7 Romantic Reasons Couples Should Experience the OBX

By AdventurPro on Jan. 01, 2024

Picture golden shoreline stretching for miles, pillow-soft sand underfoot, and turquoise water averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to the horizon. Now imagine finding that scene in the southeastern region of the United States. The Outer Banks is an enormous sandbar in North Carolina that emerged from the sea between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. It is made up of 3 barrier islands: Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island, and the Northern Beaches. Each month brings its own advantages for an OBX visit, and this guide shares our seven favorite romantic reasons couples should make the trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

B.E.A.C.H. – Best Escape Anyone Can Have

The beaches of the Outer Banks run for miles and are home to our country’s first national seashore. This is America’s first beach! A romantic way to take in that national treasure is on horseback. Our first recommended experience is Equine Adventures, a horseback riding center on Hatteras Island.

Hatteras Island is a barrier island off the North Carolina coast, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Pamlico Sound. Its long barrier island shoreline makes it one of the longest islands in the continental United States. One favorite stop along highway 12 on the way to the horseback ride was Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants. It also supports and protects endangered and threatened species, including loggerhead sea turtles. It was one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.

After passing through the refuge, we continued to Equine Adventures. When we arrived, we met our horses, Oz & Presley, and were immediately charmed by their vivid personalities. The ride began in a lovely Maritime forest, with towering Southern Live Oak and Loblolly Pine trees overhead. The location sits about two miles from the beach, and the journey there is a scenic ride set to the sounds of the forest. Once the trail reached the forest’s edge, each rider could choose how to make the beach entrance: canter in style, continue with an easy walk, or show off a little.

We chose to canter out and let the horses lead. That moment became the highlight of the outing: salty ocean air moving through our hair, the shoreline unfolding around us, and the whole scene feeling like something from a Nicholas Sparks movie. The guides allow about thirty solid minutes to enjoy the beach with your horse before ending with a few quick photos. For couples, it is hard to beat riding beside the person you love on beautiful horses while sun shines over glassy ocean water and golden sand. Our suggestion is to book the second tour of the day, so you can sleep in that extra hour and have a better chance of sunshine when you arrive at the tides. The full activity covers about six miles of riding.

Love at First Flight

Next, take in the Outer Banks from above with an open-cockpit flight and aerial tour from OBX Biplanes. The experience offers sweeping views over the North Carolina coast, paired with a narrated airplane tour from a professional. It works especially well for couples because the plane seats only two people in the front, with one professional pilot in the back, making the flight feel intimate. For us, it was the first time flying with the top half open and cool air all around.

The route blends scenery with history, passing standout sights such as Jeannette’s Pier on the oceanfront, the Wright’s Brothers Monument, Jockey’s Ridge, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse in the distance. Dolphins, sea turtles, and large schools of fish are also commonly visible in the current below. We did not spot any marine life on our flight, but the views were more than enough. Near the end, the pilot asked whether we liked rollercoasters, and we both instantly gave two thumbs up. Suddenly, the plane dipped down and rose back up, creating a rollercoaster-style rush that sent tingles through our whole bodies. We laughed like kids and asked the pilot to do it again before returning to the airport. Our recommendation is to choose the Deluxe Air tour and say yes to the rollercoaster moment if it is offered.

After that incredible flight over the Outer Banks, we made our way to The Wright Brothers Memorial. This is a MUST SEE when visiting the Outer Banks. The Wright Brothers Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, commemorates the first successful, sustained, powered flights in a heavier than air machine. Wind, sand, and a dream of flying brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, where after four years of scientific experimentation, they completed the first successful flights on December 17, 1903. Their achievement changed the world forever. It felt meaningful to us because our work centers on showcasing tourism, and without airplanes, we would not have been able to visit the beautiful Outer Banks.

Kayak Kisses

After horseback riding through the Maritime forest, it was time to paddle through the Maritime river. On the third day of our stay, we went to the Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf school to discover another side of the Outer Banks. Guests can choose between a single kayak and a double rider kayak. We picked the double person kayak and launched into the river.

Tyler, our trained and friendly professional, led the two-hour tour. Along the banks and in the river, common wildlife sightings include snapping turtles, otters, and snakes. We did not see any of them, but the outing still felt incredible and romantic as we floated quietly through the trees in the fall breeze with the person we love. Our advice is to choose the double person kayak, since rowing together through the forest river adds a sweet romantic touch.

Sail Away with Me

Set sail around the Outer Banks and into the sunset aboard a forty-one foot Gulf star. Open a bottle of champagne, enjoy bite size caprese, and watch seagulls move across the Manteo waterfront. That was our evening with Sail Outer Banks, a private company owned by a local husband and wife. Private sail charters are offered for up to six guests, but the experience feels especially ideal for a couple of lovebirds.

We brought snacks and drinks to make the sail even better. During the first half, we took turns at the steering wheel and captured timeless photos around the boat.

