Local area

The Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the first powered flight in 1903 by the Wright brothers. Visitors can explore the monument, replica hangars, and the field where history was made. The site includes exhibits about aviation history and the brothers' groundbreaking work, providing a blend of education and inspiration for all ages. The scenic location on the Outer Banks makes it a must-see for history and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. Popular for hiking, kite flying, and sandboarding, the park also offers stunning views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. It's a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to explore the unique landscape of the Outer Banks.

Jennette's Pier is a premier destination for fishing, sightseeing, and educational exhibits. Stretching 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier offers stunning views, a chance to catch a variety of fish, and educational programs that focus on marine life and conservation. A favorite for both locals and visitors, it's an iconic spot in the Outer Banks.

Located at mile marker 16 on Highway 158, Outlets Nags Head is an open-air, pedestrian friendly shopping mall featuring a variety of brand-name & designer outlet stores. Please visit the website for current stores and hours.

Bodie Island Lighthouse was completed in 1872 on the north side of Oregon Inlet near the northern border of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The familiar black and white horizontal striped structure was partly built of materials leftover from the construction of the newest Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Standing 150 feet high and equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, it flashes its 160,000 candlepower beacon 19 miles over the ocean.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Just offshore, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile-long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. In 1999, the Lighthouse was moved 2,900 ft. to its current location.

The Coastal Studies Institute is located on the ECU Outer Banks Campus on Roanoke Island. The campus site is adjacent to the Croatan Sound, part of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system, the second-largest estuary in the United States. This LEED Gold-certified coastal campus spans 213 acres of marshes, scrub wetlands, forested wetlands, and estuarine ecosystems.

The Elizabethan Gardens are a modern version of the formal gardens popular in Renaissance England. Such a garden might cover several acres, but it was divided into small areas like the rooms of a house and surrounded by “walls”—fences and thorny hedges—to keep out animals and intruders. Seasonal changes bring an array of flowering plants, shrubs and trees that draw visitors to return again and again. Closed in January and on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Currituck Lighthouse, located in Corolla, is an iconic red-brick structure offering panoramic views of the Outer Banks from its 220-foot height. Visitors can climb the 214 steps to the top and learn about the area's maritime history. The lighthouse, still in operation, serves as a guiding light for ships navigating the North Carolina coast.

The Outer Banks beaches stretch for miles along the North Carolina coast, offering pristine sands, rolling dunes, and access to the Atlantic Ocean. Popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, these beaches provide a relaxing escape with scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The area is perfect for families, couples, and beach lovers seeking tranquility or excitement.