What to do in Outer Banks, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Outer Banks

Types of activities

Where to stay

Outer Banks travel guide

Wright Brothers National Memorial which includes a statue or sculpture

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center which includes fishing, signage and a bay or harbour

Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

Places to Visit in Outer Banks

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Outer Banks attractions from NZ$27, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Outer Banks tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 6 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Outer Banks. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

When you drive into Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you might see oystercatchers or piping plovers flying overhead before you even hear the waves on the beach. These are signs of the magical place you’re entering. Spend at least a weekend exploring the 70 miles (110 kilometers) of coastline that are part of this remarkable preserve.

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2. Jennette's Pier

Experience some of the finest fishing available in the Outer Banks at Jennette’s Pier. Learn about the region’s history in the pier house. The pier was completely rebuilt after major destruction in 2003 when Hurricane Isabel blasted through the area. With support from the North Carolina Aquarium Society it is now an eco-friendly education center and a sustainable fishing hotspot.

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3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina should make a point of seeing the twisting, white and black stripes of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The distinctive spiral pattern on this structure makes it a pretty subject for a photo. Come to see a beautiful relic of maritime technology and learn about the troubled history of those who have relied on its guidance in nearby waters.

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse showing a lighthouse

4. Bodie Island Lighthouse

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Bodie Island Lighthouse showing a lighthouse

5. Wright Brothers National Memorial

If you’ve read about the first plane taking off near Kitty Hawk, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where this epochal moment occurred. Stand in the trail of history and see where Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their first four test flights between 1900 and 1903.

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Recommended things to do in Outer Banks

Number of things to do	6
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: NZ$27
Top 5 things to do	Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4x4 Lorry Self-Guided Audio Driving Bundle of Outer Banks Tours Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Driving Tour
Half-day tours	2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4x4 Lorry Private Professiona Vacationl Photoshoot in Outer Banks OBX
With kids	2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4x4 Lorry Private Professiona Vacationl Photoshoot in Outer Banks OBX

What to do in Outer Banks

Discover the most popular places to visit in Outer Banks

Jennette's Pier

Fish for striped bass, flounder and bluefish or simply admire the oceanfront surroundings from this eco-friendly pier in North Carolina’s beautiful Nags Head.

Corolla Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Corolla Beach during your trip to Whalehead Beach?

Nags Head Fishing Pier

Explore the waterfront of Nags Head Fishing Pier and enjoy activities such as fishing in Nags Head. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

This soaring brick lighthouse is among the very tallest in North America. It’s a great place to learn about American maritime history.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Climb the iconic lighthouse just south of Nags Head and experience spectacular natural views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding areas.

Duck Boardwalk

After visiting Duck Boardwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Duck. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

A true testament to the origins of aviation history, this monument is also a visually impressive and inspiring feature of the North Carolina landscape.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Admire the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, explore the maritime forest and see the shallow Roanoke Sound body of water in this unique state park.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

With a large range of boat choices, one of the eastern seaboard’s largest charter boat fishing fleets has options for all fishing enthusiasts, and non-fishermen too.

Explore areas of Outer Banks

South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Corolla Beach.

Corolla Village

While visiting Corolla Village, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Currituck Beach.

Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whalehead and Outer Banks Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Carolina Dunes

Though Carolina Dunes may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Sanderling Spa and Nor'Banks Sailing.

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