Suzanne’s guidebook for living like a local
Sightseeing
Don't leave the Outerbanks without discovering some of our rich history. Children are free. Check out the website to get your passes online.
493 habitants recommandent
Wright Brothers Memorial
1000 N Croatan HwyDon't leave the Outerbanks without discovering some of our rich history. Children are free. Check out the website to get your passes online.
The tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast is a premier location for kites, sightseeing and sunsets, with a view arcing from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. A visitor center with museum and 360-foot boardwalk with exhibits explain the dune’s ecology and are a gradual entry to the massive dune field. Hang gliding lessons are available through a vendor in the park. Experienced hang gliders must have a current USHPA membership and get a flying permit at the visitor center. Shoes and sun protection are recommended. By calling ahead a minimum of 24 hours in advance, visitors with mobility restrictions can request a ride between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in our all-terrain-vehicle to the top of the dunes. Rides will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes and availability will depend on weather and staff availability. The soundside access of the park is a different experience offering sunbathing, wading, paddling, and a one-mile nature trail that opens onto wetlands, grassy dunes and maritime thickets.
395 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de Jockey's Ridge
300 W Carolista DrThe tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast is a premier location for kites, sightseeing and sunsets, with a view arcing from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. A visitor center with museum and 360-foot boardwalk with exhibits explain the dune’s ecology and are a gradual entry to the massive dune field. Hang gliding lessons are available through a vendor in the park. Experienced hang gliders must have a current USHPA membership and get a flying permit at the visitor center. Shoes and sun protection are recommended. By calling ahead a minimum of 24 hours in advance, visitors with mobility restrictions can request a ride between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in our all-terrain-vehicle to the top of the dunes. Rides will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes and availability will depend on weather and staff availability. The soundside access of the park is a different experience offering sunbathing, wading, paddling, and a one-mile nature trail that opens onto wetlands, grassy dunes and maritime thickets.
I've climb these steps too many times to count and it never gets old. Don't forget your camera!
176 habitants recommandent
Currituck Beach Lighthouse Museum Shop
I've climb these steps too many times to count and it never gets old. Don't forget your camera!
This is a small aquarium that mostly focuses on the local ocean life. They have a really terrific sea turtle rescue and research program. Many of the exhibits are interactive. You can touch sting rays, horseshoe crabs and star fish. They have a very cool jelly fish display. There is a nature trail and a pier for you to explore and is a nice outing for small children.
291 habitants recommandent
Aquarium de la Caroline du Nord sur l'île de Roanoke
374 Airport RdThis is a small aquarium that mostly focuses on the local ocean life. They have a really terrific sea turtle rescue and research program. Many of the exhibits are interactive. You can touch sting rays, horseshoe crabs and star fish. They have a very cool jelly fish display. There is a nature trail and a pier for you to explore and is a nice outing for small children.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival ParkFood scene
Excellent date night with white table cloth and exquisite local food. We recommend their specials. Excellent duck and fresh seafood.
77 habitants recommandent
Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar
4700 N Virginia Dare TrailExcellent date night with white table cloth and exquisite local food. We recommend their specials. Excellent duck and fresh seafood.
This is a legit cafe with fresh roasted coffee and a great OBX vibe.
103 habitants recommandent
Ashley’s Espresso Parlour & All-Time Roasting Co.
100 E Helga StThis is a legit cafe with fresh roasted coffee and a great OBX vibe.
Best dolphin (mahi mahi) sandwich and milk shake on the beach! The pineapple banana shake is delicious!!!
89 habitants recommandent
John's Drive In (Open for 2019 season!)
3716 N Virginia Dare TrailBest dolphin (mahi mahi) sandwich and milk shake on the beach! The pineapple banana shake is delicious!!!
This restaurant is a classic in OBX and serves up a great breakfast.
65 habitants recommandent
Henry's Restaurant
3396 N Croatan HwyThis restaurant is a classic in OBX and serves up a great breakfast.
Have a craving for pancakes? This is your place!
25 habitants recommandent
Stack'em High Pancakes and So Forth
1225 S Croatan HwyHave a craving for pancakes? This is your place!
This is an OBX tradition. You may want to consider ordering them on line and pick them up otherwise you may be waiting in line awhile. I have not found a donut I did not like!
