Ever considered going to the Outer Banks of North Carolina? If so, I’m sharing Outer Banks Things To Do (and see!) today!
Hey friends!
I’m back today sharing photos and lists of my favorite Outer Banks things to do (and see!).
I hadn’t planned on doing a post while we were there so these are just photos I took with my cell phone as we went along our vacation. ;)
And I didn’t take photos of so many things that would have been wonderful to share with you here.
But I will include them, with links if I can, anyway.
I don’t want you to miss a thing! :)
Outer Banks Things To Do (and see!)
One thing you have to do, of course, is visit the beach.
The Outer Banks have some of the most beautiful beaches around.
The water is a gorgeous deep greenish blue color and the waves crashing sound amazing and so tranquil.
My favorite time to go to the beach is in the earliest morning hours. It is SO incredibly peaceful.
I’ve never felt anything like it. Truly good for your soul.
You can go to the beaches up in Corolla (where the wild horses are).
I’ve stayed in more than a few of those over the last 35+ years. Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo and Hatteras.
We typically stay in the Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo areas though.
This last week we stayed in a place called Pirate’s Cove in Manteo. It’s 5 minutes from the beaches but inside a beautiful gated community surrounded by the sound.
The sound is on the other side from the beach and it’s also lovely.
The beach that is 5 minutes away is where Jennette’s Pier is….
That might look a little familiar to you. ;)
And this….
I created 2 prints for our foyer out of both (except this lifeguard stand and view is from the south side of the pier) I took a photo of Jennette’s Pier and a life guard stand from the north side in this post here >>> DIY Coastal Prints
(and look at what happened here 2 days after we left due to heavy rains —>>> A 10 ft cliff! )
Wow, that’s just crazy!
Take note of the photo in the article with the lifeguard stand. That is likely the same lifeguard stand you see in my post I linked just above, the DIY Coastal Prints as I took a photo of the stand on the north side of the pier which is where this happened.
I love this area of the beach.
I don’t go in the water often in the Outer Banks though.
As much as I love it, the water can be rough and the fear of rip tides is always with me! (the rip currents can be really bad in the OBX)
Our daughter and a friend got caught in one when we visited back in 2008. (they were 16 at the time)
It was very scary and could have gone very wrong. Thank goodness we (we as in my husband and some other folks at the beach, thankfully) got them out safely.
But it took awhile and is not something I’d ever want to witness again. Thank goodness they had their boogie boards with them out there.
That helped keep them afloat.
So, dipping my toes in the surf is enough for me. ;)
I just love the serenity of the beach, the sand between my toes and listening to those waves crash. I don’t need to be in them. :)
We love to stay there because of it’s close proximity to the beach (5 minutes) and love that there is a wonderful pool to enjoy.
So no, I don’t go in the ocean water much here in the OBX but I do go in the pool! ;)
Plus it’s a beautiful community to walk around, bike around or hop in a golf cart to drive around in.
There’s a wonderful restaurant there and a little outside tiki hut for drinks and snacks and many piers to walk.
Cute, cute, love it!
We are considering a house/condo here or possibly a good ole “beach box” in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head area.
We’ll see what happens there. ;)
We’ve talked about the beaches, that’s a given.
But what about other Outer Banks things to do?
The Wright Brother’s Memorial.
The wild horses in Corolla.
Just visiting all the cities is a big one.
Historic Old Nags Head Beach Cottage Row (The classic way cottages looked here and how I remember most looking many years ago. Color has painted the landscape in the years since which is also nice but the look of this old classic row will always hold a special place in my heart!)
Visit the town of Manteo (cute, quaint little town and great if you love history) You can learn about The Lost Colony while you are there. Dune Buggy rentals (really! lol)
Don’t own a 4 wheel drive? Rent a Jeep! ;) Jet ski rentals (my husband and son did this in the sound this trip and had a blast (while I shopped ;) ) )
Several mini golfs, go cart racing and more. Jockey’s Ridge. You’ve got to take a walk over Jockey’s Ridge. Wonderful!
We love going down into Manteo and do every time we visit the Outer Banks.
Love this little gem with my name …. :)
And of course you need to drive down the strip to Hatteras.
You will pass through many of those towns I listed above along the way.
It’s a beautiful drive and you can actually drive your vehicle (if you have a 4×4) out on the beaches in many areas here. (or rent one like I mentioned above!)
Here’s some of the things you come across. (among many!)
