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
The 10 Best Art Galleries in Outer Banks, North Carolina Coast
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. Blue Pelican Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Shop American Made, Shop Handmade, Shop LOCAL. Blue Pelican Gallery and Gifts is a unique little shop with a lot of heART.With hundreds and hundreds of handmade and individually produced items, Blue Pelican is a great place to pick out an affordable, special, often one of a kind gift for a special person...including yourself. We have a huge selection of items under $20. We are constantly changing and adding new art and artists. Three generations of our family own and staff the shop. Remember to shop LOCAL on Hatteras Island!Some of the items you can find are: jewelry, pottery, prints, photography, soap, candles, ornaments, sun catchers, clay wall art, metal art, blown glass art, Outer Banks SeaSalt, pet sitter gifts, art cards, and much, much more.
Reviewed By TyiaP1
I ordered online from Blue Pelican Gallery. At the time of my order, the Gallery was up on stilts, being raised due to flooding. Jennifer contacted me and let me know that she couldn't get in her store (safety) at the time and asked me if I wanted a refund or if I wanted to wait until the Gallery was lowered back down. I told her I would be fine with waiting. It wasn't more than a week, but one of the items I had ordered got lost when they lowered the house and the display fell. Jennifer wrote me a note and sent it along with my order explaining that one item had been lost, she sent several replacements, refunded my shipping, and said that she will ship the lost item when she finds it. This woman is BEYOND NICE!!! She has gone above and beyond in making up for the loss of an item that was beyond her control! She is an example of what not only quality customer service, but a quality human being, should be! Thanks Jennifer! I will definitely be recommending and shopping from your store again!
3. Pea Island Art Gallery, Salvo, NC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By DonaldC1334
owner and help are great not pushy lots to choose from neat garden surrounding the house .We go in spring and the fall
4. Hang 12 Art Gallery & Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Wine & Paint the Outer Banks Tuesday , Wednesday & Thursday 6:00 - 9:00 pm Spend your evening painting your own custom art with Outer Banks Local Artist Brad Price. Come follow me through a painting in a fun open studio environment, and feel free to bring something to drink! BYOB All art supplies included 45.00
5. Silver Bonsai Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
6. 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.
7. Studio 12
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Studio 12 is a fun place for kids and kids at heart. Bring in the whole family for some artsy fun. Grab a latte or all fruit smoothie from the coffee bar and then create your own mosaic, paint some pottery or make some glass fusion. Browse our gallery to find unique gifts made by local OBX artists as well as owners Carolyn and Gary Schena. Studio 12 is fun for all ages!
Reviewed By 251cathrync
So much to choose from for families to do and everyone had a blast. We painted animals and bowls and also did a mosaic. The staff is friendly and helpful and it's a nice relaxed atmosphere. We noticed we were not the only table of painters happily singing along to the music they played. The studio is bright and colourful and fun to look at all the artwork, both samples of painted pottery and art from local artists. Lots of art for the walls, as well as beautiful jewellery. They also have lotion and soaps and fun gifts for the kids. Loved that we could purchase a coffee and smoothies at the shop next door. Will come again!!
8. Dare County Arts Council
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Located on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, Dare County Arts Council is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization encouraging the arts through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity. Located on the first floor of the historic Dare County Courthouse in downtown Manteo, Dare County Arts Council operates a gallery for emerging and established artists, providing a constantly rotating exhibit of local art. We feature paintings, pottery, works in printmaking, jewelry, wood design, fiber art, and glass, as well as a fine selection of prints.
Reviewed By Critiqueness - Yorktown, United States
We had a lovely visit at the Dare County Arts Council. Rooms are filled & hallways are lined, with paintings, photography, jewelry and other artisan wares that were stunning. Beautiful place to visit and purchase that special gift for yourself and/or others. Located right on the main street (Queen Elizabeth) in beautiful downtown Manteo.
9. Seaside Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By kraigmelville - Annapolis, United States
One can enjoy this destination purely as a museum of mostly local artists. There are a number of pieces from locales distant as well as historical pieces. Styles and media vary. There is also a collection of fine estate jewelry. It is a bit of a rabbit warren; the gallery extends far back and has a number of paths and side rooms for your viewing pleasure. Prices vary; you can drop a significant amount of cash here but the art quality is excellent.
10. The Bird Store - The Outer Banks Wildlife Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Bird Store- The Outer Banks Wildlife Art Gallery is a must! Our old Nags Head style shop is full of wildlife art....decoys, carvings of pelicans, shorebirds, herons, etc.,paintings and prints of herons, birds, pelicans, sporting dogs, seashore, etc., driftwood, gifts, and more. Stop in when visiting the Outer Banks and take a look!
Reviewed By hartlife - Columbus, United States
My wife was looking for a very specific piece of driftwood to use as a centerpiece and saw this place as we were driving by. The owner is very friendly. He is knowledgeable of the area and easy going. We thought the prices were fair for everything we looked at in the store. There is a good selection of bird related decor items and a. few turtles and others as well. The driftwood prices were very cheap! Much less than anywhere else we had seen. Nice local place to get some unique pieces.
