What can you do on the Outer Banks? The answer is simply: everything. Everywhere you turn, there’s something waiting to be discovered, experienced, or enjoyed. Of course, there are the beaches – the stunning Outer Banks North Carolina Beaches – with waves perfect for surfing. You’ll find piers ideal for fishing, stretches of sand where you can drive (seasonally), and every kind of watersport imaginable, even hang gliding. Add in iconic landmarks like the towering dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the historic Wright Brothers National Memorial, the fascinating North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, the serene Elizabethan Gardens, and the significant Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and it’s clear that a trip to the Outer Banks can be as action-packed or relaxed as you desire.
Map of Outer Banks, North Carolina, highlighting the Northern Beaches region, including popular towns and attractions for tourists planning beach vacations.
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Recreation & Outer Banks Icons
Recreation & Outer Banks Icons
North Carolina, and specifically Kill Devil Hills, holds a monumental place in history as the birthplace of flight. At the Wright Brothers National Memorial, you can literally walk where history was made. Inside the visitor center, engaging exhibits and informative videos recount the incredible story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, two bicycle mechanics driven by boundless curiosity and the revolutionary idea that powered flight was possible. From 1900 to 1903, they journeyed from Ohio to the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches repeatedly, testing gliders, refining wing designs, and exploring the possibilities of flight. This relentless pursuit culminated in the invention of propellers and the Wright Flyer, leading to the world’s first successful powered flight right here in Kill Devil Hills. A replica of the Wright Flyer is proudly displayed. Near the visitor center, you can walk the actual paths of their pioneering flights, from the shortest attempt to Wilbur’s groundbreaking 59-second, 852-foot flight. For a panoramic view of the ocean, sound, the historic flight field, and the breathtaking Outer Banks beaches, climb the hill to the impressive monument.
If you’re captivated by the idea of flight, experience your own first flight at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Every day, hundreds of visitors fill the sky with colorful kites, but for the truly adventurous, a hang gliding lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites is an unforgettable experience. Under the expert guidance of certified instructors, aspiring fliers will lift a hang glider, run towards the dune’s edge, and soar into the air, gently gliding onto the soft sand below. Jockey’s Ridge, the largest active sand dune system in the Eastern US, offers more than just flight. Marked trails wind through the dunes and surrounding woods, leading to scenic overlooks of the Roanoke Sound, perfect for spotting animal tracks in the sand. At the southwestern edge of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Soundside Road leads to a small parking area and another hiking trail that explores this unique part of the park. A short walk over one last dune reveals a hidden gem: a small, tranquil beach on Roanoke Sound. This beach is ideal for families with young children who will appreciate the calm, warm water and gentle waves. It’s also a perfect spot to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the sound. Remember to check park signage and parking hours, as park rangers strictly enforce closing times.
Hiking, Biking, and More
Are you ready for a refreshing jog or a leisurely bike ride? Does a peaceful walk through the woods sound appealing? Perhaps you’re interested in trying sandboarding or exploring waterways by kayak. The Outer Banks North Carolina beaches area is the perfect destination for all of these activities and more.
A fantastic mixed-use pedestrian and bicycle path stretches the entire length of the Outer Banks, offering an incredible 105 miles of paved path from Duck to Ocracoke Island. In Duck and Southern Shores, the path is wide, mostly shaded by trees, and separated from the road by a grassy verge. You’ll see locals and visitors alike enjoying the path – walking dogs, exercising, taking leisurely strolls or serious jogs, and cycling for fitness or fun.
For a more relaxed walk in Duck, explore the Duck Boardwalk. This mile-long boardwalk meanders along the Currituck Sound, connecting the Town Park and municipal center with various shopping areas and restaurants. Benches are placed at scenic points along the boardwalk, and many restaurants feature soundfront patios, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. In Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head, the bike path runs alongside the main road. While closer to traffic, the path remains wide and comfortable for sharing. For a truly peaceful and picturesque bike ride, head to the southern end of Nags Head, where a quiet two-lane road serves anglers and residents along a less developed stretch of Outer Banks beaches.