HWY 12 Amusements in Rodanthe.
And yep, that’s a rock climbing wall. Apparently there’s lots of fun inside the building too but we didn’t go in. :)
What a great place and it’s free admission too. :)
We spent a long time in here.
I thought this exhibit was funny.
And this was pretty neat too…..
There was SO much more but I didn’t spend time taking photos….I was reading and gazing at all the old goodies instead.
I only snapped the shots I did here to share on my Instagram stories (or just for us, family photos).
So if you follow along there you might have seen a few of these photos already. :)
And here’s a sunset shot over the sound. Beautiful!
With the Outer Banks, you have the sound side and the beach side.
So take your pick! Both are beautiful in their own right.
I hope you enjoyed this post of Outer Banks things to do and see. :)
I’ll be back next week with Outer Banks good eats and shopping (and what I brought home with me! ;) )!
UPDATE! See my “Outer Banks Places to Eat and Shop” now, here!
Oh and here’s a sneak peek of our new kitchen design. I totally forgot to share these in my Home Updates post last week!
This is of course, without the island since we are not replacing that.
To the right of the sink looks like another dishwasher but there’s actually a glass, double doored wine cooler going in there.
You also might notice I will no longer have the open shelved cabinet to the left of the window like I have now. I went back and forth on that.
I considered doing completely open shelves there but the cabinet space is sparing in here so decided to go with a closed cabinet instead.
I’m being practical, I hope I don’t regret that!! ;) I really love the look of at least one open shelved area as a space to display pretty things.
Oh well, practicality wins this round.
And the other view.
I decided to do all drawers to the right of the range instead of cabinets with doors.
The lazy susan in the corner to the left of the range will be a nice change too.
And getting rid of the black appliances and black counter top on the island is really going to brighten this space!
I’m excited!! (and tired! ;) ) Cabinets are coming today!
Love all the photos and info on your trip to the Outer Banks. Over never been but we’re planning a beach trip this year and now I know which one in putting in as my suggested location. Will go to my Instagram shortly to check out your story to see more. Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to the kitchen redo too.
Oh yay! That’s great Jeannie! :) And yes, keep an eye out for the stories. They only last 24 hours once posted but I do save some of them in the little round icons on my main profile there. (you’ll see them under the description) xoxo
Thanks for a trip down memory lane, Nancy! I forwarded your blog to my whole family to reminisce. Your trip touched on many places that we’ve visited while staying in the exact same area in beach houses at the OBX….Manteo, Jockey’s Ridge, the Lighthouses, the stretch all the way to the Oka Ferry (but not over). Wonderful naturalistic peaceful places to enjoy. We’re heading there again (large family vaca) in Oct…praying for beautiful weather and quality family time. Blessings to you, Allison
You are so welcome Allison! And that is so great to hear. :) You are right, so many wonderful places to visit down there. And how fun!! OBX is a great place for a large family vacation. October is a great time to visit too! Hope you have a wonderful time! xoxo
Hi Nancy!
I really enjoy your site. You do alot of fun things. I’ve enjoyed your photos from your Outer Banks trip. I have a question: Would you recommend visiting that area the second week of October? Is the weather pleasant? Are shops and such still open in the Fall as well as history exibits? I live in Knoxville and usually travel to Florida (Ormond/Daytona area) for beach vacations. But, my husband and I are planning a vacation the second week of October this year and have not decided where we want to go.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Michele!
I’m so glad to hear that and thank you for saying so. :) And yes, the OBX is a fun place to visit. Absolutely! October is a great time to go. Less crowds (although, I do enjoy the energy of the summer with all the people…at times ;) I enjoy a little hustle and bustle but I also enjoy quite time ) Still lots to do in the fall. It is considered the “off season” but many places stay open year round. Still plenty to do and see (and places to eat). But do keep in mind that some places may be closed, however, those that do close do so mainly after Thanksgiving since that’s a popular time for folks to visit with family. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to visit then. We are actually thinking about going back sometime in Sept. Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose! xoxo
I always enjoy reading your posts Nancy! OBX seems like a great place to visit. We’ve never been there since we took most of our vacations in the Caribbean for the last 30 years or so. However, We are going to Florida for a week the end of August. I don’t blame you for not going in the ocean after the rip tide incident with Kayleigh. That must have been an extremely frightful experience! A 46 year old man from our town died in a rip tide in OBX recently. I don’t go far in the ocean anymore either – just wet my feet in it. Looking forward to your kitchen remodel.
