2025 Duck Activities Guide

Bob's Bait and Tackle located in Downtown Duck, is your one-stop shop for all your fishing needs. Not only do they offer personalized, attentive service, but also a huge selection of rods, reels, lures and tackle. Bob's Bait and Tackle has been in business since 1975, and bring you over 37 years of fishing expertise! They ensure that you have access to daily fishing reports for pier, beach, sound, and offshore fishing expeditions. If you do not have your own rod and reel you have the option of conveniently renting as many as you need from their supply. Bob's Bait and Tackle presents you with the options of both fresh and frozen bait including XXX large bloodworms, crab bait and supplies, as well as instructions on how and where to fish and crab.

If you are looking for adventure, stop by or call Coastal Kayak Touring Company and book your reservation. The company has been offering kayak and paddle boarding tours on the Outer Banks since 1999 and is located at the Waterfront Shops in Duck. New for 2018! On-site rentals at Duck Waterfront Shops (also Kitty Hawk).

The Field Research Facility in northern Duck is known for its 1840 foot long pier and its internationally recognized research. It’s mission is “Advancing coastal knowledge through observation and discovery.”Established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1977, FRF is part of the Field Data Collection and Analysis Branch headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi and the U.S. Department of Defense.Along with the pier, also essential to FRF’s operation are instruments that regularly record the changing waves, winds, tides, and currents and specialized vehicles like the unique, three-wheeled “CRAB.” Though it appears top-heavy, this 35-foot tripod with a wide base and liquid-filled tires is able to operate “in all but the most severe storms,” says FRF.The observatory’s ongoing projects include studies to improve emergency response to cyclones, a coastal flood hazard analysis for FEMA and nearshore ocean depth (bathymetry) surveys, unmatched worldwide in their accuracy and coverage. Particularly important to the Outer Banks is new FRF technology that will help researchers better predict how hurricanes and nor’easters change our beaches.FRF encourages the use of its facilities and data by other government agencies, universities and private companies throughout the year.A visit to FRF’s homepage will give you more info on its operations, as well as daily stats on weather, water temperature, waves and warnings on any current coastal hazards. The facility is closed to the public.

As everyone can see just walking past this store, many of the mild-weather recreational activities that can be done outdoors are covered here. Racks in front of the store are filled with fat tire beach cruisers, kayaks and surfboards. Inside, surf gear and beach wear ---bathing suits, shorts, shirts and dresses, pants and hoodies ---fill racks and shelves.

The Town of Duck held it’s first Yuletide Celebration in 2011, and its popularity established it as an annual event.Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday in December, the Celebration begins with local merchants keeping their doors open later on Friday to help shoppers find those perfect gifts for friends and family. Locals and visitors are treated to holiday sales,  refreshments and entertainment as they stroll through this quaint, scenic town all decked out in festive holiday lights and decorations.A number of  local restaurants join in the festivities by hosting the Duck Tapas Crawls, offering a plate of tapas and a cup of cheer for one special price.On Saturday afternoon the Yuletide Celebration moves to the Duck Town Green, where Santa shows up riding in a fire truck just after 3:30 p.m. In exchange for donations to the local Food Pantry, local restaurants offer refreshments, while local artists entertain with live Christmas music. After winners of the Town-wide "Business Decorating Contest" are announced, the celebration culminates with the lighting of the Town Tree.Meanwhile, and again into Saturday evening, participating local restaurants and shops keep the celebration alive with more special promotions, refreshments and holiday sounds.

If you enjoy a good cup of coffee and a good book, a stop into Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Bookshop is a must. Located in a historic gun shop next to the pond in the Waterfront Shops in Duck, a visit to Duck’s Cottage truly is an experience to savor. Owner Allen LeHew, a self-proclaimed java junkie, uses only the best coffee beans from a small roasting company in Lexington, Virginia.

