2025 Scenic Spots Guide

Avalon Fishing Pier offers everything you need for a long, enjoyable day (or night!) of fishing. First built in 1958, Avalon Fishing Pier is about 700 feet long, stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean over 12 to 15 feet of water.  Located at milepost 6 on the beach road, there is a parking lot for pier customers. After paying a modest fee, you’ll receive a stamp good for an entire day of fishing. Three-day and week-long passes as well as season passes also are available. Bring up to three rods per person and take advantage of convenient cleaning sinks.The pier features a snack bar and tackle shop with bait and rentals. Bait sold at the pier shop includes bloodworms, squid, mullet, shrimp and artificial lures. You’ll be able to enjoy a reasonably priced beer at the snack shop.When the fish are biting, you can catch everything from blues, croakers, flounder, trout, mullet, pompano and spanish to spot and stripers -- even bigger fish such as cobia and kings! The fish are known to bite on their own schedule, but often the best action comes early morning and late afternoon, about an hour before sunset.A webcam displays up-to-the-minute conditions at the pier on Avalon Pier’s website as well as other websites. The pier also is a common stop for surfers and bodyboarders who are looking for waves to surf in Kill Devil Hills.

Commune with nature and take photos of the pristine Outer Banks!

The pinnacle of fishing on the Outer Banks, however, is and has always been Cape Point. Ask any long-time Hatteras Island fisherman about Cape Point, and they'll gladly tell you about incredible catches, near-misses, and the occasional vehicle getting stuck in the deep, shifting sands.

You’ll find Causeway Waters Sports on the beautiful Roanoke Sound on the Causeway between Nags Head and Manteo, just past Whalebone Junction. This family outdoor activity center offers parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wave runners and dolphin tours.Causeway promises customers top of the line equipment with all rentals and a “safe and hassle-free time.“ It also boasts the “most knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining crew on the Outer Banks.”Located on the calm side of the sound, Causeway offers peaceful and relaxing kayaking on your own or with one of their guided tours through the Bodie Island Wildlife preserve. If you’re not into paddling, you may prefer to set sail on a two-hour dolphin cruise, passing nesting pelicans and osprey on the way. Or you can get a birds-eye view yourself, parasailing to heights up to 1,000 feet.For more excitement, Causeway’s 4-stroke Yamaha Wave Runners will speed up the pace as well as cool you off on a hot summer day. Whatever your skill level, Causeway’s staff is available to make sure your ride is safe and fun.Last, but not least, Causeway offers equipment and lessons in the world’s fastest growing water sport - paddleboarding. The lessons are free, and this sport, along with all others Causeway offers, provides a great day of fun and memories.

With Coastal Helicopters, OBX Biplanes and OBX Warbirds, you’ll have your choice of aerial adventures over the Outer Banks! Our high time pilots are very experienced so rest assured that you are in very capable hands! Soar the skies in our ultra smooth, air conditioned Robinson helicopter. Ride in our open cockpit WACO biplane…you and a friend can get great bird’s eye views of sea life, shipwrecks and lighthouses from the front seat of this beautiful airplane.

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).

Corolla Adventures is a family owned and operated business. The Meredith family has been providing vacationers with entertainment for nearly two decades. My late father opened The Waterworks, a watersports rental store in Nags Head during the 1980’s.

Tucked away along Schoolhouse Road and shaded by a cluster of Live Oaks, the Historic Corolla Schoolhouse is a lesser-known but nevertheless important attraction in the coastal town of Corolla. The schoolhouse was originally constructed sometime between 1890 and 1905, (with some lifelong locals attesting that their older relatives attended the school in the mid-1890s.)

It's easy to see why vacationers fall in love with Carova. Located almost literally off the Outer Banks map, while other towns along the barrier islands of North Carolina grew and developed over the decades and became popular East Coast tourism destinations, Carova never really changed.

Fun, family-oriented and professional fishing and maritime trips. 

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.

