horse tours in the outer banks

Check out the Outer Banks This Week Podcast! LIVE LOCAL UPDATES! Subscribe to our newsletter.

• Restaurants
• Drinks/Bars
• Daily Specials
• Dining Promotions
• Sales & Events
• Things To Do
• Attractions
• Activities & Programs
• Charter Fishing
• Fishing Reports
• Surf & Wind Reports
• Hotels, Inns and B&Bs
• Vacation Rentals
• Accommodation Offers
• Rental Deals & Offers
• Annual Events
• Facebook Page
• Ways To Listen
• Facebook Group
• Beach Report
• Local Spotlight
• Orgs. & Nonprofits

Outer Banks Horse Tours

Outer Banks wild horses receive a lot of popularity, and one of the best ways to see them is by participating in a wild horse tour. Outer Banks horse tours take place in open-air safari-style vehicles, SUVs or Jeeps that cart you over the dunes and through the beach as you search to find those Colonial Spanish Mustangs frolicking in their natural habitat. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide you with lots of information about the area’s history and heritage as well as historical facts about the Outer Banks wild horses and how they got here in the first place. Your guide will also point out various flora and fauna that inhabit the environment. If you’d prefer a break from the norm of jeep and safari tours, you can elect to look for the wild horses via a Segway that will roll you over different types of terrain. Check out the listings below to see what Outer Banks horse tours are available during your trip.

Outer Banks Things To Do by Area

Corolla  |  Duck & Southern Shores  |  Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head Roanoke Island & Manteo  |  Hatteras Island  |  Ocracoke Island

Outer Banks Things To Do by Category

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours' highly trained staff has a great reputation for being entertaining and informative. Their tours last two hours and incorporate quite a bit of local history to complement the sightseeing while showering you with interesting lore. In the four-wheel-drive area you’ll see the Corolla wild horses grazing in their natural habitat and the occasional deer and surfing dolphins. Back Beach tours are given in safari-style, open-air vehicles for a one-of-a-kind Outer Banks activity. They can accommodate large groups of up to 15 people. Call for details and reservations.

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours' highly trained staff has a great reputation for being entertaining and informative. Their tours last two hours and ... read more

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours' highly trained staff has a great reputation for being entertaining and ... read more

Back Country Wild Horse Safari Tour

Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived on the northern Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. Your naturalist guide will carry you in custom open-air Safari Cruisers through 30 miles of beaches, dune and back-country sand lanes to discover the Outer Banks’ unique wildlife. Shore life including pelicans, dolphins and osprey are almost always present. You will hear stories about the Ghost Fleet and Outer Banks maritime history and learn about the mysterious petrified forest. Back Country Outfitters has exclusive access to the Spanish Mustang Preserve, where sightings of these regal wild horses are guaranteed, while your tour guide explains their Spanish Colonial heritage and the local preservation efforts. Reservations are required.

Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived... read more

Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your... read more

Bob's Wild Horse Tours

Bob White is a legend in the horse-tour business. He and his highly trained staff have been offering tours since 1996, and they have a reputation for being both entertaining and informative. Bob’s tours last two hours and incorporate quite a bit of local history and interesting lore to complement the sightseeing. In the four-wheel-drive area, you’ll see the horses grazing in their natural habitat, often along with the sight of dolphins in the ocean. All tours are given in safari-style, open-air vehicles for a one-of-a-kind experience, and they can accommodate large groups of as many as 15 people. Call for details and reservations. 

Bob White is a legend in the horse-tour business. He and his highly trained staff have been offering tours since 1996, and they have a reputation for ... read more

Bob White is a legend in the horse-tour business. He and his highly trained staff have ... read more

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy of the Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Mustangs were brought to the Outer Banks nearly 500 years ago and their descendants are still with us today, although this hardy, majestic breed is now highly endangered. The whole family can learn about the horses and their cultural significance by visiting the Fund's new exhibit and speaking with their knowledgeable staff. Donations are accepted and benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, managers of the wild herd. All proceeds from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund gift shop also benefit the Fund and the wild horses. The Fund has a Porch Pick-Up program so you can shop online and pick up your merchandise on the porch. 

