North Carolina, Travel

Exploring The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

As one of the most popular vacation destinations in North Carolina, The Outer Banks has much to offer. These chain of barrier island stretch some 200-miles offer some charming towns, numerous water sports options, beach activities, and so much more.  A plethora of beaches, shipwreck diving sites and protected state parks are all just about a half days’ drive from Charlotte, Washington DC, Raleigh or Richmond.

The following is just a taste of what one can see and explore while visiting the Outer Banks.

duck pier
Duck Pier by watts_photos on Creative Commons

Chase the Wild Horses

Outer Banks is famous for sighting wild Spanish Mustangs. These wild horses are often spotted roaming freely around Corolla Beach. These beauties are a sight to behold.

There are several tour options via 4×4 jeeps to see more of these beautiful wild creatures during your visit to the Outer Banks. The charge for wild horse tours  is around $50 for adults and $30 for kids.  You can book the wild horse tours can be booked online.

If you don’t wish to schedule a tour, the Mustangs might be spotted on while driving along these barriers islands.

horses on beach outerbanks
Horses On The Beach by Turquoise Field

Leisure Time On Pristine Beaches

If all you are wishing for is a day of leisure and just do nothing. This quality time with family and friends is often what many come to the Outer Banks. There are two areas that are most common for time on these sandy beaches are: Duck and Corolla Beaches along the northern shore and Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hill on the southern shores.

outerbanks beach

Things to do in Outer Banks NC Beautiful Outer Banks Beach

Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial 

“If you can dream it, you can do it ” ~ Walt Disney.

This famous quote sums up what Wright brothers –Wilbur and Orville achieved. They dreamt of flying and made it true in Kitty Hawk. After four years chasing this dream, it was on December 17, 1903 that they were able to see the dream come to light with a successful 12 second flight making their mark in history.

You can view the location of the first flight from the monument.

kitty hawk flight
Flight Area in Kitty Hawk photo by Lee Bennett

There is a replica of the airplane that the brothers took the first flight in here.  One can climb up on it and pretend to be Wilbur or Orville.

You can learn more about the Wright Brothers Memorial including admission cost and opening hours by going to the National Parks Services website.

Savor Some Local Harvested Food

If you are desiring some local foods from the area, you will not be disappointed during your visit to The Outer Banks. Here is a short list of some of the more famous restaurants:

At first glance, the Outer Banks of North Carolina might sound like just another area for beachgoers, but there is so much more to do here than just enjoying the beach. Please add this wonderful location to your next travel destination.

Some Surprises About the Outer Banks

  • This area of North Carolina is actually a National Park.
  • Cape Hatteras is America’s First National Seashore
outbanks
Image Courtesy of Outer Banks.org

 

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