Planning an Outer Banks vacation does not have to mean overspending. The OBX is filled with free and low-cost activities that showcase its natural beauty, coastal history, and family-friendly charm. From iconic dunes and wild horses to scenic ferries and maritime forests, there are countless ways to enjoy the Outer Banks on a budget.
Whether you are traveling with kids, planning a couples getaway, or looking for free things to do near your vacation rental, these affordable Outer Banks activities deliver memorable experiences without stretching your wallet.
1. Explore Jockey's Ridge State Park (Free)
A visit to the Outer Banks isn’t complete without a visit to Jockey’s Ridge State Park - and it is completely free! This eye-catching dune, the largest living sand dune on the East Coast, boasts amazing views, a 384-foot boardwalk, and an endless list of festivals and events for every season, so be sure to check any upcoming events before your trip. Race your family members up to the top of the dune before rolling down in a fit of giggles or pick up a kite on your way onto the island and watch the wind whip it around in the air like it’s alive. Be sure to plan a picnic on the dunes and take a walk on the soundside for some peace and quiet, unlike anywhere else on earth. This is one of the best free outdoor activities in the Outer Banks for all ages.
2. Go Ghost Crabbing at Night (Free)
Hunting for ghost crabs as soon as it gets dark is undeniably one of the most fun things to do at the beach, especially for families with kids. Ghost crabs, or sand crabs, are tiny crabs with white claws and are known for coming out onto the beach at night, scampering back and forth across the sand as the waves come in. All you have to do is head out onto the beach as soon as the sun goes down and be sure to bring a flashlight, a headlamp, or even the flashlight on your phone. As you scan the sand with your light, chances are you’ll see many of these little fellas running back and forth in front of you. When you shine the flashlight beam on them, they tend to freeze for a few seconds, meaning that you’ll have a chance to get a quick picture before they disappear down into the sand. No equipment, reservations, or fees required—just an easy, memorable way to experience the OBX after dark.
3. Take the Free Ferry to Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island is, arguably, one of the most beautiful places in the world and it's so easy to get there by hopping on the free ferry run by the NC Department of Transportation out of Hatteras Island. The Hatteras Island Ferry takes about an hour and you can even bring your car or RV along for the ride, so be sure to bring the whole family and enjoy the beautiful beaches, amazing history, and delicious restaurants that Ocracoke has to offer. Enjoy fishing, pottery art, and a wide variety of music and entertainment on this perfect Outer Banks day trip that doubles as a small slice of heaven on earth. Once you spend a day on Ocracoke Island, you're sure to want to come back year after year to enjoy this paradise off the beaten path.
4. Visit Carova Beach & See the Wild Horses (Free)
One of the most spectacular areas on the Outer Banks is Carova Beach, north of Corolla, an undeveloped set of beaches that are only accessible by vehicles with 4-Wheel Drive. See the famous Corolla Wild Horses, drive on the beach to find the perfect spot to build a sandcastle, or visit the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge where you will find 13 acres of untouched beach, maritime forest, and brackish marsh, perfect for photographers, hikers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the untouched beauty of the northern Outer Banks, all without going over budget.
5. Go Geocaching Across the Outer Banks (Free)
If you’re looking for something fun and inexpensive that the entire family can enjoy during your Outer Banks vacation, try the international phenomenon known as geocaching. Also known as the world’s largest treasure hunt, “geocaching” is a fun, outdoor, treasure-hunting game that only requires a mobile phone and the Geocaching App (or a GPS receiver, if you already have one). Players can use their phones to find and track GPS coordinates that lead to a “geocache” or “cache,” which is often a waterproof container with a logbook and anything from small toys to stickers to trading cards. Once you find your cache, you sign a code name (of your choice) and the date to the logbook, then put it back for the next hunter to find! Be sure to log your finds on the app and see how many of these hidden containers you can find. There are more than a dozen caches to be found up and down the Outer Banks, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one wherever you’re already planning to go. And not only is geocaching free, fun for the whole family, and a great way to get outdoors and see the best of what the Outer Banks has to offer, but Geocaching is an international activity, meaning that you can keep playing this game once you get back home, as well as anywhere else you and your family go on vacation!