Open all year, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund also offers special programming, especially in the summer. Activities include a weekly event called Mustang Mornings in which their rehabilitation facility at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy will be open for visitors to see the rescued mustangs under the Fund's care and the work that they do with them. It's an opportunity to get an inside look at things and perhaps meet a horse you've heard much about. There are also Meet a Mustang events at various locations and times throughout the summer where visitors can see and pet a tamed and gentled mustang as well as Paint a Mustang events using wooden horses in various sizes.  For current information on hours of operation and the scheduling of any of these events, see the Fund's website and Facebook page. All events are subject to cancellation.

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy... read more

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village.... read more

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Wild Horse Tours has been guiding tours to Corolla’s horse country –  the four-wheel-drive-only beaches north of Corolla – since 1996. With these experienced and knowledgeable guides, you can sit back and enjoy a comfortable, family-oriented tour. This company uses 15-passenger, open-air safari-style trucks that are safe for any age, including kids in car seats. Along the trip, your guide will tell you about the history of Corolla and the horses as well as point out all the wonders of nature. The guides have a reputation of being quite entertaining. The two-hour tours, which cover about 25 miles of off-road area, run all day long until sunset.

Corolla Wild Horse Tours has been guiding tours to Corolla’s horse country –  the four-wheel-drive-only beaches north of Corolla – since 1996. With ... read more

Corolla Wild Horse Tours has been guiding tours to Corolla’s horse country –  the four-wheel-drive-only beaches ... read more

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

If you want to see the wild horses in the four-wheel-drive area north of Corolla, Wild Horse Adventure Tours can be your guide for this popular Outer Banks activity. They’ll get you into horse country in their open-air Hummer H1s, which have been custom designed to seat up to 13 passengers comfortably. With exclusive rights to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Swan Beach, the seasoned guides at Wild Horse Adventure Tours know exactly where to look for the horses. They know how to drive in the sand and they know a lot about the history of the area too, making for an enlightening trip. They’ll also point out wildlife, plants and interesting natural aspects of this ocean-side environment. They run many scheduled trips per day, so call to get all the details and make a reservation. Prices vary per season. 

If you want to see the wild horses in the four-wheel-drive area north of Corolla, Wild Horse Adventure Tours can be your guide for this popular Outer Banks... read more

If you want to see the wild horses in the four-wheel-drive area north of Corolla,... read more

Corolla Jeep Adventures and Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Jeep Adventures is the oldest tour company in Corolla, offering guided excursions of the off-road area, including their own private 400-acre hunt... read more

Corolla Outback Adventures

Today's Corolla Outback Adventures evolved from the original family business that began as Bender's Beach Service in 1962 when the paved road ended at Duck... read more

Corolla Wild Horse Museum Store

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has moved its museum shares the wonderful history and legacy of the Colonial Spanish mustangs, and the museum store offers... read more

Corolla Wild Horses

The Corolla wild horses are recognized as a significant cultural and historical resource by the state of North Carolina and ... read more

Equine Adventures

If you’ve ever dreamed of galloping along a pristine Hatteras shoreline on the back of a magnificent horse, check out Equine Adventures. Equine Adventures... read more

Good Vibrations Beach Rides

Exploring the 4WD area north of Corolla is way more fun when you’re driving a dune buggy. Good Vibrations Beach Rides rents custom high-performance VW dune... read more

Brought to you by:

The Outer Banks This Week Beach Report is brought to you by:

Where to listen →

Corolla Water Sports

View All Coupons

View All Giveaways

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Bob's Corolla Wild Horse Tours Book A Tour

Hankering to see Corolla’s Wild Horses? Who isn’t!? Climb on board one of Bob’s Wild Horse Tours and you’ll see these majestic equines (that’s a fancy word for horse) and more! Choose from the Open Air Safari Truck, The Beast, or Maximum Horse Power – all three afford awesome views of Corolla’s wild horses, and you get to feel the wind in your mane…er, hair…as an added benefit in two of them. Bob’s Wild Horse Tours has been connecting people with horses, from a respectful distance of course, for decades. We’re the leader in Corolla horse tours and will give you the best experience. Our guides know the area, are entertaining (we’ve been told they’re funnier than heck!) and have a great time with you. Book your Corolla Wild Horse tour now! Spaces fill up quickly, so go from a canter to a gallop and fill in the form below. The horses are looking forward to seeing you.

