Outer Banks Attractions

One thing remains a constant on the Outer Banks beaches -- they are all free and open to the public from North to South - all 140 miles of them.

Beyond that commonality, you can really divide the beaches into two big categories: the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, and everything else.

The first is the official name for the more than 70 miles of beach that run from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Island. The designation ensures the preservation of the area that includes Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, America's Lighthouse, Jockey's Ridge and several private communities. Along the way you'll find picnic areas, lifesaving stations, opportunities for guided tours and designated camping areas. To the north of the national seashore are the quite popular towns of Duck, Corolla and Kill Devil Hills, and to the south, the more remote stretches of the Outer Banks, parts of which are only accessible by ferry.

Because the Outer Banks are barrier islands, they all can have strong surf and currents and rip tides. The southern part of the national seashore was long ago dubbed the "graveyard of the Atlantic" for its treacherous currents and storms. And North Carolina does play host sometimes to hurricanes. However, storms aside, the beaches are wide and uncluttered, the water is warm and the beach patrols are active and visible. Families with young children tend to opt for the more populated beaches of Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Corolla and Nags Head and other more populous towns simply because of access to more amenities. Check with local towns to identify the local regulations for off road vehicle permits and beach fires, and to secure permits.

This is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country at 208 feet. Its widely recognized black and white spiral stripes have helped it to become known as America's Lighthouse. The lighthouse was especially important to help mariners steer clear of the sandbars, known locally as Diamond Shoals, which extend as far as twenty miles off the coast. It is open for climbing from mid-April through mid-October. Children must be 42 inches tall to be allowed to climb it. The lighthouse served a critical role during the Civil War by lighting the way to the many inlets between the Outer Banks and the Mainland.

This is the tallest natural sand dune formation on the East Coast, and it may undoubtedly be your children's favorite activity on the Outer Banks. The dunes are constantly shifting, thanks to the forces of nature, but are comprised of three main peaks that pack as much sand as could fit into 6,000,000 dump truck loads! The dunes never "blow away" because competing Northwest and Southeast winds keep them in place. In addition to bounding up and rolling down the dunes, you can also take part in many small group clinics -- like kayaking, crabbing, kite-flying and nature walks -- offered through the park service.

Take in the great water views and sunsets of Currituck Sound while you paddle-boat at Corolla's only paddle-boat location. The boats can hold two to six people and will give you a close-up look at the local wildlife -- turtles, frogs, herons, ducks and more. For little kids especially, this is a great way to get out on the water safely. It's located in Timbuk II, so you can also shop, dine or play a round of mini-golf later.

This 6,000-acre wildlife refuge is home to more than 360 species of birds. You don't have to belong to the Audubon Society to enjoy seeing the amazing variety of wading, shore and upland birds, including the threatened peregrine falcons, piping plovers and tundra swans. Take advantage of the observation platforms right near the parking area. Admission is free, or you can take a guided canoe tour for a small fee. And be sure to remember the bug spray in summer!

Built in 1922 as a private home, this is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mom and Dad will love touring the beautifully decorated home with its art-nouveau styling and the abundant carved woodwork, while the kids will love the promise of a trip across the street to do some crabbing near the lighthouse once the touring is done. The house is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and there is a $7 entrance fee.

For aspiring pilots and thankful travelers alike, this 60-foot granite monument stands in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who took their first "flight" there in 1903. Modeled to resemble the tail of an airplane, the monument is also next to a monument of the Flyer where the Wright Brother's plane took its flight of 852 feet. Be sure to stay for the Park Service talk that details some interesting tidbits behind the brothers' foray into flight. It's open year-round, and the entrance fee is $4.