CuddlyNest is the world's largest vacation rental search engine, comparing millions of accommodations across 200+ booking sites. Our editorial team of seasoned travelers and local experts shares insider tips, destination guides, and travel inspiration to help you plan the perfect trip — whether you're booking a cozy cabin, a beachfront villa, or an apartment in the heart of the city.
From the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island to the towering sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Outer Banks (OBX). Undoubtedly, the Barrier Islands of North Carolina are a beautiful summer destination with a variety of attractions. Let us help you plan your Outer Banks vacation — here's everything you need to visit!
Outer Banks: Things To Do & The Best Places To Visit
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras was the country's first national seashore, established in 1937. It preserves a part of the Outer Banks from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. It features beautiful beaches, two lighthouses, four campgrounds, and fishing piers.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast. The popular park is great for hiking, picnicking, hang gliding, and sandboarding. For wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, hike to the top of the dune.
Pets are welcome in the park, but not inside buildings. Protect their paws! Sand temperatures may be as much as 30 degrees higher than air temperatures.
Address: 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States
The nation's premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony was first staged in 1937.
While preserving the historical significance of America's oldest mystery, observe Queen Elizabeth I and her court, and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America.
The play runs each year usually from June through August. Do not miss this Manteo tradition!
Address: 1409 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, United States
Roanoke Island Festival Park is a historic site and an interactive family attraction. Experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585, explore the Elizabeth II ship, the Settlement Site, the American Indian Town, and the fascinating Adventure Museum.
Address: 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954, United States
The Historic Lighthouses
The Outer Banks is home to five historic lighthouses: Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla), Bodie Island Lighthouse (Nags Head), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse (Manteo).
Located in Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the northernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks and the state of North Carolina. A climb up the 220 steps offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Bodie Island Lighthouse is situated south of Nags Head and stands 156 feet tall. Every evening the lighthouse continues to flash its powerful light beams over the waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
At a staggering 208 feet tall, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is famous for being the tallest lighthouse in North Carolina. It's part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is recognized for its black and white stripe daymark pattern.
Built in 1823 by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. Unlike other coastal lights, Ocracoke is an inlet light. Its responsibility is to safely direct ships through Ocracoke Inlet.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a must-do in the Outer Banks. After four years of experimentation, Wilbur and Orville Wright traveled to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and made the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903.
See the reconstructed hangar and living quarters, the nation's commemorative monument to the Wright brothers, an artistic representation of the first flight, and explore the Wright Brothers Visitor Center.
Address: 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, United States
The Beautiful Beaches
The Outer Banks is home to some of the most stunning beaches in North Carolina, featuring windswept sand dunes, wild horses, and miles of pristine coastline.
The best beaches in the Outer Banks are Kitty Hawk Beach, Kill Devil Hills Beach, Nags Head, and Hatteras Island Beaches, Rodanthe Beach, Ocracoke Island, and Coquina Beach. They're perfect for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing, and they're close to the best restaurants and attractions in the area.
For excellent waves visit Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills, and for the calmest beaches in the Outer Banks visit Ocracoke Island.
Find your kind of stay
Compare millions of stays — hotels, apartments, villas, and more
