The Benefits of an OBX Condo Rental

Have you ever landed an OBX condo rental? Large, spacious rental homes are the norm to see all over the Outer Banks. While these huge homes are amazingly beautiful, they might not be the most logical option for a mini-vacation or for a smaller family. We’ve put together a few reasons why renting an OBX condo for your next vacation might be the best decision you’ve ever made.

A Smaller Place for Smaller Groups

Kill Devil Hills condo rental #55320 Oceanview at Station one is perfect for those looking for a smaller, OBX condo rental
Property #5320 Oceanview At Station One is perfect for smaller families & friend groups!

Condos offer the luxury of a large vacation home but the size and convenience a small group needs. Sharing a hotel room can get pretty cramped and having to book multiple hotel rooms can be expensive; plus, you don’t get the quality time that’s valuable to spend with your friends and family. With an Outer Banks condo rental, you can spend that precious time together and still go your separate ways without feeling like you’re on top of one another. It’s a win-win all around!

Did someone say, “Weekend getaway”?

An OBX condo rental is perfect for a girls trip or guys weekend!

Want to plan a girl’s trip with a few of your best friends? Been dying to go offshore fishing with the guys? Or do you need just a short weekend getaway for you, your spouse, and the kids? Condo rentals are the way for you to go. OBX condos tend to have that sense of a “home away from home” feel that is cozy and comfortable. They’re perfect for just hanging out and relaxing.

Condos are A Budget-Friendly Find

Renting an Outer Banks condo can save you some serious coin!

Because condos are smaller, they’re a more affordable option. Don’t let the small size of the condo fool you though, they can be just as luxe as larger houses. If you and a small group of friends are planning a short getaway, splitting the cost of the already low rental fee makes your vacation cheaper and you still get all of the fun in the sun the Outer Banks has to offer. For small families, the low rental fee will fit easily into your budget, leaving you more money in your pocket. Now you can think about trying that parasailing adventure or dolphin watch that’s been catching your family’s eye.

OBX Condo Rentals: Smaller Space, Same Great Features

Enjoy luxury amenities at more than half the price when you rent an Outer Banks condo.
Sea Dunes Townhomes offer you the best of the OBX with a shared pool, fitness center, and more!

Remember what we said about condos being just as lavish as the massive vacation homes? Most condos grant you access to pools, hot tubs, and outdoor grilling at no extra cost; just like vacation homes! Some even feature community sports centers, tennis courts, and basketball courts to keep you active. Easy sound and ocean access are available too. Size won’t compromise your experience. You’ll still get the same beautiful soundfront sunsets or oceanside sunrises you can get with a large rental home. And don’t worry about not being able to bring your pup on your trip with you; pet-friendly options are available in vacation homes and in vacation condos as well!

With a more convenient size for smaller groups, affordable prices, and some of the same amenities, why wouldn’t you give a condo rental a try? Resort Realty offers an extensive list of Outer Banks condos available for rent from Corolla to Hatteras. Check them out here and plan your next Outer Banks getaway today!

Spring break on the Outer Banks…what could be better? There’s no doubt that everyone is ready for the warmth and brightness of spring and with spring break around the corner, now is the time to start planning your trip! With the average temperature on the Outer Banks ranging from 65º during the day and around 50º at night during March and April, you can get out and explore all the OBX has to offer! Plus, fewer crowds will make your visit so much more enjoyable. If you’re planning a spring break trip to the Outer Banks, Resort Realty has you covered. With a full list of things to do, places to see, amazing food to eat, and more; see what you should be doing this spring break on the OBX.

Get Outside

Did we mention how gorgeous the weather is during the spring on the OBX? The mild temperatures make spring break the perfect time to get outside. Take some time to stroll the open and crowd-free beaches from Corolla to Hatteras Island. The hot summer months can be a little too intense for activities like climbing Jockey’s Ridge, but spring break weather gives you the opportunity to tackle the dunes without breaking a sweat! Don’t want to get too active? No worries. Even a drive on the 4 x 4 beaches in Corolla or on Hatteras Island during your spring break will be a blast. You may even get to see some wild horses during your cruise too!

