Guidebook
Things you gotta see!
If you're tired of the beach and want a change of scenery, try one of these:
Sunset is the best time to go. You can watch the sun set over the Roanoke Sound. Bring the boogie boards and "surf" down the dunes. Or go to the south side and jump off the steep slopes. Also, when the beach is too cold or windy, or if you have little ones, there is a nice soundside beach down Soundside road, just south of the park. Parking, shower, and port-a-potties are available.
395 Einheimische empfehlen
Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista DrSunset is the best time to go. You can watch the sun set over the Roanoke Sound. Bring the boogie boards and "surf" down the dunes. Or go to the south side and jump off the steep slopes. Also, when the beach is too cold or windy, or if you have little ones, there is a nice soundside beach down Soundside road, just south of the park. Parking, shower, and port-a-potties are available.
Just over the Oregon Inlet bridge is the prettiest stretch of wild beach in the area. You can park at the visitor center a few miles down and walk the wildlife trail and the beach. Or if you really want to be on your own, there are some places you can park on the side of the road and walk over the dunes. Just be careful to not get stuck in the sand!
94 Einheimische empfehlen
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
14500 NC-12Just over the Oregon Inlet bridge is the prettiest stretch of wild beach in the area. You can park at the visitor center a few miles down and walk the wildlife trail and the beach. Or if you really want to be on your own, there are some places you can park on the side of the road and walk over the dunes. Just be careful to not get stuck in the sand!
This is a unique ecological area in the maritime forest. There are easy and moderate walking/hiking trails. Some go by ponds and ancient dunes, some lead to the sound. All are pretty. Great for the off season. Bring bug spray.
122 Einheimische empfehlen
Nags Head Woods Preserve Dedicated Nature Preserve
This is a unique ecological area in the maritime forest. There are easy and moderate walking/hiking trails. Some go by ponds and ancient dunes, some lead to the sound. All are pretty. Great for the off season. Bring bug spray.
See where the Wright Brothers took their first flight. Go through the museum, Climb up to the monument (great views!), then go around the back of the monument and let the kids climb on the Wright glider replica! The museum is also a good rainy day activity.
493 Einheimische empfehlen
Wright Brothers Memorial
1000 N Croatan HwySee where the Wright Brothers took their first flight. Go through the museum, Climb up to the monument (great views!), then go around the back of the monument and let the kids climb on the Wright glider replica! The museum is also a good rainy day activity.
You can climb the lighthouse and walk the nature trails. On Hwy 12 just a few miles south of Jennette's Pier
26 Einheimische empfehlen
Bodie Island
You can climb the lighthouse and walk the nature trails. On Hwy 12 just a few miles south of Jennette's Pier
Go there around 4pm and you'll get to see the big charter boats coming in with their catch. South on Hwy 12 toward Hatteras.
83 Einheimische empfehlen
Oregon Inlet Angelzentrum
8770 Oregon Inlet RdGo there around 4pm and you'll get to see the big charter boats coming in with their catch. South on Hwy 12 toward Hatteras.
Beautiful gardens on the north end of Roanoke Island, next the the Lost Colony Theatre.
122 Einheimische empfehlen
The Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park DrBeautiful gardens on the north end of Roanoke Island, next the the Lost Colony Theatre.
The longest running outdoor drama in the country, this is a spectacular musical about the first colonists that settled on Roanoke Island and the mystery of their disappearance. This is also a great place for a walk through the woods, and there is a nice sandy beach on the sound.
193 Einheimische empfehlen
The Lost Colony
1409 National Park DrThe longest running outdoor drama in the country, this is a spectacular musical about the first colonists that settled on Roanoke Island and the mystery of their disappearance. This is also a great place for a walk through the woods, and there is a nice sandy beach on the sound.
Food/drink places we love
Here are all of our favorite places to eat or drink close by.
NAGS HEAD AND KDH
Forbes is THE best place for candy, fudge, ice cream and souvenirs. Try to avoid the other big, flashy candy place (rip-off warning)! Forbes is locally owned and classy. It is also the least crowded place for ice cream in the evenings!
Forbes Candy & Gift Shop
1700 S Croatan HwyNAGS HEAD AND KDH
Forbes is THE best place for candy, fudge, ice cream and souvenirs. Try to avoid the other big, flashy candy place (rip-off warning)! Forbes is locally owned and classy. It is also the least crowded place for ice cream in the evenings!