Sitting on 300 acres of maritime forest in the heart of Southern Shores, Duck Woods Country Club is the perfect venue for golf, tennis and social events. It provides services, programs, facilities and family-oriented activities that cater to all ages.Duck Woods is the Outer Banks’ only full service country club, and it boasts an Ellis Maples designed golf course that’s “meticulously maintained” and offers “spectacular views.” The course was honored with Golf Digest’s “Best Place to Play” designation for 2008-2009.The Club is also a particularly beautiful setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons. Inside the Clubhouse, situated in the center of the golf course, are two elegant banquet rooms - a main dining room and a more casual room called The Bistro. While the Clubhouse exterior is designed in the traditional Outer Banks style, the interior is more sophisticated and contemporary.The Club’s staff includes a talented service team to help you plan all your events, large or small - from intimate dinners to elaborate weddings and receptions. The Country Club prides itself in offering “unique design, flexibility, and versatility” along with “boundless options.”

Explore the beauty and serenity of Hatteras Island on horseback anytime of year at Equine Adventures. Riders can expect quality service from local owner and operator Sylvia Mattingly, who brings more than 25 years of horse experience to Equine Adventures. Locally owned and operated for 17 years.

Night climbing starts in June of 2019! FFAP is an Aerial Adventure Park overlooking the beautiful Albemarle Sound. Platforms range from 12 feet to 50 feet high. Climbers take the action into their own hands by choosing to go on the easiest of the courses (Tropical Storm) or going all the way up to the most difficult (Category 5). The platforms are installed on utility poles.  From an aerial view the course looks like outer bands branching out from the central tower, which is the Eye of the Hurricane. There are 6 courses with 7 obstacles on each course. The obstacles are designed around a beach theme using ropes, cables, wood, barrels, stir-ups, and even a hammock. The higher up the central spiral staircase you go, the more difficult the obstacles are. At the end of each course there is a short zip back to the central tower. Have no fear, climbers will be in a harness and on belay for the duration of the climb. Typically climbers will complete 3-4 courses (21-28 obstacles) during the 2 hour climb. Guides take care of the climbers and make sure everyone stays safe!  So bring the whole family and experience and adventure like never before!

Sportfishing for inshore and offshore species. 

A Native American Museum featuring artifacts from local indigenous people.

A windsurfing and kiteboarding Mecca!

No Outer Banks family vacation is ever complete without a Harbor Star dolphin tour. What could possibly be more exciting than watching the wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin jump and frolic right in front of you? This trip is guaranteed to be a great time for the entire family. This 2 hour cruise includes an entertaining tour and an opportunity to spot wild dolphins aboard the 50-foot Harbor Star cruise boat and leave the Wanchese Marina multiple times per day. Tickets must be purchased 30 minutes or further in advance of your cruise departure time either online or at the Marina desk. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your cruise and proceed to the staging area near The Landing Grill Steam Bar.

Enjoy recreational watersports and guided tours. 

A beautiful and recreational stop for watersport fun. 

A living history farm that interpretes mid-1800's island life. 

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers fishing and fun for the entire family! Go fishing, take a family fishing class or simply walk out to the end of this 1,000-foot-long, concrete ocean pier.

Guided hunting and fishing on the Outer Banks.

*Currently, Kitty Hawk Pier is only open to guests of the Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk* In 2003 the historic Kitty Hawk Pier was smashed by Hurricane Isabel after it had just undergone $300,000 in renovations. Purchased in 2006 by Kitty Hawk’s new Hilton Garden Inn, the pier was remodeled and then reopened in 2008. The newly renovated Pier House now serves as a unique setting for wedding receptions and other social events, enhanced by the environment and tradition of the Outer Banks. But the pier itself still remains open to the public for fishing -with a purchased pass.Sitting on high pilings over the Atlantic Ocean, the Pier House is 2200 square feet and features a beautiful natural wood interior with high ceilings and rafters and seating for roughly 125 guests. The bride and groom can have their wedding ceremony right on the beach, their first dance on the pier deck, a reception inside the Pier House and their honeymoon at the Inn, without having to travel anywhere.The Inn, which sits just behind the pier is staffed with wedding coordinators who will make all the arrangements.

The Beach Klub at Koru Village in Avon is the only venue of its kind on Hatteras Island. Open daily to members, the Klub offers private beach access, a swimming pool, Tiki Bar, an outdoor recreation center and much more.To help you stay fit and relax while vacationing, indoors at the Klub offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, along with a spa and salon - and group yoga classes are offered outdoors by the beach Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.Villa or home rentals for a couples retreat, private getaway or even extended family group vacation are available through the Klub Koru Membership and come with unlimited access to the Klub’s fitness center and classes. With all these amenities and private access to Hatteras' pristine shoreline, Koru prides itself in being the island’s “most complete wedding resource,” offering an entire team of wedding professionals to help couples plan that special day.As another bonus the outdoor recreation center features live bands several nights a week during the season with a special Teen Night on Wednesdays. And on Tuesday nights keep your bathing suits on for the family-friendly Avon Luau pool party, featuring fresh food off the grill, drinks at the tiki bar and live entertainment.

