The 15 best things to do in Outer Banks (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck

   Outty Ranking89

   The Bender family continues a 50 year tradition of traveling in open air style safari vehicles north of Corolla along the ocean and sand dunes on a 2 hour, small group, excursion sharing history and ecology along the way. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.8/5 from 2,839 traveler reviews, 2h from $65, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Manteo Historic Walking Tour

   Outty Ranking84

   Join retired Police Chief D'Ambra for Manteo’s original Historic Candlelight Walking Tour. Take an evening stroll through the beautiful Historic Manteo Waterfront. Explore 450+ years of living history. Since 2004 he has. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 268 traveler reviews, 1h from $31, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Alligator River Kayak Adventure

   Outty Ranking73

   Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a 125,000 acre wildlife preserve managed by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. This incredible wildlife corridor was also home to an old logging and whiskey distilling. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.8/5 from 90 traveler reviews, 2h from $59, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Kitty Hawk Woods Kayak Tour

   Outty Ranking71

   The Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest Kayak Tour is hands down one of the best family ecotours experiences to be had on the islands of the OBX. A beginner friendly environment explores a calm, glassy creek that meanders t. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.7/5 from 87 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $49, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Kitty Hawk Maritime Forrest and Marsh Tour

   Outty Ranking70

   This is one of only a few maritime forests left along the Carolina Coast. The only way to view this area is on a kayak or paddleboard. Strongly Recommended at 70/100, 4.9/5 from 59 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $60, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks

   Outty Ranking70

   Our walking tour is something the entire family will enjoy. You'll be entertained as a guide leads you through downtown Manteo telling you the spooky tales that make the Outer Banks one of the most haunted beaches in the. Strongly Recommended at 70/100, 4.6/5 from 342 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $25.

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7. 

   7. Surf Lessons on the Outer Banks

   Outty Ranking70

   Learn to surf on the Outer Banks in one of our daily surf lessons. Lesson includes ocean safety, surfboard anatomy 101, paddling technique, proper pop up and foot placement and help in the water to catch as many waves as. Solid Choice at 70/100, 4.9/5 from 64 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $89, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks

   Outty Ranking70

   Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and discover more on your Outer Banks road trip. Hear fascinating stories and local tips, with directions playing automatically based on your location. This tour combines th. Solid Choice at 70/100, 4.6/5 from 47 traveler reviews, 2h from $17, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Dune Hang Gliding Lesson

   Outty Ranking69

   this is one of the closest ways to experience what the Wright Brother's experienced over 100 years ago as they trying to conquer the mystery of flight ... and only a few miles away from where they actually took their fir. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.9/5 from 89 traveler reviews, 2h from $158, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle (2 Tours)

    Outty Ranking68

    This bundle includes 2 Audio tours: • Cape Hatteras National Seashore • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Explore North Carolina's Outer Banks on this self-guided car tour. First, see the majestic Bodie Island Lighthouse a. Solid Choice at 68/100, 4.6/5 from 36 traveler reviews, 6h from $25, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Wild Dolphin Tours and Sunset Cruises in Outer Banks, NC

    Outty Ranking67

    Witness the playful dolphins of the Outer Banks in their natural habitat with Harbor Star Dolphin Tours. Set sail on a comfortable 40-foot pontoon boat for a family-friendly adventure that combines education and stunning. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.8/5 from 62 traveler reviews, 2h from $31.

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12. 

    12. Cape Hatteras Kayak Tour

    Outty Ranking67

    The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a must see on Hatteras Island. On this kayak tour, we frequently spot ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles just to name a few. We will. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.8/5 from 24 traveler reviews, 2h from $59, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows of Manteo

    Outty Ranking63

    Embark on a spine-chilling journey through the haunted landscapes of Manteo, where every step echoes with ghostly tales! This walking tour guides you along a mile of eerie beachfront and historic sites, with a local exp. Solid Choice at 63/100, 4.3/5 from 86 traveler reviews, 1h from $26, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

    Outty Ranking62

    Embark on a captivating drive along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore with this self-guided tour of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Dive into a rich tapestry of history, from tales of the Lost Colony to the legendary pir. Solid Choice at 62/100, 4.5/5 from 10 traveler reviews, 2h from $15, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Roanoke Island Kayak Tour

    Outty Ranking60

    The Roanoke Island Tour offers an enriching adventure through the scenic canals and marshes of Historic Roanoke Island. As you paddle, our knowledgeable guides share captivating stories about early English settlers and t. Solid Choice at 60/100, 4.8/5 from 11 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $60, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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