Family-Friendly Food, Fun, and Unforgettable Experiences in the Outer Banks, NC

Discover memorable flavors, welcoming attractions, and family-friendly adventures throughout the Outer Banks and along the Carolina coast.

By Travlinmad
Mar. 13, 2023

The Outer Banks, NC makes an appealing Mid-Atlantic escape, whether you're traveling with the whole family or planning a peaceful weekend for two. These rustic barrier islands sit off the shores of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Known affectionately as the OBX, the narrow chain of islands and sandbars has a romantic sound and a remarkable history.

The area is associated with a series of firsts: America's First Beach, where the English first attempted to settle in the New World; First National Seashore at Cape Hatteras; and the Wright Brothers' First Flight. It has also hosted generations of first family vacations.

Despite that long history and the many visitors who have returned over the years, there is still plenty of space to explore. Mass development has been limited and, in some places, occasionally washed away. Mother Nature remains in charge, periodically reminding locals and visitors who's boss. That natural force is central to what the OBX has always been—and what it remains today.

Things to Do in the Outer Banks, NC

Wright Brothers Memorial

The Wright Brothers selected the Outer Banks for flight experiments because of its wind, sand, and isolation. At the Wright Brothers Memorial, those three elements become easy to picture as you imagine the brothers working across the open dunes—now covered in grass—to lift their biplane contraption into the air.

Visitors can see the reconstructed camp building and hangar, along with the Visitor Center which reopened in the Fall of 2018 after major renovations. A short walk leads up Big Kill Devil Hill to the base of the Monument. The statues positioned near the Monument also provide excellent photo opportunities.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge State Park contains the tallest natural sand dune on the east coast of the US. For outdoor enthusiasts, it offers opportunities ranging from hang gliding, available through an onsite vendor, to sandboarding, which requires a permit.

The firm sand at the dune tops is well suited to kite flying. From the summit, the view stretches from the Atlantic to Roanoke Sound, creating a spectacular sunset setting.

Tip for Mobility-impaired Visitors: Call ahead 24-hours in advance to arrange an all-terrain-vehicle ride to the top of the dunes.

There's Rum In Them Thar Hills!

The name "Kill Devil" has a fitting connection to rum. With the emphasis on the first word—as in "Kill Devil"—the name is linked to Native Americans who gave the area this designation. Along the dangerous Outer Banks coastline, sailors frequently had to conceal their belongings when their ships ran aground. Rum bottles were commonly buried in the dunes for later recovery, and the place became known as Kill Devil Hills.

Today, Outer Banks Distilling produces multiple varieties of Kill Devil Rum from sugar cane. The Silver rum was notably smooth and good enough to bring a bottle home. Honey Pecan Rum is another popular choice, although the Silver was preferred. Later that evening, the Honey Pecan Rum also made a good addition to the Signature House rum drink at Kill Devil Grill.

Local Art

The Outer Banks has an active art community, with galleries and artists worth seeking out. Local artist Pem Bryant transforms authentic sea glass into wearable pieces, including statement necklaces, bracelets, and rings. His work appears at KDH Co-Op Gallery, which showcases artists from throughout the OBX.

Seaside Art Gallery presents work by prolific local and national artists who share an appreciation for the Outer Banks. During a visit to the gallery's annual Miniature Art Show, the pieces were small enough to resemble tiny jewels, while their intricate details—even under a magnifying glass—were remarkable.

Outer Banks Lighthouses

Given the region's deep maritime history, the Outer Banks lighthouses are major attractions. There are five to visit. Four are historic:

• Currituck Beach Lighthouse
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

The fifth is Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse (2004), located in the village of Manteo. This newer addition to the quaint downtown is an exterior reconstruction of a screw-pile lighthouse that once stood at the southern entrance to Croatan Sound near Wanchese.

Some Outer Banks lighthouses can be climbed. Reaching the top provides both a thrilling workout and expansive views.

Outer Banks Seafood

Fresh seafood lovers will find distinctive sea-to-table experiences throughout the Outer Banks, including fresh blue crab, fresh shrimp, and fresh cobia.

A Crabbing and Shrimping Charter adventure with local Captain Marc Mitchum lets children help place crab floats and bring in the day's catch. The experience is hands-on and entertaining, with frequent chances to spot dolphins and other marine life on the water. It also offers a lesson in the origins of much of the area's local food.

For a meal without the boating adventure, visit O'Neal's Sea Harvest for the day's catch. Seafood can be caught, cleaned, and cooked there according to preference.

