12 Adventurous Things to Do in the Outer Banks

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in the Outer Banks (OBX), you’re in the right place! Let me preface this post by saying I’m ashamed to admit that it took me 20+ years of living in NC to visit the OBX. What was I thinking?! This little slice of heaven along the NC coast is full of history, breathtaking scenery, and hidden gems.

The list of things to do in the Outer Banks is endless, but I’m sharing my top suggestions for can’t-miss adventures that are doable year-round. Let’s get to it!

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Top Things to Do in OBX

# 1: Explore Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Get directions: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most scenic destinations in the Outer Banks. This protected area, located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of land and over 25,000 acres of water.

The refuge is home to over 300 species of birds, making it an excellent spot for bird watching! Fall and winter are especially great times to look for birds on Pea Island.

You’ll find a few trailheads within the area, which I loved! The North Pond Wildlife Trail is a nice walking trail. This trail is accessible from the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. About a mile north of the visitor center, you’ll find the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail. These trails don’t offer much shade, so wear sunscreen and a sun hat to keep you comfortable.

Make sure to cross the road and spend some time exploring Pea Island’s pristine beaches. I couldn’t get over the size of the dunes or the fact that we didn’t see another soul out there! From what I’ve read, these beaches tend to stay far less crowded no matter the time of year.

# 2: Horseback riding on the beach

Get directions: Equine Adventures in Frisco, NC

Deciding to go horseback riding on the beach was a last-minute decision before leaving the OBX, but I am so glad I did. My friend and I had the BEST experience with Equine Adventures in Frisco!

They offer guided beach tours, which last around 3 hours, year-round. You must reserve your spot online in advance. Don’t worry if you don’t have any riding experience – you fill out a questionnaire and they match you with one of their lovely horses based on your needs.

This would be a great thing to do in the Outer Banks for couples! If you’re looking to go as a family, please note that riders must be at least 10 years old. Check here for more FAQs and general information about horseback riding tours with Equine Adventures.

# 3: Explore downtown Manteo

Before my first visit to the Outer Banks, I knew nothing about the area or any of its towns. It just so happened that the Airbnb I stayed at was in Manteo, and I felt like I hit the jackpot! Although Manteo is on Roanoke Island, a small island east of the barrier islands, it is still very much a part of the OBX.

I recommend stopping by to explore even if you aren’t staying in this area. Roanoke Island is quite different from the rest of the OBX. Not to mention, downtown Manteo is so cute! Some of the shops will be closed if you’re there in the cooler months, but it’s nice to be able to walk through the town without any crowds.

I highly recommend stopping by The Elizabethan Gardens while you’re on Roanoke Island. The grounds are stunning! And, they’re open 11 months of the year (February is the exception). You can purchase admission tickets online here.

# 4: Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Get directions: Jockeys Ridge State Park

NC is home to 41 state parks, and it’s so unique that one of them is on the barrier islands of the OBX! Located in Nags Head, Jockeys Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dune in the eastern United States! The “living” part essentially means the ridge is constantly changing due to the wind.

You’ll need to give yourself around 15 minutes to get out across the dunes from the parking area. The park opens at 8 AM year-round but closes at different times depending on the season. Check the NC State Parks website for park hours.

If you’re up for an adventure, try dune hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites! A standard beginner lesson is 3 hours long, which includes your training and 5 solo flights.

# 5: Go on a road trip

One of my favorite things about the OBX is how drivable it is! There are two “main” roads — the Bypass (US Highway 158) and the Beach Road (NC Highway 12). I recommend driving along NC Highway 12 for a scenic road trip.

If you were to drive the entirety of this 148-mile route, it would take you from Corolla on the north end down past Ocracoke Island. This would require two ferry rides: the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry and the Cedar Island Ferry, which connects Ocracoke to Cedar Island. Stop in some of the most iconic beach towns such as Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Rodanthe, and Hatteras along the way.

A road trip would be the perfect way to hit all of the activities on this list! Plus, it’s a great idea if you’re looking for Outer Banks things to do in winter. The ferries continue to run on an adjusted schedule during wintertime.

# 6: Visit Bodie Island Lighthouse

Get directions: Bodie Island Lighthouse

It seems so simple, but watching the sunrise at Bodie Island Lighthouse might be my favorite thing to do in the Outer Banks. This gem is located just south of Nags Head and is an absolute must for any OBX visit!