KDH
This is our favorite Asian restaurant. Actually, just our favorite restaurant, period. They are cheap, super authentic, super friendly, and super YUMMY! And you can get takeout. 😊
51 Einheimische empfehlen
Thai Room
710 S Virginia Dare TrailKDH
This is our favorite Asian restaurant. Actually, just our favorite restaurant, period. They are cheap, super authentic, super friendly, and super YUMMY! And you can get takeout. 😊
KILL DEVIL HILLS
The local's favorite Mexican restaurant! Around MP 9.5 on Hwy.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Plaza Azteca
1502 S Croatan HwyKILL DEVIL HILLS
The local's favorite Mexican restaurant! Around MP 9.5 on Hwy.
NAGS HEAD
Best place for cheap, delicious seafood baskets. They also sell fresh fish to cook yourself. They have funny hours, so call or look them up first. In the Pirate's Quay Shopping Center at MP 11 on Hwy.
55 Einheimische empfehlen
Greentails Seafood Market And Kitchen
3022 S Croatan HwyNAGS HEAD
Best place for cheap, delicious seafood baskets. They also sell fresh fish to cook yourself. They have funny hours, so call or look them up first. In the Pirate's Quay Shopping Center at MP 11 on Hwy.
NAGS HEAD
This is a coffee shop and a deli. Everything they make is really good. It's also a great place to get some business done if you need to. Lots of seating areas. Pirate's Quay Center, MP 11 on Hwy.
88 Einheimische empfehlen
Waveriders Coffee & Deli
3022 S Croatan HwyNAGS HEAD
This is a coffee shop and a deli. Everything they make is really good. It's also a great place to get some business done if you need to. Lots of seating areas. Pirate's Quay Center, MP 11 on Hwy.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
This is our favorite pizza place. Their seating is limited, though, so take-away or delivery is probably the way to go.
We also really like Nags Head Pizza Company, which is super quick and a little cheaper than Slice.
75 Einheimische empfehlen
Slice Pizzeria
710 South Croatan HighwayKILL DEVIL HILLS
This is our favorite pizza place. Their seating is limited, though, so take-away or delivery is probably the way to go.
We also really like Nags Head Pizza Company, which is super quick and a little cheaper than Slice.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
On the beach road, MP 9.5. They have great food and even better specials. Once again, get there early.
226 Einheimische empfehlen
The Kill Devil Grill
2008 S Virginia Dare TrailKILL DEVIL HILLS
On the beach road, MP 9.5. They have great food and even better specials. Once again, get there early.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
Great Hawaiian/Caribbean style food. MP 10? on Hwy.
159 Einheimische empfehlen
Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill
1701 S Croatan HwyKILL DEVIL HILLS
Great Hawaiian/Caribbean style food. MP 10? on Hwy.
NAGS HEAD
This place has the best steamed seafood and an amazing Island-style menu. Their Bajan Burger is one of our favorites, and their specials are always good, too. Go early before the crowds. MP 11 on beach road.
153 Einheimische empfehlen
Tortugas Lie
3016 S Virginia Dare TrailNAGS HEAD
This place has the best steamed seafood and an amazing Island-style menu. Their Bajan Burger is one of our favorites, and their specials are always good, too. Go early before the crowds. MP 11 on beach road.
COLINGTON
On Colington road, one of the best little restaurants on the Outer Banks.
90 Einheimische empfehlen
The SaltBox Cafe
1469 Colington RdCOLINGTON
On Colington road, one of the best little restaurants on the Outer Banks.
COLINGTON
Another little gem of a restaurant on Colington Road.
90 Einheimische empfehlen
The Colington Cafe
1029 Colington RdCOLINGTON
Another little gem of a restaurant on Colington Road.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
Located in KDH, this little convenience store has a ton of things you'll need. They also have an awesome deli!! If you want to grab a bite to take to the beach, this is the place in KDH. If you're more south by Jennette's Pier, check out Cahoon's market.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Stop N Shop
100 S Virginia Dare TrailKILL DEVIL HILLS
Located in KDH, this little convenience store has a ton of things you'll need. They also have an awesome deli!! If you want to grab a bite to take to the beach, this is the place in KDH. If you're more south by Jennette's Pier, check out Cahoon's market.
NAGS HEAD
Eat right over the waves! Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Pier House Restaurant
3335 S Virginia Dare TrailNAGS HEAD
Eat right over the waves! Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner.
NAGS HEAD
A new favorite on the Outer Banks! They offer up local seafood and other things with an international flair.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Mahi Mahi's Island Grill
2217 South Croatan HighwayNAGS HEAD
A new favorite on the Outer Banks! They offer up local seafood and other things with an international flair.
KITTY HAWK
A great restaurant and bar in an old lifesaving station in Kitty Hawk.
184 Einheimische empfehlen
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant
3848 N Virginia Dare TrailKITTY HAWK
A great restaurant and bar in an old lifesaving station in Kitty Hawk.
