What to do in Outer Banks, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

A monument with inscriptions and a bronze bust.
A giant bluefin tuna sculpture, a sign for Oregon-Inlet.com, and a dock with boats.
A sunset over a field of tall grasses with a clear sky.
A beach house on a pier with a sandy beach and ocean waves.
A seashell on a sandy beach with a blurred background.

Outer Banks Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Outer Banks has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Outer Banks, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Outer Banks with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Outer Banks

Outer Banks is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Outer Banks, and make it a breeze to explore Outer Banks and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Outer Banks to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Outer Banks, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Outer Banks.

Outer Banks attractions

Outer Banks has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Outer Banks to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Outer Banks.

Looking for things to do in Outer Banks can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Outer Banks or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Outer Banks attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do


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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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A lighthouse, a wooden boardwalk, and marshy terrain.

2. 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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A lighthouse with a spiral design, surrounded by a grassy field and trees.

3. 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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A pier with a building on stilts, a fish logo, and a sign reading "Jennette's Pier".

4. Bodie Island Lighthouse

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A white house with a black and white lighthouse nearby.

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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A monument with inscriptions and a bronze bust.

6. Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. Explore the three unique ecosystems on a ranger-led program or picnic in the serene natural environment. Walk the sand tracks and nature trails and discover stunning views from the shifting dunes. Experience kiteboarding in the shallow sound and hang-gliding and sandboarding on the dune.
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A sandy dune landscape with sparse vegetation and wind turbines in the distance.

Recommended things to do in Outer Banks

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What to do in Outer Banks


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Day trip destinations from Outer Banks

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