OBX Restaurants

The OBX has many worthwhile restaurants, with certain places especially notable for their settings, outstanding food, or combination of both.

Breakfast

Pier House Restaurant at Nag's Head Pier pairs breakfast with a morning view of the beach. Jolly Roger is another long-loved local breakfast destination, and its unusual décor suggests why generations have enjoyed it. For a sweeter start, Duck Donuts offers a way to satisfy virtually any donut craving.

Lunch

Trio Restaurant and Market is a favorite lunch stop in the OBX. Its focus is evident upon entering: wine, beer, and cheese sourced from around the globe. Charcuterie platters work particularly well for two, while the Shrimp & Grits are an excellent choice for anyone seeking something beyond meat.

At Tortugas' Lie in Nag's Head, the menu centers on fresh Caribbean fare. The Quinoa Salad combines fresh vegetables with local shrimp, while the Baja Fish Tacos are another tempting option.

Further along the OBX in Avon, Pangea Tavern serves a fresh and inventive lunch. The Gourmet Garden Burger features a patty made with locally sourced vegetables and quinoa, grilled with melted cheddar cheese, then finished with spring greens, guacamole, tomato, and spicy aioli.

Dinner

Three dinner restaurants stood out as places worth returning to.

Kill Devil Grill occupies an original retro diner that has been expanded at the back. Its food is creative and carefully prepared. The Backyard Wings were especially memorable, with a smoky flavor, subtle heat, and meat that fell from the bone. They are soaked in buttermilk for two days, though the full preparation remains a secret. The Hanger Steak was also tender and perfectly cooked.

Café Pamlico at the Inn at Pamlico Sound is another strong dinner choice. Guests can begin with a craft cocktail in an Adirondack chair beside Pamlico Sound before moving upstairs for dinner. The Café is a relaxed fine dining restaurant offering fresh local seafood nightly alongside other dishes. Produce from the garden appears throughout the expertly prepared menu. The shrimp dish was fresh, perfectly cooked, and pleasantly garlicky.

The Lifesaving Station at Sanderling Resort operates within the original, beautifully restored Caffey's Inlet Life Saving Station No. 5. Its southern coastal cooking uses regional, organic ingredients, while the casual, comfortable atmosphere includes nautical touches.

The Chicken in Biscuits is especially artistic: fried boneless chicken breast with goat cheese, scallion, and sweet mustard served over warm potato salad. The desserts are equally worth exploring.

Places to Stay in the Outer Banks

Lodging in the Outer Banks ranges from upscale resorts and boutique hotels to spacious vacation rentals, with options for a variety of budgets and travel styles.

Upscale Resort In Duck

Sanderling Resort in Duck is well-regarded as the place to stay for either a romantic escape or a family holiday. Its relaxed New Englandy character creates the kind of atmosphere that can make guests reluctant to leave.

Wellness Resort & Spa In Avon

In Avon, Koru Village Resort & Spa combines a fitness and yoga center, peaceful spa, beach resort, and wellness retreat. Its 7 casual, green villas include membership to Klub Koru and free access to the local fitness center, spas, amenities, beach club, pier and fishing. Yoga on the beach is an added bonus.

European-Style Boutique Hotel In Hatteras

The Inn on Pamlico Sound, located in Hatteras village, is a European-style boutique hotel with 12 well-appointed suites. Its amenities are designed to make a stay feel much like home.

OBX Vacation Rentals

The OBX is especially known for large, multi-level vacation homes equipped with the comforts families need. Many have enough space for extended families, multi-family trips, or girlfriend getaways in which each guest can have a private room.

A Resort Realty vacation home provided a particularly suitable option for an ever-growing family. Sunfish Sanctuary is a block from the beach and includes 6 bedrooms, 6 baths (and 1 half bath), with enough room to sleep 18-20. The lower level contains a pool, spa, and game room with a pool table, video game, TV, fridge, and kitchenette—an ideal setup for late-night entertainment.

The Outer Banks hosted this recent trip to the OBX. All opinions are my own and are based on first-hand experience.

About Travlinmad

Travlinmad is the travel project of Lori and Angelo, who have traveled the world together for much of their marriage. They seek out local experiences, move away from heavily touristed areas soon after arriving, and travel for the local foods and traditional culture of each destination. Their goal is to encourage more travel and help readers see places through the eyes of a local, creating connections that remain long after returning home.

The article is associated with the following categories: Family Fun, Outdoor Enthusiast, Culinary, History & Heritage, and Art & Culture.

It is tagged with Avon, Duck, Hatteras, Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, and Wanchese.