Outer Banks activities and experiences

Fun and memorable options are never hard to find in the Outer Banks, where one-of-a-kind attractions, tours, shops, and events make room for the entire family.

The Outer Banks, aka OBX, is known for meeting challenges head-on and coming through with character intact. These barrier islands form a narrow stretch of sand that shifts with time, yet the spirit of the destination stays steady. Its broad natural beaches and spacious parks can feel far away from everyday life, though getting here only requires a drive rather than a flight or cruise. Trip Ideas are available to help shape your vacation, whether you see yourself as an adventure junkie, history buff, or nature enthusiast. Explore favorite Outer Banks activities from the air, across the land, or out on the water.

Ways to enjoy the Outer Banks

• Attractions
• Trails & Experiences
• Tours & Lessons
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks & Wildlife
• Museums & Historic Sites
• Shopping
• Spas & Wellness

Activity directory highlights

The full things-to-do directory includes 1 - 15 of 241 results in this view.

• Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
• OBX Ghost Tours, 307 Queen Elizabeth Ave
• Village Beach Club, 5805 S Virginia Dare Trail
• Kitty Hawk Kites & Adventures, 3933 S. Croatan Hwy.
• Kellogg Supply + The Cottage Shop, 1201 Duck Road
• The Lost Colony, 1409 National Park Dr.
• 17th Street Surf Shop, 1007 S Croatan Hwy
• Ace Run Disc Golf Course, 1788, 264 US-64
• Aero Tours in the Outer Banks, 410 Airport Road
• African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina, Through Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
• Aviation Park, 103 Veteran's Drive
• Avon Fishing Pier, 41001 HWY12
• Avon Shopping Center, 41934 NC Highway 12
• Beach EZ Rentals, 605 W Fresh Pond Drive

Browse by region

• Manteo (54)
• Nags Head (46)
• Duck (31)
• Kill Devil Hills (30)
• Kitty Hawk (27)

Browse by category

• Shopping (86)
• Outdoor Activities & Sports (56)
• Kid Friendly (44)
• Attractions (36)
• Entertainment (23)

Browse by amenity

• Work w/Motorcoach Groups in Senior/Student Markets (16)

Explore the blog

Culinary

• Where to Eat on a Three Day Foodie Trip to the Outer Banks — 9 min read
• Explore the Outer Banks Brewery & Spirits Trail — 7 min read

History & Heritage

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration: What Visitors Need to Know — 7 min read

Family Fun

• Budget Travel on the Outer Banks — 6 min read
• Flying High with Park Rangers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial — 5 min read
• How to Plan a Successful Home Rental in the Outer Banks for your Family — 9 min read
• Tips to Build a Beach Fire — 3 min read
• Spend a Day in Nags Head — 4 min read
• Spend a Day in Kill Devil Hills, NC — 3 min read

Outdoor Enthusiast

• Sailing the Outer Banks: A Comprehensive Guide to Charters and Nautical Adventures — 3 min read

More interest areas

• Active Outdoor
• By Hand | Creative & Culinary
• Family Fun
• History & Heritage
• Passive Outdoor

Additional vacation-planning ideas

Special Deals feature last minute vacation deals in OBX. Attractions include lighthouses, museums, and more along the national seashore. The Free Travel Guide offers a FREE Inspiration Guide for planning an Outer Banks vacation.