10 Sights & Landmarks in Outer Banks That You Shouldn't Miss

April 21, 2022 Fernanda Pittenger

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites. If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.
Restaurants in Outer Banks

1. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum

23645 NC Hwy. 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968 +1 252-987-1552 [email protected] http://www.Chicamacomico.net
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
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5.0 based on 392 reviews

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum

Reviewed By allisonk835 - South Riding, United States

My husband and I were greatly impressed by the staff knowledge. Self guided tour was wonderful giving us time to explore the property and consider the lives of the USLSS a century ago.

2. Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

2 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC http://www.visitnc.com/trip-idea/outer-banks-national-scenic-byway-1
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
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2%
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5.0 based on 46 reviews

Outer Banks National Scenic Byway

Reviewed By BearH928 - Williamsburg, United States

Drove from Ocracoke to Kill Devil Hills on a Monday morning in October. Most of the road is thru the National Seashore area which is often patrolled by the park police so watch the speed limit of 55 and 45. There are villages along the way which have lower posted limits. A 2 lane highway for the most part and is heavily trafficked in parts. Since it is the only highway on the Outer banks it is used by trucks, boaters etc. The free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke island is no reservation. The property owners on Ocracoke have priority on the ferry with their property pass. On Ocracoke the waiting area is at the end of the island with nothing but the ferry docks, Hatteras is boarding area is right outside the town. There are also 2 other car ferries one from Swan Quarter and one from Cedar Island. They take reservations and cost $15.00 one way for passenger cars. Watch your speed in the town of Ocracoke as it is 20 mph and they enforce plus you have the walkers, bikekes, golf carts to watch . Part of the highway along the dunes gets water and sand covered depending on how much wind and surf there is. A couple [laces the road works continually are pushing back the sand. One place on Ocracoke the surf is presently almost coming on the road. Take your time and enjoy

3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920 +1 252-995-4474 http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
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4.5 based on 2,566 reviews

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The nation's tallest lighthouse was moved to a different location to preserve it.

Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States

Was a great experience! Tour groups were formed quickly.. beautiful grounds around the lighthouse to explore, informative tour guide & well worth the climb to the top! Amazing views from the top deck! Just an awesome experience!

4. Wright Brothers National Memorial

Mile post 7.5 on U.S. Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, NC +1 252-441-7430 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
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4.5 based on 4,204 reviews

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Park where visitors can see a replica of the Wright Brothers' plane and receive an entertaining history of flight.

Reviewed By PHLee7ca - Ellicott City, United States

We visited this attraction on a sunny Saturday in October. The cost was $10/adult and lots of free parking. We first walked around the grounds and saw the old "runway", sheds, and climbed up Kill Devil Hill to see the monument and view of the town. Then we joined the narrated tour by one of the Park Rangers, she was very informative and animated! We then spent the rest of our time touring inside the info. center and got our "passports" stamped in the Gift Store! From the top of the hill, we noticed a full scale scene of the first flight and stopped by on our drive out....very nice, all the "characters" immortalized in bronze along with the plane. A very nice "park", museum and history lesson.

5. Roanoke Island Festival Park

1 Festival Park Across from the Manteo Waterfront, Manteo, Roanoke Island, NC 27954-9396 +1 252-475-1500 [email protected] http://www.roanokeisland.com
Excellent
51%
Good
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4.5 based on 496 reviews

Roanoke Island Festival Park

Experience a new adventure in an old-world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured through Indian Town, the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to show and tell how the first settlers lived, worked and played on Roanoke Island. For a hands-on history lesson, visit the Adventure Museum that features interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy. The park also serves as a venue for concerts, events and weddings in the indoor theatre or outdoor waterfront pavilion. Whether you’re enjoying the museum or an outdoor concert, Festival Park offers a stunning location with piers, nature trails and picturesque views at every turn. Experience an unforgettable adventure on the Outer Banks at Roanoke Island Festival Park – where history comes alive.

