Planning the right household journey to the Outer Banks this summer time? There’s tons to do and greater than you would possibly anticipate, from nature to historical past, eating to dwell theater. 

This isn’t a complete checklist of completely every little thing for households to do within the Outer Banks. Past the points of interest under, there are sightseeing excursions; water sports activities resembling fishing, parasailing, and paddling; arcades; laser tag; purchasing; parks; and historic websites just like the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial.

However if you happen to’re quick on time, I’ve lined up the experiences you don’t need to miss. I’ll additionally share suggestions for the place to remain on Roanoke Island and on the seashore in addition to the place to eat. Decide and select what your loved ones will take pleasure in to design your personal magical OBX getaway. 

1. The Misplaced Colony 

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: A memorable night time out

How one can clarify “The Misplaced Colony” to the uninitiated? Its largest declare to fame is because the nation’s longest working out of doors symphonic drama. Which may sound like a musical, but it surely isn’t. It’s the true and nonetheless unsolved thriller of America’s first English settlers, following the ill-fated colony of 1587, which vanished simply three years after arriving, abandoning solely the cryptic phrase “CROATOAN” carved right into a publish. 

Relive the action-packed retelling of what did and should have occurred, from choreographed sword fights to a wide ranging ocean-crossing scene full with thunderstorm. Elaborate set design, artistic puppetry, and fireplace add to the spectacle.

The present is held nightly, besides Sundays, each summer time within the big open-air amphitheater at Fort Raleigh Historic Web site on Roanoke Island. This 12 months, their season runs from Might 29 to Aug. 23, 2025. Entrancing for all ages, it’s price making a visit to OBX simply to see this legendary efficiency that has wowed over 4 million spectators since 1937.

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: Outside journey

While you consider nature within the Outer Banks, you most likely consider seashores, however do you know it’s house to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast? 

The shifting panorama at Jockey’s Ridge State Park seems to be nearly unreal with its huge expanse of soppy pale brown peaks and islands of inexperienced bushes peeping by means of. One of the simplest ways to expertise it? Kick off your sneakers and climb to the highest, providing a panoramic sweep of each the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound.

Past the views, Jockey’s Ridge is an journey hub. Cling gliders catch the breeze from its slopes and are enjoyable to observe. Children will love flying kites from the highest of the dunes. You can even go kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sandboarding, and there’s swimming entry on the soundside. 

Tip: It is a fabulous spot for sunrises and sunsets.

Admission is free.

3. Jennette’s Pier

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: Affordability and comfort

Jennette’s Pier is greater than a spot to go fishing, although it’s nice for that too.

Run by the North Carolina Aquarium, this attraction options free indoor fish displays, formally known as the Pier Piling Aquarium. And truthfully, the AC presents a welcome respite. With clear restrooms, benches, and Wi-Fi, it’s a pleasant spot to regroup for a couple of minutes whereas the children are mesmerized by the colourful fish. 

Outdoors, the pier stretches 1,000 ft into the Atlantic. You’ll be able to stroll the pier for a nominal price. For an particularly nice picture for no value, head beneath the place the picket pilings body the waves rolling in.

4. Roanoke Island Competition Park 

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: Residing historical past 

We couldn’t resolve if the sailor on the ship was really British or simply tremendous into his position, however suffice it to say, the residing historical past interpreters at Roanoke Competition Island Park actually do deliver historical past to life. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a reproduction Sixteenth-century crusing ship, to find out how they steered ships earlier than that they had useful issues like wheels and the way the early expeditions to the New World have been run.

Situated by itself 25-acre island, the park presents a glimpse of early settler life as you watch the blacksmith ply his commerce, strive your hand at woodworking, and gown up in armor, 1500s-style. 

Elsewhere, hearken to Native American tales (like how the solar bought its rays), go to the indoor museum with its interactive displays, and watch a movie in regards to the Roanoke voyages.

All in all, it’s an amazing cease whenever you’re touring across the Outer Banks with youngsters so you’ll be able to low-key slip one thing instructional into the enjoyable.

5. Elizabethan Gardens 

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: Anybody who likes flowers or fairies 

In case you have a child into fairies, there’s a particular deal with in retailer for them on the Elizabethan Gardens. Decide up a map to hunt for all 12 sprites hidden across the backyard. In addition they have a youngsters’s backyard, known as the Discovery Cottage, the place youngsters can climb a ship, dig within the soil, play in a mini Elizabethan home, and study by means of terrariums, microscopes, and extra indoors. Close by is an energetic butterfly backyard buzzing with pollinators.

All ages can respect the beautiful floral show by means of the seasons: camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, wisteria, and extra. There’s at all times one thing in bloom.

The gardens additionally characteristic sculptures and fountains that elevate the pure magnificence. See a monumental bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I, the biggest on the earth, and the marble determine of Virginia Dare as she might need seemed if she lived to maturity. (Did she? Nobody is aware of.) 

Tip: Go as quickly as they open in summer time for the very best climate. 

