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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
The town of Corolla (properly pronounced Cor-RAH-lah), is a small town on the Outer Banks full of history. Now known for it’s wild horses, 4 x 4 beaches, and amazing vacation homes, this historic OBX town was once a quaint village that was unrecognizable to what it is today!
Native American tribes called Currituck home. The barrier island of what is now Corolla was used for fishing and hunting. Europeans began settling in the area and resided on the mainland in the late 1600’s.
By the mid-1800’s, there were several communities on the island. The Currituck beach lighthouse was set to be built in 1873. The lighthouse was lit on December 1st, 1875 and the U.S. Lifesaving Service was in full effect.
Corolla has been home to wild horses for over 500 years! The horses can be dated back to the voyage of the colony known now as the Lost Colony. The expedition was led by Sir Richard Grenville in 1587. With so much equipment being brought to the new world, ships had to lighten their load in order to stay afloat in the shallow, Carolina waters. Livestock, including the Spanish mustangs, had to be sacrificed. It is thought that the horses that currently roam the beaches in this town are direct descendants of the voyage of 1587!
Corolla maintained its long reputation as a hunting and fishing community. In 1922, what is now known as the Whalehead Club, was built by Edward and Marie-Louise LeBel Knight. The home provided work opportunities for the towns residents as caretakers and hunting guides for the Knight’s and their guests.
During World War II, the Whale Head Club was leased to the United States Coast Guard to aid in patrol of German U boats. As a result of the war being over, the population of Corolla dwindled significantly. In the 1950s, the population became so low the school closed and the church remained empty. By the 1970s, only 15 people lived in the village.
The number of year-round residents in Corolla is about 500 people. During the summer, the population can be more than 50,000 a week! People are attracted to this quaint town because of its beauty, vast beaches, and rich history! Rest, relaxation, and amazing food can be found all over this OBX beach town.
Plan your next Outer Banks vacation! Visit the amazing, historical, and beautiful town of Corolla. With over 120 properties located in Corolla, Resort Realty has a vacation home that is sure to suit you and your family! Visit our website, browse the properties, and book your stay online! You can also call us at 1-800-458-3830 and one of our amazing vacation reservation specialists will be happy to assist you!
The chilly weather that’s been impacting everyone has got minds wandering towards June 21st, the first day of summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, and beaches are the only things that are on the brain so when the time comes, why not book an Outer Banks vacation?!
If you’re thinking a vacation to the Outer Banks is financially unrealistic, take a look at some of our affordable, but amazing vacation homes! Resort Realty offers vacation homes with Saturday check-in and check-out for as low as $27 per night per person! Take a look at some of our affordable vacation homes and start planning your summer getaway.
Saltaire (2600) – Duck
This soundside home is perfect for enjoying the first days of summer. Saltaire is only about 500 yards away from the beach access conveniently located across the street. The sound is literally your backyard so enjoy it and go on a kayaking adventure with the kayak provided for you in the house, just make sure to bring your own life preservers! At only $36 a night per person*, grab 6 of your closest friends or family and spend a week in Duck!
Dolphin’s Den (1878) – Corolla
Spend your first week of summer at Dolphin’s Den in Corolla! This oceanside home provides you with a little over 500 yard walk to the beach so you can spend all day in the surf and sand. With access to tennis courts you can stay active and still have fun in the sun. With a Saturday arrival and 8 people in your group, this vacation home is only $27 per night per person!
Nepenthe (7850) – Frisco
Discover Frisco and make memories that’ll last you a lifetime. Nepenthe is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home that boasts ocean and soundside views. With only about a 200 yard walk to the beach, there’s no reason you shouldn’t kick off your summer in thee sand. Nepenthe is also conveniently located within walking distance to dining and shopping. This home is a perfect price. With 6 people in your party, you’ll only be spending $30 a day!
The Sea Ranch (5476) – Nags Head
The Sea Ranch is the place to be to start your summer off right. This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home has recently been updated with a brand new kitchen and floors to make your Outer Banks vacation that much sweeter. Situated between highways, The Sea Ranch is almost 400 yards to the beach, a short walk for a long, salty day. With 8 people in your group, you’ll only be spending $24 a day during you week-long visit. With all that extra cash saved, you can take advantage of the go-karts and mini golfing that are right down the street!
Margaret’s Sunrise (2962) – Duck
Perfect for a small group of 4, Margaret’s Sunrise has the perfect view of the ocean. Wake up early and witness the beauty of and Outer Banks summer sunrise over the sea. This oceanfront condo offers access to a community pool, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court and more. There’s also a walkway connecting the condo to the beach so not hot sand to burn up those feet. Margaret’s Sunrise is conveniently located near shops and restaurants, and with only spending $50 a night per person, you’ll be able to take full advantage of that luxury.