Reviewed By Mike58318 - Front Royal, United States

Me and wife visited here during our vacation in South Nads Head .We especially enjoyed the tour of the ship Elizabeth and the folks on board were very informative . We toured the grounds as well and the fellow in the blacksmith shop was very informative,he was English, and his accent enhanced our experience making for a great visit

6. Whalehead in Historic Corolla

1100 Club Way, Corolla, NC 27927 +1 252-453-9040 [email protected] http://www.visitwhalehead.com/
Excellent
71%
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4.5 based on 654 reviews

Whalehead in Historic Corolla

Take a step back in time when you visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla! Originally built in the 1920s, this magnificent residence has been restored to its original grandeur and is open for tours year round. Located inside Historic Corolla Park, the museum is situated on 39 acres of pristine waterfront property, and is located in the heart of Historic Corolla. Open year-round for a variety of tours - choose from various House Programs, Children's Activities and Park Programs that are perfect for all ages! Check our online calendar for exciting events hosted in the beautiful Historic Corolla Park.

Reviewed By tee168 - Appleton, United States

This is worth the stop. It's an amazing house with a very interesting history that's really well re-done. It's self guided where you listen to an "I pod" recording that tells you about each room. Very informative. Took about an hour. Would highly recommend if you love old restored homes and learning about the local history.

7. Currituck Beach Lighthouse

1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927 +1 252-453-4939 [email protected] http://www.obcinc.org
Excellent
64%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 2,160 reviews

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Open for the 2021 season, daily, 9a-5pm, weather permitting. Climb the 220 steps to the top for a breathtaking view while learning from docents, brochures, and exhibits about shipwrecks, the lives of lighthouse keepers, the history of the tower (it filled the last remaining dark space on the east coast in 1875) and the original 1st order Fresnel lens. The beacon continues to be an active aid to navigation (3 seconds on, 17 off). The station is preservation effort of the Outer Banks Conservationists along with the State of NC and the USCG through the NHLHP Act of 2000. $10/person (card or cash); Children ages 0-3 may ascend (free) but only in a carrier with adult 18 or over. All other climbers $10.* Children 13+ may climb alone with parent signature.

Reviewed By rbrich - Cherryville, United States

This is a beautiful lighthouse that from the top you can see the ocean and the sound, it shows just how narrow the strip of land that makes up the outer banks is. This is the second time we have visited this lighthouse and it was just as fun this year as it was 12 years ago.

8. British Cemetery

British Cemetery Road, Ocracoke, NC http://www.ocracoke-nc.com/cemetery/
Excellent
50%
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4.5 based on 385 reviews

British Cemetery

The remains of four British soldiers whose ship was sunk off the coast during World War II are buried here.

Reviewed By snoopydoo - Florida, United States

This cemetery is truly historic and a beautiful tribute. You'll only need to pul over for a few minutes to take it in. The stones/memorials explain who they are and why they are there. It's a quick sight, but worth your time to pay respects to these soldiers. Very glad we stopped.

9. Portsmouth Village

Ocracoke, NC +1 252-728-2250 http://www.nps.gov/calo/historyculture/portsmouth.htm
Excellent
68%
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4.5 based on 65 reviews

Portsmouth Village

Over a century ago, Portsmouth Village was a bustling port town. Today, the buildings and exhibits tell the story of changing times and life on the Outer Banks. The Theodore and Annie Salter House and Visitor Center, School, Post Office and General Store, U.S. Life-Saving Station, Methodist Church, and Henry Piggot House are open to the public seasonally.Be sure to bring insect repellent, drinking water, food, sunscreen, adequate clothing, a hat, and good walking shoes.

10. Bodie Island Lighthouse

8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, NC 27959 +1 252-441-5711 http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/bils.htm
Excellent
64%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 2,067 reviews

Bodie Island Lighthouse

An interesting and still important lighthouse that can be visited but not climbed. (NOTE: The lighthouse is currently under construction, and is expected to re-open in summer 2013, with the ability to be climbed for the first time)

Reviewed By Jake6279

We had an amazing time and it was a great tour of the light house, we had wait for our climb so we walked out on their boardwalk and outlook. I would do it again!

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