There are some Outer Banks bucket list items that everyone needs to cross off their lists, but that’s not what we’re talking about today. Here, we’re diving into some unique OBX activities that you may not have heard of, but you should definitely try at least once. Whether you’re a hands-on outdoorsy type or would rather enjoy a classic movie, there’s something for everyone on this roundup of hidden gems!
Check out a sound beach
Everyone loves the beach, but there are definitely days where the ocean is cold, rough, jellyfish-y, or otherwise less than perfect. This is the perfect time to head over to the sound for some splashy fun! There is a very popular sound beach behind Jockey’s Ridge, but parking can be tricky, so we like to head to Etheridge Point at the very north end of Roanoke Island. The parking lot is small, but it’s not usually crowded. Take a short walk through the woods, and you’ll come out on a small sandy strip of beach. The sound is shallow a longgg way out, so kids of all sizes can have a great time splashing and swimming safely, and parents can relax for a bit. It’s also neat to see the Outer Banks from a different perspective!
Take a shrimping charter
You may have been fishing on the Outer Banks, but not many people have been shrimping. It’s a super unique experience to try, and is hands-on fun for the whole family! You’ll stay right in the sound, pulling a net behind your boat. The captain brings up the net and dumps the contents, and you sort through the catch right on board, throwing what you don’t want right back into the water, and keeping what you do want. You’ll see all kinds of fish, crabs and more, and there’s a lot less luck and skill required than there is for fishing- perfect for kids, or adults who may be more interested in enjoying a beer and boat ride than having to bait, cast, and reel. Shrimping season is usually early/mid-summer through fall. It’s a great way to make some unique family memories!
Catch a show at the pioneer theater
Downtown Manteo has some great hidden gems, but one of our favorites is the Pioneer Theater. This movie theater, originally built in 1918, was restored and reopened in 2023. They offer old and new movies, music acts and more, and they now serve beer and wine inside or outside in their garden space during certain events. They often show kid-friendly or classic movies, and it’s a really neat piece of local history.
Check out the upcoming schedule and buy tickets on their website.
Photo courtesy of Pioneer Theater
See the full moon from the top of a lighthouse
You may have visited, and even climbed, one of our awesome lighthouses, but this is the opportunity to experience something really special. Bodie Island lighthouse offers full moon lighthouse climbs after dark from May through September. Experiencing the undisturbed night sky from the top of the lighthouse is a once in a lifetime event. Not ideal for super young kids; climbers must be at least 42” and there are 290 steps to climb, but for older kids it would be an awesome memory.
Take a family-friendly sunset cruise
Something that’s truly enjoyable for the whole family is a sunset cruise on the Crystal Dawn. Available from May through October, the trip leaves from Pirate’s Cove Marina in the evening, and lasts about an hour and a half. You cruise the sound, check out the sunset, look for dolphins and birds, and learn some info and history about the sights you’ll see, such as Wanchese Harbor, the Lost Colony, and Jockey’s Ridge. The captains are knowledgeable locals, and are always a lot of fun. Bring your own food and beverages (beer and wine included!), relax on the water and enjoy a famous Outer Banks sunset with the whole family.
Learn about wildlife
Talk about off the radar- I never knew that the Coastal NC National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center existed until a couple years ago. Located at the far north end of Manteo, this location represents 11 refuges located in eastern NC and has a small museum, gift shop, and nature trails. It’s a small spot, but has some cool features including a non-working airplane cockpit that kids can get inside and pretend to fly. Learn about bears, red wolves and wildfowl from the knowledgeable volunteers on site, and take a hike through the adjacent trails (ranging from 1/8-3/4 mile). It’s a fun spot to learn about local ecosystems!
These are a few of our favorite under the radar Outer Banks activities. When you’ve climbed Jockey’s Ridge, played too much mini golf and are over the beach, check out a few of these unique ways to spend a day on the OBX!