In addition to these affordable vacation homes, Resort Realty also offers an EZ Pay Plan. With EZ Pay, you can break up the cost of your vacation into three easy installments! To show our appreciation to our veterans and active duty, we also offer a Hometown Heroes and Military Discount on a number of different homes for additional savings. Turn that vacation dream into a reality, pack your bathing suit, and celebrate the first day of summer on the Outer Banks with Resort Realty.
*Pricing per person is based on max occupancy of the home, which is noted in the description. Pricing includes rent, tax, and administrative fees. Additional linen services and travel insurance not included. Total pricing is quoted for the week of June 17th – 21st
Outer Banks weather can have a mind of it’s own and sometimes when it rains, it pours! While you may be singing “rain, rain, go away” today, you shouldn’t let the Outer Banks weather damper your vacation! There are still plenty of Outer Banks activities to keep you entertained and occupied when you can’t be at the beach! Check out our list of top 50 rainy day activities.
Head to R/C Movies 10 Theater in Kill Devil Hills or Corolla Movie & Bistro on Ocean Trail to see the latest movie.
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo to stay away from the wet weather!
Challenge family and friends to a bowling competition at the OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head.
A few rounds of action packed laser tag at Gearworks Family Fun Center in Nags Head is a great way to have fun when the Outer Banks weather is less than beach worthy!
A trip to Seagreen Gallery is sure to brighten up your day when the weather on the Outer Banks is a downer!
Stop by The Island Bookstore in Duck and pick out a new book to read.
Treat yourself to a spa day at Aqua Spa in Duck.
Test out some new wines at Trio‘s wine stations in Kitty Hawk.
Jump on the wheel and make your own pottery at OBX Art Studio in Kill Devil Hills or Kinnakeet Clay Studio and Showroom in Avon.
Enjoy a hot cup of specialty coffee at Front Porch Cafe in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo.
Unleash your inner artist by signing up for a painting party hosted by Local Color.
Browse or buy the beautiful paintings and jewelry created by local artists at Seaside Art Gallery.
Sample premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars to add some awesome flavor to your cooking at Outer Banks Olive Oil Company in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head.
Take a tour at OBX Distilling to see the Kill Devil Rum making process in person and sample their rums.
Horse lovers can take a trip to the Wild Horse Museum in Corolla.
Take the kids to Life on a Sandbar for hair wraps, temporary tattoos, and crafts.
Spend a rainy evening laughing at The Comedy Club of the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills.
Take a shopping trip to Outlets Nags Head. The covered awning makes it easy to dodge the rain between stores.
Browse through over 750 different wines at Bacchus Wine & Cheese in Corolla.
A rainy day is the perfect time to visit to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras and learn about the numerous shipwrecks and maritime history.
Sign up for a yoga class at Duck Village Yoga to de-stress when the weather isn’t ideal.
Let the kid’s burn off some energy while learning at the Children’s Play Museum in Kitty Hawk where they can play, paint, and pretend.
History buffs will love exploring the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo to learn more about the colonists and their life on Roanoke Island.
The stormy Outer Banks weather is just right setting for an OBX Mystery Dinner. Don’t miss this inactive show paired with a four course meal in Kill Devil Hills.
Cheer up with fro-yo and some surf videos at Surfin Spoon in Nags Head.
Take a jewelry making class at Studio 12 in Avon.
Check out a baseball or football game with some apps and drinks at Shipwreck’s Taphouse & Grill in Kitty Hawk.
Get your puppy snuggles in by volunteering at the SPCA in Manteo.
Test your skills and patience with a puzzle the whole family can put together.
Check out the unique boutiques and eateries at Scarborough Lane Shoppes in Duck. The covered decks will keep you dry as you shop.
Swim, workout, or play at the Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head. Weekly membership passes are available for non-members.
Explore the Native American Museum & Natural History Center in Frisco to see artifacts and learn about the first Hatteras Island inhabitants history and culture.
Arcade games, game tables, and pizza make for rainy day fun at Angelo’s Pizza Arcade.
Night owls can stop by the Jolly Roger Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills for nightly karaoke from 10 pm to 1 am.
Stay in and play a card or board game with your friends and family.
Indulge on a rainy day with coffee and a specialty donut from Duck Donuts.
Visit the indoor museum at the Wright Brothers National Memorial for replicas, artifacts, and a quick history lesson.
Rainy Outer Banks weather makes the perfect setting for taking a ghost tour at the Whalehead Club on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Relax with a hot tea and a freshly baked pastry at Dolce Pastries & Desserts in Kitty Hawk.
Stop by the Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, or Hatteras Libraries for story time with the kids.
Olde Towne Creamery in Manteo is a charming ice cream shop where you can cure your rainy day blues with malts, shakes, ice cream, fudge, and even pizza!
