With Spring upon us, we must prepare for many beautiful and warm days at the beach! The water may be too cold to swim (maybe not for the brave kids), but there are plenty of other things to enjoy! Here's our list of top things to do on the Outer Banks in Spring!
Fish!
Spring is a fantastic time for various types of fishing on the Outer Banks. As water temperatures rise, many species become more active. Spring brings opportunities for surf fishing, pier fishing, and inshore fishing for species like striped bass, bluefish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Offshore fishing starts to pick up during this time, with the arrival of species like tuna, mahi-mahi, and even wahoo if you're lucky!
Spring is also the time of year when blue crabs shed their skin, so if you decide to try catching crabs in the sound, you may be in for a real treat! You can catch crab off the dock with some bait on a string and a net. You can also take the kids to the beach at night with a flashlight, net, and bucket to catch and release ghost crabs! (but those aren't for eatin'!)
Surf!
The Outer Banks is renowned for its consistent and quality waves, thanks to its exposure to both Atlantic Ocean swells and the Gulf Stream. Surfers can find waves suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Some of the most famous breaks include spots like Cape Hatteras, Rodanthe, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head.
While surfing is a year-round activity on the Outer Banks, the tastier waves typically occur in the late summer and fall months as hurricane season stirs up the most powerful swells. But for beginners to the sport, the spring is an excellent time to hop in, grab a surf lesson from one of the many outfits around town and see if you can catch the surfing bug too!
Go for a hike!
Yes, walking along the shore is a must, but the Outer Banks is also home to numerous hiking opportunities! You don't have to be an avid hiker or even own hiking gear to explore on foot the many trails that wind through maritime forests. These trails get you up close and personal with diverse ecosystems, under the canopy of live oaks and loblolly pines, or over marsh and various bodies of water via boardwalks. There are many trails to choose from, and we'll recommend the Nags Head Woods Preserve to start!
Explore Jockey's Ridge!
If you know anyone that has vacationed on the Outer Banks, and passed through Nags Head, then they likey have a fond memory of jumping off the dunes. As the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast it's hard to miss and it's open to the public year-round. Access to Jockey's Ridge is free! You can enjoy flying a kite on a breezy spring day or just explore and take in the incredible views of the vast sand dune and scenery. It's also a great spot for sunsets and picnics! If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, register to take a hang gliding lesson!
Head for the Heights!
Climb a Lighthouse or an Adventure Park to take in the views from above! The Outer Banks has several lighthouses that you can visit (and climb) and spring is an excellent time to do that! Check out our page of the Lighthouses on the Outer Banks for details, location and more information. Our favorite view is that of the Currituck Beach Light located in the Historic Corolla Village!
Our area is also home to two amazing Adventure Parks - Corolla Adventure Park in Corolla & First Flight Adventure park in Nags Head. These obstacle courses are perfect for adventure enthusiasts vacationing in the Spring.
Go For a Ride!
We know you have to pack a lot for your Outer Banks vacation, and you may not be able to pack the bikes. But the Outer Banks has plenty of rental companies, such as our friends at Ocean Atlantic Rentals, that will rent you bikes for the week - and the newest offering is e-bikes! What better way to enjoy a beautiful spring day than on a bike! Many of our towns have wonderful bike/walking paths for you to get around easily and safely, such as the multi-use trail that runs through Duck and Corolla along NC 12.
You may also want to take a ride up to 4x4 Carova Beach to catch a glimpse of the area's famous wild Mustang Horses (no, you cannot ride them - and please do not feed them). If you have a 4x4 vehicle, you can explore on your own, or you can opt to take a Wild Horse Tour. You do not need a permit to drive on the beach, but you do need a permit in the summer season to park on the 4x4 beach.
If you want to soak up as much salty air as you can, consider renting a Jeep, or even a dune buggy to explore. Rental venues will tell you which areas allow these vehicles and how to get around safely, and of course, the best places to go!
Lastly, if you are a motorcycle enthusiast or have been eyeing that hog for a few years, you may consider riding one down for the Outer Banks Bike Week, which is typically held in April for food, entertainment, and activities!
Journey Back in Time!
Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial and learn about this monumental (pun intended) historical feat that took place right where you stand! The Wright Brothers Memorial is located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills and the monument is a sight to see and worth the climb to the top of KILL DEVIL HILL that gave the Wright Brothers the necessary conditions to be the first in flight! On the grounds, on the north side of the hill you will find a path representing the distance of the first flight, which will lead you towards replicas of the camp structures where they lived, and a museum with tons of information on the discovery of flight and the history of aviation. On the south side of the hill you will find a replica of the "Wright Flyer" plane and life-sized statues of the famous brothers Orville and Wilbur, who made history on December 17th, 1903 right here on the Outer Banks! The monument atop the hill, and surrounding replicas are all connected with walking paths, and a great place to get those steps in!
Visit Roanoke Island!
There are so many things to do and see here! The Manteo Waterfront area will delight you with its historic charm. You'll enjoy many local shopping and dining options and a picturesque view (and photo op) of Marshes Light and the Elizabeth II 16th-century replica sailing vessel. Roanoke Island is also home to Elizabethan Gardens, The Lost Colony, The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, Island Farm, and Wanchese Marina. It's easy to spend a whole day on Roanoke Island, and just as easy to head down for an hour or few! Either way, what better time to enjoy it than spring?