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View the Ocracoke Lighthouse

Located in the southwest corner of Ocracoke Village, many visitors view the Ocracoke Lighthouse each year. Built in 1823, the lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in the nation and is 77.5 feet tall. Though the lighthouse is not open for tours or climbing, visitors can walk down a wooden boardwalk adjacent to the lighthouse to view and photograph the structure. To get to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, turn left off NC Highway 12 at the Island Inn. The lighthouse is about 800 yards down, on the right side of that street.

Enjoy a Local Seafood Dinner

You can't spend any time at the Outer Banks without having a local seafood dinner. Throughout the Outer Banks, there are many great restaurants that will serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on the Outer Banks. Many of the restaurants will prepare YOUR catch of the day for you, if you have been out fishing and don't want to cook your own catch. All you have to do is ask!

Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. Emphasis in the museum is placed on the periods from 1524 to 1945. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Manteo

One of the oldest Outer Banks communities, Manteo is the county seat of Dare County and is home to several old office buildings that are still in use today. Manteo also has several bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, shops and attractions - all of which attract thousands of visitors to Roanoke Island each season. The downtown area is located on the waterfront, which has 53 modern dockside boat slips and a comfort station with showers and bathrooms. The downtown area has many independently owned shops and restaurants that provide for an interesting afternoon of shopping. Also in the area is the American Bicentennial Park, which has a wooden boardwalk along the waterfront, a gazebo area and picnic tables for resting and a playground for the kids. In Historic Downtown Manteo, there is something for everyone!

Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

While you are in the northern Outer Banks, stop by the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and climb the 214 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Once at the top, you will be able to get a close-up view of the 50,000 candlepower lamp that is visible for 18 nautical miles. Much like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the stairs to the top are narrow and winding, but the unlimited views from the top are an excellent reward. Visitors may climb the lighthouse for a fee of $6, and children less than eight years old climb for free. The lighthouse is open daily from Easter through Thanksgiving.

Go on an Adventure To View Local Shipwrecks

Because the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, there are some shipwrecks you can see during your visit. Many of the shipwrecks are on the ocean floor and only visible by scuba divers, but others are either onshore or in other land locations. The 1921 Shipwreck of the Schooner Laura A. Barnes is located on Coquina Beach, where it was placed for public display. The 1933 Shipwreck of the Schooner G.A. Kohler can be viewed at the edge of the surf at low tide at 4WD beach access Ramp #27 (between Avon and Salvo.) There are some other shipwrecks in the area as well. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Go Golfing

The Outer Banks is home to a variety of golf courses to suit golfers ranging from novice to experienced skill levels. Nags Head Golf Links is an 18-hole championship located at Milepost 15 in Nags Head, and can be reached at (800) 851-9404. The Sea Scape Golf Links is also an 18-hole championship course that is built around the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest with a beautiful view of the ocean. Sea Scape Golf Links can be reached at (252) 261-2158. The Duck Woods Country Club is an 18-hole course located at Milepost 1 in Southern Shores and can be reached at (252) 261-2609. Hatteras Island also has a golf course, Ocean Edge Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course on the oceanfront in Frisco. They can be reached at (252) 995-4100. Whichever course you choose is sure to keep you thinking about "the day you went golfing on the Outer Banks."

Browse the Local Gift Shops and Boutiques

Whether your shopping interests are high-end boutiques, art galleries, local souvenir shops or seafood markets, you will find a variety of stores up and down the Outer Banks. Whether you are as far north as Corolla or as far south as Ocracoke, you could spend a day browsing in local shops and galleries. Duck and Corolla feature the most high-end boutiques, while Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head shopping is more practical and affordable. Manteo/Roanoke Island has a variety of stores as well, but focuses more on antiques, art and high-end boutiques. Hatteras Island shopping is practical and features more surf and souvenir shops than the other types. Ocracoke Island also has a variety of shopping, and since the Village is so small you can walk or bike between stores. Wherever you are, you will be able to find the perfect Outer Banks gift or souvenir to take home with you.

Go Sailing in the Calm Sound Waters

The good news about sailing on the Outer Banks is that you no longer have to own your own sailboat to partake in this activity. Many local shops offer sailboat lessons, rentals, excursions and charters! If you have never sailed before, don't attempt to rent one until you have had lessons. The winds on the Outer Banks are tricky and you could end up miles from shore if you aren't careful. For more information, contact Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Carolina Outdoors is another option and can be reached at the Duck location at (800) 334-4777 or the Avon location at (252) 995-6060.

Watch Birds and Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1938 as a winter preserve for snow geese. Today, the refuge is managed by the National Park Service and consists of 5,915 acres attracting almost 400 observed bird species. Naturalists, birdwatchers and fans of the sea turtle all frequent the Refuge during their trips to the Outer Banks. There is a Visitor Center on-site as well as a trail leading along the sound marshes in the area. There is no charge for this attraction, but don't forget to bring your insect repellent! For more information, contact the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at (252) 987-2394.