Spring break is the perfect time to climb Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, NC.

Go Shopping

The Outer Banks is full of so many unique makers, stores, and shops. Take advantage of the great weather and stroll some of the outdoor shopping centers like the Outer Banks Mall and The Waterfront Shops in Duck! Check out local artisans and makers like Swell Ceramics located in Nags Head. This is a great opportunity to treat yourself or even get a huge jump start on your Christmas shopping for some truly unique gifts!

Locally made goods like this mug from Swell Ceramics make a perfect spring break souvenir.

Eat Like A Local

If you ask any local on the Outer Banks, they’ll tell you that the best part of spring is that local favorite restaurants open back up for the warm weather seasons! Plus, with different kinds of seafood like fish, crab, and shrimp being in season during the spring, you’ll be able to enjoy something tasty and fresh that was caught locally. Many new Outer Banks restaurants tend to pop up and open during the spring season too; even more of a reason to plan an Outer Banks spring break getaway this year.

Enjoy local, seasonal seafood during your spring break getaway on the Outer Banks.

Learn About The OBX

The Lost Colony is one of America's longest unsolved mysteries.

Remember that great weather we were talking about? It’s not just for the adventurous type that’s a part of your spring break crew. OBX spring weather gives you the opportunity to explore and learn about the history of this amazing little sandbar. You’ll get the opportunity to visit places like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the North Carolina Aquarium, and more without dying of heat stroke or freezing to death. A lot of educational centers like the aforementioned plus Roanoke Island Festival Park have outdoor exhibits that open back up when the warm, spring weather approaches.

The Lost Colony is one of America’s longest unsolved mysteries with 115 men, women, and children vanishing with no trace. On your visit this spring break, learn more about the mystery of the Lost Colony at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Ghost tours! For more information on special events, visit the Lost Colony website.


Take Advantage Of Rates & Specials

Planning your spring break getaway to the Outer Banks can be super exciting. Even more exciting? Lower rates on rental homes! Before the peak season starts, even the most luxurious homes can be super affordable for your stay. Plus, you can usually catch your favorite rental home on a discounted special, saving you even more money for your Outer Banks spring break adventures.

Whether you’re looking for a condo for a weekend retreat or a large and luxe home for a whole week spent relaxing on the beach, Resort Realty has you covered! With over 600 homes to choose from and so many great activities to take part in, why wouldn’t you plan your spring break on the Outer Banks? View all of the homes Resort Realty has to offer and either book online or give us a call at (800) 458-3830 to talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists!

Spring brings savings and deals on Outer Banks rentals.

Seafood and the Outer Banks just go hand in hand; it literally just makes sense you know? Locally sourced seafood is something that many locals pride themselves on and we’re willing to bet you didn’t know that most seafood goes by the season! Some types of fish and shellfish are available year-round, but some types are best and only available during certain seasons. To make it easier for you, we’ve come up with a handy guide on which seafood you can get fresh during certain months of the year and some that are available all year round! We wouldn’t blame you for planning a vacation for specific seafood seasons (here’s looking at you, soft shell season.)

Seafood for Spring & Summer Season on the OBX

Mahi Mahi

April-July

Mahi-mahi often goes by the name “dolphin” (not Flipper), “dolphinfish”, and “dorado”. This summer season fish has a sweeter flavor and is a favorite due to its diversity in cooking options.

Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:

Beer Battered and fried at Mahi-Mahis in Nags Head.

Brown Shrimp

July-September

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items in the U.S. Brown shrimp is among the most popular shrimp species and what you’ll typically see in seafood markets. While brown shrimp are mostly caught during the summer months, you can usually find them at most local restaurants since they can be frozen to preserve freshness.

Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:

In Shrimp ‘N Grits at NC Coast in Duck.

Softshell Crabs

April-June

Softshell crab season is arguably one of the favorite seafood seasons here on the OBX. Softshell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their shell; allowing you to eat the entire body. While the softshell season is short, many locals buy softshells in bulk to freeze and be able to enjoy in the coming seasons. We recommend heading to a local restaurant on the OBX to enjoy soft shell crabs in all their glory as it’s important to clean them properly. If you’re up for the task of cleaning them and cooking them yourself; here’s a quick video on the process.

Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:

As a sandwich at The Kill Devil Grill in Kill Devil Hills.

blue crab in hands

Hard Shell Crabs

June – September

Unlike soft shell crabs, hardshell crabs have to be picked to enjoy the meat inside the shell. Hardshell crab harvesting typically happens in the Albemarle Sound. Steaming is the preferred cooking method. Hardshell crabs are not to be confused with crab legs. Alaskan and snow crab legs are not caught locally on the Outer Banks. If you want local snow or Alaskan crab legs; you’ll have to go to Alaska or Maine to indulge. If you don’t know how to pick hard crabs, Southern Living has a great guide to help beginners.

Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:

Steamed for you to take home from Austin’s Seafood in Nags Head.

Flounder

August – September

Flounder are probably one of the funniest fish species to look at. They typically dwell on the bottom of the ocean and camouflage themselves in the sand to hunt their prey. Unlike most fish that have eyes on both sides of their heads, flounder only have eyes on one side. This late summer season fish is perfect for kids and picky eaters since this fish has a mild flavor.

Our Favorite Way to Enjoy:

Fried on a sandwich from Sam & Omie’s in Nags Head.


Seafood or the Fall & Winter Season on the OBX

Fresh OBX oysters are popular seafood for the colder season.

Oysters

October – March

There’s a saying that oysters are best enjoyed during months that end in -er; which isn’t far off! Oysters are typically harvested from October to March. However, steamed oysters are usually enjoyed during the late fall and early winter season from October to December.

Greentail shrimp are a fall season staple in regards to OBX seafood.

Green-tail Shrimp

September – November

Green-tail shrimp are some of the most sought-after shrimp in the country, let alone on the OBX! This fall season seafood is sweeter more subtle flavor in comparison to brown shrimp. You can usually find green-tail shrimp in brackish marshes versus in the ocean.


Seafood Found Year-round on the OBX

Yellowfin Tuna swimming in the blue. Tuna can be found year round on the OBX.

Tuna

Tuna is probably one of the most popular fish on the Outer Banks as it’s available during any season. The most popular species are yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye, and blackfin.

Fresh clams on ice. Clams are a local OBX seafood that can be found year round.

Clams

Clams are also a common shellfish that you can find on the OBX year-round. They’re most active and easier to find from June through August, but almost all local OBX restaurants serve clams year-round.

If you are a first time visitor to the Outer Banks, planning the perfect vacation can be a little overwhelming. With so much to see and do but such little time, it can be a lot especially if you’ve never visited the Outer Banks before! Lucky for you, we’ve come up with a list of places to go, things to see, and more to help you out on your first visit to the Outer Banks!

Places To Go…
Duck Waterfront Shops // Historic Corolla Village // Downtown Manteo

The Outer Banks is full of places to explore and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of small town life. Downtown Manteo features a ton of local shops and restaurants that you must visit. Plus, Roanoke Island Festival Park is just a short walk over the bridge. You can see what life was like for English soldiers in 1585 and even tour a real, working representation ship, The Elizabeth II! The Duck Waterfront Shops features a bunch of great local shops and an amazing view of the sound! If you’re in Corolla, historic Corolla Village is a must visit as well. On a nice, breezy, spring or summer day, getting outside and taking a stroll around these Outer Banks gems with your family is priceless!

Sights To See…
Wright Brothers Monument // Elizabethan Gardens // Jockey’s Ridge

From the Wright Brothers National Monument to Jockey’s Ridge, the Outer Banks is full of rich history that is all tied together. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are the perfect places to go if you’re interested in learning more about the Lost Colony and see gorgeous array of flowers. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, and Cape Hatteras lighthouses are must-sees as well!

