An Outer Banks summer is all about sun-kissed adventures, warm ocean breezes, and unforgettable memories. And when it comes to summer getaways, there’s no place quite like the OBX. Nestled along the picturesque coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks offers a diverse range of experiences that will make your summer truly extraordinary. Whether you are traveling as a family, a large multi-generational group, or a couple, summer on the OBX is adored by all. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best ways to savor every moment and create cherished memories during your summer on the Outer Banks.
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Soak Up the Sun on Pristine Beaches
The Outer Banks is renowned for its pristine, sandy beaches stretching for miles. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful spot to relax or an active beachfront for water sports, you’ll find it all here. Grab your sunscreen, pack a beach towel, and indulge in sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, playing games, picnicking, and sandcastle building. Don’t forget to catch the breathtaking sunrise or sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, a truly mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe.
We know that beach days are a given when visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. However, a great day at the beach is what a beach vacation is all about. Visitors are encouraged to practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen and UV protective clothing, enjoying down time in the shade, and taking breaks from the sun during the hottest parts of the day. Staying well hydrated is another key to ensuring an enjoyable vacation. So be sure to stoke up on water and your favorite sports drink.
Dive into Water Sports and Activities
For the adventure enthusiasts, the Outer Banks offers an array of thrilling water sports and activities. Embark on an exhilarating surfing or paddleboarding session, where you can ride the rolling waves or glide through calm waters. Kayaking, parasailing, and kiteboarding are other popular options to explore the coastal beauty and experience an adrenaline rush. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Outer Banks provides ample opportunities to make a splash and create unforgettable aquatic memories.
There is also diving, off-shore and in-shore fishing, jet skis, and more. If you aren’t into water sports but still like a splash, check out the H2OBX Waterpark.
Discover Outer Banks’ Rich History and Culture
Beyond its natural beauty, the Outer Banks boasts a rich history and vibrant culture waiting to be explored. Visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the coastline. Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, where you can learn about the area’s maritime history and shipwrecks. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in local seafood delicacies, visit charming coastal villages, and engage with the friendly Outer Banks community.
Play a Round of Golf on the Outer Banks
Enjoy a morning or evening on the green with a friendly game of golf. Summer heat can be quite severe in our area, so be sure to plan accordingly. The Outer Banks offers fantastic options for golf courses with breathtaking ocean views, uncrowded greens, and gorgeous landscapes. Check out our golf guide to help you add a round of golf or two to your summer vacation itinerary.
Explore the Outer Banks’ Natural Wonders
Nature lovers will be captivated by the Outer Banks’ remarkable landscapes. Explore our state parks, including the breathtaking beauty of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest active sand dune system on the East Coast. Take a scenic hike along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore or the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, where you can observe diverse OBX wildlife and discover hidden gems along the way. For a unique experience, embark on a wild horse tour in Corolla, where you can witness the majestic wild horses roaming freely.
Don’t forget to bring your bug spray. We are just as famous for our mosquitoes as we are our lighthouses.
Indulge in Fresh Seafood and Local Delights
No summer on the Outer Banks is complete without savoring the delectable seafood and local culinary delights. Treat your taste buds to freshly caught fish, succulent shrimp, and mouthwatering crab cakes. Sample the Outer Banks’ signature dishes such as steamed oysters, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits. Visit local seafood markets and farm stands to gather ingredients for a memorable beachside picnic or a cozy family barbecue. If you haven’t tried a coastal NC watermelon or homegrown tomatoes, then you have been missing out!
Visit a Winery or Brewery
Summer evening and a glass of wine go hand in hand. Wine lovers can elevate their experience with a visit to one of our wineries. North Carolina is known for our sweet and easy to sip muscadine wine. You can even learn about the “mother vine”, that is located here on the Outer Banks. Take a winery tour, enjoy a wine tasting, and stock up with enough wine to enjoy at your vacation rental and to take home with you.
If wine isn’t your thing, then you could check out one of our Outer Banks breweries for a brew that is just for you.
Summer School is in Session
There are so many amazing opportunities for educational experiences while enjoying an Outer Banks Summer. Whether you are a geek at heart or traveling with children that you would like to challenge during their summer vacation, there is something for you. The entire family could participate in a unit study on dolphins, or you could make a video about what you learned at one of our historic landmarks or museums. No matter how you decide to sneak a little education into your summer, the OBX is the place to do it.
Relax and Unwind
Are you ready to relax and unwind during your OBX vacation? Perhaps a massage, a facial, or other spa treatment is in order. Another way to relax and release tension is with a yoga on the beach experience.
This is also the perfect time to reconnect and rest with your someone special on a romantic getaway.
Celebrate an Event or Special Day
There are so many great ways to celebrate summer on the Outer Banks. Come for Memorial Day to kickoff summer, Father’s Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day. You can plan an Outer Banks summer wedding or elopement that will be the most memorable event of the season. This is also a great time of year to plan a girls’ trip. The beach is an amazing place to celebrate special days and events.
The Outer Banks offers a summer experience like no other, where you can bask in the sun, dive into thrilling adventures, explore rich history, immerse in nature’s wonders, and indulge in culinary delights. This coastal paradise promises to create lasting memories that will stay with you long after the summer fades away. So, pack your bags, embrace the magic of the Outer Banks, and let this summer be a celebration of sun, sea, and joy.
Plan your summer getaway to the Outer Banks today and embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and craving for more. Our vacation experts are standing by to help you find the perfect rental home for your OBX escape! You can browse by area, by amenities, dog-friendly properties, number of bedrooms, homes with private pools, rentals with elevators, or even specific Corolla communities.