It’s hard to imagine now, but the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches were once much wilder and less developed. To experience a glimpse of the Outer Banks from centuries past, visit the Nags Head Woods Preserve and the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve.
Nags Head Woods Preserve, located just south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Milepost 9.5, encompasses 1,111 acres of diverse ecosystems, including dunes, wetlands, and a deciduous maritime forest. Five miles of marked hiking trails loop through the preserve, allowing you to customize your walk or hike. Over 50 bird species nest here, making it a haven for birdwatchers – bring your binoculars and field guide! Leashed dogs are permitted on certain trails, so the whole family can enjoy the natural beauty. Enhance your visit with the audio history tour along the path to the Roanoke Sound, offering insights into the area’s history from a century ago.
In Kitty Hawk, the North Carolina Coastal Reserve manages the 1,824-acre Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. This significant maritime forest, one of the largest remaining on the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches, features unique ecosystems with dunes, swales, and varied forest types (deciduous, fir, and swampy). Explore it by hiking, biking, or kayaking – paddling through the waterways offers a unique perspective.
Please note: Hunting is permitted in both Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve and Nags Head Woods Preserve during hunting season, typically from mid-fall to the New Year. Exercise caution during these times, wear bright clothing, and check with the Reserve and Preserve for specific dates and safety guidelines before your visit.
Beach Access
Beach access and public parking availability vary across the different towns of the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches. In areas with limited public access, vacation rental guests and residents typically use neighborhood-specific access points. Check your rental information or contact your rental agency for details on the nearest beach access.
In Duck, all beach accesses are private, reserved for homeowners and rental guests within specific neighborhoods. Public parking is limited to areas serving businesses, shopping centers, town facilities, and the park and Town Boardwalk. Southern Shores follows a similar pattern, with parking by town permit only and no public beach accesses. Access is restricted to residents and renters, with limited parking available for businesses and municipal facilities.
The beach access situation changes dramatically as you move into Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Here, Outer Banks North Carolina beaches are readily accessible. Along both North and South Virginia Dare Trail (the Beach Road), you’ll find numerous walkovers, boardwalks, and ramps providing easy access over the dunes to the beach.
Kitty Hawk offers beach accesses and parking at locations including:
- Byrd Street
- Fonck Street
- Maynard Street
- Bennett Street
- Luke Street
- Eckner Street
- Bleriot Street
- Wilkins Street
- Hawks Street
- Balchen Street
- Lillian Street
- Kitty Hawk Bath House
Parking is available at or near each access point, totaling 266 spaces and 8 handicapped spaces. Showers are located at Byrd Street, Lillian Street, and the Kitty Hawk Bath House.
Lifeguard stands at Byrd Street, Eckner Street, Lillian Street, and the Kitty Hawk Bath House ensure good lifeguard coverage. Ocean Rescue personnel patrol the beaches between stands on ATVs. Lifeguards and patrols operate daily from 10 am to 6 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and from 10 am to 5 pm from Labor Day to September 30.
Kill Devil Hills provides beach access at numerous streets, including:
- Arch Street
- Helga Street
- Chowan Street
- Hayman Street
- Walker Street
- Eden Street
- Avalon Drive
- Fifth Street
- Fourth Street
- Third Street
- Second Street
- First Street
- Coral Drive
- Asheville Drive
- Prospect Avenue
- Glenmere Avenue
- Woodmere Avenue
- Ferris Avenue
- Raleigh Avenue
- Carlow Avenue
- Sutton Avenue
- Pinehurst Avenue
- Ocean Bay Boulevard
- Carlton Avenue
- Oregon Avenue
- Baum Street
- Clark Street
- Calvin Street
- Martin Street
- Atlantic Street
- Ocean Acres Beach Access (Neptune Drive)
- Lake Drive
- Eighth Street
Lifeguard stands are positioned at:
- Helga Street
- Hayman Street
- Eden Street
- Avalon Drive
- Fifth Street
- Third Street
- Second Street
- First Street
- Coral Drive
- Asheville Drive
- Woodmere Avenue
- Carlow Avenue
- Ocean Bay Boulevard
- Oregon Avenue
- Baum Street
- Clark Street
- Martin Street
- Atlantic Street
- Ocean Acres Beach Access (Neptune Drive)
- Lake Drive
- Eighth Street
Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 5:30 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day, with ATV patrols continuing until October 15.
