Whether you’re planning a spring break vacation to the beach with the kids or simply trying to take advantage of shoulder season deals, rest assured that you’ll find amazing things to do on the Outer Banks in April! Maybe you see yourself attending an exciting annual event. Perhaps you’d prefer exploring the coastline and looking for Corolla’s wild horses. You can look forward to beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and loads of fun! Don’t forget to request our free Vacation Guide for even more ideas to include in your spring OBX itinerary!
8 Things to Do on the Outer Banks in April
1. Attend an OBX Annual Event
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the exciting events and festivals that the Outer Banks hosts throughout the year! In April, you can attend events such as the ones listed here.
The Flying Pirate Half Marathon
Join the Outer Banks Flying Pirate Half Marathon for a scenic 13.1-mile run through the coast, starting and ending at the Wright Brothers Memorial. Participate in the Fun Run, 5K, 8K, or take on the Double Dare Challenge. Dress in your best pirate costume for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy this experience that combines fitness, the beauty of the region, and the area’s rich history of aviation and piracy!
The Outer Banks Bike Week & Music Fest
The Outer Banks Bike Week & Music Fest is an exciting and high-energy celebration of motorcycles and music. Held each April in Harbinger, North Carolina, this week-long event features guided rides along the Outer Banks, custom bike shows, and stunt performances. Visitors can enjoy live concerts, DJ sets, and a variety of other entertainment options. Over 100 vendors showcase local crafts, while food trucks and beer gardens bring delicious flavors and beverages to the party. You can also expect to find poker runs, contests, and memorial rides. It’s the ultimate motorcycle rally blending adventure, entertainment, and breathtaking ocean views.
Flying into Spring Kite Festival
Celebrate spring at Jockey’s Ridge State Park during the Flying into Spring Kite Festival. Watch massive, colorful kites – ranging in size from 30 to 100 feet – soar above the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Enjoy professional stunt kite flying demonstrations, as well as free kite flying lessons, which allow everyone to participate! This is a truly wonderful event to bring the whole family to.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Head over to Kitty Hawk Kites each April for a delightful Easter Egg Hunt. This wholesome event features 15-minute hunts for the kids, with special prizes waiting to be discovered. So gather your friends and family and join in on the fun!
2. Enjoy Breezy Beach Weather
The weather on the Outer Banks in the spring sets the scene for countless outdoor adventures. The temperatures rise throughout April, reaching the mid-to-high 70s! It’s the perfect opportunity to hike and explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore and admire the area’s flora and fauna this time of year.
3. See Corolla’s Wild Horses
The entire family will appreciate the opportunity to see Corolla’s famous wild horses. These majestic Spanish colonial mustangs wander the sandy dunes. You won’t regret booking an Outer Banks horse tour while you’re in town!
Travel Tip: Be sure to check out Paramount Perks for discounted rates on horse tours!
4. Learn a New Watersport Before Summer
Use the chilly water temperatures as an incentive to stay on your board! Master a new-to-you watersport while you’re on Spring Break on the Outer Banks! Take lessons from experts who will guide you and share their knowledge. You’ll be kiteboarding in no time! Not quite ready to dip your toes all the way in yet? Try parasailing or hang gliding instead!
5. Dine at the Best Restaurants
In April, all of the local OBX restaurants begin reopening for the season. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch spot or a fancy fine-dining establishment, you’re in luck. Explore the best restaurants in Corolla and other surrounding beach town eateries during your vacation!
6. Beat the Crowds at Top OBX Attractions
One of the best parts about visiting the Outer Banks during shoulder season is that the best attractions will have fewer crowds than they would during the summer! Check out:
- The Best Outer Banks Shopping
- The Ocracoke Lighthouse
- The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- The Roanoke Island Aquarium
7. Reel in a Big Catch
Some say the fishing is even better on the Outer Banks in the springtime. Whether you’re looking to ride along with a charter for deep sea fishing or planning to keep your feet on land, surf fishing or pier fishing, you’re in for a “reel” treat!
8. Take Your Pooch to the Beach
Many of the beaches on the Outer Banks allow dogs on or off leash, depending on the time of year. Before the busy season hits, you and your best bud can spend your days frolicking in the sand and saltwater!
Travel Tip: Paramount Destinations offers a wide variety of beautiful vacation homes that allow dogs!
The Best Outer Banks Rentals for an April Vacation
If you decide to plan a vacation to the Outer Banks in April, be sure to stay in one of Paramount Destinations’ amazing properties! With homes scattered across the Outer Banks from Corolla to the Southern Shores, you can optimize your stay by selecting the perfect home for what you want to get out of your vacation! Once you choose the perfect place to stay, take a look at our OBX vacation packing list to start planning your trip!
Don’t get tricked! Save money when you book direct. Booking through third-party websites can often lead to hidden costs and fees. Our Outer Banks rental rates are clear as a bell so you can have the best OBX vacation experience!



