“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.”
The term “travel” is often associated with the word “adventure.” In fact, it’s likely that you know someone who loves to travel because their social media page is full of photos of them on glorious hikes, visiting local museums, trying creative cuisines and seeing what the world has to offer. And that’s awesome if your idea of a getaway is fitting every activity into your schedule. But that sort of vacation is not for everyone.
This day in age, most of us get very little time to relax and truly do nothing. Weekends are filled with catching up on work, getting groceries, cleaning the house, and running all over town while days off from work are filled with doctor’s appointments, laundry, and sitting down to do your bills. The truth of the matter is that if you’re at home, there’s probably something around your house you feel like you’d be neglecting if you were to “relax.” Even when you do decide you’ve earned a 3-hour Netflix binge, you probably end up feeling more guilty than relaxed. To make matters worse, we’re guessing you also checked your work email at least twice during that binge and got up in between episodes to take care of at least one small house chore.
Having time to your self is underrated but it is hard to find that serenity when you’re at home. That’s why a vacation is the perfect time to get some much-needed peace and quiet… and what better place to relax than on the beach? At the beach, it’s easy to settle into “island time” where you rise with the sun and plan your days in the moment around the weather, the tides, and whether or not the fish are biting.
Although the Outer Banks is a vacation destination fully-equipped to give you the adventure of a lifetime, a good vacation does not always have to be about packing your itinerary full of activities. As a shout out to all of those travelers out there who are excited to do absolutely nothing on their next trip—here are a few “activities” to help you achieve total relaxation.
Relaxing Outer Banks Activities
Go for a walk on the beach.
We have miles and miles beautiful coastline and since the Outer Banks is more underdeveloped than most beaches, it’s easy to enjoy a peaceful walk without the crowds.
Watch the sunrise/sunset.
It doesn’t take more than one morning or one evening for a visitor to learn that the sunrises and sunsets on the Outer Banks are absolutely gorgeous. In fact, they are so breathtaking that you shouldn’t miss a single one! Watch the sun rise over the ocean every morning and in the evening, head to a sound access to watch the sun set over the water on the soundside. Your stress may just fade away as it sets.
Go beachcombing.
Beachcombing on the OBX can be on the active side if you’re an avid shell collector but it is also the perfect activity for a casual beachcomber. Simply stroll the beach looking for a unique shell or even a piece of rare sea glass! Plus, you'll get a memento you can take home to remember your trip!
Sip coffee on the deck.
There’s nothing quite like getting your caffeine fix as you watch the waves crash on the sand from your oceanfront deck. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. And it’s a great time to clear your head and just enjoy the moment.
Lay out on the beach.
Kind of like a long stroll on the beach except you’re just lying there, soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh, ocean air. It does wonders for your soul—trust us! Just grab a towel, some sunscreen, and your sunglasses before you hit the sand!
Read a book.
If you’ve recently picked up a new novel you’ve been dying to open but still haven’t found the time to even read the first chapter, now is your chance! Park yourself in a comfy Adirondack on the deck or maybe on a cozy chair in your home's sun room and get lost in a grand story.
Play a board game or a card game.
Sitting down at the table to play a board game or a card game sounds like a simple activity but our busy lives make doing this harder than it sounds. When you’re on vacation, you don't need a timeline so head over to your home’s dining table and pull out Monopoly, Scrabble, or those new poker chips.
Soak in the hot tub or enjoy your home’s other amenities.
Many of our rental homes come with amenities like private pools, billiards tables, theater rooms and more. Normally, these aren’t the types of “activities” you’d add to a daily itinerary so they perfect for your week of taking it easy. Go for a swim in your pool, watch your favorite movie in your home theater, and finish it off by shooting some pool with your family.
About the Author: Jessie has been coming to the Outer Banks since she was just 5 years old. She loved it here so much that she finally relocated in 2018. Now her mission is to show the world that the Outer Banks is an incredible place that everyone should experience. When she isn't working, you can find Jessie hanging out with her friends, chilling at home with a good book, or discovering a new Outer Banks adventure.
