In the area known as Outer Banks, the bustling beach towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head run the island from north to south, each shining with a distinct setting and feel. Across Roanoke Sound, walkable Manteo draws visitors for day trips and vibrant nightlife offerings in a historic waterfront setting. It shares Roanoke Island with Wanchese, an authentic, generations-old fishing village. Farther south, Hatteras Island is distinguished by long stretches of unspoiled beaches — part of the nation’s first national seashore — interspersed with seven villages offering outdoorsy outfitters, restaurants, and one of the best locations on the East Coast for wind and water activities. Island hopping between these towns and villages is an essential part of the Outer Banks experience. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re treated to a few (scenery-rich) water crossings along the way.
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Hang Gliding: The sport requires a high launching site, consistent wind, and soft landing spot — which makes the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head ideal conditions for learning. Hang-gliding pioneer John Harris founded the Kitty Hawk Kites hang-gliding school on Jockey’s Ridge 50 years ago, and his company has taught more than 400,000 people ages four to 80 in beginner, advanced, and adaptive hang gliding — so you can do it, too!
The sandy dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park provide a soft landing spot for first-time hang gliders to learn. photograph by KITTY HAWK KITES
Surfing and Kiteboarding: Cape Hatteras is known as a wave magnet, and REAL Watersports helps new and beginning surfers tap into that action. Based in the appropriately named village of Waves on Hatteras Island, REAL offers the coaching and gear you need to do it on your own.
Kiteboard, windsurf, and more in Pamlico Sound outside of REAL Watersports. photograph by REAL Watersports
Kayak and Standup Paddleboard: Whether standing on a paddleboard or sitting on a kayak, maneuvering your own little craft along the waterways connects you to nature in a powerful way. Outer Banks Kayak Adventures offers guided paddle eco-tours at several wildlife refuges and natural areas along the Outer Banks, including sunset and full moon tours.
Lucky anglers try to reel in yellowfin tuna or sailfish during off-shore fishing trips. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Charter Fishing: With a charter fleet of 22 boats, each run by an experienced local captain, Hatteras Harbor Marina is a hub for off-shore and near-shore fishing trips. The marina’s location at Hatteras Inlet is a short run to the Gulf Stream and excellent proximity to red drum fishing in the fall months.
Seagreen Gallery: With so many one-of-a-kind finds and ever-changing displays, a trip to this expertly curated art gallery means you’ll browse with rapt interest. Whether you visit the Duck or Nags Head location, prepare to spend a good chunk of time marveling at the ingenuity of dozens of independent artists.
Shop for vintage clothes and funky home decor at Mom’s Sweet Shop. photograph by Mom’s Sweet Shop
Mom’s Sweet Shop: Part eclectic boutique, part skate shop, part ice cream counter and smoothie bar, Mom’s defies definition. But trust us when we say there’s something for all ages at this Kill Devil Hills spot.
Find handmade pieces at KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios. photograph by KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios
KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios: On the westside of Highway 158, this gallery and studio space is a trove of one-of-a-kind finds — more than 20 local artists show and sell jewelry, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and so much more.
Take a break while exploring downtown Manteo or Duck with a stop at Downtown Books or Duck’s Cottage to browse the newly released titles. photograph by Downtown Books, Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books
Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books: Jamie Anderson Silver, who also owns Downtown Books in Manteo, and her staff have perfected the art of match-making customers and books at this cedar-shake coffee shop-meets-bookstore in Duck. Order a Mucky Duck latte and while away a morning browsing the shelves for your next read.
Shop for art or find the tools for your own crafting activities at Blue Pelican Gallery. photograph by Blue Pelican
Blue Pelican Gallery: Two friendly Labradors, Sadie and Mabel, will greet you when you enter this 1950s Hatteras Village home-turned-shop that sells local artwork, gifts, and yarn and knitting tools. Before or after you shop, be sure to hit up Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop next door.
