5 Days in Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are where the Wright brothers flew and where wild horses roam windswept dunes. This trip chains three distinct islands—Roanoke, Hatteras, and Ocracoke—by ferry and causeway, mixing history, kite-flying, fishing, and isolation from the mainland.
What to expect
- Climb Cape Hatteras's candy-striped lighthouse for 360° ocean views.
- Camp wild horses in free-roaming herds on Shackleford Banks.
- Drive NC-12 at sunrise past maritime forests and maritime heritage sites.
- Take the free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island's car-free beaches.
- Hunt for shipwreck relics along the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic'.
- Catch Spanish mackerel and flounder from charter boats or piers.
Day by day
Arrive in Nags Head; check into lodging near milepost 9.
Tour the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, then climb Jockey's Ridge State Park's sand dune for sunset.
Dinner at Sam & Omie's or casual seafood at Awful Arthur's in Nags Head.
Drive 40min south to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; climb 257 steps for ocean vistas.
Swim at Cape Hatteras Beach or walk to the Point; spot loggerhead turtles (June–Sept).
Return to Nags Head; fresh grouper sandwich at Orange Blossom Bakery & Café.
Free 1-hour ferry from Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island; bring binoculars for dolphins.
Kayak or canoe into Ocracoke Inlet to spot wild mustangs on Shell Castle Island sandbars.
Seafood dinner at Dajio restaurant; walk Ocracoke's quiet village at dusk.
Hike to Ocracoke British Cemetery (4 sailors from WW2 U-boat wreck) via nature trail.
Paddleboard in calm Pamlico Sound; explore the island's maritime museum.
Fish the sound pier at sunset; buy fresh catch to cook at vacation rental.
Take early ferry back to Hatteras; drive to Beaufort (20min south) for ferry to Shackleford.
Shackleford day-trip: walk shell-covered beaches, spot wild horses, search for sand dollars.
Return to Nags Head or depart; stop at Sam's Hot Dogs for last meal.
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