6. Visit Roanoke Island Festival Park (Low-Cost)
The Outer Banks is also known for its fascinating history and one of the best ways to introduce your family to the many amazing things that happened here is by visiting the Roanoke Island Festival Park. Admission for adults is $11, youth is $8, and children ages 2 and under are free and admission includes a full day’s worth of activities and adventures. Hop aboard the Elizabeth II, a traditional 16th-century sailing ship, visit the Settlement Site to imagine what life would have been like for John White and the other explorers, tour a replica of an Indigenous village, and visit the Adventure Museum. Play historical games and enjoy the fun of reenactors immersing you into the world that existed over 400 years ago. Learning has never been more fun than this affordable visit that promises memories for the whole family!
7. Hike Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve (Free)
Hidden in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, the Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the largest maritime forests along the East Coast. With over 1,400 acres of woodland spanning both Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, the preserve features sound waters, dunes, wetlands, a vast deciduous forest, and beautiful tree canopies interspersed with sand dunes in an untouched location that really does exist apart from the rest of the Outer Banks. For the hikers in your group, there are multiple trails and plenty of wildlife to keep everyone busy and having fun while taking in the fantastic, untouched splendor of the Outer Banks in its natural state.
8. Find the Winged Horses of the Outer Banks (Free)
If you enjoyed geocaching and want to add another scavenger hunt to your list, why not go on a search to see how many of the Winged Horses statues you can find during your stay? These beautiful pieces of art were erected during the 2003 Centennial of Flight celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kill Devil Hills. 99 horses were installed during the Winged Horse Extravaganza and many of them are still standing outside of shops, schools, restaurants, and many different other places on the Outer Banks. The statues are shaped like horses with wings and are decorated in elaborate styles, with everything from lighthouses to glitter adorning these beautiful fixtures. There’s no official record of which horses are still standing and where they are located, but it’s hard to miss thefun, vibrant art pieces up and down the island. Take the family out and try to find as many as you can!
9. Walk an Outer Banks Pier (Free or Low Cost)
Up and down the Outer Banks, you will find a variety of piers, many of which are open to the public (with one exception) for free or at a minimal cost. These are amazing places to take a walk over the water, for fishing, or watch other people fish and take in the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the piers even have arcades and aquariums, so you’re definitely going to be getting your bang for your buck. Find out more about specific piers by taking a look at our Outer Banks Piers Guide, which has information about all of the piers on the Outer Banks as well as prices and the fun things that you can do and see at each.
10. Spend the Day at the Beach (Free)
It may be obvious, but it is worth saying: the beach is still the best free attraction on the Outer Banks. Many Outer Banks beaches even have free lifeguard stands and bathhouses, so all you’ll need to have a good time is a beach towel and an umbrella. Enjoy the rolling surf or take a casual stroll along the water looking for shells and stones. Frolic in the waves or relax on the sand with your favorite book. No matter what sort of vacation you’re looking to have, whether it’s exciting or relaxing, a day at the beach is exactly what you need to have the best vacation possible without having to spend any extra money. Take a look at our Beach Safety Guide, which has information about rip currents as well as Outer Banks Beach Accesses and their available amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in the Outer Banks?
Some of the best free things to do in the Outer Banks include visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park, ghost crabbing at night, hiking Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, exploring Carova Beach to see the wild horses, walking fishing piers (low cost), and spending the day at the beach.
Is the ferry to Ocracoke Island free?
Yes, the ferry from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island is free for passengers and vehicles. It is operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and takes approximately one hour each way.
Are there budget-friendly activities for families in the Outer Banks?
Yes, the Outer Banks offers many budget-friendly family activities such as geocaching, ghost crabbing, visiting Roanoke Island Festival Park, exploring nature preserves, searching for the Winged Horses statues, and enjoying public beaches and parks.
What is the cheapest way to enjoy an Outer Banks vacation?
The cheapest way to enjoy an Outer Banks vacation is to take advantage of free beaches, public parks, nature preserves, free ferry rides, and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing (license required), and wildlife viewing.
Plan Your Affordable Outer Banks Vacation
With so many inexpensive and free things to do, the Outer Banks is one of the best budget-friendly beach destinations on the East Coast. Whether you are exploring historic sites, enjoying nature preserves, or simply relaxing by the ocean, unforgettable experiences do not require a large budget.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
FIND THE PERFECT VACATION HOME BY CATEGORY:
- Dog-Friendly Rentals
- Oceanfront Rentals
- Rentals with a Private Pool
- New to Seaside
- Group Travel and Event Homes
- Any Day Stays
Or by City:
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on BlueSky, Tumblr, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