Paved parking is available at all listed accesses except:
- Helga Street
- Eden Street
- Avalon Drive
- Third Street
- Coral Drive
- Baum Street
- Ocean Acres Beach Access (Neptune Drive)
- Lake Drive
Nags Head offers public beach access at a wide array of streets and locations, including:
- Eighth Street
- Albatross Street
- Gallery Row
- Abalone Street
- Admiral Street
- Baltic Street
- Barnes Street
- Blackman Street
- Bonnett Street
- Bittern Street
- Bladen Street
- Bainbridge Street
- Curlew Street
- Hollowell Street
- Conch Street
- Small Street
- Enterprise Street
- Loggerhead Street
- Nags Head Town Hall
- Epstein Street
- Forrest Street
- Grouse Street
- Glidden Street
- Gull Street
- Gray Eagle Street
- Jennette’s Pier
- Gulfstream Street
- Governor Public Beach Access
- Huron Street
- Holden Street
- Hargrove Street
- Ida Street
- Isabella Street
- Islington Street
- Indigo Street
- Jay Street
- June Street
- James Street
- Jacob Street
- Juncos Street
- Oregon Drive
- Limulus Drive
- Ehmann Public Beach Access
Lifeguards are stationed on Nags Head Outer Banks North Carolina beaches from 10 am to 6 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day, with ATV patrols from 9 am to 7 pm in September and 9 am to 6 pm in October. Lifeguard stands are found at:
- Albatross Street
- Abalone Street
- Bonnett Street
- Hollowell Street
- Enterprise Street
- Epstein Beach Access
- Forrest Street
- Gray Eagle Street
- Jennette’s Pier
- Gulfstream Street
- Hargrove Street
- Ida Street
- Indigo Street
- Juncos Street
- Lumulus Drive
Public parking is available at all beach accesses except:
- Gallery Row
- Islington Street
Additional beach accesses may exist in these towns, but are often private, intended for hotel, condo, or vacation rental guests, and visitors to fishing piers (pier parking often involves a separate fee from pier access).
Sound Access
On the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches, you’ll frequently hear locals talking about “the Sound.” This term generally refers to the expansive, shallow body of water separating the barrier islands from the mainland. Technically, it’s not just one sound, but five distinct sounds. From north to south: Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, Croatan Sound, Roanoke Sound, and Pamlico Sound. While the exact boundaries are somewhat blurred, each sound has unique characteristics. Currituck Sound stretches from the Wright Memorial Bridge north to the Virginia border. Albemarle Sound lies west of the Northern Outer Banks North Carolina beaches towns, from the Wright Memorial Bridge south to Roanoke Island. Croatan Sound is west of Roanoke Island, between the island and mainland Dare County. Roanoke Sound is east of Roanoke Island, between the island and Nags Head, extending south to Oregon Inlet and Pamlico Sound. Pamlico Sound, bordering the entire western side of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, runs from Oregon Inlet south to Ocracoke Island.
