A vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina offers visitors so many things to do; both in, around and above the waters of the Atlantic. Fishing, windsurfing, biking, nature kayaking, jeep tours and aerial tours are just a few things to do in the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks is a 200 mile stretch along the North Carolina coastline; these barrier islands separate the mainland of North Carolina from the waves of the Atlantic. These barrier islands have a long and important history dating back to the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. Visitors interested in exploring OBX’s (aka the Outer Banks) colorful history have many options. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site brings the Lost Colony to life through museums, tours, and reenactments on the 513 acre Roanoke Island. As a chain of barrier islands, lighthouses have played a major part in the coastal history of North Carolina as far back as the early 1800’s. Ocracoke Lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse; keeps company with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Americas tallest lighthouse at 208 feet; as well as Bodie lighthouse, which offers visitors a chance to climb to the top and get a birds eye view. In addition to Roanoke Island and area lighthouses, the Outer Banks has numerous memorials and museums which further create the living history available in the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is home to some ecologically magnificent landmarks which offer visitors the opportunity to participate in water sports, fishing trips, and thrilling outdoor adventures. North Carolina fishing charters offer visiting anglers the opportunity to try their rod at fly fishing, surf/pier fishing, Sound fishing, and offshore fishing in the bountiful seas of the Outer Banks. Touted as the “Billfish Capital of the World” the waters of the Outer Banks offer year round off shore fishing charters for marlin, sail fish and tuna, to name a few. For those wanting to stay inshore, North Carolina fishing charters offer inshore and brackish water fishing in the local Sounds, such as Pamlico Sound and Roanoke Sound. Outer Banks fishing charters have everything you need for a day on the water including fishing licenses, fishing equipment, state of the art fishing boats, and local know how to ensure a bountiful day of OBX fishing. And if you’d like to captain your own vessel; rent a boat and chart your course. Local Outer Banks outfitters provide rental fishing boats as well as rental fishing equipment all delivered to the dock of your choice.
For some high adventure water sports the Outer Banks of North Carolina does not disappoint. Jet ski rentals in the OBX offer visitors the choice to crash the waves of the Atlantic or cruise the waters of local Sounds. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular water activities along the Carolina Coast offering visitors a chance to experience the surf and winds OBX is known for. And for those that want to explore all the nooks and crannies of Outer Banks waterways rent a kayak, or take a guided kayak tour. An ecologically diverse coastline allows kayakers a variety of ecosystems to explore depending on where they place their paddle.
Tour outfitters in the OBX offer boat trips so visitors can explore the North Carolina Coast. Choose from a scenic cruise, sunset cruise, or even a dolphin watching boat trip in the Outer Banks. Outer Banks companies are knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna, and bring guests to observe dolphins frolicking in their natural environment. And for a truly majestic experience jump aboard a chartered sailing trip around the Outer Banks waterways. And what beach vacation is complete without a horseback riding tour on the beach. Local horseback tour outfitters offer family friendly trips along area beaches for even novice riders. And try a jeep tour in search of the elusive “banker ponies” of the Outer Banks. These Spanish stallions rumored to have swum from ship wrecks off the coast are sometimes hard to find; but the journey is often as exciting as your first glimpse of these wild horses. And the cycling enthusiast will love the Outer Banks! For families there are miles of bike paths tucked away from the traffic, they wind through the islands and make it fun and safe for the whole family! And for the experienced cyclist the OBX offers wide shoulders on its coastal roads, making it possible to keep up the speed while still enjoying the view. So with no shortage of things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina….make the OBX of the North Carolina Coast your next vacation destination.