Planning the proper household journey to the Outer Banks this summer time? There’s heaps to do and greater than you may anticipate, from nature to historical past, eating to dwell theater.
This isn’t a complete listing of completely every thing for households to do within the Outer Banks. Past the sights beneath, there are sightseeing excursions; water sports activities corresponding to fishing, parasailing, and paddling; arcades; laser tag; purchasing; parks; and historic websites just like the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial.
However in case you’re brief on time, I’ve lined up the experiences you don’t wish to miss. I’ll additionally share suggestions for the place to remain on Roanoke Island and on the seashore in addition to the place to eat. Decide and select what your loved ones will get pleasure from to design your individual magical OBX getaway.
1. The Misplaced Colony
Finest for: A memorable night time out
Tips on how to clarify “The Misplaced Colony” to the uninitiated? Its greatest declare to fame is because the nation’s longest operating outside symphonic drama. Which may sound like a musical, but it surely isn’t. It’s the true and nonetheless unsolved thriller of America’s first English settlers, following the ill-fated colony of 1587, which vanished simply three years after arriving, abandoning solely the cryptic phrase “CROATOAN” carved right into a publish.
Relive the action-packed retelling of what did and should have occurred, from choreographed sword fights to a panoramic ocean-crossing scene full with thunderstorm. Elaborate set design, artistic puppetry, and hearth add to the spectacle.
The present is held nightly, besides Sundays, each summer time within the large open-air amphitheater at Fort Raleigh Historic Website on Roanoke Island. This 12 months, their season runs from Might 29 to Aug. 23, 2025. Entrancing for all ages, it’s price making a visit to OBX simply to see this legendary efficiency that has wowed over 4 million spectators since 1937.
2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: Outside journey
Whenever you consider nature within the Outer Banks, you most likely consider seashores, however do you know it’s dwelling to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast?
The shifting panorama at Jockey’s Ridge State Park seems nearly unreal with its huge expanse of sentimental pale brown peaks and islands of inexperienced timber peeping by. One of the best ways to expertise it? Kick off your sneakers and climb to the highest, providing a panoramic sweep of each the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound.
Past the views, Jockey’s Ridge is an journey hub. Grasp gliders catch the breeze from its slopes and are enjoyable to look at. Children will love flying kites from the highest of the dunes. You too can go kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sandboarding, and there’s swimming entry on the soundside.
Tip: This can be a fabulous spot for sunrises and sunsets.
Admission is free.
3. Jennette’s Pier
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: Affordability and comfort
Jennette’s Pier is greater than a spot to go fishing, although it’s nice for that too.
Run by the North Carolina Aquarium, this attraction options free indoor fish reveals, formally referred to as the Pier Piling Aquarium. And truthfully, the AC presents a welcome respite. With clear restrooms, benches, and Wi-Fi, it’s a pleasant spot to regroup for a couple of minutes whereas the youngsters are mesmerized by the colourful fish.
Exterior, the pier stretches 1,000 ft into the Atlantic. You possibly can stroll the pier for a nominal payment. For an particularly nice picture for no value, head beneath the place the picket pilings body the waves rolling in.
4. Roanoke Island Pageant Park
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: Residing historical past
We couldn’t resolve if the sailor on the ship was really British or simply tremendous into his function, however suffice it to say, the residing historical past interpreters at Roanoke Pageant Island Park actually do deliver historical past to life. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a duplicate Sixteenth-century crusing ship, to learn the way they steered ships earlier than they’d useful issues like wheels and the way the early expeditions to the New World had been run.
Positioned by itself 25-acre island, the park presents a glimpse of early settler life as you watch the blacksmith ply his commerce, strive your hand at woodworking, and gown up in armor, 1500s-style.
Elsewhere, take heed to Native American tales (like how the solar acquired its rays), go to the indoor museum with its interactive reveals, and watch a movie concerning the Roanoke voyages.
All in all, it’s a fantastic cease whenever you’re touring across the Outer Banks with children so you’ll be able to low-key slip one thing academic into the enjoyable.
5. Elizabethan Gardens
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: Anybody who likes flowers or fairies
When you have a child into fairies, there’s a particular deal with in retailer for them on the Elizabethan Gardens. Decide up a map to hunt for all 12 sprites hidden across the backyard. Additionally they have a youngsters’s backyard, referred to as the Discovery Cottage, the place children can climb a ship, dig within the soil, play in a mini Elizabethan home, and be taught by terrariums, microscopes, and extra indoors. Close by is an lively butterfly backyard buzzing with pollinators.
All ages can respect the beautiful floral show by the seasons: camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, wisteria, and extra. There’s at all times one thing in bloom.
The gardens additionally function sculptures and fountains that elevate the pure magnificence. See a monumental bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I, the most important on this planet, and the marble determine of Virginia Dare as she may need appeared if she lived to maturity. (Did she? Nobody is aware of.)
Tip: Go as quickly as they open in summer time for the perfect climate.
