Introduction
In this wonderful 7-day itinerary, we visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina while driving the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway.
The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway begins in the north at Whalebone Junction, in Nags Head, then follows NC 12 south while traversing Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands to end west of the North River Bridge near Beaufort. The route includes two ferry rides, one free between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands and the other, a toll ride between Ocracoke Island and Cedar Island.
7-Day Outer Banks Itinerary Description and Map
Our itinerary starts on Ocracoke Island and follows the Scenic Byway north to Whalebone Junction, then continues to Kitty Hawk, Duck, and Corolla.
Day 1 – Ocracoke Island
Gather Online Information
Before you arrive, visit Ocracoke Online for complete and accurate tourism information.
Morning
Arrive via Ferry
Arrive on Ocracoke Island via ferry from either Cedar Island or Swan Quarter. Early reservations are recommended – especially during the busy summer season – to ensure your desired departure date/time.
Hotel or Campground Check-In
Parking is a challenge in the small downtown area of Ocracoke. We recommend leaving your vehicle at the hotel and renting bicycles or a golf cart to get around. But be aware you cannot drive golf carts beyond the downtown perimeter. There are several rental companies downtown. There is a tram service in summer.
Afternoon
Lunch Options
There are many options but for water views, we recommend SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill. It is popular but worth the wait for a table, or grab seats at the Tiki Bar.
Explore Downtown Ocracoke
Explore the downtown on foot but bikes (or golf carts) are preferred to visit attractions further away such as the Lighthouse or Springer’s Point.
Start your tour by visiting the Information Center across from the Ferry Dock. Ask for the Walking Map & Directory for activity ideas.
A Few Highlights
- Pirates Chest gift shop
- Zillie’s Island Pantry – buy a glass of wine and enjoy it on the porch.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse
- Springer’s Point Trail – a short walk to Blackbeard’s final battle area
- Moonraker Tea Shop
Evening
Sunset Spots
The Community Square & Dock is a great place to grab a treat from the Ocracoke Fudge & Ice Cream shop and watch the sunset across Silver Lake Harbor.
We also like the Tiki Bar at SmacNally’s and the National Park Boat Ramp.
But, our favorite sunset spot is the observation deck behind the NCCA building at the entrance to Silver Lake!
In the summer, book a sunset sail to Teach’s Hole where the infamous Blackbeard the pirate met his demise in 1718.
Dinner and Music Options
With so many good eateries to pick from, you can go anywhere but we recommend Dajio to start with.
If you visit later in the week and are looking for late-night fun, The Breeze is a live music venue.
Overnight
Captain’s Landing Waterfront Inn – we love the waterfront setting and location in Downtown Ocracoke.
If you enjoy camping then Ocracoke Campground (NPS) is our favorite (no hookups however). You camp just steps from the beach. Verizon cell service works well and we even received a few local TV Channels to watch!
Day 2 – Ocracoke Island
Morning
Breakfast Options
Ocracoke Coffee Co if you are looking for coffee, tea, and baked goods.
Pony Island Restaurant has been serving Southern-style breakfast since 1959!
For breakfast-to-go, visit Eduardo’s of Ocracoke for Mexican cuisine!
Beach Walk or Bike Ride
Head to Lifeguard Beach next to the Airport. This beach is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the USA!
For more exercise, bike along Ramp 72 on a packed dirt road for 3 miles to Sunrise Point Beach.
Afternoon
At leisure
Use the time to relax, do more shopping, drive 7 miles to the NPS Pony Pen, perhaps fly a kite, or take a boat tour to nearby Portsmouth Island.
If you enjoy water activities, visit Ride The Wind Surf Shop!
For Happy Hour, the upper deck at 1718 Brewing Ocracoke is a fun place to be!
We also enjoy the bar at Dajio and the Tiki Bar at SmacNally’s as mentioned above!
Evening
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at Flying Melon!
Overnight
Captain’s Landing Waterfront Inn or Ocracoke Campground
Day 3 – Hatteras Island South
Gather Online Information
Before you arrive, visit Outerbanks.org for complete and accurate tourism information. In this part of our itinerary, we focus on the Southern Section of the Outer Banks from Hatteras Village to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
This section covers about 48 miles (at least 1 hour by car) and we think of it as two sub-sections:
- Hatteras South – includes the villages of Hatteras, Frisco, Buxton, and Avon
- Hatteras North – includes the villages of Salvo, Waves, Rodanthe, and the Pea Island Refuge
IMPORTANT – From a pure sightseeing point of view, Hatteras Island has very few attractions and one can easily see it all in a day – with no need to spend a night.
BUT – If you enjoy deep-sea fishing, surf-fishing, surfing, wind sports, or any kind of water activities you can spend weeks here!
So, it is up to you to decide whether you want to stay 2 nights in one of the Villages, or one night in the South and one night in the North. In this itinerary, we suggest the latter.