For the second half, we rested together on the bow, watching the sun sink into the ocean as the warm breeze shifted into crisp air.

The full outing lasted around three hours, and it was a wonderful way to see the Outer Banks from the water. Our recommendation is to book an evening sail, since that timing created the most romantic ambiance for us.

Lighthouses Made for Love

There are many lighthouses worth visiting across the Outer Banks, but two stood out as our favorites. The first is Bodie Lighthouse, which rises about one hundred and seventy feet high and was first lit in 1872. The grounds include the original house in the center, plus a bridge walkway leading to a veranda set in the middle of the marshy field.

After taking in the beautiful views around the property, we headed to our second stop: Cape Hatteras Light Station of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Climbing this lighthouse would be like scaling a twelve-story building, though we chose not to go up. Seeing the black and white spiral bands, red brick base, and granite corners from ground level was plenty for us. Even without the climb, the area offers many gorgeous scenic spots for a timeless photograph with your loved one.

Oh Darling, Let’s be Adventurers

Hang gliding might not sound romantic at first, but an adventure shared with your loved one can be its own kind of romance. The day before leaving, we went to Jockey’s Ridge, where sand dunes measure from twenty to sixty-eight feet high. Kitty Hawk kites is a school that teaches several aerial activities, including its famous hang gliding experience.

After watching a twenty-minute safety video with tips and tricks for a successful hang-glide experience, we went out onto the dunes to practice what we had learned. Our instructors were Jesse and Luke, who had completed almost two thousand hang glides over the years. It felt incredibly special for both of us to fly solo for the very first time with help from such awesome instructors. The whole excursion lasted around three hours, and we felt the time was absolutely worthwhile. Our recommendation is to ask for our instructors by name, because they will definitely show you a great time.

Serene Spa

We saved the best for last, and naturally it was the most relaxing experience we shared. The Sanderling Resort is located in the town of Duck, exactly a thirty-minute drive from our hotel in Kitty Hawk. The spa at the Sanderling offered romantic ambiance, exceptional service, and world-class amenities.

Our reservation included a couple’s massage along with access to the lounge and serenity area. After a complimentary tour of the facilities, we were ready to enjoy the massage. Following a quick introduction to our masseuse, we settled into a fifty minutes couples massage. The afternoon ended perfectly with hot cinnamon tea and delicious organic fruits and nuts.

Culinary Cuisine

The Outer Banks serves a wide range of food, from deep-fried made-to-order doughnuts to fresh daily caught fish prepared in several ways. Our top breakfast pick is Duck Donuts. On any day of the week, you may see a line of people waiting to get one of these creative and delicious creations. The made-to-order donuts are as fresh as possible, prepared right in front of you from dough to deep-fried, then decorated however you prefer. There is an original menu to help you choose, but for us the decision was easy. We ordered three donut styles featuring vanilla, streusel, apple, and cinnamon sugar, two vanilla sprinkled, and the staple favorite maple bacon. It is a highly recommended breakfast stop when visiting the OBX.

For lunch, our favorite highlight was Lost Colony Tavern, located right by the pier. We enjoyed a baked brie appetizer, a shrimp melt sandwich with onion rings, and Katelyn’s melt chicken sandwich.

Dinner became our favorite meal of the day when we stepped into Diamond Shoal’s restaurant in Buxton. Shoals has an original owner of thirty years plus, an authentic menu, and fresh caught fish daily. It is the only restaurant on this part of the Island where you can find sushi, with some of the most creative style rolls available. Our dinner included the house favorite Lion Sushi roll, a lightly breaded Sheepshead dinner, and a fried Flounder dinner served with sweet potato fries.

Another FAVORITE Outer Banks restaurant experience was The Lifesaving Station at the Sanderling Resort. The food was incredible, and the presentation was outstanding. The Lifesaving Stations were originally built along the Atlantic shores to help wayward passengers and crew aboard shipwrecked vessels. Historical memorabilia and nautical artifacts are displayed throughout the restaurant.

We also recommend TRIO Wine, Beer, and Cheese, which has the best Grilled Cheeses and wine in town. Two more dinner favorites were The Black Pelican, known for great bacon wrapped scallops, and JK’s Restaurant, where a delicious Filet Mignon was available.

Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/ Kitty Hawk

The grounds at this property were truly beautiful. Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/ Kitty Hawk sits on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, with stunning views of the beach and fishing pier from the private balconies of every guest room. The property includes a gorgeous indoor and outdoor pool, a beautiful patio with fire pits, a fully equipped fitness center, a video game arcade, free parking, and free wi-fi. Begin the day with breakfast at the on site restaurant Garden Grill, then walk out to the fishing pier for family fun.

Conclusion

The Outer Banks is a romantic paradise for couples, where love can be found in nearly every experience. Enjoy the southern charm and hospitality through the activities above, or build your own itinerary of memorable moments. Thank you for reading, and always remember your Adventure Awaits!