77 habitants recommandent
Duck Donuts
1190 Duck RdThis is an OBX tradition. You may want to consider ordering them on line and pick them up otherwise you may be waiting in line awhile. I have not found a donut I did not like!
Great Acai bowls, ice cream and milk shakes among some really cute retail merchandise.
54 habitants recommandent
Mom's Sweet Shop
3213 N Croatan HwyGreat Acai bowls, ice cream and milk shakes among some really cute retail merchandise.
We love this place for lunch. They have a great ahi tuna sandwich with fries for an affordable price.
184 habitants recommandent
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant
3848 N Virginia Dare TrailWe love this place for lunch. They have a great ahi tuna sandwich with fries for an affordable price.
Total beach vibe serving everything from burgers, fresh seafood and New Zealand lamb chops.
26 habitants recommandent
Noosa Beach Grille
2003 South Croatan HighwayTotal beach vibe serving everything from burgers, fresh seafood and New Zealand lamb chops.
Great date place with good food, crafted beers and good wine. Restaurant is connected to a market with a variety of speciality food and gift merchandise.
179 habitants recommandent
TRIO Restaurant & Market
3708 N Croatan HwyGreat date place with good food, crafted beers and good wine. Restaurant is connected to a market with a variety of speciality food and gift merchandise.
Fishing Surf Shack Style .... best local sushi, great for takeout date night on the beach or front porch. You're on vaca, enjoy chillin!
14 habitants recommandent
Sanya Sushi Bar Japanese and Chinese Cuisine
3919 N Croatan HwyFishing Surf Shack Style .... best local sushi, great for takeout date night on the beach or front porch. You're on vaca, enjoy chillin!
Great fresh shucked fried oysters with sweet potato fries, fresh trap to table local crabs or better yet order a crab boil to go and eat under the Original Surf Shack on the picnic table.
46 habitants recommandent
I Got Your Crabs Shellfish Market and Oyster Bar
3809 N Croatan HwyGreat fresh shucked fried oysters with sweet potato fries, fresh trap to table local crabs or better yet order a crab boil to go and eat under the Original Surf Shack on the picnic table.
Great local takeout pizza to enjoy on the Original Surf Shack deck with your favorite glass of wine or cold beer.
27 habitants recommandent
Vinny's Pizza Joint
3701 N Croatan HwyGreat local takeout pizza to enjoy on the Original Surf Shack deck with your favorite glass of wine or cold beer.
The view is what makes this place so wonderful. I prefer it for lunch however the dinner sunsets are fantastic. They have wonderful she crab soup, salad and truffle fries.
81 habitants recommandent
AQUA Restaurant
The view is what makes this place so wonderful. I prefer it for lunch however the dinner sunsets are fantastic. They have wonderful she crab soup, salad and truffle fries.
We recommend their burgers and fresh cut fries. Their burgers are voted best on the beach!
161 habitants recommandent
Art's Place
4624 N Virginia Dare TrailWe recommend their burgers and fresh cut fries. Their burgers are voted best on the beach!
Ice Cream is part of the beach vacation. Check out the Surfin Spoon. Jesse (former pro surfer) and Whitney (owners) are salt of the earth people. Ice cream sandwiches are their specialty. If you drop by, tell them Suzanne and Bryan said "hi"!
125 habitants recommandent
Surfin' Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar
3408 South Virginia Dare TrailIce Cream is part of the beach vacation. Check out the Surfin Spoon. Jesse (former pro surfer) and Whitney (owners) are salt of the earth people. Ice cream sandwiches are their specialty. If you drop by, tell them Suzanne and Bryan said "hi"!
Wonderful tacos, burritos, chips, dips and margaritas in a family friendly atmosphere. If you have a craving for a vegetarian meal the Quinoa Black Bean Burger is THE BEST!!!
128 habitants recommandent
Bad Bean Baja Grill
4146 N Croatan HwyWonderful tacos, burritos, chips, dips and margaritas in a family friendly atmosphere. If you have a craving for a vegetarian meal the Quinoa Black Bean Burger is THE BEST!!!
Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill
1701 S Croatan HwyBlackened fish tacos can't be beat!
If you are looking for a restaurant with ambience and waterfront views, then Blue Point is your place . It’s excellent gourmet cuisine locally sourced with a southern flare. The warm sweet potato biscuits & edward's surry ham appetizers is off the charts delicious. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time.