Enjoy a Pint, Taste a Flight, and Take a Grower to Go! Featuring local Outer Banks breweries as well as many other North Carolina & National Favorites. Two terrific locations — Duck, NC *and* Kitty Hawk. Different tap lists & packaged beer at each location makes for an incredible selection! Up to 100+ ready to go package beers & pick-six cold singles. We also have a variety of premium cigars and fine wines. Growlers To Go is OBX’s Beer Destination Nothing pairs better with a day on the beach like an ice cold beer in your hand. If you’re headed to the beaches in Kitty Hawk or Duck, make a pit stop at Growlers To Go Craft Beer. “Packing a cooler and going to the beach is the most natural thing in the world,” says Austin Allen, owner of Growlers To Go Craft Beer. Inspired by a true love and appreciation for all things beer, Growlers To Go offers the widest selection of craft beer on the beach. Allen purchased the first location in Duck from Reid Carter, who started the concept in Richmond, Virginia. “When people would walk in, their eyes would light up seeing all those taps and the variety of beers that we had,” Allen says. “People were mesmerized.” When Allen, an Outer Banks native, found out that Carter was selling, she bought the Duck location and shifted its focus to showcase local and regional beers. “Reid had a great vision,” she shares. “I tried to take it to the next level and continued with that at the new store.” Both the Duck and Kitty Hawk locations boast up to 42 taps—with different options at each store—featuring local Outer Banks breweries along with regional and national selections. “We do have a large number of taps, but it’s the beer itself that really shines,” Allen explains. “We take a lot of pride in finding local and regional beers that are highly rated.” Purchase four and six packs or choose from more than 100 single beers that are already cold and ready to enjoy. Mix and match the singles to create a personalized six pack.When you visit, take some time to hang out and explore the array of flavors with samples, in-house pints and flights. Then load up the ones you like the most in a growler or pint to-go. In addition to beer, Growlers To Go also has a carefully curated selection of fine wines, premium cigars and T-shirts designed by local artist Britton Ricketts. With so much to offer, accompanied by a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, you’ll quickly discover that Growlers To Go is so much more than just a store—it’s a beer destination.

You could spend all day in Kellogg’s Cottage Shop and still not see everything it offers. From specialty sauces and snacks, to hardware, to home and lawn maintenance and décor and even pet supplies, there’s little you won’t be able to find there.As soon as you enter, you’re invited to sample some of the Cottage Shop’s own brand of sauces and snacks, like sea-salted and black-peppered peanuts, or corn and black bean salsa, and you can also sip on a fresh cup of coffee while you browse the store’s many treasures.The fake snow the store invites all to touch is a reminder to stop by the Christmas section, which offers a lovely selection of old-style ornaments designed around beach and ocean themes.In addition to basic hardware items for most maintenance needs, there are beautiful pieces for home décor, from art prints to accent and patio furniture. For children there are games galore including a beautiful, eclectic collection of marbles of many sizes, almost too pretty to play around with.Also available are personal accessories like Viva beaded jewelry, fashionable scarves, cloth hand or tote bags, hats and gloves, as well as greeting cards and gifts for special occasions, weddings and holidays.”For those building rental or second homes, Kellogg’s offers comprehensive kitchen, bedding, bath and recreational packages designed to accommodate homes ranging in size from 12 to 24 guests or more.In a nutshell, the Cottage Shop hopes to “fulfill the finishing touches needed to make a house a home.”

Explore the northern Outer Banks on two wheels! Weekly rentals delivered to your door. We are currently taking orders for the Summer season. As always, for the best selection, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your vacation. Already here on vacation? Please call for availability and to place your order.

North Duck Watersports says its dedicated to providing a “clean fun experience” to all its customers. With jet ski, boat rentals and more, it boasts the largest watersports facility in Duck - if not the entire OBX - offering “something for everyone.” Groups and whole families can drift away for two hours to half a day, sightseeing on the scenic sound or fishing from North Duck’s 24-foot pontoon boats. But to get an even better view of the Carolina Coast, parasailing from 300 feet above the water is the way to go. Otherwise, if your need is speed, North Duck says it offers the “best jet ski rentals in the area,” and always the newest equipment.In addition to boating, jet skiing and parasailing, there’s kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, with lessons offered in the latter, along with special classes in windsurfing taught during the season.Located at a lovely soundside setting just south of Sanderling, with shade trees and picnic tables, North Duck provides a friendly staff and an entire day of family fun on and by the water. Be sure to call ahead 24 hours or fill out a form online to reserve your equipment, as time slots fill up fast, especially during the summer.North Duck is open daily from May until mid-October, from 9-6, with shorter days off-season.

