When planning a vacation, it’s always nice to find a few budget-friendly recreation options. That is why we have compiled a list of 15 free things to do on the Outer Banks.
For more amazing things to do and how to make the most out of your OBX vacation, get our FREE Destination Guide.
Let’s dive into our list of fun and FREE activities your family will enjoy during your OBX vacation. From a night of stargazing to exploring iconic lighthouses, this is an awesome guide to no-cost fun. These may be no-cost things to do, but they are also some of the best activities around!
Stargazing
The Outer Banks’ minimal light pollution offers a stargazer’s paradise. Exploring the night sky from the OBX is like embarking on a cosmic odyssey. Click here for the best places to watch the stars near your vacation rental. Nothing brings your family together like a blanket on the beach and under the stars for a night of ultimate stargazing.
Scavenger Hunt
Wow!! Do we have an amazing FREEBIE for you! We have a fun and interactive free printable Outer Banks Scavenger Hunt just for you. This activity is perfect for children and adults of all ages and a great companion for beach-time fun. From finding coastal feathered friends to spying a surfboard, everyone will love this game. Check it out!
Hunt for Ghost Crabs
Who’s ready to go on a ghost hunt? Ghost Crab hunting, that is! One tradition that families enjoy is heading out to the beach after dark with flashlights to look for these iridescent ten-legged creatures. Because Ghost Crabs are primarily nocturnal, this is a great free activity for the entire family. Sweep the beach with the beam of your flashlight, and when you find a crab, they will typically freeze for a few moments. This gives you enough time to snap a pic or to see the details of these fascinating animals.
Watch a Beautiful Sunset
Watching a breathtaking sunset is one of the most magical things to experience on the OBX. Discover the best spots to catch a glorious. Admire the light as it refracts against the Atlantic Ocean or the Currituck Sound waters. Watch the clouds glow with oranges, pinks, and yellows. After an unforgettable day on the beach or exploring the OBX, this is the perfect way to end the day. Click here to learn more about our favorite locations for a stunning sunset.
Go for a Bike Ride
One free thing to do on the Outer Banks is go for a bike ride (when you bring your bike with you on vacation). Whether you hit a trail or ride your bike around the community, this is a recreation opportunity that your family will enjoy. If your vacation rental is close enough to shops and restaurants, you can ride your bike to get a scoop of ice cream or dinner. You can also ride a few of the local trails. Grab your helmet, and enjoy the journey!
Visit Downtown Manteo
Manteo is a hidden gem on the Carolina coast. This charming historic town is just a short drive from the northern Outer Banks and is the perfect place for a free downtown walking tour. There is a river lighthouse and a maritime museum. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is also located on Roanoke Island.
Surf Fishing
If you have your own surf fishing rods and tackle, this is an awesome free activity. It is also a wonderful way to experience one of our most treasured pastimes and a way of life. Fishing is essential to the culture of coastal NC. Surf fishing gives you a taste of this… and if the fish are biting… you can cook up some delicious seafood.
Kite Flying
Bring your kites with you on your OBX vacation. With a near-constant breeze and wide sandy beaches, this is an ideal place to fly your kite. Kids of all ages love to watch colorful kites soar against the Carolina blue sky.
Build a Sandcastle
What beach vacation would be complete without building a sandcastle? Be a kid again by grabbing sand pails and shovels, claiming your spot on the beach, and constructing an epic castle.
Note: If you dig a hole in the sand or a moat for your sandcastle, please fill those in before leaving the beach. They can become traps for sea turtles or places where humans can twist their ankles.
Beachcombing
Walking along the shore and searching for treasures of the sea is an iconic pastime for beachgoers. You can find a variety of seashells, bird tracks, and maybe even some sea glass or a stingray egg casing. Take a bag with you (preferably not plastic) to collect your treasures.
Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Fans of maritime history enjoy the many exhibits at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Peruse remnants of shipwrecks, wartime artifacts, and pirate displays as you immerse yourself in the rich history of the Outer Banks. This free museum in Hatteras allows you to admire models of famous vessels and read about renowned raiders. It is an attraction the whole family will enjoy.
Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Most people know Jockey’s Ridge State Park for having the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic Coast. This beautiful state park offers breathtaking views, great hiking, other opportunities for outdoor adventures, and FREE admission. Everyone in your family will find something fun among the dunes.
See the Wild Horses
Corolla is famous for its wild horses, and you may be lucky enough to see them. These majestic creatures have roamed our sandy shores for centuries, captivating visitors with their beauty. We have a list of the places where you may find the wild horses without booking a tour. Watching the horses in their natural habitat is a spectacular sight.
Visit a Lighthouse
The Outer Banks are also famous for their towering lighthouses. These coastal beacons have guided ships along the shoreline for hundreds of years. There are six NC lighthouses that you can visit within a day, and they are all free to view. Snap a selfie or a group photo, learn about maritime history, and take a moment to enjoy these national treasures.
Go Birdwatching
Did you know there is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching along our coast? This delightful and free thing to do on the Outer Banks is both educational and fun. If you have a pair of binoculars, be sure to bring them. There are many shorebirds, bird-of-prey, and even songbirds to see. Click here for the best places for birdwatching.
Which of these no-cost OBX activities will you try first? After a long day of exploring, you will be thrilled to return to your comfortable and spacious vacation rental. Our rental homes offer a variety of amenities, such as private pools or elevators. We even have pet-friendly rentals. Find one that is perfect for your next OBX getaway. For those who love a great deal, browse our selection of specials by clicking below.
