Things to do in Outer Banks

Top Things to Do in Outer Banks, NC - Outer Banks Attractions

Things to Do in Outer Banks


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Outer Banks.

Top Attractions in Outer Banks

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • MuskokaBarb
    Muskoka49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very educational! An excellent museum with a visual story about how the Wright Brothers developed 'flight'.
    A replica of the flyer is displayed in the museum. [Their original flyer is in the Air & Space Museum in Washington DC.]
    On the grounds, there are distance markers and the very first runway.
    The monument is a true tribute to these men.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yea W
    Charlotte, NC19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I heard about this place on Instagram years ago and forgot about it. I bought a travel action and this place was on the list so I had to make the trek. It was certainly worth it. It was a cloudy and cold day when I visited but still good. If I'm ever in that area again, I'll make the trip there, hoping it'll be better weather.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Binghamtonians
    Newport, RI8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic state park. We highly recommend visiting. We were off season when we went exploring to the southern most part of the OBX.
    If visiting in summer, grab water, sunblock, hat and flip flops. Explore the beautiful beach, go shelling, be mindful if swimming and only swim where there are lifeguards on duty. We saw many ocean rip currents and we both enjoy swimming however, we are forever mindful of our surroundings before we venture in for a dip.
    If you do not know what a rip current looks like, take the time, educate yourself and your party and ask a lifeguard on duty.
    The museum is tastefully done and the park ranger staff is excellent, professional and most informative. The history of the light house, its keepers and then the task of relocating is fascinating.
    We highly recommend venturing into the national park.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yea W
    Charlotte, NC19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a cloudy day when I visited and it was closed for the season. Still nice to say I went there. They had a clean bathroom.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kuvasz1988
    Saint Paul, MN1,150 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having visited off season the lighthouse was closed to visitors wanted to climb the stairs. With that said it was still a beautiful sight.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LeslieMarieTX
    Austin, TX39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visit this wonderful aquarium every time we come to Nags Head. We absolutely love the different areas and my favorite are the sea horses, lion fish and jellyfish! My kids love the turtle rehabilitation area and the fun, interactive activity they have. This is a beautiful facility and the animals appear to be in good health and well cared for. Highly recommended, especially for those rainy beach days!
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • punjren7325
    Somerset, NJ10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful bird sanctuary where no dogs are allowed on the paths. The paths are very long and run alongside the open areas where the birds hangout.
    Written 5 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian C
    Indianapolis, IN119 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cool place to visit with family and kids. Very inexpensive to go onto the pier, you can view the fishermen and women as well as the ocean scenery. We were able to see some surfers during a surfing contest.
    Written 24 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelHer
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This outdoor drama about the first English settlement on NCs coast has preserved the original 1935 play enhanced by 21st century theatrical techniques. Situated in an amphitheatre at the water's edge and secluded in a small wooded parkland, you'll forget your place in the modern world and become enmeshed in the struggles of these brave colonists. Be sure to eat before you go; the snack options are slim. You won't need sunscreen for the after-dark performance, but you will want mosquito repellant. And you might want to take a nap in the afternoon if you're accustomed to an early bedtime!
    Written 26 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • debanderson90808
    Leland, NC136 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This house is definitely worth touring if you like old homes. It was built in the early 1920s and has alot of character you don't see in old homes in this area. It is an audio tour which uses ipads in each room.
    In the same park is the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nita M
    Tulsa, OK60 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Boardwalk is nice in that it goes through a big part of the town. Not much to see on the water but saw a few fish in one spot. I enjoyed it because we got some exercise.
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yea W
    Charlotte, NC19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was very windy and cold when I visited, so I really didn't enjoy it much. Besides that, it was still beautiful to look at.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outer Banks