Morning
Grab an early breakfast (Eduardo’s is a great choice today)
Ferry to Hatteras
Drive 20 minutes to the North Point Ferry. The boat ride can take up to 70 minutes (due to dredging challenges) and you may have to wait much longer than expected due to priority traffic (mail trucks, delivery trucks, etc). There are bathrooms and vending machines across from the ferry dock.
Cape Hatteras Visitor Center
Upon arrival at Hatteras Village, check in to your hotel and/or head to Cape Hatteras Light Station. The Visitor Center has good information about the area.
Next, park at the beach at the end of Old Lighthouse Rd and check the surf conditions at this popular hotspot! Even if you are not a surfer, it is fun to watch the action when the surf’s up!
Afternoon
Lunch Options
Diamond Shoals Restaurant is a wonderful and very popular family-style institution but check their lunch hours and plan accordingly.
Beach Activities
After lunch, walk or bike out to Cape Point for endless beach walks. This is a very popular area for surf fishing.
Avon and Hatteras Village have a few shops but the focus on this part of Hatteras Island is very much on restaurants, the beach, and water activities.
You can visit the Fishing Pier in Avon (small charge) but there is little else to do.
On windy afternoons head to the Haulover Day Use Area for fantastic kite surfing and other wind sport activities. On calm days, you can kayak or paddleboard. You can get lessons or rent equipment from one of several outfits in Hatteras Village and Avon.
Evening
Sunset Spots
Before dinner, pack a cooler and head to Kite Point or the Haulover Day Use Area to watch the sunset over the Sound.
Dinner Options
While there are many sunset spots along the beaches and from the many marinas, we like to combine sunset and dinner! Our favorite is a window table at Hatteras Sol Waterfront Grill or the bar.
Other options for dinner with great sunset views are Dinky’s Waterfront (table or bar), or Breakwater Restaurant.
There are many other popular dinner options but only Sandbar & Grille and Cafe Pamlico offer water views. If you do not care about water views, we really like Tavern on 12 and Pop’s Raw Bar.
Overnight
The Inn on Pamlico Sound – the most upscale option in the area with water views.
If you want very close ocean views then opt for Cape Hatteras Motel or Outer Banks Motel. Check the online reviews before booking.
For camping, we like Cape Point Point Campground (NPS with no hookups). You camp just a short bike ride from the beach. Verizon cell service works well. But be aware that many sites flood in heavy rain.
Day 4 – Hatteras Island North
The village of Waves is perhaps the best Outer Banks location for wind sports and bird watching in the nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, so we highly recommend an overnight here. If you are not interested in either, then you can head north towards Nags Head.
Morning
Breakfast Options
Grab a to-go at Orange Blossom Bakery in Buxton Village! This is a must-visit despite the long lines at times! Their apple uglies are delicious but they also serve hot breakfast options.
Pea Island
Drive to the Visitor Center at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The friendly staff will explain the importance of the Refuge and assist you in planning your visit. This is mainly a waterbird destination but we love to walk along the endless beach.
Pea Island is one of the better beaches for shelling and collecting sea glass.
Afternoon
Lunch Options
In preparation for an afternoon on the water, we recommend either the Watermen’s Bar & Grill or Good Winds Restaurant. Both offer wonderful views of the Sound and the kite action in the shallow water.
Water Activities
It is hard to choose between Kitty Hawk Kites and Watermen’s (Real Watersports) for your rentals and/or lessons! Both provide excellent services! Visit both and go with whoever meets your needs.
Evening
Dinner Options
After a day in the sun and wind, there are several restaurant options to consider.
We enjoy Neptune’s Kitchen and Dive Bar. Simple, yet good food with wonderful sunset views!
Overnight
The top lodging options in the Waves-Rodanthe area have 2-night minimum stay requirements. If you are serious about water sports then Watermen’s Retreat is our recommendation.
Sea Sound Motel is a solid affordable option for 1 night.
Several campgrounds nearby offer cabins and park models if you travel with your own bedding and toiletries. Try the KOA or Camp Hatteras.
Day 5 – Nags Head and Roanoke Island
Gather Online Information
Before you arrive, visit Outerbanks.org for complete and accurate tourism information. In this part of our itinerary, we focus on the busy tourist villages of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk.
While we prefer the more remote areas, there is a lot to see/do in this part of the Outer Banks and the lodging/dining options are endless!
Nevertheless, we think one night is enough to experience this area unless you have specific interests such as learning to hang glide, flying a replicate of the Wright Brothers’ glider, dolphin watching, etc.
Morning
Breakfast Options
Enjoy breakfast at Atlantic Coast Cafe in Waves.
Drive to Nags Head – sightseeing
Enjoy another drive through Pea Island Refuge (about 25 minutes) then stop at Bodie Island Light Station for a quick visit.
Continue to Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island to learn about the Lost Colony and Freedman’s Colony.