121 habitants recommandent
The Blue Point
1240 Duck RdIf you are looking for a restaurant with ambience and waterfront views, then Blue Point is your place . It’s excellent gourmet cuisine locally sourced with a southern flare. The warm sweet potato biscuits & edward's surry ham appetizers is off the charts delicious. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time.
Choose this place for lunch on a sunny day on the patio overlooking the waterfront after strolling the quaint shops in Duck.
73 habitants recommandent
NC Coast Grill & Bar
1184 Duck RdChoose this place for lunch on a sunny day on the patio overlooking the waterfront after strolling the quaint shops in Duck.
High Cotton Barbeque
5230 N Virginia Dare TrailBest BBQ on the banks!
Great Seafood market and closest one to the Original Surf Shack
16 habitants recommandent
Carawan Seafood
5424 N Croatan HwyGreat Seafood market and closest one to the Original Surf Shack
We love the “natural” pizza….basic red sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil. I love their thinner crust. You can buy it by the slice so everyone gets what they want!
75 habitants recommandent
Slice Pizzeria
710 South Croatan HighwayWe love the “natural” pizza….basic red sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil. I love their thinner crust. You can buy it by the slice so everyone gets what they want!
Delicious home made ice cream with fresh ingredients and unique combinations.
21 habitants recommandent
Holy Cow Creamery
1006 S Virginia Dare TrailDelicious home made ice cream with fresh ingredients and unique combinations.
This is a great place for lunch including good salads and sandwiches or dinner including seafood, lamb, steak, and pork. They provide several options and also they have a kids menu.Their waterfront views are the best. Located right next to Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports so a great place to grab a meal after your water activities. Outdoor seating is available.
43 habitants recommandent
The Village Table and Tavern
1314 Duck RdThis is a great place for lunch including good salads and sandwiches or dinner including seafood, lamb, steak, and pork. They provide several options and also they have a kids menu.Their waterfront views are the best. Located right next to Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports so a great place to grab a meal after your water activities. Outdoor seating is available.
Great new brewery to the Outerbanks with indoor and outdoor seating. As of April 2024, Swellsa took the gold in the premier world beer cup for "Jimmy Buffet Ruined My Life Dipa". Check this refreshing beach beer out. You can even bring in 'carry out" to the brewery. One of our favorite outings is to pick up "American Pie" pizza and pair it with a summer brew special.
53 habitants recommandent
Swels’a Brewing Beer Company
1802 South Virginia Dare TrailGreat new brewery to the Outerbanks with indoor and outdoor seating. As of April 2024, Swellsa took the gold in the premier world beer cup for "Jimmy Buffet Ruined My Life Dipa". Check this refreshing beach beer out. You can even bring in 'carry out" to the brewery. One of our favorite outings is to pick up "American Pie" pizza and pair it with a summer brew special.
Fun Activities
Paradise Golf & Arcade
3300 N Croatan HwyGood family fun and in walking or biking distance.
The Lost Colony outdoor drama is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit whose mission is to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony symphonic drama through drama, education, and literature.
First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama.
Go to the website of The Lost Colony Drama and buy your tickets in advance.
193 habitants recommandent
La colonie perdue
1409 National Park DrThe Lost Colony outdoor drama is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit whose mission is to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony symphonic drama through drama, education, and literature.
First staged in 1937, The Lost Colony is the nation’s premier and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama.
Go to the website of The Lost Colony Drama and buy your tickets in advance.
My favorite special experience with family and friends is a sunset cruise on Surfer Girl catamaran. Also, this is a great place to play on the water with wave runners, parasailing and much more. A fun time is certain!
20 habitants recommandent
Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports
1314 Duck RdMy favorite special experience with family and friends is a sunset cruise on Surfer Girl catamaran. Also, this is a great place to play on the water with wave runners, parasailing and much more. A fun time is certain!
World renown kite boarding is just south of us! Here in the Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island, the combination of warm waist deep water, steady wind and sandy shorelines makes this one of the best places in the world to learn and progress your kiteboarding skills.
