4 Beaches to catch the wandering wild horses!