To redeem a gift certificate you already have, first choose your tour below!

Corolla, NC

Book A Wild Horse Tour

VIEW TOUR TIMES

Gift Certificates

Powered by the OneBoat ® Community Content Management System. By working together we achieve more than by working alone.

• Forgot password

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Wild Horse Adventure Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Corolla Wild Horse Tours Booking

Descendants of the original colonial Spanish Mustangs, the Corolla Wild Horses have 7,500 pristine acres to roam on the “four-wheel drive only” beaches North of Corolla and you can now just sit back comfortably to witness their majesty. Wild horse tours start times very seasonally but take a look at our calendar below for current start times. Tours run all day long until Sunset. All tours are 2 hours in length.

Please don’t hesitate to call us with questions, comments, concerns or just to shoot the breeze. After all, you are the reason we are here.

The perfect gift! Purchase a wild horse tour gift certificate ! PURCHASE A GIFT CARD

To redeem a gift certificate you already have, first choose your tour below then select "Apply a gift card" during checkout.

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Connect With Us

Helpful Tip

Gift Certificate

Powered by the OneBoat ® Community Content Management System. By working together we achieve more than by working alone.

• Forgot password

HUMMER ADVENTURE TOURS

Wild horse tours in outer banks, nc, feel the ocean breeze and taste the salty air, hummer off-road horse tour.

Enjoy the best way to see wild ponies and discover some of the most unique sights the Outer Banks have to offer. Visit three distinct ecosystems in search of local wildlife in one of our open-air Hummers.

• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 2 hours

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?

See the wild horses of the outer banks and whip through beach, dune, and forest trails with hummer adventure tours..

With the continued development of off-road trails, the horses were becoming harder to find in their natural habitat. When they were found, regulations prevented our tours from stopping and disembarking on public land and “roads” to take pictures.

Although by law we never get closer than 50 feet, we found that most customers do prefer to get out of the vehicle at points along the tour so they can be stationary while taking pictures.

To improve things, we purchased land in 2014. We can now venture into three distinct, previously inaccessible ecosystems that are teeming with wildlife of all types.

The new land provides an exciting ride through a maritime forest and high sand dune trails, with a view of protected marshlands. These areas are inaccessible by most off-road vehicles due to the soft, sugary sands and high inclines.

Only true off-road vehicles can make it without getting stuck, and in this area the Hummer really comes into its own.

NO PAVEMENT, NO PROBLEMS.

Forest trails, beach trails, dune trails, for the technical nerd in you, about our hummers.

Our 13-passenger, open-air Hummer starts life as a Hummer H1. We then upgrade many of the mechanical components to the military spec equivalents, recondition the engine and drive-train, and extend the frame and body by 2 feet.

Our Hummer H1 vehicles have been customized with your safety in mind. All designs have been over-engineered to build the safest and most comfortable ride possible.

Seats have seatbelts and restraint systems for child seats. All seats are actual car seats — no boat-style bench seats or plastic bucket seats are used in our vehicles.

An additional upper windshield with a top made with a combination of fine mesh and clear plastic enables occupants a 360-degree view while also providing protection from UV rays and unexpected inclement weather.

After customization, the Hummer is capable of seating 13 passengers with more leg room than any standard SUV. Individual seats that are 21 inches wide (no bench seats), in a stadium seating configuration, offer ultimate comfort and visibility for all.

OVER 9,300 5-STAR REVIEWS!

Awesome wild horse tour in a Hummer in comfortable carlike seats. Our tour guide Ned was great and very knowledgeable. We saw over 40 wild horses and 2 baby horses. Such a fun trip.

We had a fantastic tour with Wild Horse Adventures. Our sons, 10 and 13, were very entertained. The tour guide we had, Victor, was not only fun but very knowledgeable about the history and the horses. He answered all of our questions with ease. I highly recommend taking a tour with Wild Horses Adventure Tours.