Activities To Do…
Carova Beach // Outer Banks Jeep Rentals // Equine Adventure Tours

Whether you have your own 4 wheel drive vehicle or need to rent one, you have to go to Carova or Cape Hatteras for a first time off-road beach experience! Carova and Hatteras Island both feature pristine, undeveloped beaches that are sure to please the first time Outer Banker.While 4WD beaches in Corolla and Carova don’t require a permit, the Cape Hatteras National seashore does. You can find more info here on how to obtain a permit. If 4WD isn’t your style, take a horseback ride with Equine Adventures and see the beauty that Hatteras Island has to offer!

Places To Eat…
Rundown Cafe, Kitty Hawk // Hurricane Mo’s, Kitty Hawk // Duck Donuts, all over the OBX

If you’re looking to find the best local food, look no further! Outer Banks Voice has a great Best of the Beach guide for the best seafood, breakfast, donuts and more, making it easy for you to find the best local eats on the beach! Duck Donuts, Run Down Cafe, and Hurricane Mo’s are just a few great places that made the list so be sure to check them all out!

Where To Stay…
Sailfish Station #5547 // Crosswinds #5716 // Robins’ Nest #2310

When visiting the Outer Banks, staying in a vacation rental home is your best option. It’ll save you money, keep you comfortable, and give you a space to bond and relax with family and friends. At Resort Realty, we have the perfect home for you no matter what your needs. From luxury homes to cozy condos, make your first and future Outer Banks vacations special and rent with Resort Realty! Browse over 500 Outer Banks vacation homes online or talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists at (800) 458 – 3830.

March came in like a lion…and is going out like a lion! With all the Nor’Easters we’ve had, we’re ready for the warmth and sunshine that April is sure to bring! Along with great weather on the OBX, April brings great events too. Check out the best Outer Banks events and what’s going on throughout April right here!

April 7 // Graveyard of the atlantic museum underwater heritage symposium

10 AM – 5 PM @ The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum 

Learn about German U-Boats off the North Carolina Coast, different shipwrecks, diving experiences, underwater photography, and more! Professional divers and underwater archaeologists will educate you at this free and informative symposium! For more info call 252-986-0720, email mary.riddle@ncdr.gov, or visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum website.

April 14 – 15 // First Flight 5K + Flying Pirate Half Marathon

Recurring Daily

Calling all runners! This famous OBX race is perfect for you! The First Flight 5K and Flying Pirate Half Marathon is a great event for all to participate and attend. The First Flight 5K takes place on April 14th at the Wright Brothers Memorial at 7:30 AM. The Flying Pirate Half Marathon starts at 7 AM on April 15th at 5300 Woods Road and ends at the end of Nags Head woods! For more information and registration, visit the OBX Sporting Events Website.

April 14 – 21 // OBX – Wind

Recurring Daily

The biggest windsurfing event in America is held right here on the OBX! Enjoy watching or taking part in windsurfing competitions and clinics all around Hatteras Island! From long distance to freestyle, there is an event for everyone. Participation prizes will be awarded as well! For more information and updates, visit the OBX Wind website!

April 20 – 29 // Outer Banks Bike Week

Recurring Daily

Bikers and bike enthusiasts, this is the week for you to come visit the Outer Banks! With different events all over the OBX, there’s so much for you to do! Over 100 vendors, live music, pig pickins, and more are all happening during this exciting week! For more information, visit the Outer Banks Harley Davidson website.

April 28 – 29 // BlackBeard’s Half Marathon, + Scallywag 5K/10K, Family Fun Run

1050 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke NC

Explore Ocracoke and run for a good cause! Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, and Fun Run that occur on Saturday, April 28th and half marathon that takes place that Sunday. All finishers will receive a medal and runners in the 5K and 10K will receive a t-shirt. Join in on the 2nd Annual Lt. Maynard’s (famous for his defeat of Black Beard 300 years ago) Challenge and run on both days! All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Community Radio, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and the Ocracoke Community Park. For more information, visit the Run Ocracoke website.

 

March 9th marks the National Day of Unplugging! For 24 hours, log off of your lap top,  turn off that tablet, and put away that cell phone. Use this time to explore and bond with your family. Are you on the Outer Banks? See our guide on different ways to spend your unplugged time on the OBX!

