Taking a vacation in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is bound to provide a fun and relaxing experience for everyone. Beyond enjoying the amazing seafood and swimming at the beach, there are plenty of other unusual things to do in the Outer Banks.
Of course, you will have tons of beach access and can even find area cruises. From learning about local and national history and catching your own food to wildlife exploration, you won’t be at a loss for unusual things to do on your Outer Banks vacation.
While you’re planning your trip to the Outer Banks, keep in mind that vacation home rentals and boat rentals can provide you with lots of comforts and stunning scenic views.
1. Celebrate Virginia Dare
Virginia Dare was the first child born in the New World, and you can visit a monument on Roanoke Island that honors her. The four-foot-tall monument is made from a block of granite and rests on two steps. One is engraved with 1896, which is the year of the commemoration. Check out Roanoke Island Festival Park while you’re in the area to see a 16th-century replica ship and a Native American town.
2. Learn How to Distill Rum in OBX
If you enjoy a good drink and want to see one of the hidden gems of Nags Head, North Carolina, take some time to check out Outer Banks Distilling in downtown Manteo. It is the first legal distillery in OBX.
Come here to enjoy related tours and get a buzz from the rum tastings. Beach bars are fun, but you have a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into your favorite beach cocktail at this distillery.
3. Try Hang Gliding At Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Hang gliding in Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a great way for you to step outside of your comfort zone while also having fun with the whole family. While sand dunes are plentiful around OBX, this particular area encompasses the East Coast’s tallest natural sand dunes. Don’t worry if you are a novice – there is training for all levels.
Take lessons at the well-regarded Kitty Hawk Kites. This company has been around for over 25 years, so you will be in good hands while you are up in the air above the striking sand dunes.
4. See The Lighthouses
The prime stretch of coastline in OBX is perfect for those interested in lighthouses. Look for the standout Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its spiraling black and white stripes, which dates back to 1870. This historic site provides a chance to stand in one of the most dangerous parts of the Atlantic Ocean without being swept out to sea.
While you are in the area, you should check out the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. The museum is one of the most fascinating Outer Banks attractions and honors the danger many ships have dealt with when trying to handle the area’s intense waters.
Another popular lighthouse is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla. Get your exercise and climb up to the top for a beautiful view of Corolla Village.
5. Spot Shipwrecks
You will have no problem seeing visible shipwrecks in other parts of OBX. As a matter of fact, you can view one of the most popular ones — the Metropolis in Corolla. Once you have viewed the historic shipwreck in Corolla, check out the popular mini-golf course nearby.
6. Go on a Wild Adventure in Corolla
Look out for the wild horses that roam all along the Outer Banks area — you will see many of them in Corolla. Take an excursion to the Wild Horse Refuge and Museum, where kids can do horse painting or go for rides.
Not only can you go horseback riding in the woods, but you can also ride your stallion right on the beach. Even if you are not keen on horseback riding, you may still want to look out for the majestic beauty of the wild Spanish mustangs that freely roam the Outer Banks area.
If you want to see ponies instead, then head over to Ocracoke Island and visit the beloved ponies pen.
7. Go to the Wright Brothers National Memorial
Speaking of being up in the air, a trip to OBX provides an opportunity to learn more about the historic site where the groundbreaking brothers took their first flight. The Wright Brothers had their historical flight success in the area now known as Big Kill Devil Hills, located just south of Kitty Hawk. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to see a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer.
8. Explore Nags Head Woods
Put on comfortable walking shoes and take a scenic hike in the woods. The Nags Head Woods Preserve is located in Kill Devil Hills and protects one of the largest marine forests on the East Coast. Explore nature trails and observe over 550 species of plants, hundred-year-old trees, 150 species of birds, and over 20 types of mammals. Bring your camera for this one!
9. See Nature at the National Wildlife Refuge
You don’t only have to see marine wildlife while near the beaches of Nags Head. You can also visit a more than 164,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge on Pea Island that hosts birds and hatching turtles. Migratory birds usually come here to nest, and spotting a black bear here is also possible. You can even use a pedestrian crosswalk to get to the beach and view the Oriental shipwreck.
10. Catch Fish At Oregon Inlet
In addition to fishing on the pier or on the beach, you can also charter a boat to grab a catch in the beautiful Oregon Inlet. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking to reel in something big or it’s your first time with a rod, local charter companies promise to give you a memorable day out on the water.
11. Learn the History of The Lost Colony
Since the 1930s, the longest-running outdoor play in the nation, The Lost Colony, has paid homage to the colony that disappeared from Roanoke Island — 100 years before Jamestown was established. The play also provides insight into Virginia Dare, the first child born in the New World. Bear in mind that the play is seasonal, so check the schedule before you go.
12. Have Fun On The Outer Banks Beaches
While the Outer Banks beaches are the perfect spot to just relax on the sand or go swimming, there is more to do than that. If you don’t feel like trying your luck at catching fish, you may want to try some watersports in spots like Corolla, such as stand-up paddleboarding.
Some say that Hatteras Island has some of the best beaches around. This is another good spot to go fishing and spot shipwrecks.
Discover the Best Unusual Things to Do in the Outer Banks
An Outer Banks vacation provides tons of activities you may not have initially associated with the area. After reading this article, you can now understand that coming to these scenic barrier islands does not mean you will be bored when you are not on the beach.
Why not give yourself plenty of time to tick off every activity on this list by staying a while in an Outer Banks vacation rental? Choose from pet-friendly accommodation, luxurious condos with hot tubs, and more.