Outer Banks Sightseeing:
Experience the History and Beauty of the Outer Banks.

You've over done it on the beach, now what? It’s time for some Outer Banks sightseeing. What is there to do besides surf and sand? Plenty! The Outer Banks has a plethora of interesting things to see perfect for those rainy days … or days after getting too much sun.

One such sightseeing adventure is to take a tour to see the Spanish mustang reserve and see the famous wild horses of Corolla in the Carova area. There are both 4WD and kayaking tours available.

Another Outer Banks sightseeing destination is the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This landmark commemorates Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first successful airplane flights in Kill Devil Hills in 1903.

The Lost Colony is another Outer Banks sightseeing attraction. The show, performed at the Lost Colony Waterside Theater, commemorates the approximately 120 English settlers who attempted to establish a colony in the New World long before either Jamestown or Plymouth from 1584-1587. The Lost Colony can be found on Roanoke Island. You will need to buy tickets to see the show.

The Elizabethan Gardens can be found adjacent to The Lost Colony Waterside Theater. It is open year round, seven days a week. The Elizabethan Gardens was established as a memorial to those original English settlers.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras, is another popular Outer Banks sightseeing attraction. The waters off of the Outer Banks have one of the highest densities of shipwrecks in the world. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of that history.

Another popular Outer Banks attractions is the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station located in Rodanthe. It was first manned in 1874 by the U.S. Life-Saving Service (later evolving into the U.S. Coast Guards) and was the first of its kind in North Carolina. It remained in service until 1954. It remains one of the most complete sites preserved in the U.S.

Another museum you might want to visit located in Frisco is the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center. It is a non-profit educational foundation created to preserve Native American artifacts, art and culture.

Not a history buff, but you still want to do a little Outer Banks sightseeing? The North Carolina Aquarium may be a good choice. The North Carolina Aquarium is located in Manteo on Roanoke Island. It is open daily from 9-5 year round. There is a fee to get in.

If you would like to enjoy the sheer beauty of the Outer Banks, there are also some outdoor things to see. Jockeys Ridge State Park, located in Nags Head, is the tallest natural sand dune on the east coast. This is a haven for kite flying and hang gliding.

Oregon Inlet is located just south of Nags Head in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Oregon Inlet marina is home to one of the largest fishing fleets on the East Coast, and can satisfy whatever fishing experience you may desire.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends from just south of Nags Head to just north of Ocracoke. It is maintained by the U.S. National Park Service, and is a sanctuary for birds and animals of many types. It is also known for all types of water sports, from fishing to surfing to wind and kite surfing. To see the Outer Banks in its pristine state, it is worth a trip to this area of the Outer Banks. Located in the northern end of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge has two hiking trails to enjoy the beauty of this area. If you are a birder, this is a must see.

The Outer Banks is also home to four lighthouses: Currituck Lighthouse, Bodie Lighthouse, Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the most famous one, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Take a trip to see some of the most breathtaking views of the Outer Banks. To see where these Outer Banks sightseeing opportunities are located, follow this link to see the map of the Outer Banks.

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