Surrounded by plentiful waters and teeming with unique wildlife, the Outer Banks provides easy access to outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and charter fishing. Search for wild horses on a 4x4 safari tour, or visit one of many famous lighthouses and other historic attractions.
A vast selection of golf courses will challenge even the most avid golfer. Mini-golf and other family favorites are also at your fingertips. There’s an Outer Banks activity everyone in the family will love! Here are some of our favorite Outer Banks attractions in each area to help you plan the action-packed, well-rounded beach vacation of your dreams! Keep an eye out for the Twiddy Preferred badge to check out our personal favorites.
What kind of activity are you looking for? Attractions 15 Casual Dining 3 Equipment Rentals 6 Fishing 16 Gifts & Specialty Shops 1 Golfing 9 Grocery & Food Markets 1 Nightlife 1 Recreation & Leisure 35 Restaurant 3 Services 5 Shopping 5 Spa & Massage 2 Specialty Spirits 2 Surf Shops & Beach Gear 4 Tours & Adventures 31 Budget-Friendly 2 Dog-Friendly 1 Family-Friendly 58 Good for Groups 13 Rainy Day 11 Romantic/Couples 4 Preferred 24 activities matching . Clear Filters
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Aqua Restaurant offers fresh regional cuisine, exquisite wines and casual dining in an elegant waterfront setting on the Outer Banks. Overlooking peaceful waters, Aqua Spa is the oasis of serenity on the Outer Banks with a full menu of spa services that are designed to renew and relax you during treatments using only organic products.
Surf gear and apparel. Surf lessons and rentals also available. Located in Monterey Plaza, Corolla.
Shop top surf brands and learn to surf with killer lessons.
A premier choice for 4x4 and segway adventure tours, Back Country Safari Tours offers off-road eco-excursions by way of sport utility vehicle, segway or kayak. Located in the Corolla Light Town Center, these guys will help you explore the Outer Banks in a whole new way.
Since 1962, Corolla Outback Adventures have offered off-road four-wheel drive tours, teaching visitors and natives alike about the fragile ecosystem and local folklore. Located next to the Corolla post office, Corolla Outback Adventures will take you on a ride through the wild horse sanctuary guided by seasoned veterans.
Led by knowledgeable guides that have been certified by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Corolla Wild Horse Tours guarantees you will see the wild horses of the 4x4 Beaches of the Outer Banks along the 25-mile, two hour trip of off-road cruising and educational exploration.
Set out to find Corolla's Wild Spanish Mustangs through three different ecosystems on an open-air Hummer tour through the Carova "outback."
Soar high above the rest with the Outer Banks' premier parasailing authority. Their locally Licensed 100 Ton Master Captain owner-operators have over sixty years combined industry experience and will be parasailing from the Northern Beaches, Duck, and Corolla - proving to be an unmatched parasail empire here on the OBX. Three convenient locations in Duck and Corolla.
Connect with your family and friends while experiencing the culture and beauty of the Outer Banks like never before! Head out in a kayak, crab boat, or paddle board in the heart of Historic Corolla Village and let the professionals guide you through the interesting ecology and spectacular scenery found on the OBX.
From beginner to advanced practices, Village Yoga offers studio and private yoga classes in the serenity of your Twiddy and Company vacation rental, private home, and even out on the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks. Their well-trained and knowledgeable instructors teach in a nurturing and relaxing environment that meets the needs of all levels of yoga practice for both visitors and local residents alike.
Fishing fun for the whole family! Friendly, local knowledge, rod and reel rentals, crabbing supplies and rentals and charter fishing trips. Located next to the Inn at Corolla Light and the Harris Teeter Shopping Center.
Located « mile north of the Currituck Lighthouse, the Corolla Adventure Park opened in the summer of 2016 after the success of its sister park in Nags Head and is now the largest aerial adventure park on the Outer Banks!
Providing quality equipment, excellent customer service, and a safe environment since 1979, Nor'Banks Sailing and Watersports is an Outer Banks premier watersports haven. With everything from waverunners, parasailing and sailboat rentals and lessons, to tubing, pontoon boats, kayaks and more, Nor'Banks is the place to be in Duck if you are looking for an outdoor water adventure during your next Outer Banks vacation. Twiddy guests enjoy 10% off! Use code TWIDDY10 for 10% off of all activities and rentals (cannot be combined with other specials).
Located five miles north of Duck, North Carolina, is a playground waiting to be explored during your Outer Banks vacation. Featuring a spa, on-site kayaking, surfing and SUP tours and lessons, the Sanderling Resort has a little bit of relaxing and excitement for everyone.