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While the grand opening was on Wednesday, February 28th, the Outer Banks is still buzzing over the arrival of Publix! If you’ve ever been to the Outer Banks, you know that we have no shortage of grocery stores, however, Publix isn’t just another grocery store, they’re the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States! With so many different food options for different individuals with dietary restrictions and a taste for the uncommon or just for the basic need of great produce and more, Publix is your place to go! See just a glimpse of what the grand opening of the Outer Banks Publix held!

Publix is located in First Flight Square right next to Lowe’s. The address is 1530 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills NC. If you’re staying in any of our Kill Devil Hills or Kitty Hawk vacation rental homes, check out Publix for all of your vacation grocery needs!

Spending a ton of money on your vacation to the Outer Banks should be the last thing on your mind! You can easily have a great vacation and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. Check out our top tips on how to have an amazing vacation on the OBX while on a budget!

Take Advantage Of Free Activities

From strolls on Jennette’s Pier to going ghost crabbing at night, there are so many free OBX activities to do on your vacation!

There are so many great Outer Banks activities that are either free or super inexpensive! You can explore Jockey’s Ridge, spend all day on the beach, visit lighthouses, and so much more without spending a ton of money. Check out our “Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget” blog for even more ideas on how to have fun without going broke!

Cook Meals Instead Of Going Out

A home made seafood roast with local OBX seafood? Yes please!

With so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, it’s hard to not want to try them all! While dining out can be a great and tasty experience, it can be costly. The average entree on the Outer Banks will run you around $12-$15 depending on what restaurant you go to. When you’re going out to eat with your family, that can really add up. Instead of dining out every night, maybe pick a night to go out and prepare meals at your rental homes the rest of the time! You can get fresh, local seafood from many places on the Outer Banks and prepare it yourself or even cook your own catch if you’re into fishing!

Be Flexible With Travel Dates

With a visit in the off season, you’ll find uncrowded beaches and money saved!

During the peak vacation months of June to August, vacation homes and accommodations can be at their most expensive. If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, visiting the Outer Banks in the off season can end up being much cheaper. Many locals will say that visiting the Outer Banks in the fall and spring seasons are the best time to come because there is less traffic, less crowds, and beautiful weather! See “Why We Love Fall On The Outer Banks” and plan an off season vacation to get the best bang for your buck!

Consider A Mini Vacation

Vacation homes like Beacham Cottage #7810 are perfect for an affordable weekend getaway to the OBX!

Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need! Mini vacations are great alternatives to staying a whole week. The rates can be cheaper, you’ll save money, and you’ll still get to explore the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has many homes that offer weekend and short stays! See all the homes that offer partial vacations!

 

Make A Budget + Stick To It

Budget for fun OBX activities like a trip to the H2OBX water park!

It’s okay to splurge, you’re on vacation after all! Sit down with your family and make a list of things that you want to do on the Outer Banks. Determine how much money you want to stick to spending and then divvy out a set amount to specific activities like dining, souvenirs, and attractions. Stick to this budget all week long and this way you can still do the activities you want to do and have control of your money!

Check Out Budget Friendly Homes

Sea Cabin #7590 is an oceanfront OBX rental that can rent for as little as $695 per week!

Many Outer Banks vacation homes can be super lavish and luxurious but super expensive. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort and style on your vacation. There are many homes in the Resort Realty family that are inexpensive, beautifully decorated, and comfortable that you and your family can rent without breaking your budget!

Take advantage of Deals + Specials

Home of the free because of the brave, to honor your service, Resort Realty offers a Hometown Hero vacation discount to save you money on your Outer Banks vacation || Image via Pinterest

Resort Realty has many deals and specials to help you save money on your Outer Banks vacation! Our Hometown Heroes discount is offered all year long on select properties and specials like our President’s Day sale and our Summer Kickoff Sale will save you money for a limited time! Plus, select homes will often put certain weeks on special! Check out our Deals and Specials page to get the perfect OBX vacation rental at a lower price.

