The Ultimate Outer Banks Bucket List 

Looking for fun in the Outer Banks? Use this bucket list to find delicious eats, adventures, history, and must-see attractions to make the most of your visit.  

With endless natural beauty, opportunities for outdoor adventures, rich history, and a vibrant culinary scene, there’s practically no limit to the fun in the Outer Banks. We’ve created the area’s ultimate travel bucket list for your next island visit. From historic sites to irresistible eats, these are the Outer Banks experiences you won’t want to miss. 

Outdoor Adventures 

With 100+ miles of pristine beaches on islands stretching one mile wide, it’s no wonder the Outer Banks are an in-demand getaway destination. From fishing onshore or off to booking a water tour to exciting water sports, there’s no limit to the fun you can have with these extraordinary outdoor Outer Banks activities.  

• Immerse yourself in an underwater world by snorkeling  
• Reel in a fish 
• Charter a fishing boat  
• Explore the waters by kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or sailing  
• Enjoy the magic of dolphin watching  
• Make a splash swimming or surfing  
• Charter a sailboat 
• Take in ocean views or cast a line at one of the area’s multiple piers  
• Experience the beauty of birding  
• Drive along the beach in an ORV 
• Bike the area’s 105 miles of terrain  
• Hike hidden trails and sand dunes  
• Hit the links at public golf courses and country clubs  
• Follow our NC Oyster Trail or visit an oyster farm 
• Pitch a tent at one of our NPS campsites 
• Catch a sunrise by the ocean 
• Take your pet to the water 
• Get an aerial view of the islands in an airplane, helicopter, or biplane 
• Ride a horse alongside the shore

Family Fun 

The key to an ideal family vacation destination is having something for everyone, and the Outer Banks offer a slew of entertaining and engaging vacation activities perfect for people of all ages. Whether you want fun games like mini golf or more live animal experiences at the North Carolina Aquarium, these vacation activities are guaranteed to make beloved family memories. 

• Grab a treat at mom-and-pop sweet shop Laughing Lollipop  
• Enjoy killer views with hang gliding, parasailing, and kayaking from Kitty Hawk Kites — there’s also a trampoline park 
• Have a blast playing putt putt at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf  
• Take a walk on the wild side with live animal interactions and more at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island  
• Hunt for sea glass  
• Pull up a crab pot or shrimping net 
• Go Ghost Crab hunting at night 
• Grab binoculars and birdwatch at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge 
• Tag along on a tour of the Alligator River, see a black bear or hear red wolves howling 
• Hop on a ferry in Hatteras for the day 
• Explore a new town or village (we have 15) 
• Enjoy a family-style seafood boil 
• Sled or run down Jockey’s Ridge sand dunes  
• Make or buy beach art from funky beach finds or in a local studio 
• Shop boutique stores along Duck Boardwalk, Outlets Nags Head or other numerous shops 
• Attend a local event, music festival or artist showcase 
• Spend a week in a vacation rental home 
• Grill out on the beach or at your rental — find equipment & supplies 

Culinary Delights 

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks is eat. From fresh local seafood to seasonal produce, savoring the local fare is an ideal way to experience the flavor of the region. Don’t miss a meal at one of these incredible Outer Banks eateries.  

• Dig into local coastal cuisine and enjoy the views at Cafe Pamlico 
• Savor the sweetness of a fresh donut from Duck Donuts 
• Sample ALL flavors of fudge & salt-water taffy 
• Enjoy fine waterfront dining from renowned Chef Vivian Howard at Theodosia    
• Head to Coastal Cantina for Tex-Mex fare  
• For live entertainment, cocktails, delicious bites, and ambiance, hit up Mimi’s Tiki Hut  
• Indulge in seafood and more along the waterfront at Sunset Grille 
• For an incredible happy hour, head to Hurricane Mo’s 
• Throwback craft suds and bites at the Outer Banks Brewing Station 
• Sample local Kill Devil Rum 

Historic Experiences 

The only thing richer than its natural beauty is the storied history of the Outer Banks, which boasts Native American and English settlers, pirates, and maritime culture. It’s also known as the birthplace of aviation. Wander through time at these must-see destinations. 

• Delight in 10 acres of blooms and statues at the Elizabethan Gardens 
• Take a selfie with three lighthouses: Roanoke Island, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras 
• Attend an apparatus Drill at Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station 
• Become a keeper of heritage at Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center 
• Discover a culture of diversity through our African American History Trail 
• Hear about local tales and legends by joining a walking tour or ghost tour 
• Enjoy 138 miles of breathtaking scenery along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway 
• Commemorate the world-changing work of the Wright Brothers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial 
• Watch a Lost Colony performance 
• Learn about our 2,000+ shipwrecks at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum 
• Set foot on the Elizabeth II ship replica at Roanoke Island Festival Park 
• Experience what 1850s-era life was like for Roanoke Islanders at the Island Farm