Some cool spots to check out in the Outer Banks!
Fort Raleigh NHS sits on the site of the first attempt at English settlement in the Americas. Today, the site is home to the national historic site dedicated to preserving the history of the area, including not just the first traces of English "settlement" but the Native American cultures that had made the area home first. Hours: Grounds: 24/7/365 Visitors' Center: 7 days a week 9am-5pm Christmas Day CLOSED
A great little rum distillery with a tasting room and bar in Manteo! Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-9pm Sun-Mon Closed
The newest lighthouse in the Outer Banks (built in 2004), home to a number of historical exhibits. Right in the heart of Manteo. Hours: Mo-Fr 8:30am-5pm Sa-Su CLOSED
Another of the Outer Banks' historic lighthouses. There are numerous stipulations you must follow if you're looking to climb the lighthouse and tickets must be purchased in advance. Go to https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/lighthouseclimbs.htm for more info. Hours: Visitors Center Mo-Th 9am-5pm (closed 1-1:45pm) Fr-Sa 9:30am-4:30pm Su 9am-5pm (closed 1-1:45pm)
Absolutely gorgeous state park that features numerous activities, beaches, and the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast! Another must-see stop in the Outer Banks. Hours: Jan-Feb 8am-6pm Mar-Apr 8am-8pm May-Sep 8am-9pm Oct 8am-7pm Nov-Dec 8am-6pm
Seafood joint with a very sea-faring vibe. Hours: Mo-Sa 11:30am-9pm Su CLOSED
Arguably the most famous attraction in the Outer Banks, this is the monument that commemorates the Wright brothers' first powered flight tests. Definitely worth the visit! Hours: 7 days/week 9am-5pm Christmas Day CLOSED
A neat, wavy pier extending into the Atlantic surf! Great for fishing or just contemplating the beauty of the sea. Hours: 7 days/week 6am-8pm
This is a must-see lighthouse nestled within the Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve! The grounds house a wonderful history museum that details the history of the light which you can check out while Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed for climbing due to restoration efforts. Outdoor areas near the lighthouse are open 24/7. Hours: Grounds: 24/7/365 Lighthouse: Closed for restoration until mid-2026
youtu.beCool local supermarket filled with most of your necessities! Hours: 7 days/week 8am-9pm Closed Christmas Day Open Thanksgiving + Christmas Eve 8am-12pm
connerssupermarket.comUpscale-ish local seafood restaurant and sushi bar with the best chowder in the Outer Banks! Hours: 7 days/week 7am-2pm, 4pm-9pm
This is a lovely little spot right off Highway 12 in Buxton, NC in the Outer Banks. Stop in for your morning cuppa, grab some bait and tackle, supply your tchotchke needs, or all of the above! Hours: Variable. Roughly 7 days/week 7am-9pm
dillonscornerfishing.comThis is a great little donut chain that originated just up the road in Duck. They have a crazy assortment of flavors and they make their donuts hot and fresh while you wait! Hours: 7 days/week 7am-1pm
google.comCome ride a horse on the beaches of OBX! Tours are 2-3 hours and include your horse. Watch our intro to Equine Adventures on YouTube for all the details and how to plan! Hours: Contact info@equineadventures.com for information
A delightfully unique barrier island that stands out even from the rest of the Outer Banks. The island is only accessible by ferry, but it is gorgeous and well worth the effort! https://www.visitocracokenc.com/first-timers-guide-to-ocracoke-island/
1718 Brewing serves locally-made beers! You can be sure that there's a style to match your taste as their collection of styles is EXTENSIVE! Hours: 7 days noon-10 pm
A delicious, authentic Mexican food truck with a gift shop attached. Be sure to try the street corn! Hours: Tu-Su 8am-3pm
The National Park Service operates this Visitors Center, which has exhibits and information about Ocracoke Island. Located across the street from the Ocracoke South Ferry Terminal, it's a good spot to get to know the Island a bit on your way in! Hours: Mid April - September 1:30pm - 3:30pm ORV permits must be purchased at www.recreation.gov. October - mid November We-Sa 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Closed Christmas Rest of the year Intermittent
Ocracoke Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse near Pamlico Sound. It's notable for its distinctly plain paint job, which is all white! Hours: Not open for climbing Lighthouse Base: Mid-April - September 7 days 10:30 am - 12:30 pm October - mid November We-Sa 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Rest of the year Intermittent
Terminal for the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry. The trip takes roughly an hour and is weather-dependent, so be sure to keep an eye on the ferry's website when traveling! Schedule: https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/ferry-tickets-services/routes/Pages/default.aspx
youtu.beAvon's main supermarket and a nationally-recognized brand name. Hours: 7 days/week 7am-10pm
This museum is dedicated to exhibiting artisinal Native American wares from around the Americas. Exhibits are organized by type of ware, so you can compare products from different Native American bands next to one another! Hours: Mon by appointment Tu-Su 10:30am-5pm January-week before Easter Sa-Su only
Vehicle ferry to/from Ocracoke Island. The ride takes roughly 60 minutes and is free. Schedule: https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/ferry-tickets-services/routes/Pages/default.aspx
This cool little general store was recommended to us by the good folks at Conner's! They have a good selection of supplies and wares, many with local origins! Hours: Mo-Sa 8am-9pm Su CLOSED
Delicious local-caught seafood served in a cozy dive bar in Buxton; a true diamond in the rough! Hours: Check https://www.facebook.com/groups/97810485490
facebook.comDelicious vegan(!) donuts, great coffee and a lovely Aussie proprietor named Luke made this an instant fave! Hours: Mo-Fr 8am-Noon Sa-Su CLOSED
eatrootsandleaves.com