Visit The Outer Banks

Outer Banks Arts & Culture

The Outer Banks offers more than gorgeous shoreline — it also has a lively creative community ready to discover. Across the OBX, gifted artists express feeling and perspective through their work. See the Outer Banks through a different lens, shaped by people who look beyond the five senses. Use this 3-day arts and culture experience to tap into the creative energy of the region.

Day 1: Playful Finds and Coastal Beauty

Morning: Begin with a search for the colorful Winged Horse sculptures placed throughout the Outer Banks. These oversized, imaginative pieces were each created by a different artist and honor the area’s rich history.

Lunch: Stop for a midday bite at Coastal Cantina, where casual Tex Mex and delicious cocktails make an easy pairing. Afterward, visit Duck Town Hall and spend time with the rotating art exhibits.

Afternoon: Wander through Duck Town Park, an 11-acre green space, then continue along the Duck Soundside Boardwalk toward the waterfront shops. Along the way, look for Sea Dragon and Yellowhouse Gallery. Book lovers should also make time for Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books, a cozy coffee shop with an excellent book selection.

Evening: Finish the day with dinner at an upscale waterfront favorite such as The Blue Point. Later, take an unhurried walk and catch sunset from Duck Pier. For visits from September through May, check the performance schedule for the Forum For the Lively Arts.

Day 2: Where History and the Present Meet

Morning: Spend the morning surrounded by the Elizabethan Gardens and its ten acres of striking plant life. Take in the Italian Renaissance sculptures and view a rare portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.

Lunch: For a fast, relaxed lunch, Olde Towne Creamery is a good choice. The menu includes sweets, sandwiches, and coffee. Nearby on the waterfront, you’ll find a replica of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse; if time allows, explore the peaceful residential streets around the heart of the community.

Afternoon: Discover Historic Downtown Manteo and its energetic arts scene. Walk the waterfront district and browse distinctive art in local galleries and shops. Include a stop at the restored Dare County Courthouse to visit the Dare County Arts Council space and its curated gallery.

Evening: Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe is a strong dinner pick for anyone craving fresh and local seafood. In the summer months, plan an evening at the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, performed outdoors beneath the stars.

Day 3: Bring Out Your Creative Side

Morning: Make something of your own at Front Porch Cafe, where you can paint pottery, create jewelry, or try glass art. Then head to the beach to look for smooth sea glass and distinctive shells, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings.

Lunch: Have a laid-back meal in a lively atmosphere at Mama Kwan’s Outer Banks Grill and Tiki Bar.

Afternoon: Spend time in the Gallery Row Arts District, where fine art galleries, original design jewelry shops, chic boutiques, and inviting gift shops are all within reach. Local stops to consider include Jewelry By Gail, Seaside Art Gallery, and Seagreen Gallery. Then visit Kill Devil Hills Cooperative Gallery and Studios, an artist-run space where you can meet local creators and browse paintings, glass, jewelry, metal art, photography, and sculpture. Pick up a keepsake before you go.

Evening: For dinner, enjoy the long-standing tradition of Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Kill Devil Hills, known for authentic sushi, seafood, and steaks. Close out the night at the Outer Banks Brewing Station, a wind-powered brewery with high-quality brews, live music, and a playground for the kids.

Extra Stops

With additional time, Hatteras Island is another worthwhile arts destination. Visit Pea Island Art Gallery, Blue Pelican Gallery, and Kinnakeet Clay Studio for coastal creativity and inspiration.

Think of this itinerary as a starting place — let the Outer Banks arts and culture scene shape your own creative trip.

Events

Art Stores and Galleries

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