6. Outer Banks Seashores
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: A soothing day within the solar
In your North Carolina street journey, you’ve acquired to take the household to the OBX seashores. Whether or not you’re searching for large stretches of sand to unfold out, shelling, or wish to trip the waves, the OBX shoreline delivers. Standard seashores in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are simply accessible.
And there are many beachy eats close by on this space. I like to recommend I Obtained Your Crabs, an oyster bar owned and household restaurant owned by a third-generation OBX fisherman. No-nonsense and informal, this place is beloved by locals for its recent seafood. Splurge on the nachos, loaded with eight ounces of recent blue crab and plenty of cheese — so good.
For one thing cool and candy, Surfin’ Spoon is our prime choose. Go for frozen yogurt with all of the toppings and mouthwatering ice cream cookie sandwiches (like a pretzel graham cracker cookie full of sea salt caramel ice cream). It’s powerful to resolve between a sandwich and a bowl of froyo, however households are made for sharing.
7. Duck Boardwalk
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: Purchasing and eating
This boardwalk is a free attraction definitely worth the brief drive north to the charming city of Duck.
Absorb the pure surroundings alongside the Currituck Sound, and dip into the Waterfront Outlets for eclectic presents, trend, and souvenirs. The unique Duck Donuts is right here too, a should in case you’ve by no means tried one. There are additionally full-service eating places on the Duck Boardwalk, like NC Coast Grill & Bar, Aqua Restaurant, and The Blue Level, the place you’ll be able to dig into hearty plates of surf and turf proper by the water.
Discover loads extra eating close by. In case you’re searching for a cultured dinner that’s nonetheless household pleasant, hit up Crimson Sky Informal Eating & Cocktails. Their U-10 scallops are scrumptious.
8. Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Finest for: A scenic drive
In case you’re on this web site, you most likely don’t thoughts a drive. The Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway is likely one of the greatest, a coastal route stretching 138 miles alongside NC Freeway 12.
You’ll want to go to Bodie Island Lighthouse. If you wish to climb to the highest, simply get tickets on-line prematurely since you’ll be able to’t purchase tickets there. However even in case you don’t have climbing tour tickets, you’ll be able to benefit from the grounds, birds, trails, and photographing the beautiful striped lighthouse.
There are many different pull-offs alongside your drive towards Hatteras Island. Pack a swimsuit and seashore gear in your automotive. You by no means know whenever you’ll come throughout the proper empty stretch of shoreline that calls to you.
Tip: Swing by Waves Market and Deli for his or her glorious, budget-friendly sandwiches, and take them to go to get pleasure from beachside.
On the drive again north, pull over at one of many soundside entry factors between Avon and Buxton to look at the solar sink behind the Pamlico Sound.
The place To Keep within the Outer Banks
This can be a in style trip vacation spot, so anticipate a big selection with regards to lodging. 5-star resorts? You wager. Roadside motels? They’ve acquired ’em.
Listed below are two nice stays I can personally advocate.
The Pearl
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
Conveniently situated in downtown Manteo, The Pearl presents a boutique resort expertise that’s elegant but additionally comfy and informal. It’s nice for households and can be completely good for a {couples} getaway.
Every of the 16 rooms are uniquely adorned with paintings and accents that can remind you of an Italian palazzo. I beloved the subtle touches of vintage gold and inexperienced towards shades of taupe and sandstone in my room in addition to the luxurious materials, Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, fashionable and smooth tiled rest room, and good TV dealing with the mattress. They’ve household suites too if you wish to unfold out, and the entrance desk service is heat and welcoming.
We particularly beloved our go to to the foyer every morning for espresso and a light-weight breakfast, included with our keep. It often featured one thing pleasant from Mia’s Bake Store & Tea Room throughout the road — espresso cake, danish, or (our absolute favourite) candy potato biscuits with ham.
Bonus: The Pearl has the perfect view in all of Manteo from their rooftop greenspace. You possibly can take your morning pastry up there to get pleasure from lounging on the astroturf or wind down the day swinging on a porch swing at sundown.
The Pearl’s location in the course of Manteo’s waterfront district means there’s quite a bit inside straightforward strolling distance. Throughout my two-night keep, we strolled to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Store for lunch, cooled off with ice cream from Frosties Downtown Manteo, dropped into artsy outlets, and wandered out to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse to benefit from the view.
Surf Aspect Lodge
Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig
For households preferring beachside digs, the Surf Aspect Lodge in Nags Head is an inexpensive spot with a primo location. Located proper on the ocean, this resort supplies personal seashore entry and even complimentary seashore towels and chairs so you’ll be able to maximize your time swimming, browsing, sunbathing, or constructing sandcastles.
The rooms are comfy, and the balcony views can’t be beat.
They’ve acquired nice facilities too: not one however two swimming pools (indoors and out), a sizzling tub, recent cookies each day, and a wine and cheese reception within the afternoon. A buffet breakfast is included, serving conventional fare like biscuits and gravy, bagels, grits, fruit cups, mini quiches, and far more. If it’s essential head out early, additionally they have a continental breakfast earlier than 8 a.m. that’s a bit extra restricted with pastries and different assorted treats that can assist you in your means.
