Planning a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina? 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 🙂
![man holding wright memorial in hand; hanging surf boards; ocean pursuit shipwreck](https://i1.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-1.jpg?fit=843%2C334&ssl=1)
![man holding wright memorial in hand; hanging surf boards; ocean pursuit shipwreck](https://i1.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-1.jpg?fit=843%2C334&ssl=1)
A Quick Introduction to the OBX
Not familiar with the Outer Banks (aka OBX)? No problem! This 200-mile (320 km) long strip of barrier islands is located on the eastern coast of North Carolina. This stretch of beach is a popular tourist destination in the spring, summer and early fall. People from all over the Northeastern flock to it’s shorelines to swim in it’s waters and lounge on it’s many beaches.
Fun OBX Fact – the Wright Brothers made the first flight of a powered, aircraft with the ‘Wright Flyer’ in 1903, just south of Kitty Hawk .
Wikipedia.com
![hand stand whale mural; welcome to the outer banks sign; OBX horse statue](https://i2.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-2.jpg?fit=843%2C331&ssl=1)
![hand stand whale mural; welcome to the outer banks sign; OBX horse statue](https://i2.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-2.jpg?fit=843%2C331&ssl=1)
So much history!
The OBX is also famous for it’s First Flight story, as well as the Roanoke Colony. There are six lighthouses that inhabit the coast, and the shores host several hundred nesting sea turtles each and every year. It’s even home to the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast! The Outer Banks is also known for it’s treacherous waters that have resulted in over 5,000 shipwrecks in the last 500 years! The area is nicknamed The Graveyard of the Atlantic. How cool?!
Fun OBX Fact – Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) once resided here. Arrrr!
![fake marlin on wall couple selfie; couple with toes in sand; bodies island light house](https://i1.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-3.jpg?fit=843%2C347&ssl=1)
![fake marlin on wall couple selfie; couple with toes in sand; bodies island light house](https://i1.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-spread-3.jpg?fit=843%2C347&ssl=1)
Seeing it all…
We’ve only touched on a few of the things the Outer Banks is known for. 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.
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Of course, you don’t have to follow this list to a T. You can put your own creative spin on some of the items, or even add your own! If you do, we’d love to hear some of your ideas. We’d also love to see your pictures! Be sure to share them on Instagram, #stayingafloatobx and don’t forget to tag us @staying_afloat_
![outer banks scavenger hunt print out](https://i0.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-list.jpg?fit=795%2C1024&ssl=1)
![outer banks scavenger hunt print out](https://i0.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/outer-banks-scavenger-hunt-list.jpg?fit=795%2C1024&ssl=1)
Looking for more things to do in the Outer Banks that aren’t the beach? Check out seven other beach free activities we love! Or how about a day trip down to Cape Hatteras?
Have you ever visited the Outer Bank? What is your fondest memory?
![float on, kat & phil](https://i0.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/signature-mod2.png?resize=401%2C165&ssl=1)
![float on, kat & phil](https://i0.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/signature-mod2.png?resize=401%2C165&ssl=1)
![couple jumping at wright brothers memorial kitty hawk outer banks north carolina](https://i2.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wright-memorial-jump-better.jpg?fit=843%2C995&ssl=1)
![couple jumping at wright brothers memorial kitty hawk outer banks north carolina](https://i2.wp.com/stayingafloatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wright-memorial-jump-better.jpg?fit=843%2C995&ssl=1)
I love this – such a great way to make sure that you don’t miss out on the key experiences when visiting somewhere new!
Thank you Britt! Always trying to satiate that FOMO feeling, you know 😉 We love scavenger hunts and feel like they are a great source for exploring!
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
Thank you Ghulam! Such a lovely compliment. We really enjoy sharing with our readers. Stay well!
I love this! Not only is it free (who doesn’t like to save money on vacation?!) it’s also a really creative way to pull off an itinerary. Thank you so much for sharing!
Always happy to share fun ways to explore new (or old) places! After all, traveling on a budget is our forte 😉
Will definitely be using this. North Carolina is a state I have always wanted to visit. This looks like a great way to see the sites of Outer Banks!
Awesome Tiffany! North Carolina is a beast of a state to visit, it has so much to offer! From forests and mountains to beaches and oceans, we can’t get enough and bet you’ll love it 😉 Happy travels!
I want to try this as soon as this quarantine is over and we can all travel again! Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome Alix! We look forward to traveling again soon ourselves. Stay well!
Great post. Another destinations in the Carolinas to check out.
The list of spots to visit in the Carolinas is looooooon Tracy haha! We bet you’ll love the Outer Banks as much as we do! Safe travels 🙂
Its like you learn my mind! You seem to understand a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you can do with some to pressure the message home a bit, but other than that, that is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
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