Outer Banks Attractions & Museums

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Planning a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium? See sharks, stingrays and sea turtles swim by only inches away.

The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
This is an absolute must-do event providing a uniquely Outer Banks experience. This compelling drama has something the entire family can enjoy: lavish costumes, daring action, special effects, delightful comedy, music and dance.

Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern US. Located in Nags Head, it is one of the most significant landmarks on the Outer Banks. More...

Island Farm
Island Farm is a historic farm c. 1847 now open as a living history site on Roanoke Island's North end just outside of Manteo, NC. Only 5 minutes from the North Carolina Aquiarum, The Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens and Roanoke Island Festival Park. More...

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Graveyard of the Atlantic Maritime Museum is located on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. Visit the Museum for the Ghostship of Diamond Shoals and sea-faring souls in vein for search of treasure. More...

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and museum gift shop are open from mid-April to November, Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm. More...

Wild Horse Museum
Corolla Wild Horse Fund is a non-profit public charity, whose mission is to protect, preserve, and responsibly manage the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks.

Dare County Regional Airport Museum
Preserving Aviation History where Aviation Began. The Dare County Regional Airport Museum is located in the west end of the airport terminal building. Models of aircraft that played a part in the history of Dare County aviation are displayed in the lobby. More...

Wright Brothers National Memorial
A 60-foot granite monument is perched atop 90-foot tall Kill Devil Hill commemorating the Wright Brothers achievements.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Towering 198 feet, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the nation and is the most famous symbol of North Carolina.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse
This lighthouse stands 162 feet, 214 steps to the top and approximaltey 1 million bricks.

Bodie Island Lighthouse
With its distinctive black and white bands, 156-foot lighthouse is located just north of Oregon Inlet.

Ocracoke Lighthouse
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest active lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation.

Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo NC - History, Art and Fun - all rolled into one.

Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball Club
The Outer Banks Daredevils is a collegiate summer league, featuring top-notched college players from throughout the nation.

More Attractions...

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a true wilderness. Red wolves prowl its forests, alligators slither under the clear black water, and black bears, bobcats, otters, and deer wander among the woods and swamp of this pristine refuge. More than 150 species of birds, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, wood ducks, warblers, herons, and ospreys, make the refuge their home.
Location: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the mainland of Dare and Hyde Counties, 15 miles west of Manteo, North Carolina.
Phone: 252-473-1131
Web: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Elizabethan Gardens
Flower-bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees greet visitors at this 16th-century pleasure garden created by The Garden Club of North Carolina. Designed as a living memorial to the lost colonists. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken garden.
Location: 1411 National Park Drive • Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Phone: 252-473-3234
Web: Elizabethan Gardens

Hatteras Inlet (Ocracoke) Ferry
This free, state-run service links the islands of Hatteras and Ocracoke, across the Pamlico Sound. The ferries accommodate 30 vehicles -- including cars and large camping/recreational vehicles -- and are run frequently during the summer to avoid excessive delays. The Hatteras ferry does not require reservations and the trip takes about 40 minutes. Public rest rooms are at the Hatteras dock, and heads are on board.
Phone: 800-368-8949 or 252-986-2353.