The Outer Banks of North Carolina are chock full of activities and sights to see.
From historical places to children’s attractions and anything in between, there’s something to captivate everyone.
Let’s dig into the exciting things to see and do in this beautiful part of the country.
Something for everyone
If you choose to visit the Outer Banks you can rest assured that you certainly won’t be bored!
Check out some of the best attractions the Outer Banks has to offer:
- There are five lighthouses you can visit in the area. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse may be the most recognizable and the most visited, but the Bodie Island and Roanoke Marshes lighthouses are worth a look, too! Don’t leave out the Currituck Beach or Ocracoke Island lighthouses. The Ocracoke even has the distinction of being the oldest working lighthouse in North Carolina, as well as the second oldest in the US.
- The Lost Colony. This is a must-see for those fascinated by unsolved mysteries. Offering ghost tours and a play (only in certain seasons), this attraction will captivate your inner sleuth. You can also enjoy leisurely walks, taking in the scenery and contemplating the mystery of what happened to the settlers of the Roanoke Colony so many years ago.
- Nature and wildlife tours. Wild horses are a big attraction and there are numerous tours that can get you up close and personal with these beautiful creatures who roam the beaches. There are also boat and kayak tours where you just might see some native wildlife.
- Elizabethan Gardens. This ornate horticultural masterpiece was first envisioned as a memorial to the Lost Colony, though it is much more. You could easily spend several hours exploring the history and beauty of the gardens.
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. This unique museum is dedicated to the many shipwrecks that occurred in the area. It’s small but informative, interesting, and has some fascinating exhibits.
- British cemetery. History buffs will enjoy this little stop-off where the remains of four British soldiers, who perished when their ship was sunk during World War II, are interred. It isn’t large or flashy but it’s worth a visit.
- Roanoke Island Festival Park. There’s a lot going on here! One of the neatest attractions of the Park is the 16th Century replica ship, the Elizabeth II. You can also check out the American Indian Town, the Settlement Site, and the Roanoke Adventure Museum.
- Springer’s Point Preserve. Known as the favorite hang-out of the pirate Blackbeard, this preserve has a lot to offer, from hiking to bird watching or just relaxing on the beach. It spans nearly 120 acres of maritime forest and boasts a wide variety of bird and plant species.
- Extreme adventures. If some of these other recommendations are a little too tame and you’re looking for something more adrenaline-based, the Outer Banks has you covered there, too. From helicopter tours to sky-diving and a Jetovator, any adrenaline junkie will be able to satisfy their itch for the extreme.
This is just a sampling of the many exciting, fun, and educational activities that are available in the Outer Banks.
In fact, there’s so much going on here all year-round that you just might want to consider purchasing a vacation home on the Outer Banks!