6 Must-See Attractions in the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. However, there is much more to see in the Outer Banks than just that. This beautiful stretch of North Carolina coast has some spectacular must-see attractions you will love.
There are many must see attractions in the Outer Banks, such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, and many more. These attractions bring you right close to the Outer Banks’ natural beauty and are worth every penny.
So when you come to the paradise of North Carolina, be sure you take in some of these spectacular attractions as well. Let’s take a deep dive into a perfect guide to the best of the Outer Banks and make the most of your vacation.
What Is the Nicest Part of Outer Banks?
Simply put, there is a lot to see in the Outer Banks. Each town has scenic views of the ocean that you can enjoy while you explore.
One of the nicest places to visit is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the tallest in the entire United States.
You can also see some of the area’s best views from there. So if you want to experience an unforgettable sight, visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Besides Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, there are plenty of other must-see attractions that you can visit in the Outer Banks. Below are six of the best.
6 Must-See Attractions in the Outer Banks
1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The beaches along this stretch of the Outer Banks attract tourists from all over the world. There are many places to explore if you visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore – The Wright Brothers Memorial, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and the Roanoke Island Lighthouse.
2. The Wright Brothers National MemorialÂ
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a monument to honor the Wright brothers, aviation pioneers, and the fathers of manned flying. In 1903, during their first flight at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina, they could fly an airplane at a speed of 40 miles per hour for 12 seconds.
3. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout is known for its scenic views and wildlife sighting opportunities. The beachfront stretches from the sound to the ocean and is free to anybody who enjoys a pristine and undeveloped stretch of beach Cape Lookout National Seashore also offers some of the best birding, surfing, fishing, shelling, and other beach-related activities on the Outer Banks.
4. Bodie Island LighthouseÂ
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is often heralded as the nicest place on the Outer Banks.
The lighthouse, which was built in 1872 to organize boat traffic, is a four-story building that stands 78 feet high. It offers great views of Bodie Island and surrounding areas. Visitors can tour the inside of the lighthouse to see the Fresnel Lens, a fantastic feat of engineering that is 4′ in diameter, weighs close to 15 tons, and is made up of almost 1,000 prisms.
5. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site brings you back to the beaches of yesteryear. Here, you can find the original Chicamacomico lighthouse, storekeeper’s house, and lifesaving station. The museum offers exhibits, activities, and events that portray life for local inhabitants and the brave men who served as lifesavers. This is a must-see place in Rodanthe, NC!
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site is owned by the Town of Rodanthe and is part of the Outer Banks Parks & Rec Department.
Additionally, there are many other attractions on Bodie Island, including Bodie Island Marina, a water park, and a shopping center.
What Is the Outer Banks Most Known For?
While there are many things the Outer Banks is known for, its most famous tourist attractions are the open beachfront and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Many tourists also come to see the network of bridges that connect the Outer Banks islands together.
One of these bridges connects Bodie Island to Hatteras Island. The Bodie Island Bridge is perhaps one of the most photographed and most celebrated landmarks on the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks are the islands that mark the coastline of North Carolina and Virginia. They are most famous for their beautiful beaches, seashells, and seafood. As a matter of fact, between the two states, there are over 100 miles of open beachfront that the Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects. This is great news for the many tourists who flock to the Outer Banks each year to get away from city life and enjoy the beach.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Outer Banks?
While it’s true that the Outer Banks make a wonderful summer vacation spot, there’s just one problem: everyone else thinks so, too. If you visit the Outer Banks between June and August, you will meet crowds of people and tourists.
If you plan to visit the Outer Banks, you should visit between March to May or September to November. There will be better availability for everything from hotels to rental homes and vacation rentals.
Since so many people prefer the hottest months for their vacation, the Outer Banks are much less busy. So choose the milder months in late spring or early fall, and you’ll get the best picks of everything.
There is a variety of Outer Banks vacation rentals available year-round. However, those who wish to take advantage of some of the best Outer Banks hotels, resorts, and available vacation rentals may want to consider visiting the Outer Banks during the other times of the year when they are offered at discounted prices.
How Do You Get Around the Outer Banks?
Traveling is one of the best activities for enjoying your vacation. Everybody loves traveling and exploring unfamiliar places.
However, you likely know that traveling to unfamiliar places can be stressful when you don’t have enough information about it.
If you’re planning to travel to the Outer Banks for a short or long-term stay, you’ll surely have lots of fun going to the best beach spots. In particular, I recommend these rental properties you should consider:
| Spindrift | 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms |
| Coastal LegaSea | 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms |
| The View Cottage | 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms |
| Little Pink Cottage | 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms |
| Sea Breeze Blue | 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms |
If you want to hop around the entire beach area, you may use a car or other vehicle.
In Conclusion
When you’re planning to travel to the Outer Banks, there are many things you need to consider. If you think you may enjoy going to this part of the country, all you need to do is prepare your health and mind for the trip.