The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known the world over for good reason. Great beaches, an utterly unique land structure and inclement weather combine to make it one of the major destinations along the eastern seaboard of the United States. If you are approaching from the west the most common access to the Outer Banks takes you on a beautiful path (US-64) that crosses over the Alligator River, through the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, across the Croatan Sound, across Roanoke Island, over the Roanoke Sound and finally into Nags Head along the outer coast.
Once you hit Roanoke Island there are numerous things to see and places to go both on the island as well as just north and south of Nags Head. Honestly you could probably be perfectly entertained just observing all of the surrounding natural beauty and the quaint beach homes. Or perhaps shopping at one of the local tourist traps or at the Outlets on Croatan Highway. Not to mention hanging out on the beach all day. For the rest of us here is a list of 10 very cool other things to do when visiting this part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The best part . . . all of these places are within 30 minutes of each other.
Nags Head, NC
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Though lighthouses are no longer utilized for their original purposes they continue to delight visitors to this day. They are unique structures and have a pleasant nostalgic feel about them. The Bodie (pronounced “body”) Island Lighthouse is actually the third structure built in the area (the first was built on unsteady ground and the second destroyed in the Civil War) and rises to a height of 156’ (47.5m). The actual light still projects a beam up to 19 miles offshore while making 360° rotations every 27.5 seconds.
For a modest $10, but only in the summer months, you can ascend the winding 214 steps to the top and enjoy a spectacular 360° view of the Atlantic ocean and the Roanoke Sound. You can also follow the wooden plank path out onto, and above, the surrounding marshlands to a watchtower where you’ll likely find nature photographers looking to catch a glimpse of the variety of species indigenous to the area. We were lucky enough to see an egret walking in the shallow ponds near the tower. The original light keepers home now serves as both a ranger station and a small gift shop with some cool souvenirs.
BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Nags Head, NC
HOURS: Open all day, everyday
COST: FREE. Climbing the lighthouse is $10 Adults, $5 Seniors & kids 11 years or under
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Parking lot, restrooms and gift shop
Coquina Beach
Directly across from the Bodie lighthouse is the Coquina Beach parking and access area. Its relatively remote location allows it to feel like your own private beach. There is zero commercial development so it tends to be less touristy. There is a spacious parking lot and facilities including (3) shower heads to wash the sand off as you depart. There is an entry point for beach driving but there is a cost and you need a special permit from the National Park Service ORV Permit Office.
The sand dunes on Coquina are beautiful but please just look as local erosion has made them vulnerable. The beach itself is well known for beachcombing and shelling, especially after a storm. You’ll likely find moon snails, jingle shells, clam shells and, of course, coquinas. This particular stretch of water is a less crowded spot for some great surfing and body boarding. Beware of fishing lines, particularly in the fall and spring, as locals love surf fishing for mullet, bluefish and other local catches.
Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier was the first pier built on the Outer Banks and remains one of the best spots for fishing on the eastern seaboard. Initially conceived and built in the late 1930’s by the Jennette family, the pier bears little resemblance to that original structure which was almost totally destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Rebuilt as part of a $25 million dollar project in 2011, the pier today stretches 1,000’ (305m) and hosts thousands of anglers from all over the world. The pier opens as early as 5 am in season and it’s worth getting up early to catch the sunrise over the ocean.
The primary attraction to the pier is the fishing. From the seasoned veteran to the novice, there is something for everyone. You can bring your own equipment or rent on site. There are classes and even private lessons available. The end of the pier is the most popular spot but great catches are available in each of the (3) primary sections. The pier is always kept clean and orderly. There are stairs that can take you down to the beach area, a second floor ocean view ballroom and balcony that’s worth a visit plus a nice little gift shop in the lobby.
Jennette’s Pier Aquarium
Jennette’s Pier has a small aquarium area owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquariums and, while not nearly as large as the aquarium on Roanoke Island or those in Pine Knoll Shores or Fort Fisher, it has a few very cool displays just to your left as you enter the main lobby. The first is a 240°, 3,000-gallon tank that replicates the underwater coquina rock shelf and features a wide variety of local fish including sheepshead, bluefish and trigger fish. To the right is another tank with more exotic sea life including red snapper, triggerfish and a few species of eels. On the second floor is a smaller tank with several brightly colored fish on display. The ground floor also has a learning center with tons of fascinating information about the local conditions, the weather and how it impacts the environment along with efforts to maintain the ecological balance in the waters of the Outer Banks.
JENNETTE'S PIER AQUARIUM FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Nags Head, NC
HOURS: 7am-9pm
COST: FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 20 min
ACCOMODATIONS: Parking lot, restrooms and gift shop
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Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The expression “go fly a kite” takes on an entirely different meaning at Jockey’s Ridge where you can literally learn to fly, or at least hang glide. The experience is made all the more spectacular due to the towering 80-100’ (24-31m) sand dunes, estimated at 7,000-12,000 years old, spread throughout the park. But Jockey’s Ridge offers so much more. There are (3) different nature trails to explore with something for all ages including a 384’ (117m) boardwalk, a 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop over dunes and through maritime forests, thickets and ocean views and, finally, a 1-mile loop through marsh, woods and thickets leading to a scenic overlook.