Ortega'z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar
201 Sir Walter Raleigh StDOWNTOWN MANTEO
The Hungry Pelican
205 Budleigh StDOWNTOWN MANTEO
Poor Richards Sandwich Shop
305 Queen Elizabeth AveDOWNTOWN MANTEO
Lost Colony Brewery and Cafe
208 Queen Elizabeth AveDOWNTOWN MANTEO
Carolina Bar-B-Que & Seafood Company
908 US-64MANTEO
BROS
NAGS HEAD, at the Outlet Mall
Charis Coffee Company
107 G Budleigh StDOWNTOWN MANTEO
NAGS HEAD
This little convenience store next to Jennette's pier is THE best! Whatever you need, they've got it. And their grab-n-go food is amazing!!! If you want to grab a bite to take to the beach, this is the place. If you're more north in KDH, check out the Stop n' Shop.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Cahoons Market and Cottage
7213 S Virginia Dare TrailNAGS HEAD
This little convenience store next to Jennette's pier is THE best! Whatever you need, they've got it. And their grab-n-go food is amazing!!! If you want to grab a bite to take to the beach, this is the place. If you're more north in KDH, check out the Stop n' Shop.
Great food with a beautiful view! They have local seafood and all the other yummy things, too.
Miller's
6916 S Croatan HwyGreat food with a beautiful view! They have local seafood and all the other yummy things, too.
Our favorite Frozen Yogurt Bar. They have something for every diet, so don't worry if you're dairy free or vegan. They've got you covered. Try one of their amazing Sammies, ice cream sandwiches. Owned by a local former pro surfer and his wife.
NAGS HEAD
125 Einheimische empfehlen
Surfin' Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar
3408 South Virginia Dare TrailOur favorite Frozen Yogurt Bar. They have something for every diet, so don't worry if you're dairy free or vegan. They've got you covered. Try one of their amazing Sammies, ice cream sandwiches. Owned by a local former pro surfer and his wife.
NAGS HEAD
Rainy day activities
Jumpmasters
728 US-64Great for a rainy day! A little pricy, but lots of fun.
Also great for a rainy day, but beware of the crowds. When it rains, everyone seems to have the same idea. Early is best. If it looks too crazy, hit Jumpmasters instead.
291 Einheimische empfehlen
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport RdAlso great for a rainy day, but beware of the crowds. When it rains, everyone seems to have the same idea. Early is best. If it looks too crazy, hit Jumpmasters instead.
RC Kill Devil Hills Movies 10
1803 N Croatan HwyOutlets Nags Head
7100 S Croatan HwyIf you like to shop, this is the place! MP 14 on Hwy.
What can I say? It's bowling. Something to do on a rainy day. They do have pool and air hockey tables and an arcade. MP 10 off of Hwy.
41 Einheimische empfehlen
Obx Bowling
200 W Satterfield Landing RdWhat can I say? It's bowling. Something to do on a rainy day. They do have pool and air hockey tables and an arcade. MP 10 off of Hwy.
OBX Laser Tag
2420 S Croatan HwyMy daughter says this is the best place for laser tag.
Fun stuff to do
This is a really fun shop to look around in. They have a climbing wall inside! You can also book kayaking, SUP, and other trips through them. You can even sign up for a hang gliding lesson!
89 Einheimische empfehlen
Kitty Hawk Kites
307 Queen Elizabeth AveThis is a really fun shop to look around in. They have a climbing wall inside! You can also book kayaking, SUP, and other trips through them. You can even sign up for a hang gliding lesson!
This is a really well done musical play about the first settlers on Roanoke island. It is the longest running outdoor drama in the country for a reason. Best to buy tickets ahead of time. The play does have gunshots and real fire, and it runs late, so it may not be best for young children. Though age 7 or 8 and up will love it! There are also some short walking trails there if you want to go early or go back some other time.
193 Einheimische empfehlen
The Lost Colony
1409 National Park DrThis is a really well done musical play about the first settlers on Roanoke island. It is the longest running outdoor drama in the country for a reason. Best to buy tickets ahead of time. The play does have gunshots and real fire, and it runs late, so it may not be best for young children. Though age 7 or 8 and up will love it! There are also some short walking trails there if you want to go early or go back some other time.
If you're into history, this is the place for you. Climb aboard the Elizabeth II, explore a Native American village, and see how the first settlers lived. Concerts are often performed here, as well. Check their website.
151 Einheimische empfehlen
Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival ParkIf you're into history, this is the place for you. Climb aboard the Elizabeth II, explore a Native American village, and see how the first settlers lived. Concerts are often performed here, as well. Check their website.
Another great place to see the charter boats bringing in their catch. Across the bridge to Manteo, on the right.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Pirate's Cove Marina
2000 Sailfish DrAnother great place to see the charter boats bringing in their catch. Across the bridge to Manteo, on the right.
