The Outer Banks (OBX) are beautiful barrier islands and peninsulas off the coast of North Carolina and home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast.
Whether you are traveling from near or far, the Outer Banks area is a great place to escape for a weekend trip filled with relaxation, local restaurants and shops to explore, and countless water activities to embark on.
This guide will show you how to make the absolute most out of your time on the North Carolina coast as you follow along with this 3-day Outer Banks itinerary!
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Side note: The following post was written by Abby, a local of coastal North Carolina. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend in the Outer Banks itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
Table of Contents
How do I get to the Outer Banks?
Norfolk International Airport is the closest airport to the Outer Banks. After landing in the area, you will need to rent a vehicle and start your journey where it takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to northern OBX.
What is the best time to visit the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks area is lovely to visit year round but the best time to visit is during the summer months of June-August due to the incredible weather and countless restaurants, bars, and shops that open along the beach during peak season.
In the summer you can typically expect the high forecast to be mid-80’s and the low forecast to be low-70’s. This makes it the perfect time to grab your beach essentials and relax along the coast.
One of the biggest celebrations in the Outer Banks happens during peak season when people from near and far come out to celebrate the 4th of July in full swing! You will see an abundance of people dressed in red, white, and blue ready to celebrate America’s Independence Day.
If you are looking for an epic firework display to watch on the 4th, be sure to head down to the Avon Fishing Pier for a colorful and vibrant tribute that you are sure not to forget!
For those looking to avoid some of the crowds, we recommend visiting during shoulder season from April-May and September-October. You will be able to enjoy moderate temperatures, lower prices on accommodations, and still be able to enjoy the beach but with fewer people.
It’s a fun underrated road trip to take in the fall months!
Where should I stay in the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks are spread out over 200 miles and consist of many different peninsulas and barrier islands so there are countless places to stay along the Outer Banks coast.
The Outer Banks region starts along the northern coast of North Carolina where Carova and Corolla lie and extends down south all the way to Ocracoke Island.
Some of the most popular destinations to stay in the Outer Banks include Corolla, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras, and Ocracoke.
For those looking to explore the area for the first time, we recommend staying in the central Outer Banks so that you can explore the central area but are also able to hop in your rental car and road trip north or south if you would like to discover more of the OBX!
Specifically, we recommend staying in Nags Head, Manteo, or Kill Devil Hills because of their central locations, endless things to do and see, and fabulous location right on the Roanoke Sound and Atlantic Ocean.
My personal recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills – For those looking for a great place to stay in the Kill Devil Hills area of the Outer Banks but don’t want to spend a fortune, this is the spot for you!
- Mid-range Option: Outer Banks Beach Club Resort – This resort is the perfect place to stay right on the beach and with countless great restaurants within walking distance.
- Luxury Option: Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites – For those looking to splurge a bit to stay at a luxurious Inn on the water, look no further. Not only are the views unbelievable from the Burrus House Inn but the amenities are top notch too. Be prepared to fall in love with this property as you take in the views, enjoy the complimentary pastries, and spend time outdoors using the complimentary paddle boards, bikes, and kayaks provided by the Inn.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Comfort Inn on the Ocean – Located in Kill Devil Hills right by the water, this hotel is the perfect place to stay in the Outer Banks. Plus, they are dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend along with you on your beach vacation!
- Unique Option: White Doe Inn Bed & Breakfast – This charming B&B will have you in awe of the Outer Banks as you soak in its beauty and simplicity as you relax at this quaint Victorian Inn.
Sample 3-Day Outer Banks Weekend Itinerary
I’m so excited to share exactly how I would spend one weekend in the Outer Banks. From fishing to ghost tours, there’s something for everyone!
Day 1 in the Outer Banks
Morning:
Wake up and great ready to take in all that the Outer Banks has to offer! Grab your favorite beach chair, pack a cooler full of snacks, and head out to the beach to reserve your spot for the day. No matter where you are staying in the Outer Banks, you won’t be far from a public beach!
Afternoon:
After you are done soaking up the sun, head to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills where you can learn all about the first successful flight and the history behind the airplane and Wrights Brothers.
Evening:
After you have spent a few hours soaking up all the knowledge and information at the Wrights Brothers National Memorial, head just a few minutes down the road to grab a casual bite to eat for dinner at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint.