Rent A Home With A Group

Luxury vacation homes can be super expensive, but if you have a great group of people to split it with, it can be super affordable! A luxury home split between a group of people can be as low as $53 per night per person! See all of the luxury homes Resort Realty has to offer you, find a great group to vacation with, and start your affordable, luxury vacation!

 

So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!

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What Kind of Outer Banks Vacation Are You?

To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!

Everyone needs a vacation, now more than ever! If you’re planning an OBX vacation but want to save some cash, have no fear, Resort Realty has you covered. Since 1987, we’ve learned a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. We’ve got a few tips on how to snag the perfect, affordable, OBX vacation.


Plan Early

Planning your OBX vacation early allows you to budget better, making your vacation affordable.


We say it all the time but we mean it! By planning your Outer Banks vacation early, you have more time to budget and you’ll get first dibs on the house of your choice. Our biggest booking days fall in December and January. Planning earlier for the vacation year ahead allows you flexibility financially, time-wise, and preference-wise.


Visit During A Shoulder Season

Shoulder season vacations tend to be more affordable than peak season vacations on the Outer Banks.


Shoulder seasons are the fall and spring months on the Outer Banks. Summer has either passed or is upon us, the weather is great, but not everyone is flocking to our beaches all at once quite yet. Shoulder season vacations come with significantly lower rates than peak season. An example? A 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom oceanfront Signature Series home in Salvo will run you around $3,100 for a week in mid-May. That same house goes up to almost $11,000 for the week in July! You can easily save more than half the price by taking an OBX vacation in the spring or fall months.


Take Advantage of Payment Plans

With payment options like venmo and paypal, you can pay for your Outer Banks vacation easily!


Resort Realty is proud to offer payment options like PayPal and Venmo! With PayPal and Venmo wallets, not only does it make check-out easier, but it also allows you to easily request payment from other families you’re vacationing with, allowing you to split the cost of rent and making your vacation affordable. You can learn more about our Outer Banks vacation payment plans here.


Vacation Together


This one goes hand in hand with the above. Here’s another example for you. During peak season, one of our most high-end, oceanfront Signature Series homes with a private pool can be around $21,000 which can cause some sticker shock. But let’s look at it in a different light. This house sleeps 12 people comfortably. When you divide that fee among 12 people, it comes out to around $1,700 per person. Broken down further? $252 per night per person. Again, this is for one of our standout properties. Many of our properties end up being around $71 per night per person when broken up by occupancy! Seems like an affordable vacation option when you look at it that way, right?


Avoid Hotels


While there are some seriously awesome hotels on the Outer Banks, they’re not typically the best option for an affordable vacation. For an oceanfront hotel room with a king bed during July, you’d be paying about $2,300 for the week. While that sounds like similar, cheaper pricing compared to our rentals, you don’t get all the same amenities we offer. When you rent an Outer Banks vacation home, you have access to an entire house or condo, allowing you to host at least 2 people. You’ll have access to a kitchen where you can easily prepare meals for the entire crew. You’ll also be able to relax in a living room or rec room without feeling confined to one space. Hotels can be great, don’t get us wrong…but sometimes a rental home is the best option, financially and comfort-wise.


Consider A Mini-Vacation


A mini-vacation is also a great option to save on your stay! Taking a 3-night trip to the OBX is sometimes all the time you need, especially when you live within an easy drive of the Outer Banks. Mini-vacations or partial week stays allow you the flexibility of checking in on a day that works best for you and not having to commit to an entire week. Partial week stays require a 3-night minimum. Find homes that offer partial stays here.

Kids have to have fun on vacation too! The Outer Banks is full of kid-friendly activities that the whole family will enjoy. From getting outside and being active to learning more about marine life and conservation, check out our list of a few Outer Banks Kid Friendly Attractions!