With the finest hair and nail care services available, the Spa at Sanderling offers guests manicure and pedicure packages, as well as hair care options, to have you looking and feeling your best during your next Outer Banks vacation. Also offering different treatments, massages, body care options, skin restoration packages and even a gentleman's care selection, the Spa at Sanderling has all of the luxurious pampering you would ever need on the Outer Banks situated in one location.
Four miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, this Outer Banks golf course offers some of the most challenging holes on the Outer Banks and some of the most scenic views, as well.
The Pointe Golf Club is located on U.S. 158, just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, and is open to the public. The Pointe received 4.5 Stars from Golf Advisor and, in addition to its excellent greens, boasts a premier practice facility.
Climb aboard for a real taste of the Outer Banks! Explore the beautiful Albemarle Sound and surrounding waterways aboard the 45' coastal trawler, Jawfly. Create your own fishing, shrimping or crabbing trips and cook your catch on board!
Located on the Manteo Waterfront, this family-friendly adventure ensures that you WILL see dolphins on our outing!
Let the experienced and certified instructors at Skydive OBX take you on a tandem jump you will never forget above the beautiful sites of the Outer Banks!
Enjoy fishing and family fun on the 1,000-foot long public pier, where world class fishing, good family fun, and educational programs & camps meet all in one iconic place on the Outer Banks.
A 46' Sheldon Midgett craft, the Backin' Up is the largest of the inshore boat fleet at Pirate's Cove! Near-shore charters offer a fishing trip that is perfect for everyone from the seasoned fisherman to families and children.
Offering crabbing, shrimping and fishing charters to vacationers and locals of the Outer Banks, Croatan Charters is also happy to tailor make a boating trip to your group's desires, such as clamming, sightseeing, or touring a sand island, for example. Create the fishing trip of your dreams with Croatan Charters.
The Lost Colony has been a fixture on the Outer Banks since 1937. The nation's longest-running outdoor symphonic drama tells the story of the first permanent English settlement in the new world and their mysterious disappearance.
The famous Kitty Hawk Kites offers parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, jet ski tours and rentals, kayak rentals, surfboard rentals and more!
A favorite among locals, DVO has a fashionable selection of beach attire and accessories, matched by accommodating equipment rentals and kayak tours. Twiddy guests can enjoy a 15 % discount on equipment rental orders of $100 or more, and may choose from an array of beach cruisers to surfboards, paddleboards and scenic kayak tour bookings with promo code TR2020.
Providing safe, family fun to see the wild horses of the Outer Banks, the guides of Back Beach Wild Horse Tours will teach you about the history, wildlife and vegetation in an entertaining way while cruising in an open-air safari-style vehicle.
Offering guided tours to see the wild horses of Corolla in an open-air safari-style truck, while viewing the beautiful Outer Banks landscape, other wildlife, and hearing about famous Outer Banks folklore and tradition, Bob's Wild Horse Tours is one of the many entertaining horse tours available on the Outer Banks.
Explore the miles of secluded water trails through the marshland between Duck and Corolla with the kayak guides at Coastal Kayak Touring Company. As partners with the National Audubon Society, they are able to provide an exclusive tour of one of the Outer Banks least traveled and most sought-after wildlife sanctuaries. Crabbing and fishing charters, dolphin watch cruises, parasailing, waverunners, kayak rentals, stand up paddle board rentals are also available.
With a full fleet of kayaks and 4x4s, Corolla Jeep Adventures offers wild horse tours, safari truck rides, and even the option to drive one of their Jeeps yourself to create the touring adventure that is right for you!
Preserving the past, managing the present, and improving the future. The Donal C. O'Brien Sanctuary in Corolla is one of the last pieces of untouched property on the northeastern portion of the Outer Banks. A 60-acre education campus, surrounding a historic 1913 hunt club, hosts researchers, adult education participants, and conservation leaders striving to ensure a brighter future for birds and other wildlife. The public can enjoy the property through kayak tours, public programs and a 2.5-mile nature trail.
Kiteboarding lessons and classes taught in the shallow waters of the Currituck Sound, with the beautiful Historic Whalehead and Currituck Lighthouse as the backdrop. From beginner to advanced, Corolla kiteboarding has the gear, experience and expertise to get you where you want to go!
Championship Outer Banks golf course designed by award-winning course designer Rees Jones. Ideally situated on the Currituck Sound, this course is one you won't want to miss during your next Outer Banks vacation.
