Activities to Do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Because the islands are surrounded by more than 900 square miles of water, many water activities are available. The adventurous traveler can kayak, dive, fish, parasail, surf, sail or windsurf. For those who prefer less athletic pursuits, visitors can take a cruise or relax on a beach.

The area's several lighthouses, such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Roanoke Marches Lighthouse, offer tours and visitors' centers. Many lighthouses allow visitors to climb to the top for a beautiful view of the area. The Elizabethan Gardens and Roanoke Island Festival Park have a joint admission ticket that saves you money on both attractions. The Elizabethan Gardens serves as a memorial to English colonists; Roanoke Island Festival Park focuses on 16th century history including a museum and a 16th century ship. Fort Raleigh commemorates the attempts to found settlements on Roanoke Island.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers several exhibits illustrating the Outer Banks' ecology and wildlife. In the Aquarium's touch tanks, children can touch stingrays and hermit crabs. A giant tank containing almost 300,000 gallons of water contains marine life and a one-third scale replica of the USS Monitor, a Civil War-era battleship. The area also features wildlife refuges and parks where you can hike and view wildlife. Opportunities for bird-watching are highest during the fall and winter, when birds fly south to escape colder weather.

Visit one of the area's many stores, featuring art, antiques, jewelry and souvenirs, and afterwards, stop for a meal at one of the Outer Banks' over 160 restaurants. Many offer local seafood such as fish, oysters and shrimp. Others feature Southern cuisine, Italian or French options.