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
What to do and see in Outer Banks, North Carolina Coast: The Best Specialty Museums
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. Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
The Ocean Center provides a wide variety of recreational and educational activities for people of all ages. Please come view the exhibits, experience the wetlands and coastal forest, attend our programs and events, and use our ocean access.
Reviewed By ailatanie
We attended a 2 programs at the Ocean Center (turtle patrol and marsh madness) and both adults and children absolutely loved it. My kids are curious about the places we visit and they were craving an opportunity to learn about the wildlife we are surrounded by in Hatteras. I cannot think of a better way! Shirley showed them around the nature center (only one family is allowed in due to COVID), described the life cycle of turtles and the efforts to protect them, and showed the nest on the beach. It was fun interactive and all kids (ages 6, 9, 12) were very interested and asked a lot of questions. The next day they went crabbing, caught and learned about blue crabs. We even spotted a snapping turtle. I highly recommend it!
2. Whalehead in Historic Corolla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
Take a step back in time when you visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla! Originally built in the 1920s, this magnificent residence has been restored to its original grandeur and is open for tours year round. Located inside Historic Corolla Park, the museum is situated on 39 acres of pristine waterfront property, and is located in the heart of Historic Corolla. Open year-round for a variety of tours - choose from various House Programs, Children's Activities and Park Programs that are perfect for all ages! Check our online calendar for exciting events hosted in the beautiful Historic Corolla Park.
Reviewed By tee168 - Appleton, United States
This is worth the stop. It's an amazing house with a very interesting history that's really well re-done. It's self guided where you listen to an "I pod" recording that tells you about each room. Very informative. Took about an hour. Would highly recommend if you love old restored homes and learning about the local history.
3. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,160 reviews
Open for the 2021 season, daily, 9a-5pm, weather permitting. Climb the 220 steps to the top for a breathtaking view while learning from docents, brochures, and exhibits about shipwrecks, the lives of lighthouse keepers, the history of the tower (it filled the last remaining dark space on the east coast in 1875) and the original 1st order Fresnel lens. The beacon continues to be an active aid to navigation (3 seconds on, 17 off). The station is preservation effort of the Outer Banks Conservationists along with the State of NC and the USCG through the NHLHP Act of 2000. $10/person (card or cash); Children ages 0-3 may ascend (free) but only in a carrier with adult 18 or over. All other climbers $10.* Children 13+ may climb alone with parent signature.
Reviewed By rbrich - Cherryville, United States
This is a beautiful lighthouse that from the top you can see the ocean and the sound, it shows just how narrow the strip of land that makes up the outer banks is. This is the second time we have visited this lighthouse and it was just as fun this year as it was 12 years ago.
4. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 505 reviews
Reviewed By S250LPmikeg
From the Fresnel light center stage in the main room to the historical info inside and out to the helpful staff and free all day run of short educational films, this is a must-see destination for anyone who loves and wants to know more about the Outer Banks from Blackbeard's time, through the Civil War to the present day.
5. Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum and Store
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 172 reviews
The Wild Horse Museum is operated by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and features exhibits, photos and information on the Wild Mustangs of Corolla. Learn about the history of wild horses that have roamed the Outer Banks for nearly 500 years and still call these beaches home. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is the non-profit whose mission is to protect, conserve and responsibly manage the wild horses. Visit our gift shop for unique, fun and beautiful items. Check our calendar for upcoming events and children's activities. Find out when we will have a rescued mustang with us for you to meet. Open year round.
Reviewed By CarrieNJ18
Have a variety of things to buy that go to a good cause, always buy something every time I go. The pottery if unique and beautiful.
6. Frisco Native American Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 82 reviews
Frisco Native American Museum houses exhibits with thousands of artifacts from Native cultures across the country and include a special gallery, dedicated to the local tribes (Hatterask, Croatoan, Roanoac) and features many items that were found locally on the Outer Banks. The museum is the life work of Carl Bornfriend. He and his wife Joyce worked together to create this special and friendly 501(c)(3) museum whose goal is to honor native people and expand communication between tribes and non-natives. Carl and Joyce both come from education backgrounds and those ideals have forged a distinctive place. Carl taught among the Delaware and Hopi, sharing his love of nature and learning with anyone who would listen. Joyce is a former teacher, principal, and school board member. Combining Carl's spontaneity and creativity with Joyce's warmth and organizational skills has produced a place of learning and respect.
Reviewed By JenniferM479 - Charlotte, United States
Educational visit while down in December. They have a nice variety of artifacts and information. Amber is super nice and very knowledgeable. We have passed by so many times, glad we finally stopped and will be back during our next vacation.