Discover the beauty with Lighthouse Parasail and explore the best beaches of the Outer Banks. LHP proudly partners with Coastal Explorations, bringing you the closest parasail and water activities’ location to the lighthouse, 4x4 beaches, and the wild horses. Now offering year-round parasail trips from the Outer Banks to the Florida Keys.

Waterfront Beer Garden serving up the award-winning beer from the Lost Colony Brewery. Kick back on our deck at one of the dozens of waterside tables. We encourage you to pack your own picnic, order a pizza delivery or bring some take/out food from any of the fantastic restaurant OBX restaurants. Browse our shop filled with brewery t-shirts, sweatshirts, long sleeve sun shirts, and local art. Come get Lost in our veiws!

At the end of Queen Elizabeth Avenue, and within easy walking distance of Manteo’s unique shops and restaurants, you’ll find the Waterfront Park. It features a playground and picnic area and lots of benches along the waterfront boardwalk, which connects the park to other waterfront attractions. From the park, a short stroll on the boardwalk in different directions will take you to the waterfront gazebo, the Roanoke Marshes Light House, the Town boat ramp and marina or the George Washington Creef Boathouse - or farther for a nature walk though the marsh areas of Shallowbag Bay. Also from the park you get a great view of the Elizabeth II docked at Roanoke Island Festival Park.  The park is the perfect place to set out a blanket or chairs on July Fourth to enjoy lots of music, food and a front row seat as the fireworks shoot and explode over Shallowbag Bay.It also joins a number of other events year-round including fun and festivities on the First Friday of every month,Dare Day in June, August’s New World Arts Festival, a Bluegrass Festival and Wooden Boat Show in the fall, and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Santa’s arrival at the Town Dock by boat. Aside from all the attractions and activities, there's no prettier place to enjoy a lazy afternoon, especially during the off-season.

You haven’t been to the Outer Banks if you haven’t been to a fishing pier, and Nags Head Fishing Pier is as authentic as they come. One of the oldest and longest surviving piers on the barrier islands, this is a great place to take the kids or less agile folks to hook a fish. But people of all ages and skill levels enjoy the great inshore fishing available here, thanks to the closeness of the warm Gulf Stream off the coast. There’s a full-service tackle shop with gear for rent, including rods, reels and other tackle. Bait is also for sale. One-day, three-day eight-day and season passes are available, and kids pay half. And if you catch a fish, you can have the pier's restaurant cook it for you! Even if you never fished a day in your life, it is worth paying the $1.50 to walk on the pier to enjoy the view and the wonderful social scene, and be entertained watching folks fish. The ocean looks awe-inspiring, and it’s fun to feel the sturdy pier sway as the waves crash under it.

This beautiful 18-hole golf course is visible from the Bypass in Nags Head, and most days, you’ll see numerous folks happily playing golf on the Scottish links-style championship course. Located along the Roanoke Sound just across the road from the ocean, there’s usually a breeze cooling the golfers who frequent this popular year-round course.

Nags Head Town Park is nestled among the trees on the edge of Nags Head Woods and offers plenty of space for all types of activities. For kids there’s a playground with swings and slides, and for family and group get-togethers, grills and a covered shelter with bathrooms and picnic tables are provided.  Besides the shaded areas, there’s plenty of open space for soccer and other games, frisbee throwing and kite flying. As a bonus, a nearby Nags Head Woods Preserve nature trail offers a scenic .8-mile trek through sand dunes and maritime forests, ending at a small, quiet soundside beach.  To make sure the Park Pavillion is available for group picnics or parties, call the Town of Nags Head to reserve the space. Although reservations are free, a $50 clean up deposit must be dropped off or mailed to Town Hall prior to your event date. The deposit will be returned if the Park is left clean and in good order.West Barnes Street off of Highway 158 at milepost 11 (beside Ace Hardware) runs right into Health Center Drive. Entrance to the Park is just south of the parking area.