Aunt Jo
Thanks Aunt Jo! :) Yes, you guys do travel to some beautiful destinations! Florida is so nice too. And yes, very frightful experience. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to get to them and get them out. It was so scary. There was a woman who also died while we were there last week. So sad.
And thank you, I’m so excited to get it done! :) Happy weekend to you! xoxo
Hi Nancy, I always enjoy your posts, we moved to NC in 2005 and went with our young kids in 2006 to OBX (in Avon) and I agree, the waves are way too big and rough there, our kids loved it but it was scary! We have been going a bit further south since then to Hilton Head Island, SC…calmer surf, charming island and great family fun riding bikes all over the island. We did enjoy a trip while there to the Hatteras Lighthouse, which was interesting to know they moved it inland…wow!
Hi Barri,
Thank you! I’m so glad you do. :) And yes, those waves are big and rough, I don’t think people realize how strong they and the currents are and can be. And you are right about the waters further down south, I love those beaches too! We have family in the Charleston area and have visited them quite a bit (and stayed on Kiawah once or twice over the years). Those waters are so enjoyable to go in. Much more calm and more shallow water to play in. Yes, isn’t that amazing that they were able to move that lighthouse? It’s a shame they had to but that’s just how things go with nature, etc. Glad they are able to preserve it and the old light keeper’s houses they also moved. Have a blessed weekend! xoxo
Nancy, loved the photos of light keepers house and the other cool photos. When I lived in Tn. Me and my best friend went to Florida and I got to see the Atlantic, then I moved back home to Wa. State and now live 45 minutes from the Pacific. I truly miss the south though, can’t beat the people there. Glad you had a great time. Hugs!
Hi Bonnie! So glad you enjoyed the photos. :) I’ve never been to the Pacific but hope to some day! I do love all the beaches in the south though (and the people :) ). Hugs back to you! xoxo
We just returned from a family vacation at OBX. Stayed at a condo in Nags Head–3rd floor ocean front. We have been vacationing there since 1990. We were there with my daughter and her family. It was fun to see our grandkids experience the Outer Banks. Went on a dolphin tour (saw lots) and visited the aquarium. Ate at Sam and Omie’s and Tale of the Whale–would recommend both places. Walked around Manteo. Flew a kite at Jockey’s Ridge. Had a wonderful time. Love that place!
Oh how fun Cynthia! Ocean front is the best! Nothing can beat the sound of those waves, the serenity of it and those early morning sunrises. :) Sounds like you guys had a fun time! And yes, we always hit Sam & Omie’s for breakfast at least one day while we are there. ;) Glad you guys had a great time. Nothing at all better than spending time with family. Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
I loved this post! That part of the country is on my bucket list.(I’m born and raised and still live in boring northern Illinois) I have always been interested in the history and of course the beauty of it and having a “friend” make suggestions and have links and all the info in one spot is so helpful! I am pinning this one for sure! Thanks!
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Love all the photos and info on your trip to the Outer Banks. Over never been but we’re planning a beach trip this year and now I know which one in putting in as my suggested location. Will go to my Instagram shortly to check out your story to see more. Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to the kitchen redo too.
Oh yay! That’s great Jeannie! :) And yes, keep an eye out for the stories. They only last 24 hours once posted but I do save some of them in the little round icons on my main profile there. (you’ll see them under the description) xoxo
Thanks for a trip down memory lane, Nancy! I forwarded your blog to my whole family to reminisce. Your trip touched on many places that we’ve visited while staying in the exact same area in beach houses at the OBX….Manteo, Jockey’s Ridge, the Lighthouses, the stretch all the way to the Oka Ferry (but not over). Wonderful naturalistic peaceful places to enjoy. We’re heading there again (large family vaca) in Oct…praying for beautiful weather and quality family time. Blessings to you, Allison
You are so welcome Allison! And that is so great to hear. :) You are right, so many wonderful places to visit down there. And how fun!! OBX is a great place for a large family vacation. October is a great time to visit too! Hope you have a wonderful time! xoxo
Hi Nancy!
I really enjoy your site. You do alot of fun things. I’ve enjoyed your photos from your Outer Banks trip. I have a question: Would you recommend visiting that area the second week of October? Is the weather pleasant? Are shops and such still open in the Fall as well as history exibits? I live in Knoxville and usually travel to Florida (Ormond/Daytona area) for beach vacations. But, my husband and I are planning a vacation the second week of October this year and have not decided where we want to go.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Michele!
