Enjoy a Local Seafood DinnerYou can't spend any time at the Outer Banks without having a local seafood dinner. Throughout the Outer Banks, there are many great restaurants that will serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on the Outer Banks. Many of the restaurants will prepare YOUR catch of the day for you, if you have been out fishing and don't want to cook your own catch. All you have to do is ask! Relax at the BeachIf watersports, fishing and tourist attractions aren't for you, don't worry - there is still something you can do to enjoy the Outer Banks! Get a cooler of your favorite refreshments and some snacks, grab a beach chair and head to the beach! Depending on the time of year, there will more than likely be something or someone for you to watch, whether it is surf fishermen, children playing in the sand and water, surfers or dolphins playing in the water. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in that will relax you, and you will never want to leave! Build a SandcastleWhen you stop in the local Outer Banks Reef or Wings souvenir store, buy your kids a bucket of beach toys that will assist in making a sandcastle. Plan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You will need a bucket, a shovel and other sand tools, as well as some water to keep the fine sand damp and sticky. Depending on the ages and skill levels of your children, you could have your own family sandcastle contest. You could choose a theme (movies, animals, etc.) and everyone could build their own sandcastle. No matter how the sandcastle(s) turn out, you are sure to have lots of laughs! Go Swimming in the OceanA favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe! Go on an Adventure To View Local ShipwrecksBecause the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, there are some shipwrecks you can see during your visit. Many of the shipwrecks are on the ocean floor and only visible by scuba divers, but others are either onshore or in other land locations. The 1921 Shipwreck of the Schooner Laura A. Barnes is located on Coquina Beach, where it was placed for public display. The 1933 Shipwreck of the Schooner G.A. Kohler can be viewed at the edge of the surf at low tide at 4WD beach access Ramp #27 (between Avon and Salvo.) There are some other shipwrecks in the area as well. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN. Go Jogging on the BeachThere are a few great gyms on the Outer Banks, and even a few jogging trails. But why not take advantage of the sandy Atlantic beaches and go jogging on the beach? They say you get twice the benefit from jogging on sand versus other jogging surfaces, so give it a try! Jogging on the beach is a great way to get that workout in while you enjoy the beaches of the Outer Banks. Buy a Hermit Crab and Take Your New Pet HomeAs you may know, hermit crabs are very popular pets. Similar to letting a child have a goldfish or a hamster, hermit crabs are also low maintenance pets. They need a small living area (a goldfish bowl or empty fish aquarium) with sand and some water. They like to eat cornmeal. At first, the hermit crab is a bit like a turtle and is afraid to come out of his shell. But, after he gets used to you and his surroundings, he will come out to say hello and be very active. When your hermit crab gets large enough and runs out of room in their current shell, he will leave that shell and move to a larger one. While you are visiting the Outer Banks, you can look on the beach for some larger empty shells for your new pet to grow into and put them in his house with him. Many of the local Reef and Wings stores sell hermit crabs and houses at reasonable prices. Take a Scenic Flight TourIf you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and waters will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as the Oregon Inlet, one of the four area lighthouses, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and more! For a tour of the northern Outer Banks, you may contact Kitty Hawk Aero Tours at (877) 274-2461 or Outer Banks Seaplanes at (252) 475-1007. Kitty Hawk Aero Tours depart from the Manteo Airport. Outer Banks Seaplanes take off and land on the Roanoke Sound. For a tour of Hatteras and/or Ocracoke Islands, contact Burris Flying Service at (252) 986-2679. Prices for the above services start between $30 and $75 per person, depending on the size of your group and the length of your flight. You will want to call ahead to make reservations. Watch a Performance at the Outer Banks Music ShowcaseThe Outer Banks Music Showcase opened in the summer of 2004 and has been a popular entertainment destination for visitors and locals. The audience is entertained by various local performers who blend music with comedy to create family-friendly shows. Several music genres are presented including country, show tunes, pop, 1950s and 1960s, gospel and patriotic music. During the peak season, two performances are held each night. The theater is located in Kitty Hawk at Milepost 4.5 on US Highway 158. Tickets start at $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children twelve and under. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Music Showcase at (252) 261-7505. View the Sunset Over the SoundAfter a long day of sightseeing, shopping, fishing or surfing, take time to relax and watch the sunset over the Sound. Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are home to the Pamlico Sound; Manteo and Nags Head are home to the Albemarle Sound, and Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Duck and Corolla is where you will find the Currituck Sound. No matter what Sound you choose, the sunset views will be breathtaking. If you are lucky enough to catch a few late afternoon windsurfers or kiteboarders, you will be able to see their sails in the foreground as the sun drops below the horizon. Sunsets are beautiful on the Outer Banks all year round, but some of the most breathtaking orange and red sunsets are prevalent in the fall season each year. | Nags Head RestaurantsTale of the Whale Restaurant7575 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head/Manteo Causeway Nags Head, NC 27959 Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe 7623 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head/Manteo Causeway Nags Head, NC 27959 Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant 7640 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) 7320 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Dune Burger 7308 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Sam & Omie's Restaurant 7228 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Fat Boyz Ice Cream & Grill 7208 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Owens' Restaurant 7114 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 The Dunes Restaurant 7013 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Miller's Restaurant 6816 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Dairy Queen 6714 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Subway Sandwiches & Salads 106 E Finch Street Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head ShoppingOuter Banks Fishing Pier8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Whalebone Tackle 7667 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 The Sugar Shack Fish Market 7640 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Shipwreck Museum, Inc. 7746 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Sea Tree Gallery 7332 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Daniels' Whalebone Seafood Market 101 Grey Eagle Street Nags Head, NC 27959 Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Cahoon RV - Grocery & Cottages 7213 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Publisher's Warehouse 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Claire's Accessories 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Gap Outlet 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Nautica 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Outer Banks AttractionsBodie Island Lighthouse10005 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Outer Banks Fishing Pier 8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters 2000 Sailfish Drive Manteo/Nags Head Causeway Manteo, NC 27954 Cape Hatteras National Seashore 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge 708 S US Highway 64/264 Manteo, NC 27954 The Elizabethan Gardens 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Fort Raleigh National Historic Site 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 The Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island 104 Fernando Street Manteo, NC 27954 Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks History Center 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks ActivitiesBodie Island Adventures7649 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Raceway 7000 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Jurassic Putt 6926 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Blackbeard's Miniature Golf 6714 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf 6606 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Speed N Spray 6408 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Golf Links 5615 S Seachase Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Earthworks Pottery Company & Family Art Center 525 S US Highway 64/264 Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks Cruises 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slips #52-53 Manteo, NC 27954 Carolina Outdoors 307 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo, NC 27954 Downeast Rover Sailing Cruises 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slip #50 Manteo, NC 27954 Pioneer Theatre 113 Budleigh Street Manteo, NC 27954 |