Vacation Like an OBX Local
If you like visiting the Outer Banks, we’re sure the thought, “I’d love to live there someday,” has crossed your mind once or twice. We totally get it – the Outer Banks is an awesome place and there is always something fun to do no matter what interests you. It might surprise you that even though we live here, locals love to do some of the same activities that visitors do when they are on vacation. From enjoying our favorite summer treats to visiting popular landmarks, locals enjoy immersing themselves in every unique Outer Banks experience they can. If you’d like to vacation like an OBX local, here is a week’s worth of activities you can try.
Day One – Sip Coffee at a Local Coffee Shop
Even though we live in one of the most beautiful, relaxing places on earth, locals still need our caffeine fix and when you want a cup of hot coffee done right, be sure to stop by Front Porch Café. Front Porch acquires their beans from organic, fair trade, and sustainable growers all over the world and roasts the beans right on site at the Nags Head location employing a micro-roasting process to guarantee the freshest tasting blends end up in your cup. Along with Zen bowls, granola and fresh bakery treats like muffins, scones, and filled croissants, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of blends and even try a specialty coffee. The “West Third” is a local favorite made of ingredients like espresso, steamed milk, mocha, caramel, hazelnut, and whipped cream! As a bonus, coffee can be ordered online by the pound so you never have to be without your favorite blend, even when your vacation is over!
And whether you like classic coffeehouse drinks or exclusive flavored specialties, there are any number of other local coffee shops up and down the beach that will offer a little bit of something for everything. From Corolla to Ocracoke, the Outer Banks has plenty of options guaranteed to serve up something that you will love. Check out more options in our guide to the Best Outer Banks Coffee Shops.
Day Two – Beachcombing for Sea Glass After a Storm
Visitors aren’t the only ones who are looking for that special treasure when they take a stroll on the beach. Locals enjoy beachcombing and everyone has their own favorite spot! Since there are no houses along Coquina Beach, it’s the perfect stretch of sand to explore after a storm to search for a beautiful piece of sea glass. Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Coquina Beach in Nags Head is roughly a mile South of the closest beach house and there’s a good chance that if a storm just passed through, the surf kicked up more treasures than usual. Just be sure to get out there early in the day or right around low tide because if there is any sea glass to be found, another beachcomber (or the ocean itself) will get to it before you do! And be sure to check out our guide and tips for finding sea glass on the Outer Banks!
Day Three – Stop by Mom’s Sweet Shop
Mom’s Sweet Shop in Kill Devil Hills was opened in 2011 by a local couple and pays homage to an ice-cream parlor with the same name that has long been closed. Today, locals love stopping by to satisfy their craving for everything vintage with a sweet treat on the side. Serving everything from fresh acai bowls and smoothies to classic milkshakes and root beer floats, grabbing a cold treat on a hot afternoon is the perfect way to relax. Mom’s also offers a collection of vintage items ranging from candy and vinyl records to clothing and accessories.
Day Four – Tour the Sound on Your SUP
While we certainly enjoy all types of watersports and other exciting OBX adventures, standup paddleboarding, or “SUPing,” is a great way to explore the sound, engage with nature, and ultimately unwind in a slower-pace vessel that you are steering yourself. A sport that’s easy enough to learn (beginner’s lessons are a fun family activity), the miles and miles of sound waters along the Outer Banks coast mean that there are plenty of places to launch your SUP. As an added bonus, if you’re staying in a sound front rental home, you can launch right out of your own backyard! Exploring the sound side of the Outer Banks is an amazing way to enjoy watersports, fishing, crabbing, sunsets, and more in a quiet area that boasts unique, irreplaceable views and experiences that locals know not to miss.
Day Five – Grab a Burger at Art’s Place
Don’t get us wrong – we love fresh seafood but sometimes we just want a juicy burger. Art’s Place in Kitty Hawk is known for being both a local favorite and the best burger joint on the Outer Banks. Serving up specialty burgers and hand-cut seasoned fries, Art’s is the perfect spot for a casual evening dinner. Once featured in Our State Magazine, Art’s also has a full-service bar, hosts events like Jazz night and Open Mic night, and has a full menu of tasty choices for anyone who isn’t in the mood for a burger.
Day Six – Check Out the Waterfront Shops in Duck
Everyone loves a little shopping excursion! Head to the Waterfront Shops in Duck for a truly unique shopping experience by the water. From clothing boutiques and beach gear to art galleries and local eateries, there is a shop everyone will enjoy. Best of all, the entire village is waterfront so it’s scenic too and connects to the main town of Duck Boardwalk! Home to turtles, herons, and egrets just to name a few, these shops give you the chance to stroll along, make a few purchases, and enjoy the local wildlife. You can even pull up to the shopping center by boat if you prefer not to drive! And if you find yourself exploring other areas on the Outer Banks, rest assured there is a wide variety of shops and boutiques that will pique your interest wherever you are! Explore more locations in our Outer Banks Shopping Guide where you'll find recommendations for where to find everything from formal wear to souvenirs.
Day Seven – Watch the Sunset from Your Favorite Spot
Probably one of the most relaxing ways to spend your vacation is watching the sunset. Thanks to the unique geography of island life, you can watch the sunrise over the water in the morning and then watch the sunset over a different body of water in the evening… and it doesn’t disappoint! The Outer Banks gifts us with gorgeous sunsets and each one is so different that you could easily do this activity on more than one day! There are dozens of public soundfront accesses along the coast throughout each town so pick your favorite, grab your camera, and head to your favorite spot. One of our favorites is the Little Bridge Access at MP 16.5 between Nags Head and Roanoke Island. Surrounded by the sound on both sides, you’re completely immersed in a gorgeous sky! Other great spots include the West Hayman Street sound access off of Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills and the Duck Town Park sound access in Duck! If you’re on Hatteras Island, be sure to swing by Canadian Hole between Avon and Buxton.
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About the Author: Lauren is the author of two books and a travel enthusiast. She grew up on the Outer Banks and only left for a few years to get her degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and complete a tour in the Coast Guard before making her way back to the beach in 2017. The only thing Lauren loves more than writing is sharing her love of the Outer Banks and its rich history with visitors and locals alike. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with a book and cup of tea in hand, planning her next travel adventure and trying to figure out what happened to the Lost Colony.