We had such an incredible time on our tour! It was worth every penny. Stu was a fantastic tour guide and was very knowledgeable about the area, history of the horses, and the individual herds. We can’t recommend this enough!

We had an amazing tour today with “Just Tom”. He knows a lot about the history of the area, shared interesting facts, knew a lot about the horses, treated the horses with respect (very careful around them), and was a lot of fun to spend 2 hours with. The hummers were a great way to do it too. Obviously important too was that we were able to see about 30-50 horses of the 100 or so there (not guaranteed of course). We were able to get some great photos and learn a ton. Our 2 and 4 year old girls really enjoyed it too. We are considering going again this week. Thanks!

Probably my favorite adventure of our vacation! Mike was an excellent tour guide! I loved the stories he told us about the horses and the history of the area! Our tour was at 5:30 in the evening and was a great time to go! We saw so many horses!!! Even one of the new foals! So exciting! We didn’t want it to end!!!

Learning about the ponies, seeing them, and the experience of the ride across the sands and into their (and our) habitat. Most of all, the good stewardship that our guide expressed towards the land, the ponies, and the importance of conservation and care.

Absolutely AMAZING experience! Our tour guide Tom was so knowledgeable and was committed to helping us see the most horses possible (even the 3 day old baby!) Don’t miss out on this if you visit the Outer Banks!

We just got back from a week in Corolla. This tour was the highlight of our trip. Everyone from 9 to 75 enjoyed it. We booked the entire hummer for our party of 11. Tom was very informative and did a fabulous job! I totally recommend booking a trip with them the next time you are in the area.

CHECK IT OUT!

FOLLOW AND CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

• TripAdvisor
• X formerly Twitter

Join our E-Newsletter

Get a free outer banks travel guide, take a virtual tour, wild horses on the outer banks, wild, free & beautiful .

You’ve seen pictures of them on Facebook, represented in books and on the big screen in “Nights in Rodanthe”, on T-shirts and coffee mugs—now see them in person.

Few creatures evoke such a mystique and conjure a sense of independence and freedom like the wild horses of the Outer Banks. Officially North Carolina's state horse, these mustang ponies are descended from equines brought here by Spanish explorers of the New World more than 500 years ago. Take an off-road safari tour in a caravan with other visitors to see them in the 4x4 areas north of where NC 12’s pavement runs out, or try to find them on your own. Either way, it's an awe-inspiring adventure.

Get a Free Travel Guide

Official Tourism Authority for Dare County’s Outer Banks 1 Visitors Center Circle, Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: (877) 629-4386

• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Outer Banks of North Carolina

We use cookies for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our Privacy Policy .

Corolla Wild Horses

Tips for a Corolla Wild Horse Adventure A Herd of Survivors in Corolla

Corolla Wild Horse Tour Operators

Corolla wild horse fund.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s mission is “To protect, conserve, and responsibly manage the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks, and to promote the continued preservation of this land as a permanent sanctuary for horses designated as the State Horse and defined as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.”

The Wild Horse Museum, operated by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, is free and open to the public year-round. The museum houses displays and exhibits to educate visitors about the wild Spanish Mustang herd in Corolla. The museum includes a wall-sized aerial map of the horses’ range, video displays, and friendly staff to answer questions about how to see the horses as well as learn about their historic significance.

Support the CWHF | History and FAQs CWHF Events | CWHF Shop

Located in Historic Corolla Village: 1130E Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927 | (252) 453-8002

Welcome Center 106 Caratoke Highway Moyock, NC 27958 252-435-2947

Visitor Center 500 Hunt Club Drive Corolla, NC 27927 252-453-9612

Join Our Mailing List

Subscribe to our mailing list to keep yourself updated with all the happenings at Currituck.

Please leave this field empty.

Social Links

You are now signed up to receive all the latest Corolla and Currituck Outer Banks news and tips!

Thank you for subscribing. We hope to see you soon.

START PLANNING

Where the road ends, the fun begins!

