Awesome Free Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is one of the many treasures of North Carolina! Sitting off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks (OBX) is easily a top vacation area. And the best part you ask? While the Outer Banks can be an expensive vacation spot, there are lots of fun and free things to do in the Outer Banks throughout the year!
We visited the Outer Banks just after Labor Day and found that there were tons to see and do even in not so great weather! So below I’m covering some of the best free things to do in the Outer Banks, NC!
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Getting Around the Outer Banks
You will definitely need a car when traveling to the Outer Banks. I’d even recommend renting a Jeep with 4-wheel drive so you can cruise on the beach!
There are several spots you can drive directly to the Outer Banks, however, depending on where you are coming from, the quicker way might be to take your car on the ferry.
You will know this once you put in the address of your hotel in google.
Best Free Things to do in the Outer Banks
We recently spent a long weekend in the Outer Banks with Marley (our pup) and found tons of free things to do, all of which were dog friendly! While the Outer Banks is most known for having beautiful beaches, the Outer Banks has a lot more to offer!
1. Jockey’s Ridge
By far one of the coolest places I’ve visited in North Carolina, actually the United States, is in fact Jockey’s Ridge!
Have you ever heard of a “live” sand dune? Jockey’s Ridge located in Nag’s Head is the largest active sand dune in the Eastern United States.
With sand dunes that can reach 60 ft tall, I felt like I was in the Sahara desert! Visiting the dunes is such a unique experience in the USA, especially on the East coast!
Jockey’ Ridge Dunes are considered live dunes because the strong shifting winds are always changing the sand dunes landscape!
Jockey’s Ridge is easily one of the best free things to do in the Outer Banks! Some of the best things to do (although not all are free) include:
- Sandboarding/sliding
- Hang Gliding
- Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and dunes
- picnic
- Very popular for photoshoots
Dogs are allowed, but some things to keep in mind are that during the heat of the summer the sand can be extremely hot and burn their paws and the sand can blow a lot hitting them in their eyes.
If you are going during the summer with your pet, I’d suggest in the morning or afternoon to protect their paws. Furthermore, since dogs are lower to the ground, a lot of sand can hit them in the face. Some actually put goggles on their dogs!
Address: 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959
2. Bodie Lighthouse
Who doesn’t love a good lighthouse?! Bodie Lighthouse located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is easily one of the most popular lighthouses to visit in the Outer Banks.
There were actually 2 Bodie lighthouses before this one. The first lighthouse had major structural issues and the second one was destroyed during the civil war. I guess 3rd times a charm!
The Bodie (pronounced Body) was built in 1872 and stands 156 ft tall. The light can be seen 19 miles offshore!
The lighthouse has a huge lawn in the front and walking trails around the lighthouse making this another one of the top free things to do in the Outerbanks!
You can even climb to the top of the lighthouse (214 steps) for a small fee (closed 2020 season).
Additionally, while in the area of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, enjoy beaches, dunes, and scenic coastal views!
Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959
3. Visit the Corolla Wild Horses
Did you know the Outer Banks was home to wild horses?!? You read that right! There are wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that have been living on the beaches of Corolla for around 500 years!
While trying to spot them for free is easier said than done, it is definitely one of the coolest free things to do in the Outer Banks!
Before you go searching for the horses, please do not go within 50 ft of these wild animals and do NOT feed them anything (horses have died from food given to them).
The wild horses are located on the Corolla beach and can be seen frolicking down the beach and walking around people’s beachfront properties.
To see them you can walk and search the beach or drive a 4×4 vehicle since they tend to be a couple of miles down the beach.
If you plan on driving on the beach (permit may be required) yourself, you NEED a 4-wheel drive to go on the beach! You will find stations to release air from your tires (tires need to be around 20 lbs of pressure) as well as stations to fill your tires back up.
Additionally, if you drive yourself, make sure to check the tide. At high tide, there won’t be much beach to drive on.
If you don’t have any luck seeing the horses on your own (like us), there are tours that have a better idea of where to find them. If we don’t see them the next time, we might consider it.
