Hidden Gems of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina is known for its pristine shoreline, rich history, and iconic landmarks. However, it’s also a treasure trove of hidden beaches, trails, historic sites, wildlife experiences, and local discoveries. This iconic stretch of coastline offers something for everyone, elevating any visit into an unforgettable adventure.
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Unique Hidden Gems Experiences
Looking for experiences that go beyond the typical beach day? These lesser-known activities connect visitors to the culture, history, and waters of the Outer Banks.
Shrimping & Crabbing Adventures
Join a family-friendly shrimping or crabbing charter on the calm waters of the sound, where you can catch fresh local seafood and experience coastal life firsthand. Keep watch for dolphins, pelicans, ospreys and other wildlife that make these waters such a special part of the OBX.
Fishing and Charters
The sheer quantity of angling opportunities on the OBX makes our waters some of the best in the world. Brackish fishing, fly fishing, offshore and inshore charter fishing, sound and head boat fishing, surf and pier fishing - all with the season continuing throughout the year.
Hidden Hiking Trails of the OBX
Buxton Woods Trail: Tucked away within the maritime forest of Hatteras Island, the Buxton Woods Trail offers a family-friendly three-quarter-mile loop. This scenic path, which starts and ends at the picnic area, provides an intimate look at one of the island's unique natural habitats.
The Freedom Trail: Stretching for 1.25 miles between the Croatan Sound and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, this level path provides a direct link between the fort and the Civil War-era Freedman’s Colony site.
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve: Hiking trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round and offer great views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes and history. The Roanoke Trail is a local favorite, consisting of a short 1.5 mile round trip.
Jockey’s Ridge Trails: Jockey’s Ridge State Park is known for having the tallest sand dunes on the east coast. What most folks don't know is that this state park also has hiking trails. These paths lead through the dunes, opening up to the sound, with markers and info panels along the way.
Coastal Studies Institute Trail: Head towards the Roanoke Island mainland, where the Coastal Studies Institute holds the starting line to a 2 mile trail beginning in their parking lot in Skyco, NC, continuing through trails and local residential roads and ending at the Dare County Center in Manteo, NC.
View more details and more hidden trails here.
Hidden Historical Sites
Island Farm: Island Farm offers a glimpse into life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s, when families relied on farming, fishing and the surrounding waters to make a living. Today, visitors can step back in time and discover how generations of islanders lived, worked and thrived on Roanoke Island.
Roanoke Island Festival Park: Experience history firsthand at this interactive family destination that honors the legacy of America’s first English settlement. Spanning 27 acres across from the Manteo waterfront, the park features the Elizabeth II, a representative sailing vessel modeled after the original ships from the 1585 Roanoke Voyage, that you can even climb aboard!
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum: Discover the legacy of regional boat building through a specialized exhibit featuring the Ella View, a classic 1883 North Carolina shad boat. This museum celebrates coastal heritage through educational programs and exhibits dedicated to the construction and preservation of traditional maritime watercraft.
Century of Flight Monument: Fourteen stainless steel pylons, shaped like wings and ranging from 10 to 20 feet tall, are arranged in a 120-foot orbit to represent the distance of the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight. Visitors can explore black granite panels detailing a hundred pivotal milestones from the first century of aviation. Entrance is free to the public.
Pea Island Cookhouse Museum: Located in Manteo, visitors can delve into the legacy of the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, the nation's original sole U.S. Coast Guard site staffed entirely by African Americans. Today, visitors can explore a collection of historic memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs that tell the story of those who served in the Lifesaving Service.
Nature & Wildlife Hidden Gems
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve: Spanning over 1,800 acres of maritime forest, marshland, and deciduous swamp, this reserve is a haven for diverse plant life and coastal wildlife. Visitors can explore the area via a public access trail or multi-use path.
Sandy Run Park: Located within Kitty Hawk Woods, Sandy Run Park is 16 acres of natural beauty with a half-mile boardwalk and nature trail, waterfront gazebos, a fishing pier, and canoe/kayak access. Affectionately referred to as “turtle park”, it’s a favorite spot for families thanks to the many turtles that gather beneath the boardwalk bridges. The park also features a picnic pavilion, basketball court, and grills.
Dare County Arboretum and Teaching Garden: Located in Kill Devil Hills, this free public garden showcases plants and landscaping techniques suited to the coastal environment. Visitors can wander along peaceful walking paths through themed gardens, including butterfly, sensory, and wetlands areas, while exploring displays of native plants and sustainable gardening practices.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge: Stretching along northern Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the East Coast’s premier destinations for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore observation platforms, wildlife trails, and scenic overlooks while watching for migratory birds, waterfowl, sea turtles, and other native wildlife that depend on the refuge’s protected habitats.
