Things to do in
Outer Banks

Outer Banks

Our most recommended things to do in Outer Banks

Manteo: Phantom Pirates & Poltergeists Haunted Walking Tour

Manteo: Phantom Pirates & Poltergeists Haunted Walking Tour

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Roanoke Island at the Pioneer Theater. This historic landmark offers a unique experience where visitors can witness reenactments of the mysterious events that unfolded on these haunted shores. From the eerie tales of shipwrecked crews to the legends of lost souls wandering the dunes, the Pioneer Theater brings the dark history of Manteo to life in a spine-tingling way. Get ready to be transported to a world where the past meets the present, and the spirits of the past still linger. Nestled in the heart of Roanoke Island, the White Doe Inn is a charming bed and breakfast that offers a cozy retreat for those seeking to uncover the secrets of the Outer Banks. With its quaint rooms and warm hospitality, this inn provides the perfect base for exploring the haunted history of the area. Guests can relax in comfort after a day of ghostly encounters and mysterious sightings, all while surrounded by the beauty of the island. Whether you're a history buff or a thrill-seeker, the White Doe Inn is the ideal place to stay during your ghostly adventures. For a truly immersive experience in the haunted tales of Roanoke Island, look no further than the Roanoke Island Inn. This historic inn is steeped in the dark history of the Outer Banks and offers guests a chance to delve deep into the mysteries that shroud the island. From ghost tours to paranormal investigations, the Roanoke Island Inn provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the spirits that still roam the forsaken shores. Prepare to be captivated by the chilling stories of pirates, witches, and unknown entities that have left their mark on this haunted beachfront.

Manteo: Outer Banks Ghost Walking Tour

Manteo: Outer Banks Ghost Walking Tour

Take a haunted ghost walking tour for thrill-seekers and ghost watchers alike. Join your expert guide on a lantern-lead hike through Manteo. Hear spooky tales of past and present ghosts that are still lurking on dark streets. Explore the Outer Banks, known as the most haunted beach in America, and learn about its spooky past. Dive into the macabre history of this town and hear tales of the evil spirits that still make their presence known to this day. Don't forget your camera. You might snap a shot of these permanent residents in orb form.

Outer Banks Epic Drive: Coastal Self-Guided Tour

Outer Banks Epic Drive: Coastal Self-Guided Tour

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you along throughout the Outer Banks to not-to-be-missed points of interest, with fascinating stories, tips and directions along the way. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Make your getaway to North Carolina’s Outer Banks a trip to remember. Between climbing the three historic lighthouses here, searching for wild horses in the dunes, building a few sandcastles, surfing and fishing and paddling around, and soaking up the sun - there are many activities to enjoy. Major Highlights: Bodie Island Light Station Cape Hatteras Light Station Cape Hatteras National Seashore Corolla Duck Fort Raleigh and The Lost Colony Jennette's Pier Jockey's Ridge State Park Roanoke Island Rodanthe Wright Brothers National Memorial Includes: Outer Banks The Outer Banks are rightly famous for beaches and sunshine. At the same time, there’s a sometimes surprisingly rich selection of cultural, natural and historic places of interest. You can think of the Outer Banks as north and south. South of Nag's Head is dominated by approximately 80 miles of Atlantic coastline called the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, double that with the calm, sound-side. Long sections of natural undeveloped beach are joined by some very impressive bridges. Famous lighthouses at Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras invite exploration. The are 7 towns along the route, each with its own charm. Whether you're surfing, kite-boarding, fishing or simply looking for your own section of beach to search for shells, you will find this section less crowded. At the town of Hatteras, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a fascinating view into the challenges faces by ships plying the waters. Nag's Head, Kitty Hawk, Duck, all the way to Corolla at the northern end is a collection of towns, each blessed with lovely beaches. Or wander out onto one of the famous piers for a little fishing time or to simply feel like your walking out past the waves. The events that changed the world as the Wright Brothers proved they could beat gravity are celebrated at the dedicated Memorial. To play in the sand dunes, a visit to Jockey's Ridge is good fun. If you like exploring the the end of the road, you'll be rewarded at the village of Duck, with another great lighthouse and the superbly scenic Currituck Sound at the town of Corolla. Be sure to include at least a half day visit to Roanoke Island and its charming waterfront town of Manteo. The island is the site of the Lost Colony and Fort Raleigh - the earliest English settlement in the New World, whose inhabitants vanished without verifiable explanation. The world-class aquarium and several other attractions round out a great day out. With so much to explore, between your beach and relaxation time, you'll want to have a plan and a guide to make sure you don't miss a thing.

Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Once downloaded, your tour begins at the Whalebone Junction Information Center. You’ll kick off your adventure with the intriguing legend of how the town of Nags Head got its name. Then, journey to Jockey's Ridge State Park, where shifting sands meet ocean views. Soar through the history of the Wright Brothers and find out how they managed to succeed when others with vastly more funding and education failed. Then pay a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial itself, where that fateful first flight took place! Along the way, you’ll explore the rivalry between Langley and Wright, a testament to the fierce competition in the race to the skies. Next, take a detour to the former site of the garage where the Wright Brothers built their prototype. Then marvel at the dense beauty of Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve before embarking on a relaxing coastal stroll at the Duck Town Park Boardwalk. As you continue on, you’ll discover the legend of Currituck, the "Land of the Wild Goose," and hear about real life pirates who once frequented these waters! If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the famous wild horses of the Outer Banks. Next, pay a visit to the majestic Currituck Beach Lighthouse and take in some astonishing coastal views. Finally, you’ll head to Corolla Beach, one of the best beaches in the Outer Banks. Your tour concludes here.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Then start your engine and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cape Hatteras National Seashore with this scenic driving tour. Once downloaded, your exploration begins at the Whalebone Junction Information Center. From there, you’ll head to the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse, standing tall as a beacon of North Carolina's rich maritime history. Next, you’ll reach the Pea Island Beach and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, perfect places to enjoy the famous natural beauty of the Outer Banks. As you cruise alongside the ocean, you’ll hear fascinating tales of early Europeans who tried to colonize this beautiful land. Unravel the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke and separate fact from fiction. Then you’ll learn more about the Pamlico Sound itself and the world of marine life beneath its surface. Plus, pass the Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station and hear stories of brave souls who battled fierce seas to rescue stranded sailors. The tour then ushers you towards the majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. On the way there, you’ll discover the little-known World War II history of these islands and find out how this place became a National Seashore. Then, take your time as you marvel at the grandeur of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse itself. While you drive through the town of Buxton, you’ll find out what exactly the Diamond Shoals are, and why they’ve posed such a problem for ships in days gone by. And this tour wouldn’t be complete without a foray into the thrilling (and true!) tales of pirates. Did you know the Outer Banks were once the haunt of the infamous Blackbeard? Finally, you’ll arrive at the town of Hatteras itself. Here, you’ll have the option to take the Hatteras Ferry to the remote and picture-perfect island of Ocracoke. Your tour concludes here.

Outer Banks & Cape Hatteras Seashore Self-Guided Drive Tour

Outer Banks & Cape Hatteras Seashore Self-Guided Drive Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Embark on a journey through the Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes, weaving through tales of invention, history, and natural beauty. Dive into the enigma of Nags Head's name, then be captivated by the magnificent sights of Jockey's Ridge State Park. Experience the riveting journey from the humorous misadventures at Langley to the Wright Brothers' soaring success. Pay a homage at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and discover how the 'Flight for the Flightless' changed history. The rivalry between Langley and Wright unveils a narrative of persistence and innovation. Navigate through the picturesque streets, making a stop at the historical Wright Brother's Garage Monument, witnessing the origins of their legendary endeavors. Venture into the lush environs of Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve and uncover tales from 'Bicycles to Biplanes'. Ghost crabs and the quirky competition between North Carolina and Ohio will keep you entertained. Explore the scenic Duck Town Park Boardwalk, then immerse in the tales of wild geese at Currituck, pirates in its history, and the mesmerizing wild horses of the Outer Banks. Visit the enigmatic Bodie Island Lighthouse, learning about its Confederate history, before journeying through Oregon Inlet, touching upon the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge's significance, and discovering the diverse marine life in Pamlico Sound. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge unveils stories of the Croatans and Loggerhead Turtles. The saga of the Struggling Colony and the Lost Colony is as mysterious as it sounds. From Manteo's tale to Cape Hatteras, the narrative is filled with shipwrecks, lighthouses, and eerie legends. Hear tales of piracy with Blackbeard's ghost, and then delve into the history of Hatteras and its role during wartime. Conclude your journey with a ferry trip to Ocracoke Island, exploring its various attractions. Throughout this tour, you'll be not just a traveler, but a time-traveler, exploring stories that span centuries, from the first Europeans' arrival to the present day. With your app as your guide, the Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes will come alive in a tapestry of tales and sights. Safe travels!

