Exploring The Outer Banks On A Budget

It’s finally vacation time! You’re ready to have a fun, memorable Outer Banks vacation with your family and friends. Most visitors think that a trip to the Outer Banks will really break your budget, but that’s not the case! There are so many fun, inexpensive, and sometimes free events you and your family can go to! Check out how to enjoy the Outer Banks On A Budget right now.

A Good Ol’ Beach Day

Average Price: Free

Coming to the Outer Banks, you’re blessed enough to enjoy our beautiful open and free beaches! Relax on the beach, splash in the waves, and hang out with family. A great Outer Banks beach day will cost you exactly $0.00! Make sure you pack enough snacks and don’t forget the sunscreen!

A Visit To Jockey’s Ridge

Average Price: Free

Jockey’s Ridge; 100% free and 100% fun. Explore the largest sand dune on the east coast right here on the Outer Banks! Take a hike to the very top and enjoy the stunning views of both the sound and the sea! Even better? Jockey’s Ridge is a great spot for a fun, family picnic. A day well spent on Jockey’s Ridge is free, fun, and full of memories.

Self-Guided Bike Tour Of The Beach Road

Average Price: Free

Whether you pack up your bikes or rent a home that features bikes for use, a beach road bike tour is the best. See all of the cute local shops, ice cream spots, burger joints, and more while enjoying those warm summer evenings. Getting out of the house doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, and with the long, spacious bike path that spans from Kill Devil Hills all the way to South Nags Head, there’s plenty of free exploring to do!

A Long Stroll On Jennette’s Pier

Average Price: $2

Rebuilt in 2011, Jennette’s Pier is one of the most popular fishing piers on the Outer Banks. Open year round, you can take a walk to the end of the pier with an all day day pass. Watch fishermen cast out or just enjoy the stunning views!

Visit Lighthouses

Average Price: Up to $10 Per Person

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks are one of the biggest (no pun intended) historical attractions! From Currituck to Cape Hatteras, make a lighthouse bucket list and try to see them all! You can learn about the history of the Ocracoke, Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and Currituck Beach Lighthouses for free since there is no fee for visiting the lighthouses. The climbing fees range from $4 to $10 for all except for the Ocracoke Lighthouse since it does not allow climbers.

Ferry Riding + Ocracoke Exploring

Average Price: Free

Experiencing and exploring Ocracoke Island is fun and free via the ferry! The ferry system runs every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM during the summer. Lasting about an hour, the ferry ride is a fun time to take really cool photos, videos, and spend time with your family and friends!

A Ride Over The New Bonner Bridge

Average Price: Free

Just opened, the new, replacement Bonner Bridge offers a new perspective of Hatteras Island! Take a ride over the new bridge with your crew and even stop for a photo-op on the pedestrian walkway; which used to be part of the old bridge! The unique view of the sound and the Atlantic Ocean meeting is something you just can’t put a price on, and you don’t have to because this fun activity is free!

Explore Manteo

Average Price: Fee

Full of history, charm, and just overall cuteness, Manteo is a gem that should be not be forgotten. Browse all of the fun shops and learn about the rich history of downtown Manteo. If you visit the first weekend of June, be sure to go to Dare Day, a fun free event celebrating everything wonderful about Manteo and Dare County!

You don’t have to break the bank on your visit to the OBX. Spending time with your family and friends can be done anywhere, anytime on this beautiful sandbar. Let us know how you make the most out of your Outer Banks vacation on a budget!