I can imagine this place gets a good amount of traffic during the day (especially during summertime), but arriving early will help you beat the crowds! The peacefulness of having this place to yourself is unmatched.

Visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse is free. Although you cannot climb the lighthouse during the winter months, you can access the boardwalk (open 24 hours) and admire the beautiful lighthouse from the outside year-round!

Visit the NPS website for more information on purchasing tickets for lighthouse climbs.

Read More: 6 Must-See Lighthouses in the Outer Banks

# 7: Book a kayak tour

A kayak tour with Coastal Kayak is another adventurous thing you can do when visiting the OBX! I did not get a chance to go on a tour during my last visit to the OBX, but it’s on my list for next time because I’ve heard such good things.

Their Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest & Marsh tours are offered year-round weather permitting. Duration and pricing vary depending on the tour. Check Coastal Kayak’s website for more information. You can also rent kayaks from them if you’d prefer that over going on a tour!

# 8: Watch the sunset on the beach

I feel like watching the sunset on the beach is a requirement for any beach trip. I’ve been to many of NC’s beaches, and the Outer Banks beaches are something else (in a good way)! I love the fact that there’s so much undeveloped oceanfront.

All OBX beaches are open to the public. Therefore, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot for sunset. In the image shown above, we simply walked out onto the beach after visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and waited for the sun to go down.

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite sunset spot in the OBX!

# 9: Visit Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Get directions: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

According to the NPS website, “The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast.” Commonly referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this area is notorious for shipwrecks due to its dangerous waters.

Seeing this massive lighthouse in person is incredible! In fact, it’s the tallest lighthouse in the United States. The grounds are well-maintained and you can admire the outside of the lighthouse from all angles year-round.

Visiting the lighthouse is free. If you wish to climb the lighthouse (the climbing season runs from late April to mid-November), you’ll need to purchase tickets. Visit the NPS website for more information on purchasing tickets for lighthouse climbs.

# 10: Check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial

Get directions: Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is in Kill Devil Hills and is open 9 AM – 5 PM year-round. If you’re unfamiliar with the Wright Brothers, they’re the reason one version of the NC license plate reads “First in Flight” — these brothers were responsible for the first successful airplane, which took off in the OBX.

This is a great thing to do in the Outer Banks with kids! Children 15 and younger are free and admission costs $10 per adult.

# 11: Look for the Corolla wild horses

Seeing the wild horses in Corolla was a major highlight on my last trip to the OBX! The Colonial Spanish Mustangs have roamed the Currituck Outer Banks for over 500 years now (since the Europeans arrived in the 1500s).

We did not spot any wild horses on the beach. However, we saw a few as we drove through the residential area parallel to the beach. We were just trying to get turned around to drive back in the opposite direction (there are many access/exit points along the beach) and got super lucky! Please note that a 4×4 vehicle is REQUIRED to drive on the 4×4 beaches of the Outer Banks.

If you want to increase your chances of seeing wild horses (or don’t have a 4×4 vehicle), consider going on a wild horse tour. There is a list of tour operators on the Visit Currituck website.

Important reminders:

• It is illegal to feed the wild horses.
• Remain at least 50 feet away from the horses at all times. If you want close-up shots (like the one shown above), take your zoom lens!
• Drive with extreme caution. The wild horses roam freely in this area, so make sure to look out for horses on the beaches and roads.

# 12: Drive on the 4×4 beaches

If you have a 4×4 vehicle, driving on the 4×4 beaches of the Outer Banks should be on your to-do list! There are two main places where you can drive on the beach if certain requirements are met — Corolla/Carova and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Check this guide for best practices for driving on the beach.

You can find additional spots to drive on the beach by doing a bit more research! Also, it’s a good idea to get your car washed after driving on the beach to get the salt and sand off!

Corolla/Carova

A permit is not required to drive on the beach at any point during the year. In the past, a parking permit was necessary during the summer months. According to the Currituck County website, the issuance of parking passes has been suspended for the 2022 vacation season. Regardless, you can still drive on the beach with a 4×4 vehicle!

P.S. – Make sure to stop by Currituck Beach Lighthouse while you’re up this way!

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

In order to drive on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will need an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit. You can obtain a permit online through Recreation.gov.

Have you ever been to the Outer Banks? If not, I hope an Outer Banks vacation is in your future! Which activity from this list will be a must on your itinerary?