Dowdy Park

Formerly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, Dowdy Park is a new Outer Banks playground for all families in the community to come play. Visitors and locals alike will love the new Dowdy Park that features a playground with equipment for every child, including a Liberty Swing so children in wheelchairs can play too. The park also features a garden area, playing fields and courts, and a pavilion. Dowdy Park will have its grand opening on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Children at Play Museum
image via Outer Banks Children at Play Facebook

The Children at Play Museum is a place where children can learn, play and explore different features of the Outer Banks in one convenient play center. Kids will get to explore and pretend in sections like Carolina Flare which is a kids size replica fishing boat, the living swell focuses on the feel of surfing and daily activity and more. Each exhibit helps developmental skills like motor skills, creative thinking, community awareness, arts, and much more. Fun meets education on vacation!

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
image via North Carolina Aquarium Facebook

Get up close and personal with sand tiger sharks, sting rays and more at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The aquarium is where kids (and adults) can learn more about marine life on the Outer Banks and how to preserve it. With over 7 exhibits to explore, the North Carolina Aquarium is a great place to spend time with the kids.

H2OBX

Have wet and wild fun at H2OBX Waterpark! Not only is the park a great time for the whole family, there’s an area just for younger kids and toddlers! The kids play area features a small scale wave pool, jungle gym with splashy attractions, and smaller slides so everyone can join in on the fun.

Spending quality time with your favorite four legged friend is a great way to spend any day. So why not go out and adventure around the Outer Banks with them too? Check out these spots you and your pup will enjoy in our Top 10 Places to Take Your Dog On The Outer Banks.

1. Jockey’s Ridge

Take a hike with your dog up to Jockey’s Ridge! Enjoy a nice sandy walk on the dunes. Just make sure you’re up to date on Jockey’s Ridges’ pet safety rules.

2. Snowbird Ice Cream

Treat your pooch (and yourself) to a sweet treat at Snowbird Ice Cream in Nags Head. You can get a milkshake, ice cream cone, or even a burger and fries while your dog can lap up a pup cup. Pup cups are vanilla ice cream in a cup that’s $2. With every pup cup purchase, Snowbird donates $1 to the Dare County SPCA, the sweetest treat of all.

3. Nags Head Woods

Keep puppy active by going for a stroll in Nags Head woods. With 7 different trails to discover, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure you bring plenty of water for you and your dog and take a break and enjoy the beauty of the woods.

4. Downtown Manteo

Historic downtown Manteo is the perfect place to explore with your dog. Filled with plenty of shops and a few pet friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, there’s plenty to enjoy and do. Take a stroll dockside and check out all the boats or walk the sidewalks and admire the architecture of some of the historical buildings.

5. Roanoke Island Festival Park

While you’re in downtown Manteo, make your way over the bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park. Festival Park is a historical representation site of Roanoke Island in 1585. Although your furry friend isn’t allowed in the representational part of the park, there is a beautiful grassy area near the pavilion perfect for playing a game of fetch and a sound side boardwalk that borders the majority of the park.

6. The Beach

The beach is one of the best places to spend time with your dog. Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a beautiful beachside sunrise stroll or wait a little later and frolic in the waves with your pooch. Just make sure you know of the water conditions and stay informed on rip currents.

7. Wright Brothers National Memorial

Learn more about the first flight that took place right here on the Outer Banks and visit the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Visit the monument and even see a real size version of the Wright Flyer. While you’re learning, your dog is enjoying a nice walk around the park. It’s a win-win for you and your dog.

8. The Sound

In the evening, take a sound side stroll at the sound access behind Jockey’s Ridge and watch one of the famous Outer Banks sunsets. In the summer, even when the sun starts to go down it’s still pretty warm and since the sound is brackish water, it usually stays pretty flat (meaning, no waves). That creates the perfect opportunity for your dog to go for a fun swim.

9. Island Pet Gallery

Stop in with your furry friend to Island Pet Gallery! Let them pick out a new toy to take home or maybe a new collar or leash so they can make a new fashion statement. Treat them for being a good dog and a good friend.

10. Kitty Hawk Dog Park

Enjoy the dog park in Kitty Hawk and let your dog play and even maybe meet a few new dog friends. A registration form does need to be filled out and you must present a current vaccination record.

 

Make your visit even more enjoyable with your dog and book one of our pet friendly vacation homes today!

dog lying on beach