Indepth Information and Live Local Updates for the Outer Banks

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours Corolla NC Book a Tour

This is Wild squared! Join Back Beach Wild Horse Tours in one of their open-air safari-style trucks for an adventure to see Corolla’s wild horses. Up to 14 people can join the fun for a view of Corolla’s horses, wildlife and landscape like no other. Your tour guide will regale you with stories of history and fun facts. These tours run five times a day, March through November (weather permitting), from 9 a.m. until sunset. Don’t miss out on this unfiltered fun! The perfect Gift! Purchase a wild horse tour gift certificate or redeem your gift here:

The perfect gift! Purchase a wild horse tour gift certificate here:

To redeem a gift certificate you already have, first choose your tour below!

(252) 453-6141

Monterey Plaza 817 B Ocean Trail Corolla, NC 27927

Powered by the OneBoat ® Community Content Management System. By working together we achieve more than by working alone.

• Forgot password

Let us take you on a Corolla Wild Horse Tour adventure as only we can...

Appreciate the Thrill of the Outer Banks! Savor our beautiful oceans and wildlife and get your heart pumping with our full fleet of kayaks and 4 x 4s.

Getting There Is Half the Fun! Enjoy the thrill of our GPS-enabled Jeeps and Polaris Razors.

Choose Your Own Adventure! Join us for guided Wild Horse Tours. Drive a Jeep or ride in our Safari Trucks.

Wild Horse Tours

Load the crew into our custom safari truck for a 25 mile off-road tour in…

Blaze the trails of over 40 acres on our private conservation area. Climb Penny’s Hill,…

Jeep Adventure

Cruise Corolla’s famed 4×4 area in one of our safari jeeps for a 25+ mile…

4x4 Kayak Tours

Drive off-road into the heart of Corolla’s 4×4 area to a private waterway located behind…

Reserve Today

Drivers 18 and up welcome.

Corolla Jeep Adventures

Excellent Reviews

An adventure your whole family will enjoy. Book your tour online today!

Wild Horse Hummer Adventure Tour

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All Ages
• Clock Duration: 2 hours
• Bus Capacity: Up to 13 passengers
• Clock Please Note: Tour times are departure times. We request that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Wild Horse Adventure in Corolla, NC

Wild Horse Adventure Tours in Corolla, NC offers a unique guided transportation service to explore the northern Outer Banks and encounter the majestic wild Spanish Mustang Ponies. Guests embark on their journey with one of our seasoned guides driving a customized 13-passenger, open-air Hummer H1, meticulously re-engineered for superior safety and comfort. Each vehicle has been upgraded with military spec mechanical components, reconditioned engines, and extended frames to ensure a smooth ride through three distinct ecosystems.

For the best viewing experience, the Hummer features individual car seats—21 inches wide and arranged in stadium seating—providing exceptional comfort and panoramic views for all passengers. An innovative upper windshield and soft top offer 360-degree visibility while shielding guests from UV rays and inclement weather.

This enhanced tour setup not only enriches your encounter with these iconic horses but also guarantees a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable experience in one of the most picturesque settings in North America.

Please note that tour times indicate departure times, and guests are kindly requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure to ensure a timely and organized start to their adventure.

• Chevron down What to Bring

If your child requires a car seat, please bring it along and place them on our sidewalk upon arrival.

OBX with Kids: 25 Things To Do in the Outer Banks, NC

T he Outer Banks, NC is a favorite summer getaway for DC families that's well worth the six-hour drive. The Outer Banks (also referred to as the OBX) is a series of beautiful barrier islands, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm Pamlico Sound on the other. My family has been traveling to the Outer Banks every summer for over 40 years, and it’s the perfect laid-back family vacation. From the gorgeous beaches to the amazing wildlife (sea turtles and dolphins!), fresh seafood, and fun activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at a wide range of prices.

Here are 25 great things to do with kids in the OBX, including water sports, lighthouses, and delicious local seafood restaurants. For other great family vacations at beaches near DC, check out our list of family-friendly beaches near DC , including our guides to Virginia Beach and the Delaware beaches .

Relax on miles and miles of beautiful OBX coastline. Photo courtesy of Visit Raleigh

Best Outdoor Things To Do in the Outer Banks, NC with Kids

1. hit the beach.

