Top Things to do in Outer Banks
Top Hotels in Outer Banks
- 1. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 2. Sanderling Resort
- 3. Sea Ranch Resort
- 4. Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront, an IHG Hotel
- 5. The Island Motel
- 6. Best Western Ocean Reef Suites
- 7. Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur
- 8. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
- 9. Shutters On the Banks
- 10. Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
10 Gift & Specialty Shops in Outer Banks That You Shouldn't Miss
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites.
If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.
Restaurants in Outer Banks
1. Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
A treasure worth taking the time to discover, seek us out in Historic Avon Village (Kinnakeet). Enjoy our Out-of-Ordinary collection showcasing an impressive selection of local and regional pottery including that of artist/owner Antoinette Gaskins Mattingly. Find 'jar frogs', local wall art, home decor, ornaments, handmade gifts and jewelry. Browse our showroom featuring the work of 40+ artists, take a pottery or painting class in one of our two working studios, watch demonstrations and shop to your heart's content. Savor the experience of art and fine craft.
Reviewed By brianjill - Glenside, United States
My wife and I are fortunate to have been able to spend an annual vacation in Avon each October for the past 15 years. There few things that we have not already seen, so it takes something special to get us away from our beach front rental. One place that is a annual must for us is Kinnakeet Clay. They have wonderfully crafted art, warm & welcoming staff, and a great artisan/owner. If you are staying in the OBX south of Nags Head, Kinnakeet Clay is well worth you time for a visit. ????
2. Cloud Nine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 1BSHICKS1995 - Maryland, United States
My male friend is into bracelets and has never made his own. So we decided to visit this shop. We came to the shop on Monday and found it was closed so we came back on Tuesday. The shop owner was VERY helpful and through our conversation she found out that I bead as well. So she provided me some pointers that will help me. She also helped my friend in adding smaller stones in his bracelet to make it stand out. The finish product was beautiful. I took these pictures and sent them to the shop owner and she took pics of us with his bracelet for her social media platforms.
3. KDH Cooperative Gallery and Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By T6143VUsueg - Wilmington, United States
This is a artist operated gallery with various mediums on display (oil, watercolor, pottery, jewelry, photography, mosaic sculpture to name a few) all by local artists. This was an interesting gallery, one of many of many on our cool day gallery morning. We bought some locally sourced, small batch honey. Yum!
4. Harbor House Seafood Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
We are a seafood market that offers both raw and prepared items.
5. Seagreen Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 776kristinw - Newport, United States
Creative and amazingly unique items. There was a variety of price points so anyone could find something. Love the repurposed and upcycled items. A must visit!
6. Scotch Bonnet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Named for the North Carolina State Seashell, The Scotch Bonnet is located in Frisco in the heart of Hatteras Island on the beautiful, windswept Outer Banks of North Carolina We have been a Hatteras Island landmark for over 60 years welcoming generations of families. The Scotch Bonnet is most famous for its rich, creamy and delicious fudge that is made right on the premises with real cream and butter! Our Fudge is so heavenly it was even featured on the Food Network! We also offer over 21 flavors of saltwater taffy, Jelly Belly jelly beans, seashells, t-shirts and unique gifts. So if your sweet tooth needs satisfying and you find yourself on the Outer Banks, a stop at the Scotch Bonnet is an absolute must!
Reviewed By jobo347 - Llano, United States
I love the fudge here. They sent me an e-mail telling me of flavor of the month, it was Bear Claw Fudge. Since I'm not going there till Oct. I had them send it to me. Wonderful!!!!! It tasted just like a Bear Claw Danish. I hope they still have it in OCT. when I visit. If not, they still have 30 + flavors to choose from. This is the best fudge and they always are having new flavors.
7. Gulf Stream Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
A unique contemporary gift shop specializing in 14kt. gold and sterling silver jewelry. We feature one of the finest selection of charms, earrings, bracelets and anklets with a coastal or beach flair. This year we picked a wonderful selection of fun and fabulous jewelry that you will love to wear all year. Since 1987, Gulf Stream Gifts has been a favorite shopping destination for visitors.
Reviewed By bubby2six - Pittsburgh, United States
I have been stopping in Gulf Stream Gifts for over twenty years. They have the nicest variety of items. Nothing junky. Great prices. Very unique items. Love their jewelry. I always come home with such nice "beachy" items after my stop at this great store. The owners do a wonderful job keeping their store full of beautiful things.
8. SeaWorthy Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
On the Outer Banks of North Carolina and located in Hatteras Village, the SeaWorthy Gallery stands out as the premier showplace of collectible art on Hatteras Island. Here in a relaxed and tranquil setting, one finds an elegant presentation of eclectic art forms from paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and home decor.
Reviewed By M9229EUdavidt
There is no doubt that this is the finest shopping on Hatteras Island. Great jewelry, pottery and art work. Many customers when we were there. Almost all bought something or other. Definitely recommend a visit.
9. The Village Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By photogal222
This is simply a delightful shop with beautiful, unique handmade gifts, many that are made locally. There is always so much to choose from! The store manager, Amy Howard, is always cheerful and welcoming. This is my absolute favorite shop on the Outer Banks, and every time I visit I come home with a new treasure (or several!). :) Highly recommended.
10. Laughing Lollipop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Enjoy candies from the 40s to today's hottest candy. We have a wonderful selection of Bulk Candy, Nostalgic Candy and icream as well as locally made sweets. Stop by today and take a walk down memory lane.
Reviewed By jrobba - Charlotte, United States
I was on a business trip for work to the outerbanks and I meant to stop in Duck for some treats for my little ones on my way home, and completely forgot to. Luckily the Laughing Lollipop in Manteo saved the day. They had a lot of yummy local popcorn that's actually made in Duck (the same stuff I was hoping to get), which my kids loved, along with some gator chomp lollipops that the staff member suggested, and those were a big hit with my kids. Thanks a bunch Laughing Lollipop!
