Relax at the BeachIf watersports, fishing and tourist attractions aren't for you, don't worry - there is still something you can do to enjoy the Outer Banks! Get a cooler of your favorite refreshments and some snacks, grab a beach chair and head to the beach! Depending on the time of year, there will more than likely be something or someone for you to watch, whether it is surf fishermen, children playing in the sand and water, surfers or dolphins playing in the water. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in that will relax you, and you will never want to leave! Build a SandcastleWhen you stop in the local Outer Banks Reef or Wings souvenir store, buy your kids a bucket of beach toys that will assist in making a sandcastle. Plan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You will need a bucket, a shovel and other sand tools, as well as some water to keep the fine sand damp and sticky. Depending on the ages and skill levels of your children, you could have your own family sandcastle contest. You could choose a theme (movies, animals, etc.) and everyone could build their own sandcastle. No matter how the sandcastle(s) turn out, you are sure to have lots of laughs! Watch Birds and Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife RefugeLocated on the north end of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1938 as a winter preserve for snow geese. Today, the refuge is managed by the National Park Service and consists of 5,915 acres attracting almost 400 observed bird species. Naturalists, birdwatchers and fans of the sea turtle all frequent the Refuge during their trips to the Outer Banks. There is a Visitor Center on-site as well as a trail leading along the sound marshes in the area. There is no charge for this attraction, but don't forget to bring your insect repellent! For more information, contact the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at (252) 987-2394. Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or CanoeingPeople of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873. Paint Your Own Pottery at Studio 12Studio 12 is a small, locally owned pottery shop located on Highway 12 in Avon. They have many pieces of unfinished pottery. You pick the pottery piece that you would like to paint. You choose your colors and design and sit down and paint the pottery. The owners will fire and glaze your piece for you and send you on your way. What would make a better Outer Banks souvenir than a piece of pottery that you chose and painted yourself? You won't regret spending a few hours in Studio 12. Fly a KiteThe Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for its great wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! Also, the Outer Banks is home to one of the top kite stores in the world, Kitty Hawk Kites. They sell a large range of kites ranging from backyard style to competition stunt kites. While you are in their store, talk to the staff about your skill level and they can assist you in purchasing the right kite. Kitty Hawk Kites has shops located throughout the Outer Banks to meet your needs. If needed, lessons are available. Many people choose to fly their kites in Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head because it offers many acres that are unobstructed by power lines and trees. Wherever you decide to fly your kite, have fun! Go Horseback Riding on the BeachYou've seen the movies with people riding horses on the beach. Why not try it for yourself during your vacation to the Outer Banks? Equine Adventures in Buxton offers local experienced guides that lead you on scenic wooded trails to the beach. Rides are offered year round, but reservations are required. Call (252) 995-4897 for more information. Sleep with the Windows Open and Hear the Ocean BreezeWhen you are at home and have a window open, what kind of noises do you hear? Honking car horns? Emergency vehicle sirens? People talking on the street? While you are at the Outer Banks, try sleeping with the windows open. Chances are on most nights, if you are within a mile of the ocean, you will be able to hear the sound of the ocean. You can hear sounds similar to relaxation CDs that are sold in stores just by opening your window. Try it - you will love it! Visit the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station in CorollaThe Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station was originally built in Kill Devil Hills in 1878 when lifesaving stations were located every 7 miles along the Outer Banks. This station was visited by the Wright Brothers during their many trips to the Outer Banks. Many of the original workers of the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station assisted the Wright Brothers with their early flight experiments, and some were lucky enough to be there to view the world's first powered airplane fly through the sky. The station was moved to Corolla in 1986, where it was restored and is the current home of the local shop, Outer Banks Style. Take time to stop and visit this unique structure of Outer Banks history! Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal HelicoptersCoastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information. | Nags Head RestaurantsLa Fogata Mexican Restaurant4933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 New York Bagels 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Yellow Submarine Restaurant 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Grits Grill 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Peking Restaurant 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Taiko Japanese Restaurant 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Tropical Smoothie Cafe 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill 5002 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Harbor Point Grill and Pizzeria 5000 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Sonic - America's Drive-In 5205 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Outback Steakhouse 5220 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 The Players' Grill 5615 S Seachase Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head ShoppingOuter Banks Books5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 The Cottage Shop 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Habitat Earth 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Hallmark Peggy's Shop 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Dare Jewelers 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 General Nutrition Center 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Outer Banks Mall 5000 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 The Mule Shed 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Lil' Grass Shack/Bikini Hut 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 West Marine 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Luxury Loungewear & Gift Boutique 5000 S Croatan Highway Outer Banks Mall Nags Head, NC 27959 Outer Banks AttractionsOregon Inlet Fishing Center98 NC Highway 12 Nags Head, NC 27959 Jockey's Ridge State Park 300 W Carolista Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Fishing Pier 3309 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters 2000 Sailfish Drive Manteo/Nags Head Causeway Manteo, NC 27954 Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks History Center 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo, NC 27954 North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island 104 Fernando Street Manteo, NC 27954 Shallowbag Bay Club Marina 90 North Bay Club Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks Fishing Pier 8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Cape Hatteras National Seashore 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Nags Head ActivitiesNags Head Golf Links5615 S Seachase Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Speed N Spray 6408 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf 6606 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Kitty Hawk Kites 3933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Carolina Outdoors 3933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo 3933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Kitty Hawk Sports 3933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Native Vine Cellars & Tasting Room 3933 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Blackbeard's Miniature Golf 6714 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Jurassic Putt 6926 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Raceway 7000 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Jockey's Ridge State Park 300 W Carolista Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 |