NC Coast Grill & Bar: From its premier location on the Duck Boardwalk, this cedar-shake restaurant offers water views of Currituck Sound in a cutting-edge yet unpretentious setting. Chef Wes Stepp has a knack for elevating simple, healthy ingredients into artful dishes, and his Chef’s Boards — sprawling charcuterie-style boards ladened with goodies from oysters to fresh tuna to shrimp and grits — are always impressive.
Dig into one of the colorful creations at NC Coast Grill & Bar. photograph by Edible Photography OBX
Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar: For meals worthy of a special occasion but comfortable enough for a weeknight dinner, locals love this cozy restaurant housed inside a former hardware store on the beach road. Excellent cocktails and wines and chef-prepared meals have made this a favorite for nearly 30 years.
Greentail’s Seafood Market & Kitchen: Owned and operated by three longtime restaurateurs, this quick lunch restaurant sells hand-selected seafood from the Wanchese docks and cooks up creative preparations of fish tacos, poke bowls, noodle bowls, and crispy-fried favorites.
The Buxton Munch Co.: Be prepared: Decision making takes time at this colorful eatery in the Hatteras Island village of Buxton. The menu is long, with temptations from burgers, subs, and sandwiches to tacos, burritos, and wraps. The Crabby Pattie crab cake sandwich and fish tacos are legendary, but everything is good — and huge.
Build your own bowl of frozen yogurt and grab a seat at the counter or on the porch of Surfin’ Spoon. photograph by Surfin’ Spoon
Surfin’ Spoon: For sweet treats, everyone loves this frozen yogurt mainstay in Nags Head, owned and operated by former pro surfer Jesse Hines and his wife, Whitney. Pick your flavor of fro-yo and go wild with your favorite toppings, or grab one of their famous ice cream sandwiches, which come in flavors like Lemon LavBerry and Strawberry Shredcake.
Outland Seafood: If you’re traveling along U.S. Route 64, it’s supremely easy to stock up on locally caught fish and shrimp in Manns Harbor. Outland sells tuna, oysters, blue crab, shrimp, and other seasonal seafood and will ice-pack your selection for safe travel.
Secotan Market: On Saturdays in Wanchese, the Outer Banks’ only year-round, producer-focused farmers market is a concentrated place to pick up local and regional produce, farm-raised meats, fresh eggs, honey, ferments, made-that-morning bread and pastries, and art.
Ashley’s Espresso Parlour & All Time Coffee Roasting Co.: Want to add a delicious buzz to your morning routine? Follow your nose to this Kill Devil Hills’ coffee roaster and select a bag (whole-bean or freshly ground) of single origin or blends roasted on-site by coffee roaster extraordinaire (and surfboard shaper) Ashley Linnekin.
Pick up one of Outer Banks Distilling’s flagship rums and be sure to check for any seasonal releases. photograph by Outer Banks Distilling
Outer Banks Distilling: For spiking your evening beverages, Manteo’s distillery is the place to source locally made, small-batch rums like the Kill Devil Silver, Pecan, and Spiced rums. While you’re there, it would be a shame not to try one of their expertly made cocktails (also available in nonalcoholic options) in the Wheelhouse Lounge.
Lee Robinson General Store: Since 1948, this general store has been the place to load up with grocery necessities in Hatteras Village. Fully modernized, it now carries gourmet goodies from nearby makers, like Hatteras Island Saltworks salts, Making Waves Tea from Frisco, Surf Dogs Hot Sauce from Buxton, Hatteras Smoked Fish Co. fish dips, Far Out Foods pimento cheeses, and North Carolina craft beers.
From stellar surf to amazing attractions marking pivotal points in history, there’s lots to love about these beaches and towns. Here are a local’s top tips for visiting them like they’re home.
Leave the beach gear at home and put on your walking (or water!) shoes. From accessible greenways to trails through preserves and guided wildlife tours, here’s where to experience and celebrate the Outer Banks’ precious maritime ecosystem.
Buttressed between three sounds, a small island is home to big history, from early English colonists to beloved actors. Today it’s home to a picturesque downtown, some of the freshest seafood, and ever-evolving ways to discover and experience its past.
This story was published on Oct 28, 2024
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