Visit Jennette’s Pier to see the new exhibits where you can learn more about our underwater friends.
Take the kids to Beach Braids for henna tattoos and hair braiding. They are easy to locate with studios in Nags Head, Duck, and Corolla.
Curl up with a blanket at your beach house and enjoy catching up with loved ones.
Avoiding the rainy Outer Banks weather we sometimes see during the summer months can be fun! After all, a rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day at the office! We hope you stay safe and dry during your stay and have fun visiting these Outer Banks attractions. For more severe storms, you can stay up-to-date on Resort Realty’s Facebook page.
New scenery, experiences and insight are why we all long to travel. The saying goes “we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Fresh salt air, uncharted territory, and one-of-a-kind experiences are just what you need to break up the routine and refresh your soul. From memorable day trips to one-of-a-kind outings, the Outer Banks has countless excursions to satisfy the wanderlust in all of us.
Keep reading to learn more about the Top 10 Excursions to Experience on the Outer Banks.
1. Day Trip to Ocracoke Island
Take the 40-minute ferry ride from Hatteras Island to the secluded and dreamy island of Ocracoke. The island stretches out nearly 13 miles with charming cottages, artisan shops, and a small town feeling that immediately makes you feel at ease. Most people travel by foot, bike, or golf cart to get around, so parents can relax and let the kids play. You can drive on the beach and try out as many water activities as you have energy for. You’ll easily see why the famous pirate, Blackbeard, spent so much time there.
2. Deep Sea Fishing Expedition
The thrill of reeling in a big fish is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Heading out to the Gulf Stream with your friends for an all-day fishing trip is an unforgettable experience. Knowledgeable charter captains and mates will take you where the fish are biting so you can reel in large species of fish like tuna, dolphin (mahi), and billfish – including sailfish, white and blue marlin.
If picturesque places are your favorite part of traveling, you’ll want to sign up for a Corolla wild horse tour. Seeing the rolling sand dunes, beautiful oceanfront, and watching the wild Spanish colonial horses roam free is an image you’ll keep with you for years to come.
These famous lighthouses are not only navigational aids, they are full of history and detailed architecture with a wonderful view waiting for you at the top. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses are available to climb for a nominal fee. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse are not open to climbers but are open to visit at your leisure.
5. Historic Outing at The Wright Brothers National Memorial
Celebrate and learn more about the incredible achievement the Wright Brothers made on the Outer Banks at The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Tour the museum and learn more about that historic day and see artifacts from that time period. View replicas of the gliders and statues of the key players in the first day of flight. Traveling up to the top of the monument and reading the inscription, “Conceived by genius and achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith,” will leave you with a sobering feeling about how monumental this invention and event truly was.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel to tropical islands to see dolphins up close! Catch dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat on a dolphin cruise right here on the Outer Banks! Spend a few hours on the water following the bottlenose dolphins around the Atlantic Ocean and learning more about them.
Charm and history collide in the quaint town of Manteo on Roanoke Island. Steeped in tradition, history, and old world charm, Manteo is located on the western side of Bodie Island, surrounded by gentle soundfront waves. Walk where the settlers traveled on Roanoke Island, visit the gorgeous grounds at The Elizabethan Gardens, watch a live performance of The Lost Colony, the only outdoor drama, or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and quaint shops downtown. This waterfront community is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike.
8. Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Pack a water bottle and venture up the largest sand dune on the east coast. Pick up a stunt or decorative kite across the street at Kitty Hawk Kites and fly it high on the towering dunes. For the more adventurous , try your hand at hang gliding! Even the little ones will love this famous Outer Bank landmark – perfect for running up and then sliding down the dune (not to mention, burning off some energy!) All that exploring needs fuel! Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the 8 picnic shelters. (Each shelter has two tables and a grill.)
Recently remodeled and updated with several new exhibits and galleries, the Roanoke Island Aquarium in Manteo is a fun place for all ages to visit. Touch the stingrays as they glide through the shallow hands-on touch tank. Travel through the Wild Wetlands where river otters play and alligators lurk. Experience the aquarium’s hands-on Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit and conservation efforts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. View high-definition films and the new “Science on a Sphere” experience in Neptune’s Theater. And lastly, marvel at the largest collection of sharks in the state in the Graveyard of the Atlantic – a giant shark aquarium with Gulf Stream interactive exhibit.
10. Trek through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
If you’re longing for serenity and solitude, make time to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Spreading out over 70 miles, this is a place where you can relax and enjoy a simpler way of life. Fish, kiteboard, swim, nature watch, or snap a few photos of the marshes and vast oceanfront. Playing and relaxing are both welcomed and encouraged here.
Excitement, adventure and new experiences await you on the Outer Banks. Don’t just daydream, do it! For more Outer Banks excursion ideas, visit Resort Realty’s Things to Do page.
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