If you’ve never experienced sunsets on the OBX, you’re missing out. It’s something that is totally indescribable. The colors that the sky takes on looks like something out of a painting and the stunning sunsets of the Outer Banks look a little different each night. So grab your camera, your crew, and make plans to see some amazing sunsets because these 10 Outer Banks places are the best spots to check out!
The Paper Canoe
Duck
Enjoy amazing, gourmet food with a stunning view of OBX sunsets all at once at The Paper Canoe. Located right on the soundfront, The Paper Canoe specializes in serving fresh-caught seafood along with other dishes influenced by Southern styles with an ethnic twist. Your taste buds will be wowed by the food and your eyes will be wowed by the front row sunset view!
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Nags Head
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With dishes featuring freshly caught local seafood and homegrown herbs, spices, and vegetables, you’ll get a taste of local cuisine with a stunning OBX sunset view all the while!
The North End
Manteo
The North End is a title among natives describing the north most end of Manteo on Roanoke Island. The North Carolina Aquarium and The Lost Colony are located on this end of Manteo and where the older Manns Harbor bridge begins is where the day ends. The view of the sun setting over the sound is something you will never forget.
Jockey’s Ridge
Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge during the day is amazing as it is, but at that golden hour of the sun setting, it’s breathtaking. When you climb to the very top of the sand dunes, you’ll get a view of both the sound and the ocean and it’s truly amazing. Make sure you take your camera for an amazing photo opportunity!
Downtown Manteo
Manteo
Because Downtown Manteo is located right on the sound, the sunsets are spectacular. In this charming OBX town, you can have a front row seat to stunning sunsets right on the waterfront. Many benches line the dock for your convenience and there’s even a playground for your little ones. Hang out by the Marshes Light Lighthouse and watch the sky catch fire!
Canadian Hole
Hatteras
Canadian Hole is a windsurfers and kiteboarders paradise, it’s also an OBX sunset chasers paradise too! Canadian Hole isn’t just popular for watersports enthusiasts, the location along the Croatan Sound is popular among young families and beach lovers. Because of the steady breeze and calm waters, Canadian Hole is perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset over the sound!
Sugar Creek Condos
Nags Head
The Condos at Sugar Creek offer a sunset view right from the comfort of your vacation home. You can sit on your deck and watch the sunset or walk down to the private covered soundfront deck. At Sugar Creek Condos, you’ll have stunning views of the OBX sunsets everywhere. Check out the condos available here!
Bay Drive Gazebo
Kill Devil Hills
Located right off of Hayman Street, the Bay Drive Gazebo is perfect for watching OBX sunsets after a long day. Take your kayak out on the sound and sit and float or sit on the gazebo and just watch the sun go down.
Wright Brothers Monument
Kill Devil Hills
Climbing up the Wright Brothers Monument is well worth it when the sun goes down. At the height of the monument, you’ll be able to see across the street to the ocean, and an amazing view of the OBX sunset that will definitely be one of the best you’ve ever seen.
Don’t forget to save this to your Pinterest board to come back to during your Outer Banks vacation!
Road trips can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. When you’re trying to remember if you packed everything for everyone and the kids are getting restless in the backseat, you can’t wait to get that OBX vacation started. With these 10 family travel apps, the traveling process from packing to pit-stops will be seamless!
1. USA Rest Stops
This travel app will help you find the closest rest stops along your route on the closest highway or interstate. The app shows traditional rest areas as well as welcome centers. The app also allows you to mark rest stops as favorites, gives you notifications when you’re in range of a rest stop, and lets you leave reviews and see other reviews of the rest area.
2. Petting Zoo
Do you remember your favorite childhood book? This app is perfect for the kiddos that need entertainment. This family travel app has many beautifully animated animals that offer storylines to keep them at bay. Petting Zoo was created by illustrator Christoph Niemann and is perfect entertainment for ages 3 and up. This app does come with a $4 price tag, but it’s well worth it!
