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 Shopping 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. 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. Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos & Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Let our studios put you in the mythical eras of the Old South, Wild West, Pirates, Civil War, American Indian, The Roaring Twenties, Victorian and more, with an original, Old Time Photo by Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos and Gifts OBX NC. All of our costumes are replicas of the Antique Clothing from the mid 19th through the early 20th centuries. Our photographers and assistants have been trained to pose each Old Time Photo setting in the most realistic manner and expression for the period of your choice. So by all means, look at our portfolio, make your choice. Then relax and have fun as we take you back to the thrilling days of yesteryear! Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos and Gifts is located in Corolla, North Carolina on the Outer Banks in the TimBuck II Shopping Village Corolla, Located just north of Nags Head NC, Kill Devil Hills NC, Kitty Hawk NC, Southern Shores, and Duck NC in Corolla, North Carolina on the OBX
Reviewed By E1336CTkellym - Johnstown, United States
We had a 7 person photo shoot as pirates and had a wonderful time and came out with great pictures!!!!
9. Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By rebeccad857 - Chelsea, United States
They have everything! Clothing, beach supplies, souvenirs, fishing tackle, and the most delicious deli subs and hot subs. Even toasted the bun perfectly! Ordered subs and grabbed some drinks and had a perfect picnic lunch on the beach at our hotel
10. Duck's Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Bookstore and coffee shop.
Reviewed By Wanderlust061 - Fredericksburg, United States
Love this little place. The coconut crunch coffee is yummy as well as the specialized cold and hot drinks. I enjoy the book reviews around the store and always pick up a couple things to support this lovely place!
