Outer Banks, NC, is a line of islands between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. With its multitude of natural scenery to explore, as well as its famous history, there is no shortage of romantic things to do in Outer Banks.
Exploring the beaches, state parks, and shipwreck sites are some ideas. There are historical sites to visit, too, such as Roanoke Island, the Lost Colony. Adventurous couples can go parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The North Carolina coast consists of six areas, including Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head, Ocracoke Island, and Southern Shores, among others. Each offers places to stay, eat, and play.
The following are 17 romantic things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
1. Back Beach Wild Horse Tours
- Address: 817 B Ocean Trail, N.C. Highway 12, Corolla
- Phone: (252) 453-6141
Back Beach Wild Horse Tours provides sightseeing tours on four-wheels to see the wild horses native to this area. Tours along the oceanfront are safari-style. Each tour on the beach lasts two hours.
Reservations are recommended.
2. Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours
- Address: 400 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo Waterfront, Manteo
- Phone: (252) 473-1475
A ninth-generation Roanoke Island native runs Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours. The tours take guests on the water to catch glimpses of bottlenose dolphins from June through October. If you don’t see them on the first try, you get a second tour for free.
Tours require tickets. They operate Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, you can charter a boat.
Couples might enjoy the sunset cruises. There are also bird-watching, shrimping, and crabbing cruises.
3. Corolla Raceway
- Address: 796 Sunset Boulevard, Timbuck II Shopping Village, Corolla
- Phone: (252) 453-9100
From April through mid-September, couples can rev their engines in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. See who crosses the finish line first at Corolla Raceway. Pick between junior go-karts and gas-powered bumper cars. One large track hosts the go-carts.
Hours vary, so call ahead.
4. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- Address: 1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla
- Phone: (252) 453-4939
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Currituck Sound when you climb up the 220 stairs. On your way back down, learn about the lighthouse’s history. At the bottom, you’ll find some lighthouse exhibits.
Tickets are required to climb.
5. Duck Town Park
- Address: 1200 Duck Road, Duck
- Phone: (252) 255-1286
Duck Town Park sits on 11-acres of land. Its boardwalk runs along Currituck Sound. A jazz festival takes place here at the end of October. The park’s features include a crabbing area, walking trails, and a picnic area. Couples can also look forward to other seasonal events like concerts and theater performances.
Entry into the park is free, so it’s the perfect place to spend a romantic day together in nature.
6. Elizabethan Gardens
- Address: 1411 National Park Drive (off U.S. Highway 64) next to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo
The Gardens are a tribute to the first English colonists. There is always something blooming. When you visit, you might see azaleas, dogwoods, and roses. At other times of the year, you might see camellias, daphne, and various annuals as well as herbs.
As you walk around the area, you’ll notice ancient stone fountains, garden ornaments, and a waterfront gazebo. There are also benches, statues, live oaks. Couples can explore by going on a self-guided tour.
From May to September, the John White Butterfly Center is open to the public. Throughout the year, workshops, plant sales, and festivities are held on-site.
Entry into the Gardens is free.
7. Jennette’s Pier
- Address: 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
- Phone: (252) 255-1501
Jennette’s Pier opened in 2011. In the summer, it’s a popular spot around Nags Head. There is room for sightseeing and fishing. Around the Pier, you’ll find beaches, a bathhouse, and free parking.
Events are held here throughout the year.
Fishing at the Pier does require a license, which is sold on-site.
8. Nor’Banks Sailing Center
- Address: 1314 Duck Road, Duck
- Phone: (252) 489-4490
Water sports enthusiasts can head over to Nor’Banks Sailing Center. Jetski, bike, and sailboat rentals are available. Tubing, wakeboarding, and pontoon boats are other options. Restrooms and showers were installed in 2018.
The Center also offers tours.
Online reservations in advance are recommended.
9. Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island is one of the Outer Banks barrier islands. It stretches 50 miles. A couple can spend a getaway weekend of vacation here and find plenty to do.