Each sound offers unique recreational opportunities. Waterfowl hunting is popular in Currituck and Pamlico Sounds (see this page for Pamlico Sound/Cape Hatteras National Seashore hunting information). Marshes and islands in all sounds provide hunting grounds for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
Fishing varies across the sounds due to currents, channels, depth, water temperature, and salinity. Currituck Sound is considered freshwater. Strong currents and the narrow shape of Currituck Sound limit saltwater intrusion, resulting in a different fishing experience compared to other sounds. Albemarle Sound extends far inland, and rivers feeding it bring different fish species, especially in its western reaches. Croatan and Roanoke Sounds around Roanoke Island are deeper and navigable for larger boats, with stronger currents, influencing the types of fish found there. Pamlico Sound, stretching over 100 miles, varies in width and depth, with islands, shoals, and sandbars (making a fishing guide highly recommended for inshore fishing). Besides diverse fish species, the sounds also offer oysters, clams, shrimp, and other seafood delicacies for those who know where to look.
Common sights on all sounds include jet skis, sailboats, fishing boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarders, windsurfers, and kite surfers. Outfitters along the Northern Outer Banks North Carolina beaches (and Hatteras Island – see our Hatteras Guide) rent paddle, wind, and motor-powered watercraft, making sound exploration easy. However, the most captivating sight is the sunset. Facing west, the sounds offer breathtaking sunset views, especially when the water is calm and reflects the vibrant colors.
Soundside access varies by town. Many soundfront rental homes have docks, decks, or boat launches. In some areas, private rentals provide the only sound access. Public sound access points include:
Duck
- Duck Town Park
- Duck Boardwalk
Southern Shores
- No public soundside access
Kitty Hawk
- Windgrass Circle Park
- Bob Perry Road/Kitty Hawk Bay
Kill Devil Hills
- West Hayman Street Estuarine
- West Third Street
- West Arch Street
- Dock Street
- Collington Island (at the second bridge)
Nags Head
- Jockeys Ridge State Park
- Soundside Road (access to a small parking area in the State Park)
- West Danube Street
- Harvey Estuarine/US 158 Bypass
- Nags Head Estuarine/Nags Head Causeway
- Melvin R. Daniels Bridge (the Little Bridge) on the Nags Head Causeway
Watersports
Ready to surf, sail, paddleboard, or simply splash around? The Outer Banks North Carolina beaches are a watersports paradise. With some of the best surfing on the East Coast and breaks from Duck to Whalebone Junction, there’s a wave for every skill level, from experienced surfers to beginners (grommets). If you’re new to surfing, a lesson is a great way to start!
Beyond surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is popular on the calm sound waters, although some adventurous souls even try SUP surfing in the ocean. You can also kayak, take dolphin-watching or sunset cruises, sail, or rent a jet ski for high-speed fun.
Surf shops are plentiful along the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches, offering boards, gear, rentals, and lessons. Many sell used boards and carry surf apparel and souvenirs. Ask the staff for local surf spot recommendations – they are a wealth of insider knowledge.
Kitty Hawk Kites, a renowned Outer Banks outfitter, has locations throughout the area, offering kayak, SUP, and surfboard rentals, as well as lessons and guided tours. Other excellent surf schools and shops include Cavalier Surf Shop, Farmdog Surf School, Kitty Hawk Surf Company, and Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School. Check our surf school and shop listings for more options.
For jet ski enthusiasts, the sounds are ideal. Several outfitters provide rentals and instruction, including Kitty Hawk Kites, Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports, North Duck Watersports, Nags Head Watersports, and Causeway Watersports. Nags Head Dolphin Watch, Kitty Hawk Kites, and Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports also offer various on-water excursions from Duck to the Causeway.
You are welcome to bring your own watersports equipment. Marinas and public boat launches provide boat access, and some marinas offer trailer storage (check in advance). Beach accesses, both public and private, make it easy to bring surfboards to the ocean, and many soundfront rentals have docks or small beaches for kayaks and paddleboards.
Hunting
Surprisingly to some, hunting is permitted on the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches and mainland Dare County. Waterfowl hunting, a long-standing tradition, remains popular, along with hunting for small game, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and more.