3. Whiteboard: Just Draw Together
Are you or your kids interested in Art? The app, Drawing Pad is the perfect app to keep your kids entertained for hours. The app features a clean whiteboard and several basic colors making it the perfect family travel app for kids ages 4 and up.
4 . Spotify
What’s a road trip without some quality music? Spotify is free to use and features music from every artist you can think of. If you search “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find kid-friendly songs that everyone will love. While you’re at it, search for Resort Realty, give us a follow, and listen to our monthly Music Monday playlists to put you in that summer vacation mode! Don’t worry, our playlists are family friendly too!
5. Kids World Atlas
The Kids World Atlas is a free app that’s perfect for kids to learn about places all over the world. The free version of this family travel app allows you to learn about animals all over the world with text and video along with quizzes that test your child’s animal knowledge.
6. Mad Libs
Remember playing Mad Libs in the car and it was so hard to write when the car was moving? Now there’s an app for that! The free Mad Libs app has 21 free stories that allow you to save the stories to re-read and laugh at them for hours. The app is kid-friendly and you can play solo or with friends and family. The app is suitable for ages 9 to 11, but let’s be real, you’ll probably play Mad Libs as much as the kids will!
7. GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the app you need if you’re trying to find the cheapest gas anywhere. You can choose to view gas stations by distance or price, report gas prices to help others find cheap gas, and you can enter to win $100 in free gas every day!
8. First Aid by American Red Cross
Accidents happen, hopefully not during your travel or on vacation, but they happen. Just to be prepared, the American Red Cross has provided an app that helps you in situations from anaphylactic shock to CPR chest compressions. The First Aid App also gives you tips on how to prepare for emergencies, can call 911, and locate the nearest hospital making it the perfect family travel app to keep you safe and prepared.
9. Waze
Waze is like the wonder app of traffic. Seriously. This family travel app helps you avoid accidents, road closures, police traps, and gives you real-time traffic updates. It also gives you turn by turn voice guided navigation. You can also send your ETA and real-time drive to update people you’re meeting at your Outer Banks vacation rental.
10. Candy Crush
Oh good old Candy Crush. This game will work on problem solving with your child but you’ll probably end up wanting to play a couple of rounds too! This family travel app is sure to keep everyone, no matter their age entertained on your Outer Banks road trip.
Don’t forget to pin for later!
What Is Beach Nourishment?
Beach nourishment is the process of pumping sand onto an eroding shoreline to widen the existing beach. Sand is taken from either a sandbar, a dredged inlet, or an offshore borrow site on the ocean floor. Beach nourishment increases defense from coastal storms and beach erosion saving beaches and homes and business that border the beaches. Beach nourishment provides More Beach To Love!
Here on the Outer Banks, tropical storms and hurricanes are the norm and we usually take a beating from these storms. The last hurricane we experienced, wiped out part of Highway 12 in Kitty Hawk. Beach nourishment, in short, will save the existing shoreline from eroding and prevent some damage when hurricane season rolls around.
Not only will beach nourishment protect the Banks from storms, it also allows more space for visitors and locals alike to spread their beach gear out without being on top of each other on nice beach days.
How Will The Beach Nourishment Process Affect Me?
Any given section of beach might be shut down for 4 to 6 days to ensure public safety. Bulldozers, loaders, and excavators will be used in this process. This equipment contains back up lights and alarms so it may be a bit noisy. Shore pipeline will be laid to allow for sand to be pumped from the offshore station to the active construction site. This pipeline will run parallel to the beach so they will be visible, however, sand ramps will be built over the pipelines to allow safe access from the beach to the ocean. All in all, you can still enjoy soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, and spending time with friends and family and make OBX memories that will last a lifetime!
For more information and updates visit the More Beach To Love website!