One of the island’s claims to fame is its history. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, Hatteras has seen shipwrecks from the Civil War and World War II. The island houses the Tri-Villages, Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. You’ll find the National Scenic Byway, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Rental houses are the most common vacation rentals in this area. If you are searching for accommodations with a hot tub or other amenities, you’ll find it a few miles away.
When you’re ready to participate in outdoor activities, there is beach access, hunting, and off-road vehicles for rent. Horseback riding, fishing, and watersports are other activities to enjoy.
10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Lighthouse
- Address: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located on the National Seashore. At 193 feet, this Lighthouse is the tallest in the country. It has been a local landmark since 1803, and in 1999, it moved to its current location.
When you climb to the top, you receive a panoramic view of the Atlantic and Outer Banks.
Tickets are required to climb. They are sold on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis.
11. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
- Address: 104 Fernando St, Manteo, NC 27954
- Phone: (252) 475-1750
Situated at the end of the Manteo Waterfront pier, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a replica of the original. If your partner is a history buff, they’ll love this one.
The hours of operation vary. It is free to climb.
12. Vineyard Voyage Duck
- Phone: (877) 359-8447
The Vineyard Voyage Duck has become a must-do event in the OBX. It is the only one of its kind in the Outer Banks. The Vineyard Voyage and sunset cruise are the two trips offered. They last up to three hours and two hours respectively.
Since you’re heading to a vineyard, you are encouraged to dress comfortably, wear sun protection, and bring a light jacket.
You’ll visit the Sanctuary Vineyards. The vineyard grows 16 grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Tannat are others. On the voyage, you have the opportunity to taste wines. If one appeals to you, they are available for purchase, too.
To book a reservation, visit their website or call. All reservations go through the Kitty Hawk Kites Adventure Center.
13. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Address: 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959
- Phone: (252) 441-7132
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of North Carolina’s state parks. On the Atlantic Coast, it is home to the tallest living sand dunes. It’s a great spot for flying kites, sightseeing, and viewing a sunset. You can also see the ocean on the east coast all the way to Roanoke Sound.
Hang gliding lessons are offered on-site. Experienced and licensed hang gliders can enjoy the activity on-site, too. If you wander to the park, you can walk the trail, sunbathe, or paddle.
The picnic area requires a reservation. The park is free to enter.
14. Rodanthe Pier
- Address: 24251 Atlantic Dr, Rodanthe, NC 27968
- Phone: (252) 987-0030
The Rodanthe Pier is primarily used for fishing. No fishing license is required. Instead, you are asked to procure a fishing pass. You can also take in the view of the water and the beautiful beaches from the pier. No watersports are allowed within 300 feet.
If you want to know what the weather is like on the pier before you visit, check out the webcam on their website.
15. Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Address: 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
The Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates the Brothers’ accomplishment. The monument is man-made and surrounded by a visitor center and museums.
This location in Kill Devil Hills is considered the birthplace of aviation. So, aviation enthusiasts travel here to pay their respects.
Tickets are required to enter this location.
16. Kitty Hawk Kites
- Location: Ten Locations in the Outer Banks area
- Phone: (800) 359-8447
Kitty Hawk Kites offers the adventurous couple a number of things to do. You can purchase dolphin cruise, kiteboarding, and kayaking certificates. Beach horseback riding, surf lessons, and parasailing certificates are others. You can pick from the fishing charters, too.
Event rentals are also offered by Kitty Hawk such as banquet tables, inflatable movie screens, and portable rock walls. Equipment rentals are available, too. You can pick up a kayak and go on an adventure.
Single line, dual line, and kite accessories are sold at each location.
For more information visit the website, a location, or give them a call.
17. Avon Harbor Sailing
- Address: 40067 Harbor Rd, Kinnakeet, NC 27953
- Phone: (252) 305-6839
Avon Harbor Sailing provides boat tours. They also offer sunset cruises, charters, and lessons. A day charter takes you around Pamlico Sound with a licensed Captain.
During a charter, you get to relax with your loved one as you feel the breeze and unwind during your romantic getaway. Charters and cruises are two hours long.
To book a cruise, charter, or lesson, call the phone number and set up your reservation.