For the more active there is sand boarding, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and some of the best conditions in the world for flying kites. The ocean has sections appropriate for all ages and abilities including a perfect area for little ones on the sound side of the beach. At the park’s entrance there is an Exhibit Hall with information on the wildlife, history and distinctive landscape of Jockey’s Ridge. The park also hosts numerous events all year around, including “Kites with Lights” festival during the holidays, seasonal educational programs and an annual kite festival.
Roanoke Island, NC
Fort Raleigh
One of the lessor known occurrences from the European settling of the new world took place near the northern tip of Roanoke Island. The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is home to the “Lost Colony”, a group of settlers that mysteriously disappeared without a trace some 400 years ago. What remains is an excavated area where the original Fort Raleigh stood, having long since sunk into the ground.
What really stands out at the site is the museum area of the Visitor’s Center and the Lost Colony outdoor drama. The museum explores not only the known elements of the Lost Colony but also the equally interesting journey of historians and archeologists in their attempts to understand what happened to the settlers. The story of the doomed settlers has become a Roanoke Island tradition and is, in fact, the longest running live outdoor performance in the country. Among the more notable actors to have performed in the production were Andy Griffith, Leon Rippy, Chris Elliott and Lynn Redgrave.
FORT RALEIGH FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Manteo, NC
HOURS: Grounds are always open, Visitor Center open 9a-5p
COST: FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Parking lot, restrooms, gift shop and small museum
Elizabethan Gardens
Within the property of the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, but with a separate fee, is the Elizabethan Gardens with its replica Tudor gate house greeting all new visitors. The gardens reflect the same time period as the Lost Colony and are maintained by the Garden Club of North Carolina. They cover more than 10 acres (4.0 ha) is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and plants from both the local region and all over the world. Locals visit multiple times a year as not only do the seasons offer a different perspective but the winter and summer landscapes are substantially different. The gardens also participate in the NC Birding Trail project.
ELIZABETHAN GARDENS FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Manteo, NC
HOURS: 10am-3pm January, 9am-6pm April-September, 9am-5pm March & October, 11am-4pm/6pm-9pm December (Closed in February)
COST: $10 Adult, $7 Kids 6-17, $3 Kids 2-5, under 2 are FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Parking lot, restrooms, gift shop and small museum (at Visitor Center)
Mothervine
Located on private waterfront property on the northeast side of Roanoke Island is the Mothervine, thought to be America’s oldest cultivated grapevine. Originally covering more than an acre, this “scuppernong” (muscadine grapes) is believed to date at least back to the late 16th Century and was likely cultivated by Native Americans long before that. Despite almost being accidently destroyed in 2010, the Mothervine continues to produce table wines to this day. It’s worth a quick drop-by to soak in a bit of history and appreciate the intricacies of the vine structures.
Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant
It is said that there are two quick ways to identify a good restaurant . . . clean bathrooms and a place where the locals eat. Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant has been in business since 1960 and is one of eateries on Roanoke Island that stays open all year round. This no frills little gem specializes in fresh seafood and friendly service with a smile. They also offer BBQ ribs fresh off an all-natural wood fired smoker, pork chops, fried chicken, hush puppies (of course) but it is their popcorn shrimp that really stands out. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and are open Monday-Saturday every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Roanoke Island Aquarium
The high point of Roanoke Island is the aquarium located on the northwest end of the island. One of (4) North Carolina aquariums (Jennette’s Pier, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher), the 68,000 sq ft (6,317 sqm) complex features a full range of Outer Banks aquatic life, from alligators and copperheads to sea jellies and stingrays. Fun can be had by all members of your family or friends, whether you prefer the exotic like the massive albino alligator and the sandbar shark or the playful river otters and sea turtles. The little ones will love the up close views of stingrays and everyone will enjoy touching the invertebrates in the Sea Senses section.
The (2) sections that stand out the most are towards the end of the exhibits. First is the Delicate Drifters . . . sea jellies. The presentation is set in an otherworldly blue hue that accentuates the translucent appearance of the Blubber Jelly, Moon Jelly and Bay Nettles creatures. The other is the 285,000-gallon shark tank located in the Graveyard of the Atlantic section. While the tank is filled with numerous large fishes it’s the sharks that get your attention. As impressive as the nurse shark and sand tiger sharks are, it is the sandbar shark that makes you most thankful you are on the dry side of the tank.
As with all of the North Carolina aquariums there is a strong element of education and conservation involved in the exhibits. Operation: Sea Turtle Rescue is dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles that serves as both a residential hospital and education center. Close Encounters allows kids and adults alone to touch and get close-up with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins while aquarium staff are available to answer any questions. To end it off there is an excellent gift shop that is sure to delight all visitors with items ranging from stuffed sharks and post cards to clothing and board games.
ROANOKE ISLAND AQUARIUM FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Manteo, North Carolina
HOURS: 9am-5pm everyday
COST: $12.95 Adults, $11.95 Seniors (62+) & Military, $10.95 Children 3-12, & Children 2 & under FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and gift shop
You could end up visiting the Outer Banks and never know there was anything outside of the magnificent beaches and excellent restaurants. Hopefully you’ll be able to carve out some time for the plethora of other things to do that will even further enhance your experience in our beautiful state of North Carolina. Please let us know of your experiences on the Outer Banks. We always love hearing from each of our visitors.
