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
7 Piers & Boardwalks 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. Jennette's Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,475 reviews
Owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, Jennette's Pier offers ocean fishing, educational programs with camps and fabulous facility rentals in Oceanview Hall. The 1,000-foot long pier is open year-round but hours vary with the seasons. All fishing customers are covered by a blanket fishing license while on the pier. Pick up ice, bait, tackle, drinks, T-shirts, hats, toys and more at the Pier Shop. Large public beach access complete with free parking, bath house and outdoor showers. Help us keep it "clean and green."
Reviewed By WeSawIt2013 - Charlotte, United States
Beautiful concrete pier part of the NC Aquarium System, feels so sturdy and stable. For free, walk in and see the huge aquariums with fish identification and browse the gift shop for a souvenir. Walk out onto the pier for a small fee and do some fishing, see and read the exhibits providing information about the ocean and marine life, birds, renewable energy or people watch. Great views of the sea and beach. Parking is free but can limited at busy times.
2. Duck Town Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 735 reviews
Reviewed By compblue - Pittsburgh, United States
Love walking on the boardwalk. It's a nice walk, and you are able to stop in at the different shops along the way.
3. Manteo Waterfront Park
4. Avon Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 265 reviews
Built by two local brothers from the village of Kinnakeet (now known as Avon Village), the pier took two years to construct. It opened its doors in the summer of 1963 and has been in continuous operation since then. The pier stretches 665 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its visible crooked bends are testament to the forces of Mother Nature over the many years. Today the Avon Fishing Pier is the only pier remaining in operation in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The pier is world famous for its many records, especially with giant Red Drum that frequently school just off the end of the pier. Today the pier is in even better hands with ownership belonging to Koru Village Resort and Spa. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just taking the family fishing for the day, the Avon Fishing Pier is the perfect spot. Come and start a tradition of your very own today.
Reviewed By Neals6769
2/3 of the pier is open. There were many people fishing & just enjoying the view. There are beverages there for purchase or take your cooler.
5. Nags Head Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By Jlynndavis - Nags Head, United States
The fresh shrimp was amazing!!! We hit shrimp happy hour at 5pm, 15 cent shrimp. It was cajun and delish! Fast service. Great views! Bring a sweatshirt or light coat if you go in the off season as it can be a little chilly. There is a live webcam where our family logged on and could see our little one dancing. Over all good place to eat! Music isn't so loud you can't hear yourself think, so that's good too!
6. Rodanthe Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By neltac
After watching the movie "Nights in Rodanthe" several of my girlfriends and I decided we had to go and stay in the house. We stayed for 7 nights and it was magical. There is a hot tub on the deck and the house is still ocean front. My bed room was on the second floor with my bed facing the French doors to the deck that overlooks the ocean. I would set my alarm every morning for the sunrise and just have to sit up in bed to watch it come up over the ocean. If no sunrise, just lay back down and go back to sleep. My bedroom also had a private bath off of it in the tower part of the house. The house is wonderful and charming. The pier was fun to visit and I just walked out and took pictures. Parking was a little difficult at the pier, but it is walking distance from the house. The light houses and the wild horses were neat to visit. If you take the four wheel drive tour to see the horses, dress warm. The ride is cold and breezy, to say the least.
7. Avalon Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By DfHRB - Hilton Head, United States
Excellent place to pier fish. Easy large parking lot right off South Virginia Dare road. $8 to fish. $2 to sight see. I did not ask about discounts since it was so nicely managed and clean. Great bar restaurant under shady deck to cool off. We had a ball fishing and only caught one Skate but still had fun. Veteran fishermen and women very helpful. All kids were also having fun with whole adventure. We bought our own rods, bait, and tackle. Suspect you could rent too. Great view, breeze, and fun time had by everyone.
