House & Vacation Rentals in the Outer Banks

As can be expected, the culinary hallmarks of the Outer Banks include plenty of fresh seafood, generous portions, and classic American dining. To enjoy excellent local cuisine, try the fish and other delicacies on offer at the historical Black Pelican Restaurant. Alternatively, head to the Ocean Boulevard, known for its tasty fine dining and international standards. Fast food joints, such as the Rundown Cafe, offer something less refined. Here, you can dig into giant burgers while you enjoy an ocean view.

The hot and humid season (which has the potential for hurricanes) usually runs from August to September, so schedule your trip to the Outer Banks during the spring or early summer months and consider vacation rental with a private pool to get the most out of your visit.

It was in 1903, after four years of dedicated experimentation, that the Wright Brothers' first flight took off four miles south of Kitty Hawk. They had chosen this location as the sandy dunes offered the perfect terrain for launching their aircraft. You can learn more about their revolutionary exploits at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo.

For a truly memorable experience, check out the play "The Lost Colony" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Green. Performed nightly during the summer, this play tells the story of the legendary Native American colony that existed long ago in Manteo, eventually disappearing. Staged outdoors, the production is presented by a theater company of over 100 performers.

Nightlife in the Outer Banks has something fun for everyone. From family walks to Monday night football to local bars with welcoming atmospheres, there's plenty to keep you entertained. After a day at the beach, why not gather your family and friends for a round of karaoke? The locals love to party, and many of the towns in the Outer Banks have their own late-night activities planned, such as karaoke and live bands.

Even children can get on the microphone before 10 pm. If you would rather hear a professional serenade, then head to Kinnakeet Shores Beach Club in Avon, which also has more than enough space for you to get up and dance. In larger restaurants of the Outer Banks, such as the Port O'Call Restaurant, you can catch live music performances, especially around the busy summer season.

Visitors to the islands will find a movie theater in Nags Head, plus the smaller Pioneer Theater, which lays claim to being the state’s oldest film theater. If stand-up comedy is more of your kind of thing, then head to the Comedy Club of the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills.

Outer Banks is a haven for everyone, where you and your family can engage in a wide range of beach activities, including surfing, swimming, and fishing. You will soon discover your favorite spots on these idyllic beaches.

1. Cape Point

This is one of the best beaches for fishing in Outer Banks, attracting passionate fishers from many countries around the world. Aside from traditional fishing, you can also try your hand at surf fishing on this beach. The best time for fishing is at the end of summer. However, there are still plenty of fish in the ocean during the rest of the year, so fishing is a year round activity here. Also, there are plenty of other activities on offer like sunbathing, building castles, windsurfing, or kite-boarding. You can access this beach by using a 4WD vehicle if you have a beach driving permit. Alternatively, you can reach the beach with public transport and a short walk.

2. Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk Beach is stunning, and it is a great favorite with surfers, as it gets some of the best surfing waves in Outer Banks. If you’re a surfer, you are bound to love Kitty Hawk’s waters. Experience the best surfing and skim-boarding conditions without worrying about your safety, or that of your family, as the beach is well guarded. Three lifeguard stations secure the beach from 10am to 7pm. Near the beach, in the town of Kitty Hawk, you will find opportunity to discover the area’s rich history, go shopping, or dine out with your family.

3. Southern Shores

Have you ever imagined a perfect beach day? If you have, then your daydream probably looked something like Southern Shores Beach. The water at Southern Shores is crystal clear, making it the ideal beach for swimming, and the long stretches of golden sand are an invitation to languorous sunbathing. The beach also has lifeguards who make sure you are safe at all times. On sunny days, you can have lots of fun swimming, picnicking, and building sandcastles with your family at Southern Shores.

1. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Discover the magic of the outdoors at the Outer Banks' best loved outdoor center. You'll be stunned by the largest shark group in North Carolina, the snapping alligators, and the tales of experienced scuba divers. Touch the stingrays and watch the otters play.

2. Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Differentiated from other lighthouses in the region by its distinctive coloration, Cerrituck Beach Lighthouse is also home to a museum, plus inspiring views at the top of its 122 steps.

3. Wright Brothers National Memorial

Learn all about the history of aviation in the very place where air transportation first found its wings.

4. Jockey's Ridge State Park

The largest state park on the east coast, Jockey's Ridge has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States.

5. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Painted like a black and white candy-cane, Hatteras Lighthouse overlooks the "Graveyard of the Atlantic", where the Gulf Stream collides with the Labrador Current, creating tempestuous conditions.