The miles and miles of gorgeous beaches are the main reason families flock to the Outer Banks, NC, and they all have something unique to offer. Corolla Beach 's calm waters are perfect for swimming, wading, and kayaking. The beaches in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills have bigger waves and are near plentiful restaurants and shops. Duck Beach  is pet-friendly, and kids love the 3,000-gallon aquarium on Jennette's Pier at Nags Head Beach .

Our family especially loves the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the southern part of the OBX. It's been protected from development, so there are no boardwalks—just beautiful, wide sandy beaches bordered by dunes. Build a sandcastle, go boogie boarding, look for sea turtle nests roped off by rangers, and splash in a tide pool. Just keep a close eye on kids in the surf—there are rip tides in the Outer Banks and no lifeguards in most areas of the beach.

2. Jockey's Ridge State Park — Nags Head

This state park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the east coast, and it’s the perfect place to fly a kite. For older kids and adults looking for more adventure, Jockey’s Ridge also offers hang gliding and sandboarding. Visitors can also go hiking, paddling, kiteboarding, or windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound.

RELATED: Top 10 North Carolina Beaches for Families

Share the sand with some wild horses. Photo by Don Sniegowski, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

3. See Wild Horses on Carova Beach

There are approximately 100 wild mustangs that live on the northern end of the Outer Banks at Carova Beach. Anyone with a four-wheel-drive vehicle may drive along the beach to look for wild horses, but the speed limit is 30 mph and people must keep their distance from the horses. There are also outfitters in Corolla that offer wild horse tours, such as Back Country Safari Tours and Wild Horse Adventure Tours .

4. Mini Golf

You'll find great mini golf courses all along the Outer Banks, NC. Paradise Fun Park in Kill Devil Hills offers two 18-hole courses, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade that's perfect for a rainy day. You can eat a sweet treat and then work it off on the mini golf course at Uncle Eddy’s Frozen Custard & Mini Golf in Buxton. And at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf in Nags Head, enjoy a pirate-themed mini golf adventure, then head to Full Throttle Speedway next door for a go-kart race.

5. First Flight Adventure Park — Nags Head

This massive adventure park includes 14 zip lines and 50 obstacles throughout its incredible outdoor course, which features climbing structures, rings, rope bridges, and more. Kids must be at least 6 years old to participate, and there are two easier obstacle courses with low zip lines designed for younger ages and beginners.

6. Hunt for Ghost Crabs

A nighttime walk on the beach is a great adventure in the Outer Banks, NC. Be sure to bring your flashlights and go hunting for ghost crabs. These fast creatures can be hard to spot during the day, but at night, we’ve seen hundreds! You can also turn off your flashlights and go stargazing—the dark night skies over Hatteras are perfect for seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars. On some parts of the OBX, bonfires are permitted on the beach. Be sure to look up the regulations and get any required permits for your location.

7. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge — Manteo

It’s a tradition in our family to stop at this lovely wildlife center on the Pamlico Sound and visit the turtles in the pond. You can also see lots of different birds and other wildlife on the walkways over the Sound and get a great view of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Just be sure to use bug spray!

8. Kayaking, Paddleboarding and other Water Sports

Pamlico Sound is a great place for families to have fun on the water. Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports is one of the most popular water sports facilities near Duck and Corolla. Visitors can go parasailing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, and more. You can also take boat tours or rent pontoon boats and catamarans for a more relaxed excursion. Down on the southern end of the OBX in Hatteras, Family Water Adventures offers a great variety of water activities, including snorkeling, clamming, tubing, water skiing, fishing, shell hunting, and more.

RELATED: 98 Things To Do in Charlotte, NC with Kids

H2OBX Water Park has slides for all ages. Photo courtesy of the park

9. H2OBX Water Park — Powells Point

This giant water park is impossible to miss as you drive down Route 12. With a wave pool, kid-friendly slides for young visitors, a lazy river, and a pirate-themed water playground, this water park is perfect for all ages. For teens and adults looking for thrills, there are seven giant slides and tube rides, plus a wave rider to practice surfing. The park offers ticket deals for groups and multi-day vacation passes.