A valid North Carolina hunting license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is required. Purchase licenses online at www.ncwildlife.org. License costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. Detailed license information, including costs, hunter safety certification, and reciprocal agreements, is available online.
Hunting locations on the Outer Banks include Nags Head Woods Preserve and Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, and Roanoke Island. Waterfowl hunting is available in the sounds, marshes, and pocosins. Nags Head Woods Preserve, primarily known for hiking, permits bow hunting (no crossbows) for deer management. Hunters need a valid NC hunting license, registration, a $50 fee, and orientation session attendance. Check their Facebook Page or contact their staff for details.
Off-road Vehicle Use on the Outer Banks
Seeing Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs on the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches is common. Anglers, surfers, and adventurous drivers enjoy driving on the sand using designated ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) access points. Here’s how to explore the beaches by car:
ORV access on the northern Outer Banks North Carolina beaches (Nags Head to Duck) is limited. Only Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills currently permit ORVs; Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, and Duck do not. Serious ORV enthusiasts and summer visitors seeking beach driving head south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering 75 miles of accessible beaches via numerous ORV ramps. Consult our Hatteras Island ORV guide for more information.
In Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, ORV rules are straightforward:
- ORVs are allowed from October 1 to April 30.
- A valid driver’s license and ORV permit are required.
- Beach access is limited to designated entrances.
Permits cost $25 and are available online or at Nags Head Town Hall (5401 S. Croatan Highway, Milepost 15), Kill Devil Hills Town Hall (102 Town Hall Drive, Milepost 8.5), and most tackle shops in Nags Head. Bring your license and registration to obtain a permit. ORV area maps are available online and at permit locations.
Vehicular Beach Accesses in Nags Head are located at:
- Eighth Street
- Bladen Street
- Conch Street
- Enterprise Street
- Forrest Street
- Gulfstream Street
- Juncos Street
In Kill Devil Hills, Vehicular Beach Accesses include:
- Arch Street
- Helga Street
- Chowan Street
- Walker Street
- Fifth Street
- Third Street
- Second Street
- Asheville Drive
- Pinehurst Avenue
- Carlton Avenue
- Oregon Avenue
- Clark Street
- Martin Street
- Atlantic Street
- Lake Drive
- Eighth Street
Before driving on Outer Banks North Carolina beaches, consider these tips for driving in deep sand:
- Reduce tire pressure to around 20 psi for better traction.
- 4×4 vehicles are preferable to AWD or 2WD.
- Stay in existing tire tracks.
- Pedestrians always have right-of-way.
- Follow road rules: stay right, pass carefully, avoid “off-roading.”
- Stay off dunes and out of marked areas.
- Avoid saltwater contact. Saltwater is corrosive.
- Re-inflate tires promptly at a gas station or using a compressor.
- Wash your vehicle thoroughly, especially underneath, to remove saltwater.
Fishing and Fishing Piers
If you’re in the mood for fishing, the Outer Banks North Carolina beaches are the ideal destination. Surfcasting, pier fishing, deep-sea charters, inshore fishing, crabbing, and even shrimp boat charters offer diverse angling experiences. Year-round, there’s something to catch, with guides and captains to assist you. For those who prefer to eat seafood without fishing, seafood markets abound.
A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required for fishing on the Outer Banks, available online or at sporting goods and tackle shops. Licenses are valid for 10 days, 1 year, or a lifetime, with varying costs for residents and non-residents. Pier fishing from Kitty Hawk, Avalon, OBX, or Jennette’s Piers, or charter boat fishing, doesn’t require an individual license.
Many visitors enjoy pier fishing or surfcasting directly from the beach. For the chance to catch larger game fish, consider offshore charter fishing. The Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (south of Whalebone Junction) hosts the East Coast’s largest fishing fleet, and charters also depart from Manteo, Wanchese, and Pirate’s Cove harbors. Find a charter through our Charter Boats and Captains index.
