OBX Tips:

Try to stay near the middle of the island chain so that you can venture both north and south without having to drive forever.
Don’t plan to leave on a Saturday morning or do much driving—most rentals are Saturday to Saturday so there is a mass exodus causing a lot of traffic and delays.
If you’re traveling with a dog be sure to check individual beach regulations beforehand—each area has different rules during each season, but generally OBX is quite dog friendly.

Eventide: I am obsessed with this spot. They have cheese boards, sandwiches and salads alongside beer and wine. The water views are fantastic, especially for sunset. Located in Duck—don’t skip this one!
Swells’a Brewing: A great brewery in Kill Devil Hills. Their Hazy IPAs are what they do best and they also serve wine, cider, hard kombucha and frozen slushies. It is a cute spot with an upper deck, outside yard space, and upper and lower seating inside.
Duck Donuts: The original location for this fantastic donut chain is in Duck and worth visiting. They have tasty, customizable donuts served hot and fresh. This is a popular spot so go early or be prepared to wait.
Barrier Island Bagels: Solid bagels in Kitty Hawk. They have dine in seated service or take-out. They offer bar drinks but no espresso. You can also order online.
Art’s Place: A delicious restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a cute spot and great back patio. They are best known for their burgers, which are absolutely delicious. The Sway Bar up top has ocean views. Located in Kitty Hawk.

Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore: The drive itself isn’t super scenic since the water is blocked by sand dunes, but this 67 mile long stretch is full of beaches surrounded by small towns. It is more quaint in this section of the Outer Banks than the central area. You can drive on certain sections of the seashore as well with 4 Wheel Drive and a permit.
- Be sure to check out Bodie Island Lighthouse and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, both of which you can climb up for a view.
- The seashore allows dogs and alcoholic beverages, unlike some other beaches in the area.
- Be forewarned that there are some crazy flies that tend to be wherever the wind is not blowing and they bite, hard.
- Haulover on the sound side is a popular spot for paragliding and calm waters—there are also bathrooms and showers here unlike most of the seashore.
See the wild horses on Corolla Beach: You’ll either need to sign up for a tour (numerous companies) or have a car with 4 Wheel Drive and get a permit to drive on the beach. Some folks say you can see them walking, that is not reliably accurate.
Explore Manteo Island: This is a quaint little island to hop around with shops and restaurants. It was home to the first English-speaking colonists in America and there are historical markers throughout the island.

Outer Banks Brewing Station: The first wind-powered brewery in the US! The beers here are average and they have a full food menu. Their backyard space is nice with frequent live music, a playground, and ample seating.
Jeanette’s Pier: A popular spot for fishing. It costs $2 to walk out on the pier and $14 to fish. The beach around the pier is great for surfing and beach hanging.
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar & Grill: A solid spot for dinner or drinks. They have an upstairs bar that is dog friendly and has frequent live music. The food is tasty and the drinks are cheap. Heads up it is pretty loud both inside and outside here, so don’t plan on an intimate dinner.