Things to do in Outer Banks

Activities, attractions and tours

Wright Brothers National Memorial featuring a statue or sculpture
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center showing a bay or harbor, boating and signage
Outer Banks
Jennette\'s Pier which includes a beach
Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

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Top places to visit

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

When you drive into Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you might see oystercatchers or piping plovers flying overhead before you even hear the waves on the beach. These are signs of the magical place you’re entering. Spend at least a weekend exploring the 70 miles (110 kilometers) of coastline that are part of this remarkable preserve.
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

2. Jennette's Pier

Experience some of the finest fishing available in the Outer Banks at Jennette’s Pier. Learn about the region’s history in the pier house. The pier was completely rebuilt after major destruction in 2003 when Hurricane Isabel blasted through the area. With support from the North Carolina Aquarium Society it is now an eco-friendly education center and a sustainable fishing hotspot.
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Jennette\'s Pier which includes a beach

3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina should make a point of seeing the twisting, white and black stripes of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The distinctive spiral pattern on this structure makes it a pretty subject for a photo. Come to see a beautiful relic of maritime technology and learn about the troubled history of those who have relied on its guidance in nearby waters.
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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse showing a lighthouse

4. Bodie Island Lighthouse

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Bodie Island Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse

5. Wright Brothers National Memorial

If you’ve read about the first plane taking off near Kitty Hawk, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where this epochal moment occurred. Stand in the trail of history and see where Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their first four test flights between 1900 and 1903.
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Wright Brothers National Memorial featuring a statue or sculpture

What to do in Outer Banks


Popular places to visit

Areas of Outer Banks

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South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

South Nags Head
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Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Corolla Beach.

Whalehead Beach
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Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Ocean Sands
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Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whale Head Bay and Whalehead are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
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Pine Island

If you're spending some time in Pine Island, Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Pine Island
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Carolina Dunes

Though Carolina Dunes may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Sanderling Spa and Nor'Banks Sailing.

Carolina Dunes