Whether you're looking for wild family fun or an upscale resort getaway, H2OBX is the place to be in the Outer Banks! Packed with 30 adrenaline-inducing rides, slides, and attractions. Located just over the Wright Memorial Bridge in Powells Point
One of the most popular "attractions" on the Outer Banks are the wild Spanish Mustangs that naturally inhabit the northern beaches. Take one of the many horse tours or enjoy the 4x4 beaches in your own personal vehicle in hopes of catching a glimpse of these beauties. Be sure to maintain a safe distance and follow the rules of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund when in close proximity to the animals.
Restored by Outer Banks conservationists in 1991, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built in 1875 and is one of the few lighthouses in North Carolina that are open to the public for climbing. Located right in the heart of Historic Corolla Village, the red-brick lighthouse provides climbers with a panoramic view from sound to sea, lending a spectacular perspective of the delicate barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks.
With more than 250 decoys, an exhibit gallery, an 8,400-gallon aquarium, gift shop, daily tours and free admission, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is an excellent place to bring the entire family to combine education, local history & excitement in one local attraction! The center offers educational programs for all ages (reservations required) including birding, kayaking, decoy carving, fishing, nature walks and beach exploration.
The perfect place to catch a sunset, launch your boat, let your kids run around or have a wedding, Whalehead in Historic Corolla provides a backdrop like none you've ever seen! Built in the 1920s, this stately soundfront estate, situated at the base of the Currituck Lighthouse, has served as a private vacation residence, a boys' school and an army training base. Today, it is open for daily tours and is the location of many of the wonderful events and activities held here on the Outer Banks.
Boat tour that departs Duck and crosses the scenic Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards for a wine tour.
Offering lessons, tours, rentals, stand up paddleboard yoga and more, Outer Banks Paddleboard located in the heart of Duck has everything you need to get you up on a paddleboard and out exploring the beautiful waters of the Outer Banks during your next vacation.
Duck Woods Country Club is a semi--private course that demands accuracy and precision on each hole, especially the 14 holes that parallel the water. The spectacular views and meticulously-maintained greens are sure to impress!
Serving the Outer Banks with local fishing knowledge and equipment since 1982, Bob's Bait and Tackle has a great selection of rods, reels, lures & tackle, and also offers Outer Banks fishing charters. Located at the south end of Duck Village.
Offering a large selection of fishing rods, reels and tackle, as well as offshore, inshore and sound fishing charter options to choose from, Sharky's Bait, Tackle and Charters has everything you need for fishing success during your next Duck, N.C. vacation.
Extending nearly a mile along the Currituck Sound, the Duck Town Boardwalk is an ideal place to access the sound, visit many retail shops along the way, and enjoy one of the best sunset views on the Outer Banks.
Featuring 11 acres of trails through maritime forest, open green space, soundside views and access to the Duck Town Boardwalk, the Duck Town Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for recreation, enjoying the live music featured on a weekly basis in the summertime, and events and activities put on by the town of Duck.
A local's' favorite, this The Carolina Club, rated 4.7 Stars from Golf Advisor, can be found on U.S. 158, 13.5 miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge.
An affordable golf outing on the Outer Banks, Holly Ridge Golf Course, located on mainland Currituck, offers golfers a beautiful full-size driving range and practice putting greens.
In addition to rentals, retreats and camps, Kitty Hawk Kayaks also specializes in eco-tours to guide you in exploring the sounds, estuaries, bays and islands of the Outer Banks.
Located just one block from the ocean in Kitty Hawk, this unforgettable Par 70 golf course was designed by Master's Champion Art Wall.
Offering yoga and Pilates mat classes, beach yoga, private sessions, meditation, workshops and more, the instructors at Outer Banks Yoga are internationally trained and inspired.
In case it rains during your Outer Banks vacation, or you're in need of a little quality family time shaded from the summer sun, grab your crew and some popcorn and enjoy a movie at the R/C Movie Theater in Kill Devil Hills.
The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve includes rare and delicate habitats comprising 1,824 acres of meandering estuaries, maritime forests, marsh and deciduous swamp. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and even horseback riding is welcome on designated paths throughout the beautiful reserve.
Guided kayak tours through maritime forests, wildlife refuges, and historical locations await you at Outer Banks Kayak Adventures. Children's kayak tours and SUP tours are also available
A yoga studio and soulful gathering place located in the heart of the Outer Banks. Affordable yoga classes of all types are offered, for everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners, from early morning to late evening.
Experience beautiful sunrises, a convenient pier store, plenty of fish and lots of fun at Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills!
Take a walk where history was made at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Experience the wonder of learning about the details that led Orville and Wilbur Wright to achieve man's first flight, right where you are standing. Great for the entire family!