Resort Realty has come up with summer guides for you to check out the best places to eat, visit, and play! The town we’re featuring this round? Kitty Hawk! Home to some of the best dining, shopping, beaches, and more; Kitty Hawk is one of the best places to visit on the Outer Banks. Check out our Kitty Hawk summer guide that features our top recommendations for your summer visit below and get ready for the best summer yet!
Kitty Hawk Places to Eat
Rundown Cafe
Rundown Cafe is a local favorite. Specializing in an eclectic blend of Caribbean and Pacific Rim flavors, Rundown features dishes like their famous noodle bowls, Tsunami dinner salads, and Baja Fish Burritos. Run Down Cafe also features some of the most insane Bloody Marys you’ve ever seen! Rundown is the perfect island-inspired restaurant for your Kitty Hawk visit.
John’s Drive-In
John’s is the perfect place to go after a long day at the beach. This local favorite features any and every milkshake combination you can imagine plus, some killer post-beach meals. Their famous dolphin boats are a must-try. John’s Drive-In also features hot dogs, North Carolina-style barbeque, and burgers for those who aren’t seafood-obsessed. Word to the wise, there’s very limited parking at John’s so if you can walk over from the beach, that’s going to be your best bet as this is a jumpin’ joint during the summer months.
Kitty Hawk Places to Play
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods reserve is home to delicate and diverse wildlife that contribute to the Outer Banks ecosystem. Learn more about the surrounding marshes and sounds of the Outer Banks. You’ll also be spending time outside on the designated trails throughout the reserve. Learning and getting in some fresh air; a win-win!
Wave Riding Vehicles
Looking for surf equipment or beachside fashion? Wave Riding Vehicles is your go-to! Wave Riding Vehicles or WRV features surf boards and equipment, fashion, and everything in between. You can rent a surfboard and go catch some waves or learn how to hang 10 if you’re not sure how to ride. Side note, WRV also hosts an annual pro surf tournament on the Outer Banks every Labor Day Weekend! Even though it’s not necessarily a Kitty Hawk event, it’s worth driving down to Nags Head to check out if you’re in the area!
Paradise Fun Park
Have fun with the whole family at Paradise Golf & Arcade! Paradise Golf features two mini golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars, and and Wipeout; their newest amusement ride! Paradise Fun Park is perfect for families of all ages. If one of those rainy OBX days hits, the arcade is the perfect place to have fun with classic arcade games.
Kitty Hawk Places to Unwind
TRiO Wine, Beer, & Cheese
Looking to relax and unwind with a pint of beer or glass of wine? TRiO is the place for you! TRiO offers different wines to taste and flights of beer to sample along with a small food menu perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends and family. Our favorite on the menu? TRiO’s house grilled cheese. It’s made with an artisan cheese blend and a drizzle of truffle oil; YUM!
You don’t need a vast knowledge of seafood or to spend a whole afternoon tending to the fire pit to make this iconic summer feast. All you need is a picnic table at your beach house, beautiful Outer Banks weather, and your hungry family and friends. With the steamer pot from Mulligan’s, you can order ahead, pick up, and enjoy! These custom steamer pots are perfect for your next Outer Banks style clambake. Piled high with red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob, and a choice of seafood like lobster, crabs, clams, or mussels, your clambake will feature some of the OBX’s best ingredients. And when you spread all that goodness on a picnic table by the ocean, you’ll have an instant summertime party.
The beautiful thing about clambakes is that they can be thrown together for a casual dinner, or planned for a sharp and chic family sit down. Dress up your meal with beautiful dinner details like serving bowls, platters and placemats like these we found at The Cotton Gin, and make your OBX clambake one for the books.
Make a seaside clambake part of your Outer Banks tradition! With gourmet quality kitchens, oceanfront views, and local seafood pros, any dinner will be special in a Resort Realty rental. Book with Resort Realty today and let us help you get your getaway started!
