Free
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Long, undeveloped beaches on Hatteras and Bodie islands.
North Carolina
Outer Banks
A chain of barrier islands off North Carolina: the Wright Brothers' first-flight site, the East Coast's tallest natural sand dune, wild horses at Corolla and a line of lighthouses down to Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Photo: Bodie Island Lighthouse, Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY-SA 3.0
In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first powered airplane flights at Kill Devil Hills, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the spot. Stand where flight began.
South of Nags Head, Cape Hatteras National Seashore runs for miles of undeveloped beach. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Free
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Marsh and beach habitat with birding trails.
Free
Ocracoke Island
A village and wild beaches reached by free state ferry from Hatteras.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Free
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The site of the 1580s Roanoke colonies.
Paid
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The site of the first powered flights, with a monument on Kill Devil Hill.
Paid
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in the US, with seasonal climbs.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Paid
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
An unpainted brick lighthouse in Corolla. Seasonal climbs.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Paid
The Lost Colony
An outdoor drama on Roanoke Island.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Paid
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Sound and ocean life, including sharks.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Corolla wild horse tours
Guided 4x4 tours to see the wild horses on the beaches north of Corolla.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- The islands are long, so base yourself in Nags Head or Hatteras.
- Sunset on the sound side.
- The Lost Colony plays on summer nights.
Nearby and worth the drive
Norfolk, VAabout 1 h 30
Charlestonabout 7 h · Guide ↗The nearest big airport.
Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter.
Ready-made trips with Outer Banks
Good to know
- Tourism: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
- Ocean: Rip currents are common. Swim near lifeguards.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Bodie Island Lighthouse, Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, Bohemian Baltimore, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ocracoke Lighthouse, Wendy, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Wright Brothers National Memorial visitor center, Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain
Photo: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Kip Robinson, CC BY-SA 4.0