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Browse the Local Gift Shops and Boutiques

Whether your shopping interests are high-end boutiques, art galleries, local souvenir shops or seafood markets, you will find a variety of stores up and down the Outer Banks. Whether you are as far north as Corolla or as far south as Ocracoke, you could spend a day browsing in local shops and galleries. Duck and Corolla feature the most high-end boutiques, while Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head shopping is more practical and affordable. Manteo/Roanoke Island has a variety of stores as well, but focuses more on antiques, art and high-end boutiques. Hatteras Island shopping is practical and features more surf and souvenir shops than the other types. Ocracoke Island also has a variety of shopping, and since the Village is so small you can walk or bike between stores. Wherever you are, you will be able to find the perfect Outer Banks gift or souvenir to take home with you.

Embark on a Civil War Trail Journey

The Civil War plays a role in the history of the Outer Banks, and several historical markers will tell you the story. Along the Civil War Trail of the Outer Banks, you will find important monuments and displays reminiscent of the War. The historical marker for the Battle of Chicamacomico Races, which was the battle when the Confederacy attempted to reclaim Hatteras Island from the Union, is located across from the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe. Another part of Civil War history is the Freedmen's Colony in Manteo, which is located at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and was a colony set up after Union forces captured the island. For more information on other historical markers and sites, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or Canoeing

People of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873.

Go Golfing

The Outer Banks is home to a variety of golf courses to suit golfers ranging from novice to experienced skill levels. Nags Head Golf Links is an 18-hole championship located at Milepost 15 in Nags Head, and can be reached at (800) 851-9404. The Sea Scape Golf Links is also an 18-hole championship course that is built around the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest with a beautiful view of the ocean. Sea Scape Golf Links can be reached at (252) 261-2158. The Duck Woods Country Club is an 18-hole course located at Milepost 1 in Southern Shores and can be reached at (252) 261-2609. Hatteras Island also has a golf course, Ocean Edge Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course on the oceanfront in Frisco. They can be reached at (252) 995-4100. Whichever course you choose is sure to keep you thinking about "the day you went golfing on the Outer Banks."

Try Your Luck at Crabbing

Crabs can be caught in local sound waters from late spring into early fall, but the best months for crabbing are May, June and July. Crabbing can be a fun activity for both adults and children and is relatively simple. You need a length of cord with suitable bait tied to one end. Chicken necks or fish heads work well for enticing the crabs onto your line. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull gently on the line to see if you have a crab nibbling on the other end. Some more experienced crabbers prefer to use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. When you are done, boil your catch, and enjoy! If you prefer not to eat your catch, it is also fun to catch and release them back into the water.

Take a Scenic Flight Tour

If you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and waters will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as the Oregon Inlet, one of the four area lighthouses, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and more! For a tour of the northern Outer Banks, you may contact Kitty Hawk Aero Tours at (877) 274-2461 or Outer Banks Seaplanes at (252) 475-1007. Kitty Hawk Aero Tours depart from the Manteo Airport. Outer Banks Seaplanes take off and land on the Roanoke Sound. For a tour of Hatteras and/or Ocracoke Islands, contact Burris Flying Service at (252) 986-2679. Prices for the above services start between $30 and $75 per person, depending on the size of your group and the length of your flight. You will want to call ahead to make reservations.

Take Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

Though there is some controversy over whether it should be allowed or not, you can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck, and you may not go over 25 mph while driving on the beach. Some places don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111.

Take Your Kids To a Local Educational Camp

Because of the various educational opportunities for children on the Outer Banks, several local organizations offer partial-day and full-day camps, most of which last five days. Organizations that have kids' camps are as follows: The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island at (252) 473-3493, The KDH Cooperative Gallery at (252) 441-9888, The Kitty Hawk Sports Kids Kayak Clinic at (252) 441-6800, The Outer Banks Family YMCA at (252) 449-8897, Dare County Parks and Recreation at (252) 473-1101, ext. 313, Dare County Cooperative Extension at (252) 473-1101, ext. 442, Ocean Atlantic Rentals Surf School at (800) 635-9559 and Club Hatteras Kids at (252) 995-4600. These programs will be fun for the kids while they learn about various aspects of the Outer Banks.

Visit the Nags Head Hammocks Store Near You

Nags Head Hammocks is an original Outer Banks store that crafts original rope hammocks, swings and chairs, as well as their own curved cypress hammock stands and hammock swing stands. All of their products are handcrafted in their seven stores, all located on the Outer Banks. Their products have become well-known for their comfort, durability and attention to detail. All of their locations put several pieces on display for you to test. If you are unable to purchase one of these great items during your stay on the Outer Banks, you also have the option to purchase on-line at their web site. For more information, you may contact Nags Head Hammocks at (800) 344-6433.

Go Windsurfing in the Calm Sound Waters Throughout the Outer Banks

There are several great sound side locations on the Outer Banks where you can go windsurfing. Canadian Hole, located between Avon and Buxton, is the most popular because of the wind and water conditions in the area. Nags Head sound side access at Milepost 16 and Jockey Ridge State Park's sound side access are popular spots to launch as well. If you don't know how to windsurf but would like to try it, you can take lessons at numerous places on the Outer Banks. If you are in the northern Outer Banks, you may want to try Kitty Hawk Watersports of Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. If you are on Hatteras Island, you can take lessons from Windsurfing Hatteras at (866) 995-6644 or Hatteras Island Sail Shop at (252) 987-2292.