Curator’s statement
The Outer Banks has always been deeply personal to me. My dad, an avid surfer, and my mom, a devoted beach lover, built a house on Cape Hatteras when she was pregnant with me—on a street known for some of the best waves on the East Coast, a reputation it still holds today. I’ve spent 37 summers there since, falling in love with every mile of the National Seashore. For the past 15 summers, I’ve shared it with my husband, with our wedding in nearby Avon, and over the past five, I’ve watched my daughters fall in love with it, too. Now I’m raising the next generation of beach lovers there—drawn to nothing but surf, sand, and seclusion.
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Things to do in the Outer Banks
Baby's first trip to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Hang-glide at Jockey’s Ridge: Soar above the tallest living sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge and take in sweeping views of the Outer Banks.
Charter a fishing boat: Head offshore on a half or full-day fishing charter and chase big catches in the rich Atlantic waters.
Clam in the Pamlico Sound: Wade into the shallow Pamlico Sound and dig for fresh clams in a peaceful, hands-on coastal experience.
Climb one of the five historic lighthouses: Climb Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, or Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and maritime history.
Take the ferry to Ocracoke: Cross by ferry to Ocracoke Island, explore quiet beaches, and discover the island’s Blackbeard pirate history.
Cruise by golf cart around Hatteras Village: Explore this beach town at your own pace by golf cart.
Play Nags Head Golf Links: Play a round at Nags Head Golf Links, where ocean breezes and coastal views define every hole.
Join a 4WD Corolla wild horse tour: Spot the famous wild horses roaming freely along the dunes and beaches of Corolla.
Take a surf lesson: Learn to surf the Atlantic waves and experience the Outer Banks’ iconic surf culture firsthand.
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial: Stand at the birthplace of flight in Kill Devil Hills and explore where aviation history began.
Places to eat & drink in the Outer Banks
Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the patio at Cafe Pamlico!
Duck Donuts (Duck): The original made-to-order donut spot where treats are custom-built and rarely make it out of the parking lot intact.
Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill (Kill Devil Hills): A laid-back tiki-inspired favorite blending island flavors, surf culture, and easygoing beach-town energy (often featuring live music).
Jolly Roger Restaurant (Kill Devil Hills): Longtime OBX classic serving seafood and steaks in a nostalgic coastal setting that feels comfortingly unchanged.
Colington Cafe (Kill Devil Hills): A tucked-away, romantic island hideaway known for elevated coastal dining and a quiet, hidden-gem atmosphere.
Fish Heads Bar & Grill (Nags Head): Pier-top hangout where ocean views, salty breezes, and cold drinks compete for attention (frequent live music right over the water).
Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe (Buxton): A legendary roadside stop famous for its “apple uglies,” turning a quick breakfast into a must-do Hatteras Island tradition.
Cafe Pamlico (Buxton): Waterfront sound-side dining experience where sunset views and refined coastal cuisine make dinner feel like a full event.
Pangea Tavern (Avon): Lively favorite known for creative food, strong community energy, and regular live music that keeps the nights rolling. Fun fact: They catered my wedding!
Howard’s Pub (Ocracoke): Quirky island institution known for big burgers, big personality, and a true “you made it to Ocracoke” vibe (live music is a regular part of the experience).
MacNally's Waterfront Bar & Grill (Ocracoke): Laid-back waterfront dining where you can watch fishing charters come in while enjoying hearty pub fare and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Need to know
Traveling the Outer Banks is part of what makes it so special—it’s remote, a little harder to get to, and intentionally less developed, but that tradeoff is exactly the magic. In exchange for the extra effort, you get wide, untouched beaches, quieter shorelines, and hidden spots that still feel like they belong to the ocean more than to people. Depending on where you’re coming from, your travel style, and how much seclusion you actually want, there are very different experiences up and down the islands.
For a more upscale, refined stay, Duck is ideal, especially with places like The Sanderling Resort setting the tone for relaxed luxury.
If you want something more energetic and centrally located, Nags Head offers a livelier, more bustling beach-town feel with easy access to restaurants, piers, and activities.
Head farther south toward Cape Hatteras and you’ll find a noticeably more rustic, windswept version of the Outer Banks—quieter villages, wilder beaches, and a slower pace that feels more connected to nature.
And if you’re looking for true seclusion, Ocracoke stands in its own category entirely—remote, ferry-accessed, and peaceful in a way that feels almost removed from time.
Reach out—we’ll find the perfect place for you.
Travel Advisor
Jenna Casper
Jenna Casper
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