10. Dolphin Tours

Did you know that dolphins live in the waters off the Outer Banks, NC? We’ve spotted them in the ocean before, but taking a dolphin boat tour on Pamlico Sound is the best way to see them. There are many different dolphin cruise operators in the OBX. My family took a tour with Captain Johnny’s Outer Banks Dolphin Tours , and we were amazed by how many dolphins we saw. The sunset dolphin tour is especially beautiful. Paradise Cruises is also a popular dolphin tour operator in Wanchese, with knowledgeable local guides that will help you spot dolphins, osprey, and other local wildlife.

11. Elizabethan Gardens — Manteo

These gardens are a beautiful botanical park designed as a living memorial to the famous lost colony of Roanoke. Kids will particularly enjoy the Discovery Cottage and Garden, where they can climb aboard a wooden ship, explore play houses with living roofs, view specimens through microscopes, and more. Don't forget to stop by the Butterfly Garden.

12. The Lost Colony Musical— Manteo

This play about the infamous lost colony of Roanoke has been staged in the Outer Banks, NC for over 80 years. Enjoy this entertaining musical about the history of the OBX in an outdoor theater by the water. Kids 5 and under enjoy free admission, and all kids 12 and under are free on Monday nights.

RELATED: Asheville with Kids: 40 Best Things To Do in Asheville, NC

Step back in time to the 1850s at Island Farm. Photo by Amanda D.,courtesy of Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

More Things To Do in the Outer Banks, NC with Kids

13.  island farm  — manteo.

This living history museum portrays the real life of Roanoke Island settlers in the 1850s. Explore the Etheridge Farm built in the 1840s, see farm animals, and check out live demonstrations of blacksmithing, traditional agricultural activities, hearth cooking, weaving, wool spinning, and more.

14. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island — Manteo

This awesome aquarium highlights the aquatic life in the waters of the Outer Banks, NC, including a variety of sharks, wetland creatures such as otters and alligators, and stingrays and other invertebrates that kids can touch. Visitors can also learn about sea turtle conservation efforts on the OBX, which is known for being a sea turtle breeding ground.

15. Wright Brothers National Memorial — Kitty Hawk

Visit the birthplace of flight, where the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight in 1903. The Wright Brothers Visitor Center and Museum includes hands-on exhibits that bring the invention of the Wright brothers to life, including a reproduction of their 1903 flyer.

16. Historic Lighthouses

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the US and is instantly recognizable with its swirly black stripes. Visitors can explore the keepers quarters and learn about the history of the lighthouse and how it was moved in 1999. Climb all the way to the top for breathtaking views of the ocean. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is located in Nags Head on the Sound side of the island, and visitors can go inside and climb it as well. Families can also visit the red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla and the tiny Ocracroke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, just a ferry ride away.

17. Ride the Ferry to Ocracoke

On the far southern end of the Outer Banks, you can take the ferry for a great day trip to explore the charming island of Ocracoke. The island is small, so the best way to get around is by walking, renting a bike, or hopping on the island tram. Visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, check out the shops and artists downtown, and enjoy some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

18. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station — Rodanthe

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station and museum teaches visitors about the early history of the US Life-Saving Service/US Coast Guard in North Carolina. Dozens of courageous rescues took place at Chicamacomico between 1874 and 1954. Visitors can see a reenactment of a beach apparatus rescue at the station during the summer.

19. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum — Hatteras

This museum offers programming about maritime activities for all ages, including the history of the Outer Banks, boats and shipwrecks, and family-friendly scavenger hunts. Note: The museum is closed through at least the end of fall 2023 for the construction of new exhibits.

RELATED:  24 Things To Do in Raleigh, NC with Kids

Dig into delicious pastries, muffins, and more at Orange Blossom. Photo courtesy of the author

Delicious Outer Banks, NC Restaurants for Families

20.  orange blossom bakery & cafe  — buxton.

Orange Blossom has been serving up great pastries, cakes, pies, and more since the 1950s. This is a great stop for breakfast—be sure to try the enormous Apple Ugly, its signature item.

21. Mama Easley’s Grub Hut — Corolla

Mama Easley’s is a favorite seafood restaurant located next to the Sound. The fresh fried seafood is very popular, but the menu also offers burgers and other non-fish options. The kids menu includes fried fish sticks, mac and cheese bites, and fried shrimp.

