Looking for a road trip destination this summer? Why not check out the Outer Banks of North Carolina? Generally people head to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a little ‘RnR’ on the beach. And why wouldn’t you? This 200-mile (320 km) long strip of barrier islands, located on the eastern coast of North Carolina has LOTS of beaches to offer. This makes it especially attractive to folks looking to keep their distance form their neighbours in these days of COVID-19. But the beach isn’t the only thing the Outer Banks (OBX) has to offer. Here are 8 social distancing activities you can enjoy in the OBX.
Explore One (or more) of 6 Lighthouses
There are six lighthouses that inhabit the northern OBX coastline. They are Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Okracoke Lighthouse, and Cape Lookout Lighthouse. You’ll want to double check their websites for updates on whether or not they are open for tours if that’s what you plan to do (closed for 2020 season). But otherwise, they are pretty unique lighthouses to stand at the base of and admire.
Catch a Sunset At Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Okay, so this one involves sitting on sand, but at a slightly higher elevation, and overlooking the sounds rather than the Atlantic Ocean. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a unique natural feature on the US East coast. It is the tallest living sand dune, which makes it the perfect perch to take in a sunset over Roanoke Sounds. You can even bring along a picnic! And it’s also a great spot to fly a kite and even hang glide if that thrills you!
Play Some Disc Golf
Ever heard of disc golf? Did you know there’s a course here in the OBX? The concept is similar to regular golf in that you have to score points at each of the 18 ‘holes’ (baskets). Except in this game, you throw discs rather than hit balls. This game is a fun family or adults only outside activity, that easily passes a couple hours. Be sure to bring your discs if you have ’em, otherwise you can pick some up at ACE Hardware. This course runs through a pine forest in Kill Devil Hills located behind the First Flight football field.
Go on an OBX Scavenger Hunt
You’ll want to take along a copy of this ‘Outer Banks Scavenger Hunt’. Whether you’re bringing the family, aiming for a couples getaway or exploring the sandbar on a solo trip, this scavenger hunt is a great way to see all the major features the Outer Banks has to offer! The best part is, you can do it all for free 🙂 If you are hoping to get in some sight seeing in addition to your sun tan (hopefully not burn!), we’ve put together a list of key items for you to seek out and photograph. Make sure your first/next trip to the OBX is complete with this Outer Banks Scavenger Hunt.
Visit The Wright brother National Memorial
The Outer Banks are where history was made! The Wright Brothers National Memorial (maintained by the National Park Service) is a great place to stretch your legs and learn about all the magic that the Wright Brother’s made happen, right here in the OBX. There are signs and statues spread around the park to help you understand exactly what went down here in the winter of 1903. But walking the grounds and standing on the best vantage point the OBX has to offer is a treat in itself. (Park admission is $10 per person over 16 and FREE for anyone 15 years or less).
Go Hunting for Horses!
There are a couple ways to do this. One is to take your 4×4 vehicle onto the beach in Corolla (read this first) and hope you cross paths with the local population for wild horses. If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, you can book a tour to do the same. If this isn’t quite your thing, you can make your way around Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head looking for the uniquely painted, life sized horses scattered around the Outer Banks.
Reconnect with Nature At Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Very few that visit the Outer Banks realize that there are hiking trails set back in Nags Head Woods on the sound side of the island. It’s a little off the beaten path in that you have to drive through a neighbourhood to get to it, but that’s part of the beauty. This network of trails winds through various species of Carolinian forest and even has a visitor center where you can learn more about all the animals that call the Outer Banks home. There’s even a couple freshwater pond s with benches where you can sit and admire the natural beauty of the preserve.
Find All the Murals
These prefect, Instagram worthy spots are all the rage these days. Murals and street art are a big thing in big cities, but they are starting to pop up in smaller towns too. And the Outer Banks is no stranger to them. Here you’ll find ocean themed murals, as well as a mural dedicated to the Wright Brothers themselves. There’s even a set of wings for you snap a photo in front of!
All that being said, are you considering a trip to the Outer Banks? In staying with the social distancing activities theme, a great lodging option is an Airbnb (you get a full space to yourself, forget a crowded hotel!) We’d love to host you in our very own pirate themed Airbnb. We hope to see you soon!
What social distancing activities have you been partaking in?
Looks like so much fun! If I could, I’d head straight into Nags Head Woods – I’m craving time in nature.
It’s a really great spot and perfect for escaping the crowds! We use it as a getaway regularly.
I love OBX. It’s a different vibe than places like Myrtle Beach and that’s why I like it. Plus, I’m in Virginia so it’s fairly close. I just realized that I’ve never been to any of the lighthouses though. They are on my list for sure.
We couldn’t agree with you more Heather! It’s much more quaint and low key. Plus there’s a restrictions on the height of the hotels so you don’t get the gaudy strip of sky scrapers that you get on other popular beaches.
I didn’t realize the OBX had so much to offer. Seeing wild horses is a dream of mine.
They are so incredible to see if you get around to it Donna! Definitely make it a priority when you visit 😉 Safe travels!
Ohhh I loved your post! I’m from NC originally (Raleigh) and have so many beautiful memories of the OBX! Hope to go back soon when this coronavirus is over!
Thanks so much Tegan and Alex! We absolutely LOVE living here and sharing all the wonderful activities to be enjoyed. Stay well!
How fun that there is still so much to do! And a lot of these activities are what I would normally have fun with anyway. I have always wanted to visit the Outer Banks, and visiting all those lighthouses sounds like lots of fun!
The best part is, a lot of these spots aren’t very busy either Kait. Folks get so caught up with the beach (which we totally get). Keep in mind if you are visiting this summer that the lighthouses are closed (ie. can’t be climbed) but are totally approachable for photo opps.
What a great list of things to do! I love the idea of doing a scavenger hunt!
Yessss Summer!! It adds a whole new spin on exploring a destination. Happy hunting!
I’ve never been to Outer Banks before but after reading this post it’s on my list of places to visit. Thank you!
Always happy to inspire Lina!! We hope to see you walking along the beach sometime soon 😉
Well, this sure makes me want to take a road trip with my husband. I haven’t been to the OBX in years and years, but my friends go every summer. I also haven’t been to the beach in years and years. Soooo maybe this is a sign that I need to make a trip like this happen soon!
Definitely sounds like a sign to us Stephanie! Get those toes into some sand STAT 😉 And feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
So many fun outdoor, socially distant things to do! I’ve never been to Outer Banks before, but now I’ll have to put it on my list!
These tips are great! Wish I was going on a vacation there!!
If not this year, maybe 2021 Hallie! We’d love to host you if you find yourself planning a visit. Stay in touch!
Great tips! My teenage son would love the disc golf. I was raised in NC and miss the OBX.
We bet you’d give your son a run for his money Sally 😉 NC and the OBX miss you too. You should come visit soon!!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is extremely good. Anallise Toiboid Gleason
Very informative blog post. Really thank you! Fantastic. Gwendolyn Elsworth Shep
Pingback:Guide to the Awesome Murals On the Outer Banks - Staying Afloat Blog