18 habitants recommandent
REAL Watersports
25706 NC-12World renown kite boarding is just south of us! Here in the Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island, the combination of warm waist deep water, steady wind and sandy shorelines makes this one of the best places in the world to learn and progress your kiteboarding skills.
This park is a favorite of the locals who have preschoolers. If your preschooler is beached out and you are needing ideas for free entertainment for your child to expend energy, then check out this park. Slides, merry go rounds and swings .... the kids love it!
74 habitants recommandent
Parc Dowdy
3005 S Croatan HwyThis park is a favorite of the locals who have preschoolers. If your preschooler is beached out and you are needing ideas for free entertainment for your child to expend energy, then check out this park. Slides, merry go rounds and swings .... the kids love it!
A fun event for the kids. Brett is energetic and funny making the outings a good time.
Ghost Crab Quest, LLC
213 Woodland DrA fun event for the kids. Brett is energetic and funny making the outings a good time.
H2OBX
8526 Caratoke HwyGreat family activity!
Make sure you make reservations. One of our favorite fun rainy day activities.
41 habitants recommandent
Obx Bowling
200 W Satterfield Landing RdMake sure you make reservations. One of our favorite fun rainy day activities.
OBX Laser Tag
2420 S Croatan HwyCity/town information
This town is so charming and has several summer events throughout the summer. The Town of Duck, North Carolina, is a thriving coastal community. With an eclectic mix of independent businesses and the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk, Duck Village is a source of pride and the heart of Duck. I've been all over the world and the sunsets in Duck along the boardwalk are my personal favorite.
82 habitants recommandent
Duck
This town is so charming and has several summer events throughout the summer. The Town of Duck, North Carolina, is a thriving coastal community. With an eclectic mix of independent businesses and the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk, Duck Village is a source of pride and the heart of Duck. I've been all over the world and the sunsets in Duck along the boardwalk are my personal favorite.
Manteo is a charming little town that makes you feel like you are stepping back in time when the pace of life was less hurried. This beautiful, coastal community is located on Roanoke Island, part of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Visitors to Manteo can return to a simpler time of fishing rods and smiling faces, picket fences and charming places. Strolls on the waterfront boardwalk are the best ways to see the sun sparkle and the moonlight reflect off of the waters of Shallowbag Bay. Watch boats in the marina sail by, whether sitting on the docks at the marina or on a bench in the downtown park.
148 habitants recommandent
Manteo
Manteo is a charming little town that makes you feel like you are stepping back in time when the pace of life was less hurried. This beautiful, coastal community is located on Roanoke Island, part of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Visitors to Manteo can return to a simpler time of fishing rods and smiling faces, picket fences and charming places. Strolls on the waterfront boardwalk are the best ways to see the sun sparkle and the moonlight reflect off of the waters of Shallowbag Bay. Watch boats in the marina sail by, whether sitting on the docks at the marina or on a bench in the downtown park.
Shopping
We recommend any of the shops in Duck. Scarborough Faire is in the center of Duck. Duck village is a great place to shop for gifts or keepsakes reflective of the Outerbanks.
32 habitants recommandent
Scarborough Faire Shopping Village
1177 Duck RdWe recommend any of the shops in Duck. Scarborough Faire is in the center of Duck. Duck village is a great place to shop for gifts or keepsakes reflective of the Outerbanks.
Outlets Nags Head
7100 S Croatan HwyThis funky little beach shop is fun to walk around and see the creative repurposing artistry. Not recommended for little children.
71 habitants recommandent
seagreen gallery
2404 S Virginia Dare TrailThis funky little beach shop is fun to walk around and see the creative repurposing artistry. Not recommended for little children.
One of my favorite local art gallery reflecting the best of Outer Banks and beach art
8 habitants recommandent
Absolutely Outer Banks
3708 N Croatan HwyOne of my favorite local art gallery reflecting the best of Outer Banks and beach art
Spa
Pedicures, manicures, massages over a beautiful view can not be beat.
81 habitants recommandent
AQUA Restaurant
Pedicures, manicures, massages over a beautiful view can not be beat.
Natural nails is friendly, clean and a good value for a manicure/pedicure.
6 habitants recommandent
Natural Nails
1710 N Croatan HwyNatural nails is friendly, clean and a good value for a manicure/pedicure.
Sanderling Resort
1461 Duck RdPeaceful atmosphere. Make reservations in advance.