Go Scuba Diving To View Underwater Shipwrecks and Sea LifeThe Outer Banks is otherwise known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the more than 100 shipwrecks that have remains on the ocean floor between Corolla and Ocracoke. Wreckage from these ships is located at various depths in the ocean, and a great way to see them is by going scuba diving. As you may know, scuba diving can be very dangerous, and you must take special training in order to become a certified diver. For information on learning how to dive while you are in the Outer Banks, contact the Outer Banks Dive Center at (252) 449-8349. If you are already certified and just need a boat to take you to a diving spot, contact Outer Banks Diving and Charters at (252) 986-1056 or Atlantic Wreck Diving at (252) 986-2835. Take a Scenic Flight TourIf you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and waters will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as the Oregon Inlet, one of the four area lighthouses, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and more! For a tour of the northern Outer Banks, you may contact Kitty Hawk Aero Tours at (877) 274-2461 or Outer Banks Seaplanes at (252) 475-1007. Kitty Hawk Aero Tours depart from the Manteo Airport. Outer Banks Seaplanes take off and land on the Roanoke Sound. For a tour of Hatteras and/or Ocracoke Islands, contact Burris Flying Service at (252) 986-2679. Prices for the above services start between $30 and $75 per person, depending on the size of your group and the length of your flight. You will want to call ahead to make reservations. Visit the Deserted Portsmouth IslandPortsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though it was once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250. If you would rather have a guided tour, Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions allows you to ride the shores of this island and visit its attractions. Two trips are offered each day and cost $75 per person. For more information, contact (252) 928-4484. Drive-Thru a Brew Thru Convenience StoreYou've heard of drive-thru fast food restaurants, but have you ever been to a drive-thru gas station and convenience store? The Outer Banks is home to the original Brew Thru, which is a local chain of drive-thru gas station/convenience stores where you will find friendly service, great prices and the unique Brew Thru apparel - all without having to leave the comfort of your car! There are four Brew Thru locations to serve you, located between Corolla and Nags Head. Drive thru and check them out! 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! Tour the Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History CenterThe Native American Museum & Natural History Center in Frisco is full of unusual collections of Native American artifacts dating back to the 1930s. The Museum has one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Chiricahua Apache tribe, as well as several artifacts from other tribes from around the country. There is a gift shop at the museum that sells various art, crafts, jewelry, toys and books. Outside the museum, there are outdoor nature trails leading into three acres of woods. The museum is open year-round on Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family, and group rates are available. For more information, contact the Museum at (252) 995-4440. Try Your Luck at CrabbingCrabs can be caught in local sound waters from late spring into early fall, but the best months for crabbing are May, June and July. Crabbing can be a fun activity for both adults and children and is relatively simple. You need a length of cord with suitable bait tied to one end. Chicken necks or fish heads work well for enticing the crabs onto your line. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull gently on the line to see if you have a crab nibbling on the other end. Some more experienced crabbers prefer to use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. When you are done, boil your catch, and enjoy! If you prefer not to eat your catch, it is also fun to catch and release them back into the water. Go Shopping at Hatteras LandingLocated in Hatteras Village next to the ferry docks, Hatteras Landing is a great shopping area where you can pass the time while you wait in the ferry line, or just stop and browse when you have a bit of extra time. Hatteras Landing Provision Company, Graveyard Deli and Market, Birthday Suits, Surfside Casuals, Farmer's Daughter and Kitty Hawk Kites/Carolina Outdoors are the shops that are featured in this fun shopping area. A local beach style is reflected in most of the inventory of these popular shops. For more information, contact Hatteras Landing at (252) 986-2205. Tour the Whalehead ClubThe Whalehead Club, located in Corolla, was built as a private residence in the 1920s, when the Outer Banks was visited primarily by waterfowl hunters. From 1934 through 1969, the home sat empty while the original owners' family was uninterested in spending time in the home's remote location. In 1969 the home was purchased by a new owner, who also left the home sit empty for 25 more years. During this time period, The Whalehead Club suffered significant vandalism. It is now owned by Currituck County and has been restored to its original look from 1925. Visitors are welcome and 45-minute guided tours of the house are available. Admission is $7 for adults and children under eight are free. The Whalehead Club is also a popular setting for many outdoor weddings, since it is situated on the Currituck Sound and offers beautiful water and sunset views. Visit the Nags Head Woods Ecological PreserveThe Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is a maritime forest that is managed by The Nature Conservancy, which is an international, nonprofit conservation organization. Located in Kill Devil Hills on the west side of US Highway 158, the Preserve is home to many rare plant and animal species. Spend an afternoon hiking on more than 5 miles of trails and footbridges that take you through forest, swamp, pond and dune habitats. Trails are open to visitors during the week between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bicycles and pets on leashes are restricted to a portion of the trail. For more information, contact the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve at (252) 441-2525. | Nags Head RestaurantsTale of the Whale Restaurant7575 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head/Manteo Causeway Nags Head, NC 27959 Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe 7623 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head/Manteo Causeway Nags Head, NC 27959 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) 7320 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Dune Burger 7308 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Sugar Creek Soundfront Seafood Restaurant 7640 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Sam & Omie's Restaurant 7228 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Fat Boyz Ice Cream & Grill 7208 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Owens' Restaurant 7114 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 The Dunes Restaurant 7013 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Miller's Restaurant 6816 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Dairy Queen 6714 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Subway Sandwiches & Salads 106 E Finch Street Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head ShoppingOuter Banks Fishing Pier8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Sea Tree Gallery 7332 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Daniels' Whalebone Seafood Market 101 Grey Eagle Street Nags Head, NC 27959 The Sugar Shack Fish Market 7640 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Whalebone Tackle 7667 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Shipwreck Museum, Inc. 7746 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Cahoon RV - Grocery & Cottages 7213 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Publisher's Warehouse 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Claire's Accessories 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Gap Outlet 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Nautica 7100 S Croatan Highway Tanger Outlet Center of Nags Head Nags Head, NC 27959 Outer Banks AttractionsOuter Banks Fishing Pier8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Bodie Island Lighthouse 10005 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC 27959 Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters 2000 Sailfish Drive Manteo/Nags Head Causeway Manteo, NC 27954 Cape Hatteras National Seashore 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge 708 S US Highway 64/264 Manteo, NC 27954 The Elizabethan Gardens 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 Fort Raleigh National Historic Site 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 The Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island 104 Fernando Street Manteo, NC 27954 Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks History Center 1 Festival Park Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks ActivitiesBodie Island Adventures7649 S Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Raceway 7000 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Jurassic Putt 6926 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Blackbeard's Miniature Golf 6714 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf 6606 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Speed N Spray 6408 S Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 Nags Head Golf Links 5615 S Seachase Drive Nags Head, NC 27959 Earthworks Pottery Company & Family Art Center 525 S US Highway 64/264 Manteo, NC 27954 Outer Banks Cruises 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slips #52-53 Manteo, NC 27954 Carolina Outdoors 307 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo, NC 27954 Downeast Rover Sailing Cruises 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slip #50 Manteo, NC 27954 Pioneer Theatre 113 Budleigh Street Manteo, NC 27954 |