Private and group surf lessons, surf coaching, sunset and eco SUP tours and more, Farmdog Surf School is available to help watersports enthusiasts of all levels to accomplish their surfing and SUP goals and enjoy the open water during their Outer Banks vacation.
Guided watersport tours from Kitty Hawk Water Sports include jet ski, kayak, banana boat and dolphin tours, and even an overnight kayak tour, too! In addition, they offer rentals and lessons on just about anything you're looking to do on the water during your Outer Banks vacation.
Run by biologists, the Nags Head Dolphin Watch takes adventurers on an eco-tour to search for the wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and learn about dolphin research, as well as interesting information about other beloved aquatic animals found on the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks Adventures offers airboat rides, eco tours, SUP tours, lessons and more! With options like a sunrise or sunset tour, picnic and a tour, a photography outing, historical tours, family fun adventures, corporate retreats and more, Outer Banks Adventures is a great way to experience the Outer Banks coast with your family or friends.
On-site surf lessons from Corolla to Hatteras, offering group and private lessons, as well as summer camp packages for surfers of all ages and skill levels.
Soar over the Outer Banks in a 1942 open -cockpit biplane or in a Cessna 172 for a bird's eye view of dolphins, sea turtles, shipwrecks, the Wright Brothers' Monument, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more!
Experience the magic, romance and adventure of an open cockpit biplane ride! With room for two passengers, soar the skies over the beautiful Outer Banks to enjoy the Bodie Island Lighthouse, sealife, and the birthplace of aviation, the Wright Brothers Monument from the air. Or, experience the flight of a lifetime in our authentic WWII T6 trainer warbird `Sweet Sophia'...with room for one passenger, don't miss this opportunity to fly in on of the most important aircraft in aviation history. Come share the joy of flight with us!
The first "legal" distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina can be found in the heart of historic downtown Manteo. Offering daily tours and tastings of their trademark Kill Devil Rum, Outer Banks Distilling has quickly become a must-see during your next Outer Banks vacation.
Coastal Helicopters offers air tours along the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks...with room for three passengers, every seat is a window seat. Our air conditioned Robinson R-44 helicopter gives you a smooth ride along the ocean with the chance to see lighthouses, shipwrecks and sea life including schools of dolphin, fish, sea turtles, and the occasional whale!
A true Scottish links-style championship course, Nags Head Golf Links has everything a golfer could want, situated on a beautiful location on the banks of the Roanoke Sound.
The Ashtanga Yoga Center is dedicated to the traditional practice of Ashtanga Yoga, and the instructors offer weekly group classes, as well as private lessons at your desired location.
Hot yoga classes centrally located in Nags Head
Late-night Rock n' Bowl, league tournaments, parties and more can be found at the Outer Banks Bowling Center in Nags Head.
Your familiar YMCA facility located in Nags Head. Enjoy health and fitness activities, aquatics and family sports options while on vacation on the Outer Banks at the local YMCA.
Laser tag and arcade provide family fun in Nags Head!
The ultimate trampoline park on the Outer Banks! Get airborne with open jump trampolines, a foam pit, and an epic ninja obstacle course. Located in Manteo, just minutes from Nags Head.
One of the oldest and longest piers on the Outer Banks, the Nags Head Fishing Pier is a great place to cast out your line and reel in memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're fishing for fun, sport or for a delicious meal, Nags Head Fishing Pier is the place to be.
For more than 50 years the fishing professionals at the Outer Banks Fishing Pier have been helping anglers make the most of their Outer Banks fishing experiences. In addition to their tackle shop, pier and boat rentals, you can also find Fish Heads Bar & Grill located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, offering premier oceanfront dining and live local music in the summertime.
Whether it is the Rock Solid out of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, the Carolina Blue at Thicket Lump Marina or the Southern Run (goes wherever the fish are biting!)... WE WILL GET YOU RIGGED UP!
Home of the largest and most modern charter fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is also a full-service marina that offers tailor-made fishing experiences to fishing enthusiasts of all types!
A boating resort community, complete with a world-class marina, charters, tournaments and more, Pirate's Cove Marina is dedicated to providing the complete spectrum of fishing needs to Outer Banks vacationers and locals alike.
Enjoy hiking, jogging, birding, events and activities among the sand dunes, marshes, and wetlands off the beaten path of the Outer Banks. Trails are available for self-guided hikes during the day. Trails range from easy to strenuous, from 0.25 mile to 3.75 miles, including an ADA Trail. Guided hikes are offered during certain times of the year.
