You can’t beat the Outer Banks for finding the absolute best activities, food, and fun! Sure, your holiday might already feel perfect as you relax at your quiet vacation home, staring at the gorgeous beach and hanging out with family and friends, but it would be a shame not to take advantage of all the Outer Banks have to offer. Here are a few of our favorites that will round out your Outer Banks vacation perfectly!

Corolla, NC Duck, NC Southern Shores, NC


Tours, Trips, and History

#1 The Outer Banks Lighthouses

We love the lighthouses because they are unique, beautiful, and steeped in history. Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras never fail to impress, and don’t miss the the lesser known but very beautiful Currituck lighthouse (located in the heart of Corolla).

Bodie Island Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Address & Phone #

1101 Corolla Village Rd,

Corolla, NC 27927

www.currituckbeachlight.com

Find Them on Social Media

 

Other Amazing Choices

From wild horses to Ghost stories, we have a little bit of everything in the Outer Banks.

See some of our favorite tours and activities below!

wild horses on beach in outer banks in corolla

Wild Horse Tour

A Corolla Wild Horse Tour is the best way to spot one of these magnificent creatures! Safely aboard a safari style van you will learn about the horses and history that surrounds them.

 

A large boulder sits in a field with smaller, numbered stones in the background. Indicating where the first flights took off and landed.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

History and aviation buffs should make the pilgrimage to the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, with an exhibit hall featuring a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider.

 

OB Ghost Tours

Ghost Tour

With the number of shipwrecks along this narrow coastline, our ghost stories are plentiful! Tours are rated PG and are actually more educational than scary.

 

dolphin

Adventure Tours

Choose from dolphin watching, helicopter tours, Jeep adventures and even a pirate cruise complete costumes for the little ones. Here is a great list!

 

Family Fun

Corolla Adventure Park

We love the Corolla Adventure Park because this aerial obstacle course features climbing opportunities for every skill level. It’s divided up into sections depending on how adventurous you are feeling. Visitors love how safe, clean, and FUN the park is!

Corolla Adventure Park - Currituck Outer Banks
Corolla Adventure Park

Address & Phone #

1215 Ponton Ln,

Corolla, NC 27927

P: (252) 597-1997

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Other Amazing Choices

There are so many fun and interesting things to explore with your family on the Outer Banks.

See our favorites below!

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - OuterBanks.com

NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island

Learn more about what inhabits the waters around you! We love watching the river otters play, the sharks circle around and touching the soft stingrays. Check their website for free daily programs.

 

Ghost Crabs and Ghost Crabbing - OuterBanks.com

Hunting for Ghost Crabs

Once the sun sets the real fun begins. Just grab a flashlight or your phone and shine it on the beach. Watch the ghost crabs scurry away! This is a favorite family activity with an awesome price tag (free).

Paradise Fun Park - OuterBanks.com

Paradise Fun Park

Open seasonally, this place has 2 miniature golf courses, a go kart track, spin zone bumper cars, outdoor trampoline and much much more. It’s a nice one-stop shop for tons of family-friendly activities.

Jennette's Pier Fishing Report | Jennette's Pier | Outer Banks Fishing Report

Jennette’s Pier & Fishing

Not your ordinary fishing pier, Jennette’s Pier is actually part of the NC Aquariums and features educational programs, live animal exhibits and more. Of course, you can fish, too!

 

Outer Banks Nature Lovers

Water Sports in the Currituck Sound

 

There is nothing better than trying out a new water sport during your OBX vacation. Keep it slow and peaceful in a kayak or rent a powerful jet ski. There are several companies in the area with experienced and knowledgeable staff to set you on your way safely!

 

surfing
kayaking

Other Amazing Choices

There are so many great outdoor adventures in the Outer Banks. Look below to see all our favorites!

Preservation Is Purpose At Kitty Hawk Woods | Coastal Review

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

The Reserve is home to countless species of wildlife and plants and is the perfect place to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

Gallery | Jockey's Ridge State Park | Outer Banks, NC

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

This park is “the best spot for hang gliding, kite flying and hiking”. Check with local rental companies for sandboarding permits, equipment, and more.

Duck Town Park & Boardwalk

Duck Boardwalk

Following the beautiful Currituck Sound and winding through the maritime forest and willow swamp, the Boardwalk is a delightful option for nature lovers.

Visit NC's only Audubon Center | Audubon Pine Island Sanctuary & Center

Audubon Center at Pine Island

Take a guided kayak tour to truly appreciate all that Pine Island has to offer, but you can also take the 2.5 mile nature hike to catch a glimpse of the beauty makes up this sanctuary.


The Best Restaurants in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks Boil Company

“A must try for the total OBX experience”, the Outer Banks Boil Company is known for offering the “BEST pot on the beach”. Shrimp, sausage, corn, onions, special seasonings and sauces are expertly cooked and presented in low country style. Perfect for large groups and they will even bring the boil to you!

OUTER BANKS BOIL COMPANY KITTY HAWK - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
OUTER BANKS BOIL COMPANY KITTY HAWK - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Address & Phone #

9501 suite d, 785 Sunset Blvd,

Corolla, NC 27927Website: outerbanksboilcompany.com

P: (252) 453-6578

Find Them on Social Media

 

Duck Donuts, An Outer Banks Tradition | Our State

Duck Donuts

Melt-in-your-mouth donuts made famous right here in Duck. Experience the craze that is sweeping the Outer Banks and beyond. There are multiple locations to choose from, see them all on their website below!

 

The Paper Canoe | Outer Banks Waterfront Dining in Duck, NC

The Paper Canoe

Make a reservation because The Paper Canoe is popular. They offer freshly caught seafood, homemade pasta and wood fired pizza as well as a lovely view of the Currituck Sound. Located in Duck.

 

Rundown Cafe | Outer Banks Restaurants | Carolina Designs

Rundown Cafe

Named after a Jamaican seafood & coconut soup, Kitty Hawk’s Rundown Cafe presents “an eclectic fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean cuisine & decor”. We love the unique flavors and island atmosphere.

 

FRONT PORCH CAFE, Nags Head - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Front Porch Cafe

Known for their rich, flavorful coffee and savory bakery items (like croissants, turnovers, scones and muffins), the Front Porch Cafe is a comfortable and welcoming option to kickstart your morning. With locations in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.