Outer Banks Attractions & Activities

The Outer Banks are a playground for fans of fishing, sailing and windsurfing. The area is a world-famous hotspot for fishing, thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, just 12 miles offshore. Tuna, marlin, sailfish and other giant trophies swim these waters in abundance. Thanks to clashing ocean winds, the Outer Banks are a magnet for wind surfers, kiteboarders, parasailers and other adrenaline junkies. Less-adventurous types can stick to flying kites on the beach, and several area kite shops provide a wide array of kites and supplies. Golfers, too, find plenty of chances to get out and play on the Outer Banks. Ten championship courses feature stellar links-style designs, some views of the ocean and tricky cross breezes. Another popular Outer Banks activity sees visitors in hot pursuit of a prize photo-op: the Wild Horses of Corolla. More than 100 of the noble beasts still roam the island of Corolla today, thought to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs that swam ashore from wrecked galleons four centuries ago.

Outer Banks History, Arts & Culture Wildlife, culture and 500 years of mystery. The Outer Banks is a natural and historical wonderland and features the finest in cultural attractions. Museums, parks, gardens and educational attractions reflect the area’s rich history and tradition. From lost colonists to the gardens built to memorialize them, learn about Outer Banks arts and culture.


Outer Banks Dining Outer Banks restaurants offer a wide range of cuisine, price ranges and atmosphere. From raw bars and family-friendly take-out seafood joints, to upscale bistros and gourmet delis.


Outer Banks Fishing From the ocean to the sound, fishing piers to offshore charters, you’ll find an unparalleled array of catch when it comes to Outer Banks fishing. The Outer Banks is often called “The Billfish Capital of the World”…and the International Game Fish Association lists 92 world records for fish caught on the Outer Banks.


Outer Banks Golf Bent-grass greens. Bermuda fairways lined with maritime forests and coastal wetlands. Sea breezes, breathtaking sunsets and panoramic ocean-to-sound views. The golf courses on the Outer Banks are an intoxicating blend of powerful beauty, serenity and challenges for all levels of experience.


Outer Banks Health & Wellness After a long day of exploring the Outer Banks, visitors in need of pampering can indulge in an array of facials, massage, and body treatments at one of our Outer Banks spas and salons.


Outer Banks Lighthouses All through history, mariners have had to bravely navigate the watery perils that exist off the coast of our barrier islands. “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” got its name as hundreds of ships fell victim to the wrath of our violent storms, threatening currents, and treacherous shoals. These menacing waters were a crucial aspect in the birth of the Outer Banks lighthouses.


Outer Banks Nature & The Outdoors Nature lovers visiting the Outer Banks enjoy the area's pristine maritime wilderness. From ATV and jeep safaris in search of the Wild Horses of Corolla, to scenic plane tours, to backwater kayak trips, the Outer Banks is full of many natural wonders.


Outer Banks Nightlife When the sun goes down, things can get pretty quiet in the Outer Banks. Still, you can find plenty of local hotspots that liven things up with live music, tasty cocktails, and outdoor patios. This is Outer Banks nightlife.


Outer Banks Shopping The Outer Banks lay claim to a huge variety of quaint shops, upscale boutiques, and fine art galleries. From one-of-a-kind finds to stores full of beach essentials, Outer Banks shopping has it all.


Outer Banks Sports & Recreation With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Currituck, Croatan, Roanoke and Pamlico Sounds to the west, and abundant bays, estuaries, marshes and canals sprinkled in between, Outer Banks sports and recreation is all about water and wind. Surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, sightseeing cruises, kayaking, sailing or scuba diving are just some of your options.