10 OBX Views Made for Instagram

Written by Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on Sep. 03, 2025

On the Outer Banks, your photos can hold more than vacation memories. It’s an ideal setting to ease your pace, look closer, and take the shot. Rolling surf, massive dunes, and iconic lighthouses all make natural photo subjects. Add extra personality to your OBX visual story with welcoming coffee shops and striking murals. Here are 10 of the most photo-ready views across the Outer Banks.

1. Jockey's Ridge Sand Dunes

Make your way up America’s tallest active sand dune system and choose your favorite place to pose. Hang gliders and kite flyers often add motion and color to the scene, and Jockey's Ridge becomes especially dramatic around sunset. Remember that park hours vary by season, so plan accordingly.

2. Welcoming Coffee Shops

Across the Outer Banks, locally owned coffee shops offer warm, character-filled backdrops for Instagram photos. Stop by Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, Shore Coffee Roasters, Front Porch Cafe, and other coffee shops to discover the atmosphere that fits your style. Ordering something playful or colorful can give your photo an added focal point.

3. An OBX Lighthouse

Dare County features several lighthouses and life saving stations, among them Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which began a restoration project in 2023, is America’s tallest lighthouse and creates a bold, beautiful background. For a more playful shot, any of the lighthouses can become part of the composition.

4. Striking Murals

Roughly About 20 murals and large art pieces appear across the Outer Banks, stretching through an astounding 70 miles. You’ll find them on shop exteriors and tucked into unexpected places, including the Reclaimed Wave at the Seagreen Gallery and the Butterfly Wings at the Kitty Hawk Super Wings store. Wherever you are along the coast, chances are good that a mural is close by.

5. The Duck Soundside Boardwalk

The Duck Soundside Boardwalk is another scenic photography stop. It begins at the southern end of the Village and runs .62 miles to the Waterfront Shops. With marsh grass around you and water below, this spot sets up a naturally beautiful Outer Banks photo.

6. An OBX Pier

The Outer Banks has 7 picturesque piers that create standout Insta-worthy settings. Sunrise and sunset are especially striking times to photograph them, though the views can make a strong image at any hour. Some piers require paid entry, but nearby areas still provide good angles for photos.

7. The Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the place where the Wright Brothers completed their first successful flight on December 17, 1903. In this landscape where history meets open sky, you’ll find many spots for memorable and historic photos. Check park hours before you go.

8. Ice Cream Shops

The ice cream selection on the Outer Banks is seriously abundant. Every town and village has its own distinctive places to enjoy a scoop. Visit The Chill Spot, Noosa Scoops, Surfin' Spoon, and more to find the setting that feels right for your photo. See how many stops on the Ice Cream Trail you can capture.

9. Any Beach, Any Time

Of course, the beach belongs on the list. Ocean scenes may be among the most beautiful photos you can take on the Outer Banks. From sunrise through sunset and every moment between, the natural beach landscape is a must-have for OBX Instagram posts. Use the list of beach accesses to choose the entry point that works best for you.

10. The View from Your OBX Stay

The many places to stay on the Outer Banks each bring something special. It might be a polished interior, a beautiful pool, or an unforgettable view, but your vacation space can offer endless photo possibilities. The only question is which scene you’ll photograph first.