Imagine a place where wild horses run free across endless, expansive beaches. A place where soft sand dunes form hills and valleys, stretching out as far as the eye can see. A place where foamy waves crash against rugged coastlines, with weather-worn beach houses blending in as if part of the natural scenery. A place where historic lighthouses still keep watch during the darkest nights and harshest storms. A place with absolutely charming downtowns that truly feel like home. A beach vacation that truly feels like a beach vacation. This is the magic of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
The Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina is one of the most resplendent treasures on the Atlantic Coast.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
The OBX is known for its wide expanse of open beachfront along the stunning Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Westend61/Getty Images Managed by the National Park Service, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore spans over 70 miles along the Atlantic coast, preserving and protecting the portion of the OBX from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island.
Once known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for its treacherous waters and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
Robert Loe/Moment Collection via Getty Images And visitors to the OBX can get a hands-on history lesson at any of the island’s several historic lighthouses. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was constructed in 1802, to mark dangerous shoals that extend from the cape. Today, it is open to visitors for tours. The lighthouse was actually moved in 1999 due to soil erosion along the coastline, making it one of the tallest masonry structures ever moved (Cape Hatteras is 200 feet tall and weighing 5,000 tons).
Another extraordinary lighthouse on the island, The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, borders the historic Whalehead in Historic Corolla and actually still functions as a guide for passing mariners.
Penny Britt/iStock via Getty Images Plus At 162’ feet tall, the lighthouse’s First Order Fresnel light, (the largest size available for American lighthouses), can be seen for 18 nautical miles.
This lighthouse is just as stunning on the inside, too.
Kenneth_Keifer/iStock via Getty Images Plus Open for tours, inside the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, you’ll follow a series of spiral stairs and landings leading up to the top. The architecture is truly incredible.
And it would be impossible to talk about the OBX without including aviation.
Nik Drankoski/EyeEm Collection via Getty Images Home to Wilbur and Orville Wright’s groundbreaking first flight, the eponymous Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk is an inspiring testament to the power of the imagination. After four years of experimentation, on Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully flew. This must-visit memorial commemorates the spot where history was made and dreams came true.
Flight, in all its forms, is celebrated in the OBX.
Kitty Hawk Kites/Facebook Kitty Hawk Kites, one of the area’s favorite outdoor attractions, often has hands-on demonstrations of the first flight, using a replica 1902 Glider where visitors may even get the opportunity to soar off the ground, too.
Known for epic paragliding, Kitty Hawk Kites invites visitors to take flight for a memorable experience.
Kitty Hawk Kites/Facebook Paragliding flights take place over the OBX’s spectacular sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park – another of the area’s must-visit attractions.
Jockeys Ridge State Park showcases 427 acres of dazzling dunes and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern U.S.
devonanne/iStock via Getty Images Plus It is the most-visited North Carolina State Park and offers unparalleled views (and kite flying!) in the OBX.
If you’re never flown a kite atop a sand dune at dusk before, you’re missing out on a truly memorable experience.
devonanne/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Of course, if taking flight above water is more your speed, the OBX is a prime parasailing destination.
Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports/Facebook Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports offers some of the most extraordinary excursions on the water, with parasailing taking adventure-seekers high above the coastal seas.
The desire to experiencing the OBX from above is only natural, as this region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the Atlantic Coast.
Kitty Hawk Kites/Facebook And if your wanderlust is leading you into the skies, the aerial tours offered by Kitty Hawk Kites have the most jaw-dropping views of the OBX. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can opt to sightsee aboard a bi-plane.
For those who prefer the seas to the skies, a catamaran cruise is an unforgettable activity that belongs on your vacation bucket list.
Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports/Facebook If you want to take this experience to the next level, Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports offers a private sunset cruise that’s positively sublime.
For a deeper dive into this area’s wealth of wildlife, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is an amazing day trip.
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island/Facebook While most famous for its massive, 285,000-gallon shark tank, this aquarium offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on fun and learning. Most notably, it’s home to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, a 3,000 square-foot facility where staff and volunteers care for sick and ailing sea turtles.
In terms of wildlife on the OBX, though, wild horses reign supreme.
zimmytws/iStock via Getty Images Plus The Corolla Wild Horses are located on the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks. These wild horses are descendants of horses brought over in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, and today are a celebrated part of the OBX. The island is also home to smaller wild ponies, mainly along the Shackleford Banks near Cape Lookout. All of these wild equines are a protected species.
To see these magnificent creatures up close, an adventure tour is your best bet.
Wild Horse Adventure Tours/Facebook Wild Horse Adventure Tours is ranked as the top attraction in the OBX, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature. If you’re looking for something truly special to do in the OBX, this is it.
