Many flock to the Outer Banks for the mass of water, land and air sports that are celebrated on this tiny string of barrier islands. Aside from the classic surfing, fishing and traditional water sports, the Outer Banks offers activities for those land-dwellers, from bicycle rentals to golf courses. Most notably and interesting, however, are the air sports that the Outer Banks has, including hang-gliding over the dunes and skydiving. There is also a fascinating characteristic of Corolla, about 20 minutes out of the main area of the banks -- wild horses!
From catching a beautiful mackerel to hitting a few birdies under the beating sun, the Outer Banks are sure to appease any tourist's agenda.
Grab a bite in town or in the waves
Of the things to do in the Outer Banks, eating should always be at the top of the list. First of all, fishing for your party can always be fun and inclusive, and you can even get a meal or two out of it. There is also a huge collection of seafood market in the Outer Banks whose expertise on the water wildlife goes hand-in-hand with large selections of seafood. However, if catching your own food may not be your fancy or you'd rather have a hot, pre-prepared meal, the restaurants in the area are outstanding. Sam and Omie's, a local favorite in Duck, offers a wide variety of beach-friendly meals available throughout the day. Other restaurants, like The Blue Point in Duck and Ocean Boulevard in Kitty Hawk, have been repeatedly praised and loved. The region has a wonderful combination of fine dining, casual seafood and markets where you can concoct your own beach picnic.
Indulge your sweet tooth
Being on vacation means that dessert must follow every meal. In the Outer Banks, and frequently in other sea towns or coastal areas, saltwater taffy reigns supreme as the sweet champion. One of the best places to get saltwater taffy is Forbes, a local chain that will have you begging for more. There's also a nice collection of frozen custard shops, including Rita's and Kill Devil's. A little secret of the area is the small sprinkling of local homemade donut shops -- Duck Donuts, located in Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and most recently Corolla. If you've got a sweet tooth, you're likely to find somewhere to grab a cone or cup around any corner.
Flights of fun
The Outer Banks has a rich history and therefore, offers a few great cultural things to do. The primary and most notable history of the Outer Banks revolves around the famous flight of the Wright Brothers in nearby Kitty Hawk, where man learned to conquer air. The brothers, who started out as bicycle dealers, are commemorated in a memorial, plane replica and visitor's center. Another interesting part of the Outer Banks are the lighthouses that dot the shoreline; some of the most famous are located on Hatteras Island, Currituck Beach and Bodie Island. The Outer Banks also offer several museums and exhibits for the inner intellectual.
The science of sleep
After a long day at the beach or in one of the Outer Bank's beautiful towns, you'll need to find a place to stay and relax. The Outer Banks are famous for their quirky and beautiful houses, which can range from a small family-sized house to sprawling mansions with bedroom numbers in the 'teens. Some have walkways directly onto the beach, while others are just a stone's throw away from a public or neighborhood-only walkway. Getting a house with a pool or volleyball court can help entertain the masses. You can lounge on your porch as easily as you can on the shore, but don't take the beach for granted. Your experience in the Outer Banks will be like no other, and you'll miss it as soon as you drive away.
