13 Top Outdoor Activities for Baby Boomers in North Carolina's Outer Banks
The Outer Banks (OBX), a 200-mile chain of barrier islands off North Carolina's coast, features diverse landscapes including pristine beaches, marshes, gardens, and massive sand dunes. With one of America's oldest and most enigmatic histories—home to the Lost Colony and inspiration for Netflix's "Outer Banks"—it offers endless outdoor pursuits for boomers, couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
#13 - Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
In Buxton, the iconic black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—the world's tallest brick lighthouse at over 200 feet—was built in 1870. Known as "America's Lighthouse," it's a top OBX attraction. Ascend the 257 steps for breathtaking panoramic coastal views and refreshing breezes.
#12 - Horseback Riding
Explore OBX's coastal habitats on a guided horseback ride at your pace. Take in the coastline, maritime forests, and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Gentle horses suit all levels—no experience needed. Riders as young as 10 are welcome, matched by size and comfort. Simply relax and enjoy the beach's sights, sounds, and scents.
#11 - Lost Colony Amphitheater
This outdoor drama in an open-air amphitheater on Roanoke Island has run nearly every summer since 1937. It recounts the mysterious disappearance of England's Roanoke Colony after Virginia Dare's birth—the first English child in America—led by Sir Walter Raleigh.
#10 - Dolphin Watching Cruise
Spot bottlenose dolphins on a 2-hour cruise in protected Roanoke Sound waters. With a 98% success rate near their habitat, it's ideal for families and grandchildren. Knowledgeable naturalists engage kids with fun facts and activities, often identifying familiar dolphins like Rake and Cola by their dorsal fins.
#9 - Nags Head Woods Preserve Trails
This 1,400-acre preserve offers ecological diversity: ponds, marshes, swamps, and forests with 300 plant species and 50+ wildlife types. Seven pedestrian trails vary in length and difficulty. It also preserves mid-1800s to 1930s village history, including homestead foundations, cemeteries, and artifacts.
#8 - Crabbing and Seafood Experiences
OBX's blue crabs shine from May to July. Join a crabbing boat captain for catches, then visit O'Neal Fishery to see processing. Nearby Oden's Dock buzzes with fishermen unloading daily hauls—perfect for photos.
#7 - Jockey's Ridge State Park
Home to the East Coast's tallest natural sand dune (60-100 feet, 426 acres, 30 million tons of sand), this Nags Head park draws visitors for kite flying, sandboarding, hang gliding lessons, and stunning sunsets.
#6 - Parasailing
Soar above OBX marshes, beaches, and coastlines on a parasail tethered to a speedboat. Harnessed and lifted by wind, enjoy magnificent views. Captains may add a playful splash for thrill.
#5 - Duck Boardwalk
This 1-mile wooded boardwalk in Duck winds along Currituck Sound, passing shops, galleries, ice cream, fudge, and cafes. Duck Town Park adds 11 acres of trails, playgrounds for grandkids, and an amphitheater.
#4 - Elizabethan Gardens
On Roanoke Island at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, these 10.5-acre gardens honor early English colonists with Queen Elizabeth statues, flower paths, and 500+ plant species. June's hydrangeas dazzle in blues, pinks, magentas, and whites.
#3 - Kayaking the Marshes
Rent kayaks from Manteo boardwalk for serene marsh paddles. Glide past Roanoke Island Festival Park's Elizabeth II ship replica (from 1585 voyage) and Roanoke Marshes Light. Tour the lighthouse and boardwalk afterward.
#2 - Hang Gliding
Novices can lesson-jump from dunes or tandem glide up to 1 mile high, towed by ultralight plane over Currituck Sound. No experience needed; steer yourself for a surreal, memorable flight.
#1 - Pristine Beaches
OBX's miles of beaches and dunes are the ultimate draw. Cape Hatteras National Seashore (70+ miles, Bodie to Ocracoke) ranks on Dr. Beach's "America's Top 10," including the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for its dramatic history.
Top OBX Dining Spots
Enjoy fresh seafood and local flavors at these favorites:
- Kill Devil Grill, Kill Devil Hills
- Tortugas Lie, Nags Head
- Pier House, Nags Head
- Avenue Waterfront Grille, Manteo
- Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, Manteo
- Lost Colony Brewery & Café;, Manteo
- The Blue Point, Duck
- Breakwater Restaurant, Buxton
- Pangea Tavern, Avon
- Trio Restaurant & Market, Kitty Hawk
- Jolly Roger, Kill Devil Hills
- Duck Donuts, Nags Head
- Café; Lachine, Wanchese
- Lifesaving Station, Duck
- Café; Pamlico, Pamlico
