How to Spend a Long Weekend in the Outer Banks

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According to The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, tourism is their #1 industry. The Outer Banks get more than 5 million visitors a year.

I lived in Virginia during my 20s and first visited the Outer Banks in 1995. Since the ’90s, the North Carolina Outer Banks have become increasingly popular. Homes, hotels, and rentals line up against the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy a long weekend and visit the Outer Banks! Spend time at the beach, a lighthouse, eating fresh seafood, shopping, and outdoor activities.

The Outer Banks is One of My Top 3 Places to Go

A fun fact about myself is that I live in the desert. However, anyone who knows me knows I am a total beach lover!

Out of all the places I have lived or visited, the Outer Banks is one of my top 3 places to go.

The beaches are sandy and white, the restaurants and stores are inviting, and the scenery is visually appealing.

I have been lucky to have recently gone back to the Outer Banks area. I traveled there during the Summer of 2020 and again in June of 2023.

Whether you enjoy sitting out on the beautiful shores, walking your dog, sightseeing, shopping, or eating fresh food, the Outer Banks has something for everyone.

Spend Time on the Beach

Regardless of which area you decide to visit, the beaches in the Outer Banks are breathtaking.

If you are not a water person, think about people-watching. It is exciting to watch others surf, swim, and paddleboard. Even dogs love to take walks on the beaches of the Outer Banks.

The most popular beaches are:

Corolla Beach
Duck Beach
Hatteras Island
Kill Devil Hills
Kitty Hawk
Nags Head
Ocracoke Island
Rodanthe Beach

Download my free Travel Planner to help you prepare for your next vacation!

Visit a Lighthouse

The lighthouses in the Outer Banks area are Instagram-worthy.

I suggest visiting each lighthouse with enough time to explore the area and walk up to the top if given the chance.

Bodie Island Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

Shopping

You can find a souvenir shop on every corner.

With tourists all year, souvenir shops are busy, especially in the summertime.

A popular place to stop and get your favorite beer, wine, or beverage is Brew Thru. Brew Thru has been around since 1977 and is known for the quick convenience of not getting out of your vehicle while purchasing a beverage.

They have merchandise for all ages.

If you appreciate everything about Christmas, you will enjoy shopping at Christmas Mouse.

I first experienced a Christmas Mouse store in Williamsburg, VA. I was in awe of the store and have since enjoyed visiting their locations in Virginia Beach and Nags Head.

They have ornaments, home décor, and much more.

You can find discounted name brands at the Outlets Nags Head. And for souvenirs, trinkets, towels, t-shirts, lotions, kites, and beach chairs, I visit Super Wings.

Restaurants and Snacks

There are some great places to eat while enjoying the outdoor sun or indoor eats when you need to get out of the rain.

I have traveled with my family during my last two trips to the Outer Banks; therefore, finding a spot to eat for a vegetarian, seafood lover, and meat eater is always a difficult task.