22. Coastal Cravings — Duck

Featured on the show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives", this popular restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Coastal Cravings specializes in fresh local seafood and offers seafood pots to go. The outdoor dining area also has live music at night.

23. Diamond Shoals Restaurant — Hatteras

Diamond Shoals is both a restaurant and seafood market, so you know the fish is fresh. Visitors recommend the clam chowder, crab cakes, and fried or broiled shrimp. Diamond Shoals also has the only sushi bar on the island.

24. Sugar Creek Soundfront Restaurant — Nags Head

This is one of our family’s favorite restaurants. With lots of outdoor seating right on the water, Sugar Creek Soundfront is very family-friendly and has a wide-ranging menu. Its Hatteras-style clam chowder is especially delicious.

25. End your day with something sweet!

Ice cream is the perfect ending to a hot day at the beach, and the OBX is bursting at the seams with great ice cream shops. Enjoy some classic beach food and frozen custard at Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard and Beach Fries . Kids will also have fun at Booty Treats in Nags Head, a pirate-themed shop with fun original flavors of shaved ice and ice cream.

Travel | Guide to the Outer Banks for summer 2024: What…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Baltimore Sun eNewspaper

• Food and Drink
• Events Calendar

Things To Do

Travel | guide to the outer banks for summer 2024: what not to miss.

WHAT’S NEW

Harbor Towns Cruises

Tours and ferry trips will connect six towns within historic Albemarle Sound. The excursions, created by a private nonprofit with the help of state funds, will take to the water in a pair of Hysucats (hydrofoil-supported catamarans) custom-designed for the Albemarle. Travelers can opt for scenic or sunset cruises from Elizabeth City, Hertford, Edenton, Plymouth, Columbia or Manteo; longer tours from the Albemarle Plantation residential community; or to-and-from trips between pairs of towns. Harbor Towns Cruises also plans to add a 140-passenger dinner boat. harbortownscruises.com

Great Trails State

Walk, pedal, paddle or ride. With a historic investment of nearly $55 million for trails, North Carolina transitions from 2023’s Year of the Trail celebration to even higher ground as the Great Trails State. Projects to be funded include the Saluda Grade Corridor Trail on a historic rail path, additions to community-led “Trails for All” project in Pisgah National Forest, and the development of the N.C. State Trails, a dozen paths that traverse land, water and history. Among them: The Mountains-to-Sea trail, a 1,175-mile land and water route that links Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. greattrailsnc.com

Under the Oaks Art Festival

JUNE 18-19: Peruse a colorful array of vibrant artworks and crafts while enjoying the postcard-perfect setting on the grounds of the Whalehead Club by attending the 22nd Annual Under the Oaks Art Festival. This popular festival brings together a collection of talented artists and artisans who will share their wares in a pretty outdoor setting that will make shoppers want to linger and enjoy the views over the Currituck Sound. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com/events/under-the-oaks

Wright Kite Festival

JULY 19-20: Now celebrating its 46th year, the Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills is a celebration of aviation that takes place where flight began — the Wright Brothers Memorial. Enjoy a walk on the hallowed grounds where Wilbur and Orville took their historic first flight in 1903, then take a fun flight of your own. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the park is $10 for ages 16+. 1000 North Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. kittyhawk.com

18th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

AUG. 1: Have you ever wanted to try watermelon bowling? Celebrate summer at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved celebration is held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Highlights include Native American jewelry-making lessons, watermelon-themed competitions, arts and crafts, music and more. Free for guests to attend; however, tickets are required to play and eat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3933 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, North Carolina. kittyhawk.com

Outer Banks Pirate Festival

AUG. 7-8: ARRGH you ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks? This festival will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head. Come learn the vast history of pirates on the OBX and participate in Scallywag School. Free to attend. Scallywag School is $10. For more information, go to kittyhawk.com .

More in Travel

Travel | ‘Hush trip’ hideouts: Where to go for your next remote work vacation

Travel | Hitting the road? Expect higher gas prices over Memorial Day

Travel | Sin City scares: A travel guide to Las Vegas’ most haunting attractions

This might be the coolest campground in Colorado that no one knows about