Want to share this link with your family & friends to plan your OBX vacation and clambake? Use this link for easy sharing! bit.ly/OBXclambake
Cool Cribs For Kids
When you’re planning a family vacation, a kid-friendly (and kid approved) place to stay is usually at the top of the list. Here at Resort Realty, that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. We’ve come up with a list of the coolest houses that any kid would enjoy. From life-size chess to kid-sized pools, check out these Awesome Vacation Homes For the Coolest Kids!
Atlantic Breeze (5411) – Nags Head
Atlantic Breeze is one of the newest luxury rentals at Resort Realty! Packed with amenities like ocean views, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful decor, this vacation home is perfect for everyone, including the kiddos! There is a recreation room, pool table, shuffle board, home theater, and board games! Plus, the private outdoor pool features a kiddie pool for the little ones! A kids nook with flat screen TV and lounge chairs is perfect for a little rest between beach and pool sessions. This oceanfront oasis also features exclusive cabana service!
Landfall II (5571) – Nags Head
Landfall II is an 8 bedroom 8 bathroom vacation home that is sure to please parents and kids alike. Not only does this home feature a tiki bar, a blackjack table, and a hot tub that adults will enjoy, kids have special amenities as well. They can play a giant life-sized game of chess or frolic around in the pool right beside it! If the kids need to get out of the sun for a little while, the game room has two arcade games along with a pool table. There’s also a theater room with a large flat screen tv and a huge couch just in case a nap is needed!
Panache (1350) – Corolla
Panache is the perfect place for the family that is looking for style, luxury, and fun all rolled into one! Panache is an 8 bedroom 8 bathroom vacation home that has it all; a lavish kitchen with a steamer oven for the chef that can’t wait to cook an Outer Banks seafood meal, a lighted boardwalk that leads to the soundfront, and a large 8 person hot tub. Kids will love the soundproof movie theater that is stocked with different movies and reclining theater seats; perfect for that post-beach day fog. There is also an air hockey table and a pool table so kids can join in on a little friendly competition.
Sailfish Station (5547) – Nags Head
Sailfish Station is a home that your little ones will enjoy! Fully stocked with pool table, multiple game arcade, private pool, and more, this is an Outer Banks vacation home everyone will love. The adults will find the stainless steel kitchen appliances and luxury bedrooms impeccable while the kiddos will love splashing around in the private pool and making use of the home theater.
Virginia Dare (5460) – Nags Head
With a direct private walkway to the beach, the Virginia Dare is already a great choice for kids and parents alike! Not only does this vacation home feature luxury amenities for adults like a grilling area, luxury wet bar, and a soundside sitting room; it also has so many different features kids are going to love. The Virginia Dare features a movie theater complete with surround sound, a kiddie pool within the larger pool, and a recreation room complete with pool table, billiards table, and shuffleboard.
A Wave From It All (7158) – Waves
A Wave From It All exudes comfort, but is also well equipped to keep the kiddos happy. Step outside to discover your personal oasis, complete with a heated private pool and hot tub, ideal for evenings under the stars. Engage in friendly competition on the outdoor sand volleyball court or lounge around the pool while taking in the ocean breeze. The property also features a rec room with a pool table and a theatre room for endless entertainment.
Seas The Day (2924) – Duck
Seas the Day is located on a private street with private beach access, allowing you easy, endless beach days. Seas the Day is also close to local attractions, including charming shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.Whether you’re looking to relax by the private pool or the pool bar with TV, soak away stress in the hot tub, explore the beautiful coastline, or enjoy family game nights, this property has it all.
Miss Grace 5446 – Nags Head
If you’re looking for the definition of Old Nags Head, look no further than Miss Grace. Miss Grace is a 7 bedroom, 3 full bathroom, and 3 half bathroom home that embodies the historical look and feel of Old Nags Head with modern day updates and entertainment. Adults will enjoy features like the updated kitchen and master bath in the main house while kids can go off and discover amenities like foosball and a twin loft in the connecting carriage house!
With homes available like these and more, trying to find a place to stay that will suit everyone is a breeze. Resort Realty is proud to offer you the best vacation homes available on the Outer Banks. Book with us today and wow your whole group!