Blue Ridge Parkway Driving Audio Tour (Asheville ↔ Roanoke)

Blue Ridge Parkway Driving Audio Tour (Asheville ↔ Roanoke)

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Embark on a mesmerizing drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, spanning from Asheville to Roanoke, your digital companion. The Action Tour Guide app guides each step of your odyssey. Every twist, turn, and overlook becomes a chapter in nature, heritage, and captivating folklore storybook. Your voyage kicks off in the art-centric city of Asheville. From the start, the Blue Ridge Parkway mesmerizes with tales that capture the essence of the human spirit and nature's bounty. Asheville's rich history, intertwined with stories of pioneering souls and Native American tribes, sets the stage for your journey. Your first major rendezvous is the spectacular Craggy Gardens. Here, nature has painted a canvas of wildflower meadows and panoramic vistas. You're not just witnessing a sight; you're living a moment in time where the Appalachian air whispers ancient legends. Progressing onward, the path leads to the Linville Gorge Overlook. Often revered as the "Grand Canyon of the East", this magnificent terrain offers breathtaking views. Its majestic presence is accompanied by tales of the early settlers and the indomitable spirit of the Appalachians. Mabry Mill emerges as a testament to the region's rustic charm. Here, the water's dance and the hum of the historic gristmill take you back to simpler times. Surrounding this, tales of moonshiners, coal miners, and hard-working hands resonate. Your eyes will then feast upon the serenity of Rocky Knob and the magic of the Roanoke River Overlook. These spots, draped in nature’s finest, offer solace and a connection to the deep-rooted history of the region. As the journey progresses, behold the majestic beauty of the Peaks of Otter. This natural triad of peaks, surrounded by pristine lakes and virgin forests, is more than just a sight. It culminates nature's artistry and centuries-old tales of explorers, warriors, and lovers. Further down the route, witness the tranquil allure of the James River, the longest river in Virginia, which serves as a lifeline to myriad species and a witness to countless historical events. Your sojourn eventually reaches the poetic landscapes of Shenandoah Valley, leading to the gates of Roanoke, the Star City of the South. The city, steeped in rich history and culture, emerges as a perfect finale to your journey. But the Blue Ridge Parkway, in its essence, is more than the sum of its parts. Every overlook, every whispering wind, and every silhouette of the setting sun is a testament to the timeless bond between nature and humanity. Your journey along this Parkway is not just a scenic drive. It's an intimate dance with nature, history, and legend. It's a symphony of stories and heartbeats that resonate long after the journey concludes. Dive deep, let the vistas enchant, the tales mesmerize, and let the Blue Ridge Parkway be your timeless storybook.

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What people are saying about Outer Banks

Overall rating

4.2
(5 reviews)

Starting in the middle of the trip (not at designated starting points) had no effect on the operation of the program. We started at Kill Devil Hills, and the machine found us, and began giving us information about where we were going before we got there. Smoothly starting (automatically) in plenty of time to get the information out, and warn us of up-coming turns and stopping points, it really was like he was right there in the car with us! Fabulous!

Super fun. Vikki was an amazing wealth of knowledge and loved talking to the group to hear their personal stories as well. The cats along the way were an unexpected but welcomed bonus. Bug spray is highly recommended as you are outside and the bugs are real. And a bottle of water. Otherwise it was awesome!

Beautiful ride along the beach and dunes! We saw several wild horses and even some dolphins in the ocean! Our tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable about the horses. Would highly recommend this tour!

BJ was a fantastic storyteller Shared stories of up and down the Banks and her own personal experiences at work

So easy, informative and entertaining! Even better than the competitor's tour we had elsewhere! Great value