You can bring your own boat and use wildlife boat ramps or marinas (marina launch fees apply). However, for offshore Gulf Stream fishing, chartering a boat with a professional captain and crew is recommended. For inshore fishing in marshes, creeks, and sounds, your own boat may suffice, but local guides enhance your chances of success. While charters are exciting and surfcasting is relaxing, pier and shore fishing are accessible and popular, especially for first-time Outer Banks North Carolina beaches anglers.
There are five fishing piers on the Northern Outer Banks North Carolina beaches: Kitty Hawk Pier (MP 1.5), Avalon Pier (MP 6), Nags Head Fishing Pier (MP 11.5), Jennette’s Pier (MP 16.5), and OBX Fishing Pier (MP 18.5). Kitty Hawk Pier is now privately owned by the Hilton Garden Inn and is accessible to hotel guests and season pass holders. Avalon, Nags Head, Jennette’s, and OBX Fishing Piers are public and charge a fee for fishing access. Public piers have blanket fishing licenses, so individual licenses are not needed when fishing from the pier itself. Piers welcome anglers and sightseers year-round, with different fish species appearing in cooler seasons.
Four piers are wooden, while Jennette’s Pier is a modern concrete structure. Avalon Pier, Nags Head Fishing Pier, and Outer Banks Fishing Pier evoke a classic Outer Banks feel with their weathered wood construction. These piers have character, with slightly uneven railings and decks that subtly move with the waves. Anglers line these piers to catch flounder, trout, sharks, skates, and larger species like cobia and red drum towards the pier ends.
Jennette’s Pier, stretching 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, boasts sturdy concrete construction and wind turbines powering its lighting. While modern, it provides excellent fishing access to deeper waters due to its length – longer than Outer Banks Fishing Pier (600’), Avalon (696’), and Nags Head Fishing Pier (750’).
Fishing pier access requires an entrance fee. At Jennette’s Pier, day passes are $14/adults and $7/kids, with multi-day passes available. Avalon Pier charges $14/adults and $6/kids, also offering multi-day and season passes. Nags Head Fishing Pier has similar pricing. Outer Banks Fishing Pier is slightly less expensive. Sightseeing passes are available at each pier. Piers have tackle shops, souvenirs, snacks, and “wall of fame” displays of notable catches. Avalon, Nags Head, and Outer Banks Fishing Piers also have restaurants or walk-up windows and gear rentals.
A common question is, “What’s biting?” Fishing varies by season and location, but the answer is usually “a lot!” Here’s a seasonal guide:
- January-February: Trout, sea bass, grouper, snapper, bluefish, bluefin/yellowfin tuna, striped bass.
- March: Grouper, sea trout, sea bass, bluefish, croaker, bluefin/yellowfin tuna, snapper, striped bass.
- April: Bluefish, red drum, grouper, snapper, croaker, sea trout, sea mullet, king mackerel, wahoo.
- May: King mackerel, bluefish, grouper, cobia, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, sea mullet, blue marlin, crab.
- June: Blue marlin, white marlin, dolphin, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel, bluefish, tuna, flounder, snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel, crab, shrimp.
- July: Dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, snapper, grouper, sea mullet, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, shrimp, crab, tuna.
- August: Blue marlin, white marlin, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, grouper, snapper, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, croaker, speckled trout, spot, shrimp, crab.
- September: White marlin, blue marlin, tuna, grouper, snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, spot, bluefish, speckled trout, sea mullet, red drum, shrimp, striped bass, dolphin.
- October: King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, snapper, grouper, red drum, spot, speckled trout, flounder, shrimp, striped bass.
- November: King mackerel, tuna, bluefish, speckled trout, flounder, sea mullet, snapper, grouper, striped bass.
- December: Tuna, bluefish, flounder, sea bass, speckled trout, sea trout, snapper, grouper, striped bass.
For days when fishing isn’t ideal or you prefer ready-made seafood, Outer Banks North Carolina beaches have numerous fishmongers. Find local seafood markets through these listings.