Day 2 in the Outer Banks
Morning:
On your second day in the Outer Banks, experience life like a local and head to Jeanette’s Pier, and bring along your favorite surf fishing rod and beach fishing cart for a day of surf fishing along the beautiful North Carolina coast.
If you do not have your own fishing gear, you can rent everything you need right at the pier! In addition to your gear rental, it costs $14 per day per person to fish at Jeanette’s Pier (this covers your fishing license!)
Afternoon:
Once you are finished reeling in fish for the day, head over to one of the best lunch spots in central Outer Banks, Fish Heads Bar and Grill. This is a great place to take in ocean views and enjoy delicious fried seafood baskets while sipping on a cold beer.
Evening:
Tonight (or rather late afternoon), you’ll have several options depending on your level of adventure! You can head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park where you can sandboard, hike, or even take hang-gliding lessons.
If you want a more relaxing evening head to the Outlets where you can shop at over a dozen popular stores! There are many options for a quick bite to eat as well!
If you still have energy left, you can head to Manteo for a spooky ghost tour of the coastal city.
Day 3 in the Outer Banks
Morning:
For your final morning in the Outer Banks, head out on the water with one of the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks. This is a great way to see the beaches from a new perspective and an awesome opportunity to get a little bit of exercise in as you follow your guide along the shores of the OBX!
Afternoon:
After you have spent the morning working up a sweat and taking in some gorgeous views, head to Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar and Grill to enjoy some scrumptious tacos and cold beverages!
Once you are finished with your meal, head over to the Island Dyes Shack just down the street where you can tye dye your very own shirt. This is an awesome activity for those looking to escape the heat for a bit and would like a unique experience!
Evening:
Finish up your 3 day Outer Banks weekend itinerary by making your way back to the beach for a final sunset and evening stroll. Once you have worked up an appetite, head to Tale of the Whale where you can enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by live music to end your vacation in style.
Other things to do in the Outer Banks:
- Manteo Historic Walking Tour – This tour is roughly $30 per person and will take you throughout the Manteo area as you learn more about the Lost Colony of Roanoke, different tales about pirates, and many other aspects that make up the history of Manteo.
- Surf Lessons on the Atlantic Beach – Nothing screams beach vacation quite like surfing does! These lessons take about 1 hour and 30 minutes and are roughly $90 per person. This is a great way to pick up a new hobby and make some new memories as you dive into the Outer Banks culture and experience.
- 2-Hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck – This tour is about $60 per person and is an excellent way to get to know the history behind the wild horses that roam freely on the beaches of the Outer Banks.
Where (else) to Eat in the City:
- Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar – Located in Manteo and serves up delicious cocktails and fresh seafood
- The Kill Devil Grill – Situated in Kill Devil Hills and offers classic American cuisine along with free seafood including delicious key lime pie, apple crisp, grits, crab cakes, and more!
- Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant – Known for its incredible ocean views as well as its hush puppies, crab cakes, scallops, and other seafood-inspired dishes
Other Tips to know before visiting the Outer Banks:
- If you plan on visiting the area during peak season, be prepared for crowded beaches and get out on the beach early in the morning to reserve your spot!
- Pack plenty of sunscreen, the Outer Banks sun is no joke and no one wants to spend their whole beach vacation inside because they got fried on the first day.
- Traffic gets pretty backed up on the weekends entering and exiting the barrier islands and peninsulas that make up the Outer Banks so leave super early in the morning or late at night in order to avoid hours of traffic!
One Weekend in the Outer Banks Map
Save this one weekend in the Outer Banks map to make your planning seamless!
One Weekend In The Outer Banks Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in the Outer Banks that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Outer Banks itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Outer Banks!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Outer Banks” Itinerary?
You may also like these North Carolina getaways!
- One Weekend in Charlotte
- One Weekend in Wilmington
- Dog-friendly guide to Charlotte
- One Weekend in Asheville
About the Author!
Abby and Sam Price are the founders and storytellers behind Trekking Price’s, a couples’ travel and outdoor adventure blog. They are local to the coastal North Carolina area and are passionate about sharing their travels, tips, and recommendations with others. You can follow along with them on their website trekkingprices.com or on their Instagram here.
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