Outer Banks Surf school
118 E Becker StBest surf lessons!
Corolla Outback Adventures
1148 Ocean TrailAnother great way to see the wild ponies.
Outer Surf
2500 Abalone Street Beach AccGreat place for Surf lessons! Has a surf shop, too.
Neighborhoods
Lots of fun shops to look through, right on the water in the cute village of Duck.
70 Einheimische empfehlen
Duck Town Park Boardwalk
Duck Town Park BoardwalkLots of fun shops to look through, right on the water in the cute village of Duck.
Come see a genuine fishing village, marina, and boat builders. Home to Bayliss Boat works and other boat builders, and several famous seafood companies, like Etheridge and O'Neal's. Drive around, or get out and poke your head in some of the buildings to see how those huge boats are made, or watch the fresh catch get processed. While you're there, grab lunch at O'Neal's Sea Harvest restaurant. Take some fresh seafood home to cook later. Then go on further down the main road and get a view of the big fishing vessels at the marina.. On your way back up the road, stop by the little gift shop on the right, just past the industrial park road. I think it's called Stetsons In and Out of season gift shop. The building is just a ramshackle warehouse- type thing, but they have great prices on beachy gifts and decor. If you have time, wander around the other side roads in wanchese and get a glimpse of local life and horse farms.
Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park
636 Harbor RdCome see a genuine fishing village, marina, and boat builders. Home to Bayliss Boat works and other boat builders, and several famous seafood companies, like Etheridge and O'Neal's. Drive around, or get out and poke your head in some of the buildings to see how those huge boats are made, or watch the fresh catch get processed. While you're there, grab lunch at O'Neal's Sea Harvest restaurant. Take some fresh seafood home to cook later. Then go on further down the main road and get a view of the big fishing vessels at the marina.. On your way back up the road, stop by the little gift shop on the right, just past the industrial park road. I think it's called Stetsons In and Out of season gift shop. The building is just a ramshackle warehouse- type thing, but they have great prices on beachy gifts and decor. If you have time, wander around the other side roads in wanchese and get a glimpse of local life and horse farms.
DOWNTOWN MANTEO
Downtown Manteo has lots of cute shops to look through, playground, restaurants, and boat docks. Walk or drive over the little bridge to see Festival park and walk the boardwalks along the sounds and canals.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Manteo Waterfront Marina
207 Queen Elizabeth AveDOWNTOWN MANTEO
Downtown Manteo has lots of cute shops to look through, playground, restaurants, and boat docks. Walk or drive over the little bridge to see Festival park and walk the boardwalks along the sounds and canals.
Rentals
If you'd like to rent any beach supplies while you're in town, this is the place.
31 Einheimische empfehlen
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
2001 S Croatan HwyIf you'd like to rent any beach supplies while you're in town, this is the place.
Another great place for renting beach supplies like chairs, umbrellas, boards, etc. They will even set up for you for an extra fee.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Farmdog Surf School
2403 S Virginia Dare TrailAnother great place for renting beach supplies like chairs, umbrellas, boards, etc. They will even set up for you for an extra fee.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Go out to eat EARLY!
Restaurants in peak season can have hour long waits or longer. We suggest going out for lunch at 11am and dinner around 5pm. Few places take reservations. The bonus is that many places offer early bird discounts if you get there before 5! Check the little yellow Go Guides for coupons.
Verkehrsmittel
Best beach time
We find that the most enjoyable time on the beach is in the later afternoon and evening. The air is cooling down and the sun isn't in your face. That said, there are often stray thunder showers in the afternoons in the summer.
Verkehrsmittel
Take the beach road (hwy 12)
In the peak season, we find that the beach road (12) is faster and safer than the bypass (hwy 158/ Croatan hwy), with all of its traffic and stop lights.
Mit Kindern reisen
Hunting for ghost crabs
Grab a flashlight, a net (or not) and a bucket and head out to the beach at night. You'll see the white "ghost crabs" skittering all over the place. Try to catch them! Just don't keep them in your bucket for too long. They need to be free.
Verkehrsmittel
Staying safe at the beach
The ocean here can be rough at times. Read up on and stay away from rip currents. Unless you are an excellent swimmer, we recommend swimming near a life guard. They are posted from Memorial day to Labor day. We don't want to scare you, but we do want you to be safe! Also, don't dig deep holes in the sand. Kids and adults (including friends of ours!) have been buried alive because of them collapsing, and they are a hazard for lifeguards on 4-wheelers.
Verkehrsmittel
Know the road names
We only have 2 main roads here, but they go by many names.
Hwy 12 is also called the Beach Road or Virginia Dare Trail. You guessed it, it runs along the beach! Hwy 158 is also called the Bypass or Croatan Hwy. It's the 4 lane highway that runs parallel to the beach road.