I’m so glad to hear that and thank you for saying so. :) And yes, the OBX is a fun place to visit. Absolutely! October is a great time to go. Less crowds (although, I do enjoy the energy of the summer with all the people…at times ;) I enjoy a little hustle and bustle but I also enjoy quite time ) Still lots to do in the fall. It is considered the “off season” but many places stay open year round. Still plenty to do and see (and places to eat). But do keep in mind that some places may be closed, however, those that do close do so mainly after Thanksgiving since that’s a popular time for folks to visit with family. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to visit then. We are actually thinking about going back sometime in Sept. Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose! xoxo
I always enjoy reading your posts Nancy! OBX seems like a great place to visit. We’ve never been there since we took most of our vacations in the Caribbean for the last 30 years or so. However, We are going to Florida for a week the end of August. I don’t blame you for not going in the ocean after the rip tide incident with Kayleigh. That must have been an extremely frightful experience! A 46 year old man from our town died in a rip tide in OBX recently. I don’t go far in the ocean anymore either – just wet my feet in it. Looking forward to your kitchen remodel.
Aunt Jo
Thanks Aunt Jo! :) Yes, you guys do travel to some beautiful destinations! Florida is so nice too. And yes, very frightful experience. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to get to them and get them out. It was so scary. There was a woman who also died while we were there last week. So sad.
And thank you, I’m so excited to get it done! :) Happy weekend to you! xoxo
Hi Nancy, I always enjoy your posts, we moved to NC in 2005 and went with our young kids in 2006 to OBX (in Avon) and I agree, the waves are way too big and rough there, our kids loved it but it was scary! We have been going a bit further south since then to Hilton Head Island, SC…calmer surf, charming island and great family fun riding bikes all over the island. We did enjoy a trip while there to the Hatteras Lighthouse, which was interesting to know they moved it inland…wow!
Hi Barri,
Thank you! I’m so glad you do. :) And yes, those waves are big and rough, I don’t think people realize how strong they and the currents are and can be. And you are right about the waters further down south, I love those beaches too! We have family in the Charleston area and have visited them quite a bit (and stayed on Kiawah once or twice over the years). Those waters are so enjoyable to go in. Much more calm and more shallow water to play in. Yes, isn’t that amazing that they were able to move that lighthouse? It’s a shame they had to but that’s just how things go with nature, etc. Glad they are able to preserve it and the old light keeper’s houses they also moved. Have a blessed weekend! xoxo
Nancy, loved the photos of light keepers house and the other cool photos. When I lived in Tn. Me and my best friend went to Florida and I got to see the Atlantic, then I moved back home to Wa. State and now live 45 minutes from the Pacific. I truly miss the south though, can’t beat the people there. Glad you had a great time. Hugs!
Hi Bonnie! So glad you enjoyed the photos. :) I’ve never been to the Pacific but hope to some day! I do love all the beaches in the south though (and the people :) ). Hugs back to you! xoxo
We just returned from a family vacation at OBX. Stayed at a condo in Nags Head–3rd floor ocean front. We have been vacationing there since 1990. We were there with my daughter and her family. It was fun to see our grandkids experience the Outer Banks. Went on a dolphin tour (saw lots) and visited the aquarium. Ate at Sam and Omie’s and Tale of the Whale–would recommend both places. Walked around Manteo. Flew a kite at Jockey’s Ridge. Had a wonderful time. Love that place!
Oh how fun Cynthia! Ocean front is the best! Nothing can beat the sound of those waves, the serenity of it and those early morning sunrises. :) Sounds like you guys had a fun time! And yes, we always hit Sam & Omie’s for breakfast at least one day while we are there. ;) Glad you guys had a great time. Nothing at all better than spending time with family. Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo
Makes me want to visit! I adore the lighthouse and house.
It’s a great place with much to do! But not overly touristy. :) xo
I loved this post! That part of the country is on my bucket list.(I’m born and raised and still live in boring northern Illinois) I have always been interested in the history and of course the beauty of it and having a “friend” make suggestions and have links and all the info in one spot is so helpful! I am pinning this one for sure! Thanks!
Aw thanks Kristina! :) So much interesting history there, I think you would love it! Be sure to let me know if you ever make it there! xoxo