Located at MP 16 in Nags Head, First Flight Adventure Park was the first aerial park of its kind on the Outer Banks and is designed for thrill seekers of varying skill levels, ages 6 and up, to tackle the 48 different obstacles 50 feet in the air overlooking the sound and ocean.
Visit the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, located right in Nags Head! Fly a kite, hike up to the top, or enjoy the panoramic view from the ocean to the sound at Jockey's Ridge State Park.
Challenge your whole family to a real-life adventure game. Perfect for a rainy day activity or a break from the beach!
Located in the Village of Wanchese on Roanoke Island. Wanchese is famous for its fishing culture, beautiful views and quick access to the Atlantic Ocean. Eager to get a taste of the high seas? Join one of their knowledgeable captains for a chance to make some memories to last a lifetime. Inshore, nearshore and offshore charters are offered, along with shrimping/crabbing and dive charters. Their diverse fleet allows the opportunity to find the perfect Outer Banks adventure for you and your family. All licenses, bait and tackle are included with your charter. All-inclusive packages can be arranged for groups. After your adventure, bring your cleaned catch to their Landing Grill and let them cook it for you – a wonderful way to end your day.
Watch wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins jump and splash right in front of you - a great time for the entire family! The trip is 2 hours in duration and leaves multiple times per day, including a sunset cruise. Private charters are also available. Stop into Wanchese Marina store to purchase snacks and beverages, or feel free to bring your own cooler.
Spreading the love of Outer Banks surfing while providing a safe, positive, and fun experience to surfing students of all ages and skill levels. On-site surfing lessons from Corolla to Hatteras.
Turf's Up OBX is the premier Outer Banks sports club that provides you the opportunity to enjoy sports using ultra high-quality simulators. We have over 91 golf courses to choose from, and 13 other sports and games, including golf, soccer, baseball, softball, zombie dodgeball, hockey, virtual reality and more. Reserve turf time to enjoy some of your favorite sports or relax in the sports bar. Turf's Up caters to all ages and levels. You may even reserve the facility for a party, family reunion, or other special occasion. This is one OBX adventure that shouldn't be missed!
Take a ride in their red, open cockpit biplane or book a Cessna tour. Home of the $15 rides all day! Contact OBX Airplanes for more information. Personalized airplane banners are also available.
Local nonprofit dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County. The fine arts and craft gallery in Manteo features emerging and established Outer Banks artists and is open to the public. Featured art rotates regularly. Art workshops are held weekly, including Kids Art Party, where children are guided through creating their own masterpiece. A one-of-a-kind OBX vacation souvenir!
Buffalo City Jug Shop is named in honor of Buffalo City, the once logging and moonshining community a few miles inland from the Outer Banks. Offering a growler filling station with 24 beers on tap and a large selection of craft bottle beer and wine as well.
Captain Frank offers 3, 4, 6, and 8-hour private fishing charters in pursuit of saltwater fish, such as striper, speckled trout, red drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more. Special family fishing trips are offered, where it's all about the kids catching their own fish!
The Outer Banks is more than just a string of pretty beaches, although for some of us, that in itself would be enough! While days drenched in sunshine and saltwater are the ingredients to some of the most beautiful vacations, there are more activities and attractions here than what meets the eye.
Unique adventure tours offering perspectives of the landscape and wildlife you might not have ever seen before, exciting sporting options, world-class golf courses, and top-notch fishing opportunities can all be found in abundance, filling your next Outer Banks vacation with endless possibilities of fun, excitement, and the building blocks of unforgettable memories and good times.
"So much fun and you can stay there all day and they have a lot of activities as well, hang gliding, kite flying and some tours of the dunes!”
"History of the first flight, beautiful views. ”
"Views are great and an unexpected fun thing to do in the heart of Duck.”
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.
Each town on the Outer Banks has different experiences to offer. Learn all about where you’re staying, then take advantage of things to do nearby in neighboring areas!
Rest assured we are taking all necessary precautions to prepare for your upcoming vacation in the wake of COVID-19. Hospitality and cleanliness are a top priority, especially as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters with you.
All homes are cleaned to industry standards Watch a Video
Stores and businesses are open and look forward to seeing you
Beaches are still beautiful and the sun is still shining View Beach Cam
Questions or concerns? Call Us: (252) 457-1100 Text Us: (252) 888-2598
The Outer Banks now open to visitors! We're so excited for your visit and rest assured we are taking all necessary precautions to prepare for your upcoming vacation in the wake of COVID-19. Hospitality and cleanliness are still our top priority. For more information, read our response to coronvavirus.
Still have questions or concerns? Read our frequently asked questions.
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