On Roanoke Island, also take time to visit the quaint Downtown Manteo and Festival Park. The Visitor Center offers a wealth of information about the history of the Island and you can even board a replica of the Elizabeth II sailing ship!
Afternoon
Lunch Options
We love fishing pier restaurants and Fish Heads Bar & Grill is our favorite on the Outer Banks!
On the way to Fish Heads, stop at Jennette’s Pier for a look at the interesting aquarium exhibits.
Sightseeing
After lunch drive to Jockey’s Ridge State Park to play on the huge sand dunes or to watch brave souls learning to hang glide!
On your way to the State Park, do not miss Nag Head’s Beach Cottage Row Historic District. This row of cottages is recognized as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. An easy way to find the cottages is to look for Nags Head Pizza Company on old Hwy 12.
Evening
Sunset and Dinner
There are very few restaurant options with clear sunset views. Our favorite is Miller’s Waterfront – a quick drive just south of the State Park.
Kitty Hawk Kites has a location next to the restaurant and watching the kite surfers from the restaurant is great entertainment!
Overnight
We prefer ocean views and there are many options! The following hotels are centrally located right on the water:
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Days Inn
- Quality Inn
- Comfort Inn
- Ramada Plaza
- Holiday Inn Express
- Comfort Inn
However, we suggest the Sea Ranch Resort because of its oceanside location near the Wright Brothers Memorial (tomorrow’s destination)! You can walk to many nearby bars (try the Jolly Roger) and stores. Note – To call this hotel a “resort” is a stretch and please read the mixed online reviews before booking.
For Camping, the NPS Oregon Inlet Campground gets our vote. It is located on the south end of Nags Head so your drives will be longer but the beach is great! This campground is very popular so book ahead!
Day 6 – Wright Brothers Memorial and Corolla
Today we head north to our final destination in the 7-day itinerary – Corolla.
Corolla is interesting because it is first and foremost a modern vacation-home destination. In summer, its population balloons, it feels less historic, and traffic gets quite bad. If you plan to spend just a few days on the Outer Banks, we recommend you skip Corolla and focus on Nags Head and areas further south. Corolla is included in this itinerary because we want you to experience all areas of the Outer Banks.
But first, let’s learn about the history of flight at the Wright Brothers Memorial!
Morning
Breakfast options
Whether you stay at the Sea Ranch Resort or not, you will enjoy breakfast at the Beachside Bistro.
Sightseeing
Start the day with a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial (opens at 9 a.m. on most days). There is a lot to see and do – plan to spend 2-3 hours.
Looking to make your own flight history while you’re on the Outer Banks? Did you know you can fly a reproduction of the Wright Brothers’ 1902 Glider?
Contact Kitty Hawk Kites to learn more!
Afternoon
Lunch Options
You will be heading north so we suggest one of these two restaurants
- The Jolly Roger – eclectic, colorful and fun
- Art’s Place – a great local favorite near the beach with views from the upper deck
Sightseeing Options
After lunch take busy Highway 12 north to Corolla – it can take an hour or longer in summer. No need to stop in Duck because we suggest you return at sunset for spectacular views and dinner!
Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Built in 1873, this brick lighthouse with a 220-step staircase offers views, exhibits & a gift shop.
Historic Corolla Park – Spend some time exploring the park. The prestigious Whalehead is a popular property, the Center for Wildlife Education has a wealth of information, and the village is fun to explore. A visit to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund office is highly recommended.
Evening
Sunset and Dinner
The Boardwalk in the town of Duck is THE place to be at sunset! It is 0.8 miles long and it takes about 15 minutes to walk the entire boardwalk.
There is limited parking in the Town Park but you can also try the Waterfront Shops and public boat slips just north of the water tower.
There are several restaurants along the Boardwalk. Aqua is our favorite for a sunset dinner with both outside and inside seating.
For something a little different, try the Backside Bar! Great food and a fun tiki vibe.
Overnight
Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla
Day 7 – Wild Horses and Home
Our final morning on the Outer Banks of North Carolina! We go off-roading to see the famous wild horses of Corolla (pronounced: “Kuh-RAH-Luh”). Then, sadly, it is time to say goodbye!
Morning
Breakfast Options
Hampton Inn offers a free hot breakfast.
Activity Options – Wild Horses
If you drive a 4×4 vehicle, head to the end of Highway 12 and drive north on the beach for 2 miles or so in search of the wild horses. Please buy the necessary permits, etc.
A better option is to use a tour company with guides who see the horses almost daily and can you a much more interesting viewing experience. We suggest Wild Horse Adventure Tours – their reviews are stellar and we like the comfortable Hummer H1’s. The office is less than 10 minutes from the Hampton Inn.
Give yourself about 3 hours – 2 hour tour plus 1 hour waiting time, etc.
Afternoon
Lunch and Home
Depart Corolla and return home – if you have time for lunch, Downtown Duck has excellent lunch options!
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