Pack your bags and set your sights on North Carolina’s crown jewel — the Outer Banks! Imagine a place where the sun kisses the horizon, the sea whispers tales of yesteryear, and the beaches are a slice of paradise. This cluster of barrier islands is where every grain of sand tells a story and where your ultimate OBX adventure begins.
Buckle up!
Unveiling the OBX Attractions
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The star of the show and a beacon of history, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is not just a structure; it’s an emblem of the Outer Banks. Standing at a towering 210 feet, ‘America’s Lighthouse’ promises a thrilling 257-step climb (with eight resting platforms) and mesmerizing panoramic views that are the stuff of legends.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Beaches, of course, are a top attraction for your ultimate OBX adventure. You can enjoy the sun and surf free of charge while enjoying the misty ocean breezes, stellar views, and relaxation.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island and is part of the National Park Service. Here, you’ll find the best of East Coast fishing and surfing.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Not too far away, the Wright Brothers National Memorial honors the sheer determination that powered the first flight. It’s a sophisticated place where imagination takes wing over the historic sands that cradled the Wright Flyer.
Read the signage and learn what happened in this incredible feat.
And trust me, with the enriching self-guided tours and awe-inspiring vistas, you’d feel the rush of that first 12-second flight!
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Nestled in Hatteras Village since 2002, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum unravels the secrets of shipwrecks and coastal life along the treacherous OBX waters. It’s more than a museum—an invitation to time travel through exhibits that paint a vivid portrait of seafaring.
Educational displays, interactive talks, and enchanting scavenger hunts beckon the curious at every corner.
Bird-Watching Bliss at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Nature lovers, prepare to be captivated. Stretching for 12 miles, Pea Island is a sanctuary of biodiversity (think barrier dunes, tidal creeks, salt marshes, and ponds) waiting to be discovered on your ultimate OBX adventure.
Be spellbound by the flitting of migratory birds (nearly 400 species), the graceful paddling of fish, and the rare sight of turtles laboring ashore to nest.
Whether you’re keen on hiking, birding, or savoring perfection through your camera lens, Pea Island echoes the symphony of wildlife. Just remember, nature’s peskiest critters love a good human visitor, so bug spray is necessary!
OBX Delights for Your Palate
Get ready to be wooed by OBX’s culinary kisses, from the fluffy biscuits that melt in your mouth at The Dunes Restaurant to the Pier House Restaurant’s savory Seafood Omelets. And when it’s time for lunch, nothing beats the zesty spice of Diamond Shoals’ yellowfin tuna wrap — a local favorite!
For dinner, allow the Southwestern zest of Ortega’z Southwestern Grill, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives, to enchant your taste buds with culinary classics like Mojo Pork Nachos or soft shell crab.
Or, indulge in The Sanderling’s Lifesaving Station’s nautical charm, serving dishes that tantalize and nourish your spirit.
And then, there’s Owens’ Restaurant — the local icon championing taste since 1946 and my fave. From the soothing ambiance to the alluring Crab Stack (avocado, mango, and tomato with a key lime vinaigrette), every bite is a narrative of flavor you’d love telling!
Walk, Sip, Explore!
The Duck Town Park is a serene escapade with its one-mile boardwalk serenading the Currituck Sound. Post those Duck Donuts—those irresistible custom-created rounds of joy—you’ll appreciate the space to stroll and revel in the park’s delights.
The park also has a kayak launch, playground, and amphitheater.
And for a sip of local legend, Outer Banks Distilling awaits. Whether you’re a millennial or just young at heart, you cannot miss their Kill Devil Pecan Rum, the essence of OBX distilled into warm, sweet pleasure.
Immerse Yourself in The Lost Colony
If you’re craving a splash of drama (the good kind!), ‘The Lost Colony‘ musical is your ticket. Graced by a Tony Award, this theatrical wonder is a slice of American history that served under the stars for over 80 years.
Where else could you be part of the longest-running mystery, the vanishing Roanoke Colony from 1587? This 1500-seat outdoor theater is spectacular, with beautiful costumes and stage sets all custom-made onsite.
Fun Fact: Veteran actor Andy Griffith got his start on this stage.
Where to Rest Your Weary Head For Your Ultimate OBX Adventure
After your fascinating excursions, retreat to one of OBX’s lovely rental homes. Imagine cozying up in Dani’s Place, a haven with panoramic ocean views from a welcoming porch that whispers stories of the deep. This property offers seven bedrooms and 6 1/2 baths, ample room for your crew, and a private arcade to boot.
Or, imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves and the gentle rustle of leaves in a cozy herb garden. The Inn on Pamlico Sound is your quintessential OBXescape. This adorable boutique hotel balances affordability with luxury.
Whether lounging by their private beach, dipping into a sparkling pool, or setting out on a complimentary kayak adventure, relaxation and discovery go hand in hand.
Adventures Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the ultimate OBX adventure and attractions—a bounty of memories waiting to be made. From the timeless majesty of its lighthouses to the beauty of beaches and natural scenery, OBX is not a mere getaway—it’s a treasure.
Some of these meals and attractions were paid for by the Outer Banks CVB during a writers conference press trip. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
Read more of our North Carolina posts:
Tips for Visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Graylyn Estate: A Winston-Salem Gem and Timeless Journey