How to Enjoy North Carolina's Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are a collection of small islands dotting the northern coast of the state. The Outer Banks are home to the historical Lost Colony, Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers’ Memorial, and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. A visitor can enjoy historic museums, outdoor plays, shopping and comfortable lodging.
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Instructions
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Contact the Outer Banks Convention & Visitors Bureau for a visitor’s guide to the area. See Resources for website information. The Outer Banks is divided into three sections: the Northern Beaches, Hatteras Island and Roanoke Island.
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Plan an itinerary for your visit to the Outer Banks. Plan to devote at least one day to Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head (Northern Beaches), one to Hatteras Island and one to Manteo (on Roanoke Island).
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Book accommodations and make restaurant reservations well ahead of time. This is especially important during the peak visitor months from the end of May until the beginning of September.
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Tour the lighthouses. The most well-known, Cape Hatteras, is open for climbing from mid-April to mid-October (with admission). Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the only other lighthouse that can be climbed.
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Hike and explore the outdoors. For two popular outdoor activities, purchase the “Parks & Gardens Pass.” The pass gives visitors a discount to the Roanoke Island Festival Park and The Elizabethan Gardens. At the Roanoke Island Festival Park, visitors can board the “Elizabeth II,” a replica of a 16th century ship. The Elizabethan Gardens are a memorial to the first English colonists to North America. A visitor also should not miss Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, the largest natural sand dune on the East Coast. At Jockey’s Ridge, you can hike the dune, fly kites or hang glide.
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Visit museums. The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is at the site of the Wright Brothers’ first historic flight. The North Carolina Aquarium and the North Carolina Maritime Museum (both on Roanoke Island) offer the chance to explore ocean life.
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Eat local cuisine in one of the many seafood restaurants. Fisherman’s Wharf in Wanchese offers local seafood while you watch the boats and wildlife on the harbor. Coastal Provisions Market in Southern Shores has wine tastings (in season) on Monday evenings.
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Tips & Warnings
To save money on accommodations, consider traveling to the Outer Banks during the off-season from mid-October until mid-March.
If you go to the Outer Banks between the end of May and mid-August, make time to see “The Lost Colony” outdoor drama. The drama tells the tale of the English colonists who vanished in the 16th century (see Resources).
Call ahead to restaurants and attractions to be sure attractions and times have not changed. Be aware that many attractions and restaurants, especially on Hatteras Island, are not open during winter months.
Resources
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