Nags Head is full of beauty, adventure, and history much like the other 15 towns that make up the Outer Banks. Check out these places to see and things to do in our list of Top 10 Things To Do in Nags Head!
1. First Flight Adventure Park
Bring out your inner adrenaline junkie and take on the First Flight Adventure Park. Challenge yourself at Nags Heads’ newest aerial adventure park! With platforms ranging from 12 feet to 50 feet high and 6 total courses, there’s something for everyone.
2. Jockey’s Ridge
Learn the history and ecology of that huge sand dune you’ve probably seen a time or two at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Once you’ve learned some of Jockey’s Ridge’s history, make your way across the street to Kitty Hawk Kites and rent a kite to fly on the sand dunes or browse around Kitty Hawk Surf for a new outfit or outdoor gear.
3. Shopping
Nags Head is home to Tanger Outlets with shops like J.Crew, Polo, Coach, and more. Take time out and stroll through the mall or visit some of the other amazing local shops like Secret Spot Surf Shop or Foxy Flamingo in Nags Head as well.
4. Galaxy Golf
Directly across from Bonnet Street beach access, Galaxy Golf is a fun mini golf course that the whole family will love. This outer spaced themed mini golf course features 18 different holes. Once you’ve had a fun round of mini golf, head over to the Bonnet Street beach access and cool off in the ocean!
5. Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier, originally built in 1939 is one of the oldest fishing piers on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society purchased Jennette’s Pier and rebuilt it in 2011. Once just a home to fishing, Jennette’s Pier offers a snack bar, tackle and gift shop, and an AMAZING view of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Go Karts
How about a little friendly competition? Full Throttle Speedway offers single and double go-karts so everyone can compete! The soundside track is sure to captivate you but don’t get too distracted; its Outer Banks tradition that the loser has to buy the winner ice cream!
7. Fish Heads
Enjoy great food with the very best view of the beach. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is located right on top of Outer Banks Fishing Pier. With over 30 different beers on tap food choices like fish tacos and crab cake sandwiches, Fish Heads is the place to go. Did we mention 15 cent shrimp every day from 4 PM to 6 PM?
8. Nags Head Woods
With over 7 different trails to discover and explore, Nags Head Woods will provide hours of active fun. One of the most popular trails is the Roanoke Trail located right off of Ocean Acres Drive. The Roanoke Trail has a direct path to the Roanoke Sound and back which equals out to be about 1.5 miles long.
9. Farmdog Surf School
Learn how to hang 10 or paddle out at Farmdog Surf School. Farmdog offers surfing and stand up paddleboarding lessons ranging from 1 student to over 15. Farmdog will provide you a surfboard, a wetsuit (weather providing), and a shady beach tent when it’s break time. Farmdog also offers beach yoga and a fitness studio!
10. Beach It!
With over 40 public beach accesses up and down the town of Nags Head and the beautiful Outer Banks weather, there’s no reason for you to not get out and soak up the sun! One of the biggest advantages of the Outer Banks is the simplicity of a quality beach day. All you need is a towel, some sunscreen, a bathing suit and a beachy state of mind to enjoy and truly Outer Banks beach day!
This top 10 list only just scratches the surface of what all the town of Nags Head has to offer you on your visit. Now that you’ve seen this list of a few new things to see and try in Nags Head, start planning your Outer Banks vacation! Check out Resort Realty’s stunning Nags Head vacation homes and make us a part of your Nags Head summer vacation!
