Outer Banks Attractions & Activities

You’ll find plenty of Outer Banks activities and attractions in and around the beautiful areas surrounding the oceanfront Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. See the Lost Colony, where the first permanent English settlement was almost established.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
With 70 miles of uninhabited beaches, sand dunes, marshes and woodlands, Hatteras Island offers plenty to explore. Built in 1879, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the U.S. and was recently relocated back from the beach. Open April through October, you’ll also find Bodie Island Lighthouse and Pea Island Welcome Center located here.

Wright Brothers Memorial
The birthplace of aviation features exhibits, full-scale replicas of gliders, the 1903 flying machine, and an excellent oral interpretation of the history leading up to the first flight. Open year round.

Elizabethan Gardens
Located in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and open year round, explore ten acres of 16th century-style gardens with beautifully landscaped paths, bordered by flowers, foliage, and priceless antique statuary.

Jockey's Ridge State Park
Open year round, take a guided hike and discover the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. The world's largest hang gliding school makes its home here and you’ll find lots of activities for all ages at this state park.

The Lost Colony
America's first and longest running outdoor drama tells the story of the unsolved historical mystery surrounding the first English colonists' struggles to settle the New World. Performed mid-June through late August.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Visit the site where Sir Walter Raleigh's explorers and colonists attempted to establish the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Open year round.

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Enjoy a day outdoors in this 1,000-acre maritime forest with plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

North Carolina Aquarium
Enjoy exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities at this educational and research facility by the ocean.

Roanoke Island Festival Park
Located across from the Manteo Waterfront, explore the 69-foot square-rigged sailing ship, Elizabeth II, a replica of ships that transported colonists to Roanoke Island in the 16th century. You’ll find plenty of historical and cultural sights in the 8,500 square foot exhibit hall, then venture outside to the outdoor pavilion where live concerts are staged throughout the summer. Enjoy the park year round.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Observe one of the largest fleets of sports fishing boats on the mid-Atlantic Coast. In season, boats return to port around 4 to 5 p.m. with daily catches.

Fishing Piers & Surf Fishing
Fishing is allowed from three local piers or cast your line from the beach. In season, fishing is allowed 24 hours a day from the pier.

Other Activities
Hang gliding, golf, tennis, wind surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, air tours, canoeing, scenic boat tours, sailing, surf fishing, charter boat fishing, exploring old shipwrecks and strolling the lovely unspoiled beaches.

Lighthouses
Lighthouses are unique and interesting landmarks. Visit some or all of the nearby lighthouses and take home photos of their solitary beauty.

Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts
This copy of a classic five-story lighthouse contains the most unique nautical gallery and gift shop on the Outer Banks. Focusing on the beacons of light, the gallery has an extensive compilation of furnishings, jewelry, and art. One of the largest Harbour Lights and Lefton lighthouse dealers in the country. Gallery Row, 301 Driftwood St., 10.2 MP, between the highways, Nags Head 252-441-4232

The Gallery
The Gallery is an alternative art gallery featuring the work of local artists. Open daily, the Gallery regularly hosts art shows, art workshops and local musicians. The Gallery is available for rent by individuals or groups. Please check the website for upcoming events. MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk

Tanger Outlet Center
Shop designer and well-known stores for bargains all year round at your favorite stores such as Aeropostale, Nike, QVC, Polo, Calvin Klein, Carter’s, and Tommy Hilfiger. Bring an extra suitcase…or buy one here! Shipping & special orders available at many stores. MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-5634

Scarborough Faire Shopping Village
An array of 16 sophisticated shops and eateries situated in a gracious enclave amidst natural maritime surroundings in the village of Duck, 1177 Duck Road, Duck

Outer Banks Mall
The Outer Banks Mall hosts an array of unique specialty shops and restaurants. Everything from furniture to fashions, boating supplies to books, cabinets to candles, jewelry to eyewear, decorator accessories, gifts, cards and more. The Mall offers a fine variety of restaurants to satisfy every taste. Located at Milepost 14 in Nags Head next to The Outer Banks Hospital.

Christmas Shop and Island Gallery
They're spreading the sparkle at the Outer Banks' Original Christmas Shop. Discover what's new inside – antiques and collectibles, Outer Banks products, local and regional art, a jewelry shop, a coffee shop, an old-timey candy store, a bakery, and a glass spinner at work! Open daily. Hwy 64 Manteo 252-473-2838.

Timbuck II Corolla
Over 60 exciting shops, restaurants and recreation overlooking the Currituck Sound on the Northern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Open daily. Summer Hours:10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Kitty Hawk Sports
Beach attire and T-shirts are the specialty. They carry beach accessories, jewelry, sandals, hats, sunglasses, boogie boards and toys for kids of all ages. Men's, women's, juniors' and kids' sizes all available. Kayak equipment, accessories, body boards and skim boards are all in stock. Nags Head, Jockey's Ridge Crossing, 252-441-6800.

Dare Center at MilePost7
Includes stores such as Belk clothing department store, Fashion Bug, Cold Stone Creamery, Food Lion, Subway and China King. Conveniently located in Kill Devil Hills at mile 7. Open daily.