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
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
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.
Every hour should be happy hour during the summer! If you’re looking for places to go for a few drinks, a light meal or appetizer and fun with friends take a look at our 5 Happy Hour Restaurants You Need To Try!
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Fish Heads is a favorite among locals and a visitors of the Outer Banks alike. With a happy hour special featuring 15 cent shrimp and over 20 beers on tap, you can’t go wrong with Fish Heads. Fish Heads also offers meals like fish tacos and classic cheeseburgers and appetizers like conch fritters and crab dip. Did we mention that Fish Heads is located on Outer Banks Pier? The only view you’ll have is ocean and that almost beats happy hour prices and amazing food and beer.
Hurricane Mo’s
Another local and visitor favorite is Hurricane Mo’s. This tropical themed restaurant serves everything from local coastal cuisine to traditional fare for land lovers. Hurricane Mo’s also offer happy hour specials from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 10 cent shrimp, 25 cent wings and $1 tacos are featured along with plenty of different drink specials to cool down with!
Chilli Peppers
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch Chilli Peppers is an Outer Banks go to. Chilli Peppers serves an array of foods from seafood steamer pots to southwestern style tacos and classic burgers. Chilli Peppers offers happy hour every day from 3 PM to 6 PM featuring shrimp, crab leg, and wing specials. Drink specials are daily at happy hour as well!
Goombay’s
Goombay’s serves island-style entrees with an Outer Banks twist. Dishes like curry chicken and shrimp, the Jamaican burger, and tuna tacos ensure that whatever you choose you’ll definitely enjoy. Goombay’s offers an array of drink choices for adults and little ones that want to pretend to be adults (non-alcoholic of course and it comes with a toy). With happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM offering specially priced appetizers and drink specials daily, you can’t go wrong with Goombay’s.
Longboards
If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax, Longboards Grill & Bar is the place to go. Longboards is a fun and relaxing family friendly environment serving everything from surf n’ turf to homemade pizzas. Their extensive menu is sure to please even the pickiest eater. With happy hour happening every day from 3 PM to 6 PM, you have the opportunity to grab some amazing deals. Longboard’s happy hour features items like shrimp, crab legs, wings and much more from their appetizer menu. Drink specials vary by the day but are included in happy hour as well!
Once popularly known as Joe Dowdy’s Amusement Park, the old site will now be home to Dowdy Park, a place for the community to play. Joe Dowdy’s was a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. Dowdy’s was the place to go for family fun, laughs, and competition. With a Ferris wheel, arcade, roller coaster, and many more classic amusement park rides, Joe Dowdy’s was quite missed when it closed down back in 2005.
The Town of Nags Head decided to give Dowdy’s a new life by purchasing the land after it closed. The name of the new attraction? Dowdy Park! Dowdy Park will be a place to play, exercise, relax and enjoy everything around you. Dowdy Park will feature a playground, garden area, playing fields, playing courts, a pavilion, and more! For kids that may have a physical disability, Dowdy Park will provide playground attractions for them as well so they can join in on the fun too! Kids of all ages will be able to run around and play and older kids and adults will be able to walk around and get some exercise and fresh air.
For the grand opening of the part, the Dare County Art Council and Dowdy Park are teaming up to host the 28th Annual Artrageous Art Festival on May 13th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The theme this year is Art Is The Heart Of The Park with an emphasis on the importance of art in the community. This is a free event where families can come paint, draw, and encourage creativity in their children. Local restaurants will provide food and a free concert will be playing from 3:00 PM until the event close at 8:00 PM.
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!
No early morning alarms, lots of ice cream and plenty of fun in the sun are the highlights of summer break. While enjoying all the spoils of summer, remember to keep the kiddos safe while visiting the Outer Banks. Make sure they continue to have a fun and safe vacation with these helpful summer safety tips. Happy, healthy kids mean parents can finally settle down and relax too.
1. Stay Current on the Currents
Getting caught in a rip current or rough seas can quickly turn a good time swimming into a scary situation. Make sure to check the weather report online or read the current conditions on the nearest lifeguard stand.Also, make sure your kids know about rip currents, how to spot them and how to get out of them. Rip currents are strong, narrow flowing currents that move away from the beach, pushing swimmers further out to sea. The currents are so strong that swimmers begin to panic and become exhausted when they cannot swim pass the current to make it back to shore. Teach your kids to swim parallel to shore until they are out of the current and can swim back to beach safely.
2. Stay Hydrated
When playing and sweating in the summer sun, our bodies need extra water to remain healthy. Make sure the kids are drinking water continuously throughout the day, especially when they are active in the summer heat. If your kids struggle to drink water, add fruit or fruit juice to their bottle for a better taste.
3. Save Your Skin
Make sure your young ones keep their baby smooth skin by applying and reapplying sunscreen while out in the sun. Use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and broad spectrum to protect against ultra-violet rays. Check the bottle to see when to reapply. It takes 30 minutes for sunscreen to really soak into the skin, so applying before you and your crew hit the beach is the best option.
4. Be Shady
Cool down by finding a shady spot to sit or rest while traveling around the Outer Banks or hanging out on the beach. 10 am – 4 pm is when the sun is the strongest, so bring an umbrella or find a shaded area like underneath a fishing pier to regulate your body temperature. Shade eyes with sunglasses and wide brim hats to protect those sweet faces.
5. Bring a Buddy
Whether they are swimming, biking or exploring, use the buddy system. There is safety in numbers and a playmate is an added bonus
6. Use the Crosswalks and Stay Alert
With lots of families on the OBX this summer, keep your family and others safe by using the crosswalks while on foot. Make your intention clear to drivers and ask young kids to hold hands with older family members for added safety. Move across quickly as a group so no child is left behind
7. Love Your Soles, Mate
Avoid tears and whining by protecting your little ones feet. The pavement and sand can heat up to boiling temperatures in the summer. Water shoes are a good way to avoid burns from the sand and cuts from shells or sharp objects in the ocean or sound.
8. Memorize Important Phone Numbers and Locations
If your child doesn’t already know your phone number, take some time to practice memorizing it with them before your OBX getaway. If older kids are out exploring on their own, add your vacation home’s address and directions to their cell phone or write it down on a piece of paper for them in case they get lost.
9. Pack Non-Perishable Snacks
Even with a cooler, yogurts and other dairy products are more likely to spoil in the sun. Pack snacks that can take the heat.
10. Bypass the Bugs
Avoid itchy skin and insect related diseases by spraying the kids down with bug spray that contains DEET or picaridin. Citronella, lavender and eucalyptus essential oil sprays are a more natural option to help repel insects. Bugs are attracted to scented soaps, perfumes, hair sprays and bright clothing, so avoid wearing these items when visiting marshes or wooded areas.
Enjoy summer to the fullest by passing on and practicing these summer safety tips with your kids. Wishing you all a safe a happy OBX summer vacation!
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.