Corolla's Largest & Most Experienced Rental Company—At OBX Beach Toy Rentals, our fun rental options gives you the power to explore all the wonderful things Corolla and Duck has to offer. We always provide FREE DELIVERY with our weekly Golf Cart and Bicycle rentals. Golf Carts are available in Corolla only. Bicycles are available in both Corolla and Duck. Reserve now to guarantee availability.

Discover what makes the Outer Banks the most haunted beach in America! You'll be entertained as a guide leads you through down town Manteo by lantern telling the spooky stories and haunted history of the Outer Banks. Whether you believe it or not, you'll enjoy your time at OBX Ghost Tours. Book now for the time of your afterlife!

The waterfront campground is now open in Coinjock, North Carolina! This coastal retreat is an outdoor enthusiasts' paradise, located just 30 minutes from the Outer Banks, and has stunning views of the Currituck Sound. Campers will be able to choose from RV Rentals, deluxe cabins, waterfront or inland RV sites, seasonal RV sites and tent camping.

Memorable, enjoyable and convenient. The Ocracoke Express is the new and easy passenger & bicycle ferry to Ocracoke. Leave your vehicle behind and sail directly to Ocracoke Village, within walking or biking distance of all the village has to offer. Or take Hyde County’s free shuttle service, which departs from the ferry terminal and makes a loop around the village, stopping at the islands best spots. Summer service runs May 23 - Sept 9. Reserve tickets in advance HERE.

The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and all of the activities on Ocracoke Island can most certainly be found harbor front.

A picturesque stop and must see for photographers. 

Outer Banks Horseback is a rental service specializing in guided beach horseback rides. We genuinely have a passion and love to horseback ride. Our ability to do it on the beach is something everyone in this world should experience. We strive to give our customers an adventure and memory that they will never forget. Be sure to look out for our services available Fall through Spring in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

See a different side of the Outer Banks by boat with Outer Banks Excursions! Relax and enjoy the scenery, escape to a sandbar, see the islands from the water or marvel at our breathtaking sunsets. You’re in safe hands with Captain Len. Experience the Outer Banks by boat! Captain Len has been on the water all his life and comes from a long line of captains. His vast experience will show you a different side of the islands. Our tours will take you to the most beautiful parts of the Outer Banks. Take a loop tour, relax on a sand bar or enjoy our famous sunsets and see some sights along the way.

Outer Banks Pier is one of the few fishing piers still standing on the Outer Banks, and it worth a visit even if you don’t fish. The ocean pier in South Nags Head was first built in 1959, and rebuilt after the Ash Wednesday storm in 1962.  When owner Garry Oliver purchased it in 1970, it was about the same length it is now --- 550 feet. Then he decided to extend it 150 feet. But when Hurricane Isabel ripped through the Outer Banks in 2003, it tore the entire 150 feet off.  With the beach widened in 2011, the shoreline is also about where it was when Oliver first owned it.  Open 24 hours a day in the summer, there’s a small fee to walk on the pier without fishing. Fishing passes are available for one day, three days, one week, by the season, and for couples.  Basic tackle and fishing supplies are sold at the pier, along with snacks and T-shirts. There is also a snack bar and outdoor bar that serves beer and wine right behind the pier house. 

From kiteboarding rentals and equipment, to unique summer camps and some of the biggest events on Hatteras Island, there’s certainly a lot for water lovers to discover at Real Watersports. This tri-villages landmark that is world famous with the kiteboarding community has everything that newcomers and boarding pros alike could need to enjoy endless time on the miles-wide waters of the Pamlico Sound.

Listen to nature speak through the howling of the red wolves!

Celebrate the origins of America with a fascinating and purely entertaining visit to the Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site, an easy stroll from the downtown Manteo waterfront, is a popular summer attraction for visitors of all ages. With four distinct attractions that wind through the wooded and grassy regions bordering the Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay, patrons will find acres of history to explore, and plenty of engrossing hands-on exhibits to keep everyone purely entertained.

Looking for a private sail charter? Call the folks at Sail Outer Banks. They offer a variety of year-round trips with low minimum fees to make it within reach of many folk. Dan and Katherine are your crew. Dan is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain maneuvering their 41 foot Gulfstar ketch, Sea ‘Scape through Roanoke and Albemarle sound waters.

A full-service diving and outdoor sports center.

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