Things to Do In The Outer Banks

Planning a visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina? Our vacation guide was created by the experts at Twiddy to help you plan your dream vacation. Whether you’re here for a single night or all summer, and want to adventure on land, sea or air there are plenty of things to do on the beautiful Outer Banks.

Explore by Town

Another Outer Banks gem is just a short drive away.

Things to Do

Plan your trip around the types of activities you love.

Local Services

Anything you need to make your vacation as smooth as can be.

The Twiddy Team's Favorites

The Outer Banks is our home and we want you to love it as much as we do! View our recommendations below to eat, drink and play like a local.

Corolla

Corolla Bait & Tackle

Activities

"The best private surf fishing lessons!”

Nina

Duck

The Blue Point

Restaurants

“Always fresh and always delicious. Best view in Duck and if tuna is the special - grab it, you won't be disappointed!”

Shelley

Nags Head

Sea Green Gallery

Shopping

“They have the coolest selection. They also sell a lot of Outer Banks art and memorabilia.”

Blair

All Towns

Moneysworth Rentals

Rentals

“Moneysworth Rentals is your one-stop rental shop for all of your vacation needs.”

Erica

Our Local Take On The Best Places To Visit In The Outer Banks

Visit One Of Our 5 Lighthouses

From the Bodie Island lighthouse in Nags head to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, the OBX has no shortage of lighthouses rich with history and panoramic views of the barrier island from the top. Make a day trip to visit each of the five by starting in Corolla and venturing down South, all the way to Ocracoke.

Brush Up On Your Wright Brothers History

The Wright Brothers Memorial and Museum are both located in Kill Devil Hills. Once you finish an unforgettable tour of these monuments, head over to Kitty Hawk to see the marker where Orville and Wilbur once lived. Still not satisfied? Take an aero tour and experience what it’s like to fly in a biplane or helicopter for yourself!

Try Our Local Seafood

Fresh oysters, mouth-watering shrimp, the most flavorful tuna you’ll ever eat - these are just a few of the delicious fresh catches you can find on local menus. We’d be lying if we said eating some of this amazing fare wasn’t one of our favorite things to do in the Outer Banks.

Water Sport Activities

From surfing to parasailing, and kayaking to paddleboarding, there are watersport options available for people of all ages and experiences. Local water sport instructors love what they do and where they live and are excited to introduce you to the thrill of the outdoors in the OBX.

Hit The Shops!

As with any vacation, shopping is a must! The Outer Banks has a multitude of options from quaint souvenir boutiques to surf shops to help you find the perfect items to remember your trip and share it with those you love. The shops in Duck are one of our personal favorite places to visit as they’re neatly lined along the waterfront, making them the perfect spot for a quick photo op too!

Stop By Jockey’s Ridge State park

Located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge is one of the most popular state parks in North Carolina and features over 400 acres of majestic sand dunes! If you’ve never been hang gliding, we can’t recommend a better place to do it. For more risk-averse folks, the hiking in Jockey’s Ridge is unparalleled, too.

Explore Things to Do in OBX

Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to relax, adventure or a mixture of both, click on a category to get started and find a handful of memorable things to do in the Outer Banks.