The beach is a whole different world. There's nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes and the sea spray on your face. However, one thing better is tradition. I love being able to say that I've been somewhere every summer since I was born (actually even before I was born). Why? Because I'm all about tradition which means great memories time and time again. In fact, my greatest tradition is family vacations to my little slice of heaven: Outer Banks, N.C., better known as OBX. OBX is beautiful, friendly, and full of tons of activities. If you ever have time to visit OBX, here is my list of things you should do, see and places to eat (because local restaurants are an experience in themselves).
1. Kitty Hawk.
It is one of the major cities located on OBX and is full of restaurants and shops as well as a great beach view!
2. Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The Outer Banks made their name with the launch of the Wright Brothers' first flight. So it is a definite must to go visit the memorial. You can see replicas of the plane as well as their previous bicycle business. Don't forget walking the first flight path!
3. Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
Now this spot is not for those with a fear of heights. With 220 steps this lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses left standing. Definitely a place with a bird's eye view!
4. Awful Arthur's.
Local restaurant with the best waitstaff and the best seafood! If only I could live off of their hushpuppies.
5. Mulligan's.
Another great local restaurant with a great beer selection that pairs perfectly with their shrimp po'boy and soft shell crab sandwiches.
6. Nags Head Hammocks.
A tourist shop, but everyone loves a good hammock.
7. Sweet Cups Frozen Yogurt.
If you're at the beach, you gotta get some cold, delicious treats. My personal favorite is frozen yogurt. Especially when I walk from my beach house to the shop.
8. The Cotton Gin.
One of the best places to get souvenir gifts. Can't leave OBX without a T-shirt and a Highway 12 sticker or magnet.
9. The Lost Colony.
A live-action play located in an outdoor theater. It tells the story of the first colony to arrive in the Americas. Includes the attack by the Indians as well as the disease and hard Eastern winters, all with great costumes, incredible set designs, sound effects, and top-notch acting. One of the coolest things to see while in OBX. Trust me, you'll still be talking about it several years later.
10. North Carolina Aquarium.
While you're relaxing by the beach, you might as well stop by the aquarium and see some sea creatures!
11. The Wild Horses.
Located north on Croatan Highway in the far recesses of the beach are some of nature's finest beauties. And I mean they are beautiful! Like something out of a picture! Plus OBX offers wild horse tours.
12. Jockey's Ridge State Park.
Hang gliding, dune rolling, and dune climbing. This is the beach at its finest.
13. Parasailing.
This is a must because you will be able to get a bird's-eye view of OBX as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the sound! Plus it's just a lot of fun.
14. Whalehead Club.
History and upper class. Gotta love it.
15. Ocracoke Lighthouse.
It's a far drive to Ocracoke, especially since you must take a ferry to actually get to the island. However, it is definitely worth it. Lots of culture and lots of fun.
16. Lighthouses, in general.
Since you're at the beach, you might as well see some of the attractions that got these locations started. After all, someone had to be the first to say, "Hey there's land here, come this way!"
17. Last but definitely not least: the beach!
Coming to OBX is one thing. But you gotta take the time to visit and enjoy the actual beach. The sand is beautiful, with wonderful scenery and some of the best waves ever!
I love OBX; the sand and surf are in my veins. So I hope you enjoy my little list of things to do on the great barrier islands! But trust me, there are definitely way more than just this list. I find something new each time I visit. Sand, sun and surf: the OBX life.
