The Most Unique Things to do Near The Outer Banks
Known by locals and those in the know as simply OBX, the Outer Banks, North Carolina have a well-deserved reputation for featuring some of the most expansive and natural beaches in the country. Although it can have an exotic feel more akin to other countries, this beach paradise can be accessed via a vehicle, no need to hop on a plane or go on a cruise to reach the OBX.
In addition, no matter if you want to relax and enjoy nature, love to learn about history, or are more of an adrenaline junkie, there is something for everyone here in the Outer Banks.
Read on to learn some of the top unique things to do near the Outer Banks:
Hang Glide at Kitty Hawk
Various Locations
As the largest hang-gliding school on the globe, Kitty Hawk Kites Adventures offers a heart-stopping experience that is safe enough for those aged 4 to 94. There are many options for hang gliding, including Dune Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Jockey’s Ridge is home to the East Coast’s tallest natural sand dunes, perfect for learning the art of hang-gliding in the soft, forgiving sand.
Dune Hang Gliding is ideal for families and is perfect for first-time flyers. It is one of the most adventurous, yet safest experiences on the OBX. The first lesson includes five solo training flights, guided by certified instructors. This type of hang-gliding keeps you close to the ground so you can learn and still feel the thrill of adventure.
Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC
With the motto “Grow Memories at the Garden,” a stop at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is a must when in the OBX. You will find this ten-acre garden full of sculptures and botanical wonders next to The Lost Colony’s Waterside Theater, within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Highlights of this attraction include shaded paths, high-quality Italian Renaissance sculptures, a seasonal butterfly house, the award-winning Camellia collection, and workshops and seasonal events.
Another noteworthy feature you will find when visiting this location is a bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth I, along with other Elizabethan elements, hence the garden’s name. Even if you have visited the gardens before, it’s worth going back again and again as there are different flowers blooming and ever-changing displays and exhibits.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, NC
This interesting museum is free to the public. It showcases various true stories about the many, many shipwrecks that have occurred off the North Carolina coast throughout the past 500 years. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum even includes the tale of the famous sinking of the USS Monitor during the Civil War.
In addition to tall tales of epic sea voyages and their ultimate demise, the museum also features recovered artifacts from the wreckage of some of these vessels, including navigational instruments, clothing, and weapons. This museum was created as a way to honor many shipwrecks that still rest in coastal waters off the beaches of North Carolina. It is dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the entire state’s coastal and shipwreck history.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, NC 27959
Another must-experience attraction in the Outer Banks is the Bodie Island Lighthouse. This historic landmark displays a bygone era of sea life and local history. The view from the top of the lighthouse (accessible after climbing 200 steps) is amazing. In addition, the scenic boardwalks are ideal for observing wildlife.
While you can see the lighthouse throughout the year, climbing up the lighthouse is only possible in the summer. If you like to follow rules and appreciate a well-organized facility, you will enjoy visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse as tickets can be purchased ahead of time and then only one person is allowed on each set of steps at a time. No carrying children up the steps. This is all for safety and to ensure you have a great experience!
Wright Brothers National Memorial
100 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
If you are a fan of either history or airplanes, or even better both, then a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial has to be on your itinerary. This memorial is perfectly located as it was North Carolina’s sand and wind that allowed Wilbur and Orville Wright to launch the first ever successful flight in Kitty Hawk, NC on December 17th, 1903.
While you won't be able to see the exact aircraft that changed the transportation industry overall, this park, memorial and museum does offer up a replica of that plane for you to view. It also explains the entertaining and often unknown history of flight. The memorial itself states “in commemoration of the conquest of the air.” How awesome!
See The Wild Horses of Corolla
Various Locations
No visit to the Outer Banks would be complete without observing the wild horses that call the Corolla area home. These Spanish Mustangs are completely wild and are unique to the area. They can be found in no other place in the world. Legend states that these horses originated from 1,500 horses that were brought over on Spanish ships that subsequently sank, sending the horses into the drink. The horses made their way to shore and created a new home on Corolla.
The safest way to experience the Corolla wild horses is to go on a guided tour with a reputable company that cares about the horses and preserving their health and wellbeing. Local experts who guide these tours know where to look for the herds and how to approach them without causing fear. These tours, like the ones offered at Northern Outer Banks often also give you the opportunity to spot seabirds, dolphins and other coastal wildlife as part of your tour.
Although not part of this tour or experiencing the wild horse, if you want to ride horses, there is another option for tamer equines, when you go for a horseback riding adventure on the beaches of Hatteras Island. The entire island of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is protected and is the first coastal preservation area in the nation. You can experience this unique space for yourself on horseback with a guided horseback riding experience with Equine Adventures.
Unique Activities Near the Outer Banks
The above adventures, attractions and museums represent just a small percentage of the many options you can enjoy in the Outer Banks. This area is chocked full of stuff to do, from historical and relaxing experiences to daring, heart-stopping endeavors. There is a bit of everything to enjoy.
At Coastal Carolina Vacations, you can find some of the best homes to stay during your visit to the Outer Banks! We hope this list has given you some options to think about when planning your next visit to the OBX and experience all these things to do in the Outer Banks.