Outer Banks is a welcome refuge for those looking to truly enjoy a beach retreat: no tourist traps, no crowds, no vacation overload.
Kitty Hawk Kites/Facebook
In fact, you won’t find any cities on the Outer Banks, just 100 magnificent miles of wide-open shoreline, charming seaside villages, and a mix of eclectic little towns brimming with history and charm.
DoxaDigital/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Outer Banks is a place where you’ll finally understand what it truly means to take a vacation.
Kayla Goss/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Outer Banks is everything you could ever wish for in a vacation — and more. If you’re looking for a memorable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, this is it. Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping aerial adventures, exploring incredible state parks and historic places, or simply strolling along the sandy shores of a picture-perfect beach, The Outer Banks is a bucket-list-worthy destination that will fill your soul and satisfy your wanderlust.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
Westend61/Getty Images
Managed by the National Park Service, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore spans over 70 miles along the Atlantic coast, preserving and protecting the portion of the OBX from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island.
Robert Loe/Moment Collection via Getty Images
And visitors to the OBX can get a hands-on history lesson at any of the island’s several historic lighthouses. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was constructed in 1802, to mark dangerous shoals that extend from the cape. Today, it is open to visitors for tours. The lighthouse was actually moved in 1999 due to soil erosion along the coastline, making it one of the tallest masonry structures ever moved (Cape Hatteras is 200 feet tall and weighing 5,000 tons).
Penny Britt/iStock via Getty Images Plus
At 162’ feet tall, the lighthouse’s First Order Fresnel light, (the largest size available for American lighthouses), can be seen for 18 nautical miles.
Kenneth_Keifer/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Open for tours, inside the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, you’ll follow a series of spiral stairs and landings leading up to the top. The architecture is truly incredible.
Nik Drankoski/EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
Home to Wilbur and Orville Wright’s groundbreaking first flight, the eponymous Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk is an inspiring testament to the power of the imagination. After four years of experimentation, on Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully flew. This must-visit memorial commemorates the spot where history was made and dreams came true.
Kitty Hawk Kites/Facebook
Kitty Hawk Kites, one of the area’s favorite outdoor attractions, often has hands-on demonstrations of the first flight, using a replica 1902 Glider where visitors may even get the opportunity to soar off the ground, too.
Paragliding flights take place over the OBX’s spectacular sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park – another of the area’s must-visit attractions.
devonanne/iStock via Getty Images Plus
It is the most-visited North Carolina State Park and offers unparalleled views (and kite flying!) in the OBX.
Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports/Facebook
Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports offers some of the most extraordinary excursions on the water, with parasailing taking adventure-seekers high above the coastal seas.
And if your wanderlust is leading you into the skies, the aerial tours offered by Kitty Hawk Kites have the most jaw-dropping views of the OBX. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can opt to sightsee aboard a bi-plane.
If you want to take this experience to the next level, Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports offers a private sunset cruise that’s positively sublime.
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island/Facebook
While most famous for its massive, 285,000-gallon shark tank, this aquarium offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on fun and learning. Most notably, it’s home to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, a 3,000 square-foot facility where staff and volunteers care for sick and ailing sea turtles.
zimmytws/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Corolla Wild Horses are located on the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks. These wild horses are descendants of horses brought over in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, and today are a celebrated part of the OBX. The island is also home to smaller wild ponies, mainly along the Shackleford Banks near Cape Lookout. All of these wild equines are a protected species.
Wild Horse Adventure Tours/Facebook
Wild Horse Adventure Tours is ranked as the top attraction in the OBX, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature. If you’re looking for something truly special to do in the OBX, this is it.
DoxaDigital/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Kayla Goss/iStock via Getty Images Plus
General Information:
Accessibility: The attractions in the Outer Banks offer varying levels of accessibility; as such, it’s best to check with each company directly. The Outer Banks Visitor’s Guide is a great reference as you plan your trip.
Pet Friendly: The OBX is an incredibly pet-friendly place to visit, with many accommodations allowing four-legged friends. In addition, several outdoor parks also allow dogs, but you’ll definitely want to check individual attractions before you go.
Seasonal Access: The Outer Banks is a delightful place to visit all year-round, but certain activities, such as the water recreation attraction Nor’Banks, are only open seasonally.
Cost: Attractions like parasailing and aerial tours offer variously priced packages, but it’s possible to have fun on any budget in the OBX with activities such as hiking and visiting several of the area’s parks. For example, admission to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast, is free.
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of Dismals Canyon in Alabama and the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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Address: Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