6. Outer Banks Seashores

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: A calming day within the solar

In your North Carolina highway journey, you’ve bought to take the household to the OBX seashores. Whether or not you’re in search of broad stretches of sand to unfold out, shelling, or need to journey the waves, the OBX shoreline delivers. Well-liked seashores in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are simply accessible. 

And there are many beachy eats close by on this space. I like to recommend I Received Your Crabs, an oyster bar owned and household restaurant owned by a third-generation OBX fisherman. No-nonsense and informal, this place is beloved by locals for its contemporary seafood. Splurge on the nachos, loaded with eight ounces of contemporary blue crab and many cheese — so good.

For one thing cool and candy, Surfin’ Spoon is our high decide. Go for frozen yogurt with all of the toppings and mouthwatering ice cream cookie sandwiches (like a pretzel graham cracker cookie stuffed with sea salt caramel ice cream). It’s powerful to resolve between a sandwich and a bowl of froyo, however households are made for sharing.

7. Duck Boardwalk 

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: Purchasing and eating

This boardwalk is a free attraction well worth the quick drive north to the charming city of Duck.

Absorb the pure surroundings alongside the Currituck Sound, and dip into the Waterfront Outlets for eclectic items, trend, and souvenirs. The unique Duck Donuts is right here too, a should if you happen to’ve by no means tried one. There are additionally full-service eating places on the Duck Boardwalk, like NC Coast Grill & Bar, Aqua Restaurant, and The Blue Level, the place you’ll be able to dig into hearty plates of surf and turf proper by the water.

Discover loads extra eating close by. In case you’re in search of a cultured dinner that’s nonetheless household pleasant, hit up Purple Sky Informal Eating & Cocktails. Their U-10 scallops are scrumptious. 

8. Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway 

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Finest for: A scenic drive

In case you’re on this web site, you most likely don’t thoughts a drive. The Outer Banks Nationwide Scenic Byway is likely one of the finest, a coastal route stretching 138 miles alongside NC Freeway 12.

Remember to go to Bodie Island Lighthouse. If you wish to climb to the highest, simply get tickets on-line upfront since you’ll be able to’t purchase tickets there. However even if you happen to don’t have climbing tour tickets, you’ll be able to benefit from the grounds, birds, trails, and photographing the gorgeous striped lighthouse.

There are many different pull-offs alongside your drive towards Hatteras Island. Pack a swimsuit and seashore gear in your automotive. You by no means know whenever you’ll come throughout the right empty stretch of shoreline that calls to you. 

Tip: Swing by Waves Market and Deli for his or her wonderful, budget-friendly sandwiches, and take them to go to take pleasure in beachside. 

On the drive again north, pull over at one of many soundside entry factors between Avon and Buxton to observe the solar sink behind the Pamlico Sound.

The place To Keep within the Outer Banks

It is a in style trip vacation spot, so anticipate a wide array in relation to lodging. 5-star resorts? You guess. Roadside motels? They’ve bought ’em.

Listed below are two nice stays I can personally advocate. 

The Pearl

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

Conveniently situated in downtown Manteo, The Pearl presents a boutique lodge expertise that’s elegant but additionally comfy and informal. It’s nice for households and could be completely good for a {couples} getaway.

Every of the 16 rooms are uniquely embellished with paintings and accents that may remind you of an Italian palazzo. I liked the delicate touches of vintage gold and inexperienced in opposition to shades of taupe and sandstone in my room in addition to the posh materials, Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, trendy and modern tiled lavatory, and good TV dealing with the mattress. They’ve household suites too if you wish to unfold out, and the entrance desk service is heat and welcoming. 

We particularly liked our go to to the foyer every morning for espresso and a light-weight breakfast, included with our keep. It often featured one thing pleasant from Mia’s Bake Store & Tea Room throughout the road — espresso cake, danish, or (our absolute favourite) candy potato biscuits with ham.

Bonus: The Pearl has the very best view in all of Manteo from their rooftop greenspace. You’ll be able to take your morning pastry up there to take pleasure in lounging on the astroturf or wind down the day swinging on a porch swing at sundown.

The Pearl’s location in the course of Manteo’s waterfront district means there’s lots inside straightforward strolling distance. Throughout my two-night keep, we strolled to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Store for lunch, cooled off with ice cream from Frosties Downtown Manteo, dropped into artsy retailers, and wandered out to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse to benefit from the view. 

Surf Facet Lodge

Photograph by Cheryl Rodewig

For households preferring beachside digs, the Surf Facet Lodge in Nags Head is an inexpensive spot with a primo location. Located proper on the ocean, this lodge gives personal seashore entry and even complimentary seashore towels and chairs so you’ll be able to maximize your time swimming, browsing, sunbathing, or constructing sandcastles.

The rooms are comfy, and the balcony views can’t be beat.

They’ve bought nice facilities too: not one however two swimming pools (indoors and out), a sizzling tub, contemporary cookies day by day, and a wine and cheese reception within the afternoon. A buffet breakfast is included, serving conventional fare like biscuits and gravy, bagels, grits, fruit cups, mini quiches, and way more. If it’s essential head out early, additionally they have a continental breakfast earlier than 8 a.m. that’s a bit extra restricted with pastries and different assorted treats that can assist you in your manner.

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