Since we didn’t see horses, you can see cute horse pictures on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
Address: 1312 N Beach Access Rd, Corolla, NC 27927
4. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
While you are in the Corolla area consider also checking out the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This lighthouse is also free to visit and can be climbed (220 steps) for a small fee!
This lighthouse is unique for the fact that it’s not painted so you can see all the bricks!
The lighthouse stands at 162 ft, has approximately 1 million bricks and the light can be seen up to 18 nautical miles!
Address: 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927
5. Exploring the Waterfront Shops in Duck, NC
If you are looking for a little bit of retail therapy that comes with a view, then the Duck Waterfront shops are for you! Not only do they have regular shopping, but also restaurants.
So why are the Waterfront Shops on my guide to finding free things in the Outer Banks? Because you don’t actually have to shop at all, and instead just enjoy the vast boardwalk and listen the water like we did!
There are a lot of sitting areas along the deck giving tranquil vibes along with a little pond area that has chairs.
Address: 1240 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
6. Outer Banks Beach Hopping
Let’s be real. You likely came to the Outer Banks to enjoy the beach and lucky for you, it’s free and many beaches are dog friendly during low-season!
We were hoping to enjoy the beach during our visit but got hit with a cold front and the end of a hurricane in September.
Even though it was cold, some beaches we loved visiting include Corolla Beach, Kitty Hawk, and beaches around Bodie Lighthouse. Honestly, I am sure you can’t go wrong with any beaches around OBX!
Besides sitting in the sun, OBX beaches are known for great surfing, fishing, kayaking, dolphin spotting, and SUP boarding. Several beaches in Carova to Ocracoke even allow bonfires at night. Learn more about OBX bonfires here.
7. Drive the National Scenic Byway
Take a road trip down Route 12 and enjoy the scenic ocean views! The full Scenic Byway goes through 21 towns, 138 driving miles, and 25 miles on the ferry from North to South!
While the whole drive is not free (in the south end where you need to take ferries to cross) a large portion starting in the North all the way down to Hatteras is.
Find the full driving route of the National Scenic Byway here!
8. Shell Hunting
Shell hunting is a pretty big deal in the Outer Banks. Probably because North Carolina is known as one of the best places to go “shelling” in the world!
Therefore you can find people walking the coast in search of the best shells. Some of the best shell finds usually comes after a big storm, however, this isn’t the only time you can find shells!
Some common shells you can find in the Outer Banks include auger, the oyster driller, the periwinkle, the moon snail, and the sundial.
What to pack for the Outer Banks
Here are some items you shouldn’t forget when heading to OBX!
Sunscreen: I recommend reef-safe sunscreen. I use both: Juice Beauty 30 SPF Sport & Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin
Quick Dry Towels: I love quick dry towels for the beach because they are sand resistant and as the name suggests, they dry quickly! I personally love Dock & Bay towels!
Beach Items: Umbrella, snorkel gear, surfboard/skimboard, snacks, cooler, drinks
Clothing: Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly for the temperatures. Please note it can be windy, so a light jacket can be nice at night.
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When to Visit the Outer Banks, NC
As I mentioned above, you can visit the Outer Banks year-round, however, if you are specifically looking for beach weather, the best time to go is during the summer months (June- August).
During the summer (peak season) prices will be at their highest and accommodations will be harder to find, so make sure to book far in advance.
In the Fall months, prices and accommodation availability will be way more moderate. Moreover, since the weather can be so crazy around this time, you might even get summer weather!
However, there is also a chance you can get hurricane weather since the fall is the peak season for hurricanes. I’d strongly suggest travel insurance during these months.
Although the Outer Banks is a beach town, North Carolina does experience winter with temperatures that go below zero. However, if you are looking to have the coastal town to yourself, winter is a great time to go. Just keep in mind some attractions may be closed.
Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk | TownePlace Suites by Marriott Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills (Dog Friendly) | Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla | Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront (Dog Friendly) | Airbnb
Best Free Things in the Outer Banks Review
As you can see, there are still plenty of awesome things to do in the Outer Banks that are free and still lots of fun! Find additional destinations guides here!
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