things to do, sights to see | Outer Banks
Dolphin Tours
Recommended to book well in advance
Daytime or sunset cruises
Nags Head or Manteo Island
Weekend Availability
Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Tours:
Morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises
Manteo Island, ~10 Minutes from Nags Head
Available Monday-Friday
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Recommended to book well in advance
No previous riding experience required! See https://www.equineadventures.com/ for more information.
Wild Horse Tour
The Outer Banks is well known for its wild horses that roam freely along the northern shores. The wild horses of the Outer Banks—particularly those in Corolla and Shackleford Banks—have been there for over 400 years. Most historians believe they are descended from Spanish mustangs brought over by early explorers or shipwrecked vessels in the 16th century, around the time of early Spanish exploration of the Americas. These horses adapted over generations to survive the harsh coastal conditions, and today they’re considered a living link to the region’s colonial past. The wild herds are protected and carefully managed to preserve their lineage and way of life.
Year-round tours
Group discounts available up to 12
Visit the Lighthouses
The tallest Lighthouse in the US lives in the Outer Banks in Cape Hatteras! There are 6 lighthouses throughout the islands and are detailed in this blog, which serves as the perfect guide to visiting them all.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse | Historic Corolla
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse | Buxton, Hatteras Island
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse | Manteo waterfront
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse | Ocracoke Harbor
Bodie Island Lighthouse | Nags Head
Cape Lookout Lighthouse | Harkers Island
Salt Cave Spa
“Spending time in a salt cave that is saturated with tiny salt particles can improve respiratory health, boost the immune system and improve skin issues and is beneficial to your mind, body, and spirit.”
Services include: The Salt Cave, the Salt Booth, the new Halo
IR Booth (Red Light Therapy), and our Massage and Reiki room,
Wright Brothers Memorial
The Outer Banks is home to the first flight in world! The Wright brothers conducted their historic flights at Kill Devil Hills, near Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903. They achieved four successful flights that day, with the longest covering 852 feet in 59 seconds. The location was chosen for its consistent winds, sandy terrain, and isolation, which were ideal for their pioneering aviation experiments. The site is now preserved as the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The Memorial & Museum is located in Kill Devil Hills:
1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
More adventures:
Check out Kitty Hawk Kites for a full list of their adventures & rentals. Most are recommended to book in advance.
Hang gliding
Parasailing
Flight tours
Kayak Tours or Rentals
Jet Ski Rentals
Kiteboarding
Fishing Excursions
Pontoon boat rentals
Golf Club
Paddleboarding
Tubing
Cornhole Rentals
Sailing Cruises