Keep your vacation stress free!  Pack your casual beach clothes & essentials, and let Ocean Atlantic Rentals deliver the rest! CURBSIDE PICKUP/CONTACTLESS DELIVERY: 1-800-635-9559 JUST RENT IT! Since 1979, OAR has been serving families with quality gear for their beach vacation fun, their baby needs, or the even the beach cottage, all at reasonable daily & weekly rental rates.  Reservations before your arrival are strongly encouraged, and can be made at www.OceanAtlanticRentals.com or toll-free at (800)-635-9559 every day of the week! Everything can be delivered to your door; from bikes to surf boards, kayaks and paddleboards, OAR stocks the fun stuff to enjoy in the water, or on land.  Back at your beach home, OAR has you covered with gas grill rentals, rollaway beds, beach towels, and even dog crates!  Bike rentals for the entire family are just a call away at Ocean Atlantic Rentals, or get around town on a Golf Cart LSV.  These street legal golf carts are a great way to explore the villages, or get your family and gear to the beach everyday if your vacation home is some distance from the Atlantic ocean.

Join us for an unforgettable family adventure and see a more natural side of the Outer Banks.

If you are looking for something more exciting than sitting on the beach, why not try fishing in the world renowned waters off the Outer Banks? Sharky’s Fishing Charters offers offshore, inshore, and sound fishing for every angler, regardless of experience. Sharky’s has plenty of comfortable charter boats in our fleet.  You can choose offshore fishing for a more intense experience, inshore fishing for an excursion closer to shore, or a relaxing sound fishing trip. If you do choose to go offshore fishing expect to spot some very cool sea life in the Gulf Stream. The First Mate on every fishing charter is there to assist you in any way you need. He or she will help you be involved in the full fishing experience. You can choose between half, three-quarter, and full day fishing adventures, along with two-hour Sunset or Dolphin Watch Cruises. Sharky’s even offers overnight fishing trips if you are feeling more adventurous. Sharky’s has a full supply of any fishing equipment that you may need. From poles to bait and tackle, they have it all. Don’t forget to pick up one of their popular tee shirts while you are there. With educated and experienced captains on every boat, you are sure to have a memorable experience on one of Sharky’s fishing adventures!  

No shopping trip with the kids is complete without a trip to a toy store, and The Kid’s Store in the Waterfront Shops in Duck is the perfect spot to find everything for children. From toys, books, puzzles and games, there is plenty to choose from, whether you are looking for a gift or just a few toys to keep the kids entertained during your vacation. The Kid’s Store also has outdoor gear. Enjoy a large selection of bathing suits for all ages, rash guards, hats and t-shirts to protect youngsters from the strong rays of the sun. Education toys, stuffed animals, and novelty toys are everywhere. Looking for some beach toys or the perfect kite to fly on the beach? You are bound to find it here.  And no child’s Outer Banks vacation is complete without a hermit crab.  At The Kid’s Store, customers can expect personalized attention while children choose the perfect hermit crab to bring home. Don’t forget to pick up some beach toys and kites for the kids, who will be eager to try their new gear at the beach. After 20 years in business, The Kid’s Store knows toys and they know kids, too. So bring the kids for a fun treat.

Join us in Duck, North Carolina, as we celebrate the Town’s 10-Year Anniversary with a host of fun-filled, family-friendly events.

Billed as a specialty store for "big and little girls and boys," this well-stocked store offers a fabulous selection of both time-honored toys and the newest favorites. Most of the high quality brands can be found here: Ravensburger puzzles, Playmobil, Thomas the Tank, Koosh, Swimways and Legos Duplo. There are also hard to find items like E Team Dolphin Research sets and Down By the Sea bean bags. Traditional toys like table tennis, darts, horse shoes, badmitton, pickup sticks and jacks are offered, as well as cutting-edge “green” toys like solar kits. There are also Erector Sets, Lego Star Wars, Sesame Street, Early Years baby toys,  and wire and metal puzzles. There are lots of stuffed toys and F.I.D.O. dogs in stock. And of course, there are plenty of sand toys to bring to the beach, and they’re much higher quality and more creatvie then the ones you can buy at the tourist stores. Kites, featuring ocean themes like Jolly Roger, turtles and fish, are great for the breezy days the Outer Banks is famous for.