Winter on the Outer Banks is something magical. Time seems to slow down but there’s beauty in the stillness. Most local restaurants shut down in the colder months so employees and owners alike can get some much needed rest and relaxation until the warmer, busier season kicks up again. However, when holidays like Valentine’s Day rolls around, it makes it hard to find a restaurant that’s actually open. Luckily, a few Outer Banks eateries do stay open all year-round and some even open back up for you to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Check out some of our favorite spots for your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Nags Head
Enjoy fresh, local seafood at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe. Lone Cedar takes pride in serving some of the freshest seafood and home grown herbs and greens right here on the Outer Banks. They even give you the option to bring in your own, cleaned catch of the day and they’ll prepare it for you however you like! Lone Cedar does not accept reservations so make sure you arrive at 4:30 when dinner starts to get a table and enjoy an out of this world meal with your significant other. Visit Lone Cedars’ website for more information and menu options.
Blue Moon Beach Grill
Nags Head
Small, cozy, and quirky, Blue Moon Beach Grill is a local restaurant you don’t want to miss out on this Valentine’s Day. With their specialty being in Southern comfort food (like their famous shrimp and grits) expect nothing less than being treated like family. Blue Moon offers an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price. Blue Moon is open all year-round from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Make sure you get there early to beat the dinner rush; Blue Moon does not accept reservations. Check out Blue Moon’s website for more information and take a peek at their menu.
TRiO
Kitty Hawk
For a lighter fare and live entertainment, visit TRiO Bar and Bistro. TRiO hosts an immense selection of wine, beer, and cheese for you and your love to sample and a bistro menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. Visit TRiO’s website for more information on the eatery and to plan the perfect night out with your love.
Salt Box Cafe
Kill Devil Hills, Colington Harbor
This cottage style restaurant serves the perfect intimate background for you and your sweetheart. The Salt Box Cafe focuses on locally farmed ingredients, seafood, meat, and vegetables to give you the dining experience you’ve only dreamed of. With options available like maple glazed duck breast and grilled local cobia, you and your love will have the best Valentine’s Day yet. Dinner is 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Salt Box Cafe does recommend making a reservation. Call 252-255-5594 to make your reservation. In the meantime, visit the Salt Box Cafe website to see everything they have to offer.
Aqua Restaurant
Duck
This Valentine’s Day, take a trip to Aqua and enjoy waterfront dining that’s sure to make sparks fly with your honey. Aqua offers locally farmed ingredients, fish, and meat to ensure a truly local dining experience. Different selections of beer and wine are available to pair with your meal and live music is played while you dine. You’ll find options like Cornish game hen, seafood pasta, and much more on their menu. After dinner, treat your sweetheart to something sweet off of Aqua’s extensive dessert menu. Reservations can be made over the phone by calling 252-261-9700 or online reservations are available on Aqua’s website.
Cafe Pamlico
Buxton
If casual fine dining is what you and your beloved are looking for this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Cafe Pamlico. With fresh local seafood coming from Buxton’s waters, the restaurant garden, Hatteras island or the Tidewater Region, you’ll be no less than impressed with whatever you order. Cafe Pamlico also offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and dietary needs options as well. Cafe Pamlico recommends making a reservation. You can call 252-995-4500 or the front desk at 866-PAMLICO (726-5426) for questions and reservations as well. Check out Cafe Pamlico’s website in the meantime to see all they have to offer.
Striper’s Bar and Grille
Manteo
This 3 floor restaurant will offer couples breathtaking views over the Albemarle Sound and appetizing dinner options that will make your Valentine’s Day sizzle. Striper’s Bar and Grille serves local seafood along with freshly made in house sides and dressings to complete your meal. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sound as you dine with your loved one. Striper’s also offers catch and cook. You can bring in your own fresh caught and cleaned fish and Striper’s chefs will prepare it to your liking! Striper’s does accept reservations at 252-475-1021 or at 252-475-1022. Visit their website to view even more of their menu
Make your Outer Banks Valentine’s Day dinner special this year with one of these great, local restaurants. Whether you’re visiting or you live here all year-round, plan an Outer Banks get away with you and your valentine in one of our cozier vacation homes!
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 Places to Take Your Dog On The Outer Banks.
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.
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.
Nags Head Woods
Keep your dog 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
10 things you need to do on the Outer Banks
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.
