Winter vacations are great ways for folks to enjoy a family getaway or romantic escape at a fraction of the cost of peak-season visits. Vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during the off-season provides our guests with an opportunity to explore one of the finest coastal destinations on the East Coast on a budget. Fewer guests also means a broader selection of available vacation homes!
There’s something for everyone to do in the Outer Banks during the winter months — from the outdoor adventurers to the couple looking for the perfect private retreat, or the family looking for a unique barrier island destination to enjoy the holiday season!
It may not be the traditional winter wonderland, but the beach trumps snow at any time of year! Let’s explore the best things to do in the Outer Banks this winter.
Things to Do at the Beach
Winter temperatures in the Outer Banks tend to average between 50°- 60° on the higher end with water temperatures hovering in the mid-30s to mid-40s. While this may not be the ideal climate for splashing the day away, the ocean and beaches are far from closed! Even if a cool swim is not quite what you have in mind, you can quench your thirst for coastal adventure in plenty of ways while staying dry.
Take a Tour to See Wild Horses
Take a two-hour tour with Corolla Outback Adventures to catch a glimpse of the famous wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks. These majestic beasts are Spanish Mustangs descended from shipwrecked horses hundreds of years ago and are an incredible sight to see.
Go Hang Gliding
If the unbridled majesty of the horses inspires you, perhaps you may opt to explore your own wild side. Embark on a high-flying hang-gliding adventure from Kitty Hawk Kites to get a bird’s eye view of the glistening shores below.
Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
If the shipwreck element of the horses’ story was more up your alley, check out the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Hatteras Island! Here, you can learn all about the maritime history and dramatic shipwrecks of the Outer Banks.
Go on a Treasure Hunt
For the treasure hunters in your group, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is known to be a beachcomber’s delight, rife with sea glass, scotch bonnets, scallops, whelks, moon snails, and dozens of varieties of seashells.
Managed by the National Park Service, the park is also home to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Though both lighthouses are open to the public, they are only open seasonally, but you can still capture some breathtaking vacation photos with these historical sites.
Visit The Ocracoke Light
Speaking of lighthouses, The Ocracoke Light on Ocracoke Island is the shortest of the Outer Banks lighthouses, but also the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. Though the lighthouse is not open for climbing, the site can be visited daily. Add a tour of Currituck Beach Lighthouse to your itinerary for a fun-packed nautical day out.
Discover the Tallest Living Sand Dune on the Atlantic Coast
When you’re done ogling lighthouses, why not take a peek at the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, which also serves as a great spot for kites, sightseeing, and sunsets.
Things to Do Indoors
Most of our local businesses are open year-round, so you’ll find plenty of indoor activities and entertainment to enjoy when you need a break from the wintry outdoor climate.
Enjoy First Fridays in Manteo
First Fridays in Manteo offer a festive gathering and celebration every week from spring through December. Families and couples can enjoy this community festival, and then browse through specialty boutiques and gift shops.
Discover Our Art Scene
Art galleries also provide an array of wintertime activities for vacationers who may enjoy touring a gallery or signing up to take a class hosted by a local artist. Check out the Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head and Studio 12 in Avon to see art and even make some of your own.
See a Show
Theaters offer a great winter respite during a vacation to the Outer Banks. Live performances at the Pioneer Theater in Manteo provide an engaging form of entertainment for all.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Vacation activities for families are abundant during the winter season in this serene coastal region.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Birdwatchers and animal lovers can take a winter walk along the shores and coastlines to take in the amazing biodiversity of our wildlife habitats. In addition to birding along the shores, consider touring nature preserves like the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rodanthe. Be sure to swing by the visitor center to learn all about the 400 species of birds that call this area home.
Unleash Your Competitive Nature
Enjoy family fun and games at OBX Bowling in Nags Head, or shelter from the cold weather by spending an hour or two in the arcade at Paradise Fun Park.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a side of American history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk! Get a little inspiration as you experience educational programs, explore replicas, and even stand on the very spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first flight took place, then climb Big Kill Devil Hill to see the monument commemorating the brothers’ historic achievement. If you feel like taking advantage of the winds that gave the brothers their wings, why not hit the beach and fly a kite?
Things to Do on Roanoke Island
Situated just inside the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island offers family-friendly charm and small crowds in the winter months. Well-known for the Winter Lights holiday display at the Elizabethan Gardens throughout December, Roanoke Island is also home to eclectic shopping and dining. Take a day trip to allow enough time to appreciate the best of Roanoke Island.
Local tip: Check out The Christmas Shop to find gifts for all the special people on your list!
Discover Roanoke Island’s Animal Population
Animal and marine life lovers will appreciate the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, where you’ll find live animal encounters, feedings, a 285,000-gallon shark tank, interactive exhibits, films, and more. Alternatively, nearby nature trails offer an opportunity to bundle up and discover winter birds in their natural habitats.
Learn About Our History
For the history lover, the island is a landmark steeped in early American heritage, and art and history museums offer convenient daytime exploring. The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site provides an authentic glimpse into the life and activities of early settlers.
Alternatively, experience “a new adventure in an old world” at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre historic site depicting early settlement life on the island. Festival Park offers a stunning location with piers, nature trails, and picturesque views at every turn.
Get Ready for an Outer Banks Winter Getaway to Remember
Enjoying a winter vacation in Outer Banks, North Carolina may be something that becomes an annual family tradition where memories can be made each year. From fun, outdoor adventures to breathtaking scenery, to intriguing art, cultural, and historic venues, you’ll have plenty of options to ensure everyone in the family finds something they love.
One of the most appealing activities during the winter is to retreat to your Outer Banks vacation rental and curl up on a comfy couch with a flannel blanket and a warm drink. Watching the sunset over the water from the warmth of your oceanfront condo rental (or possibly, your hot tub) is an ideal way to spend a winter vacation, especially if your goal is to get refreshed and feel rejuvenated.