Top Socially Distant Activities on the Outer Banks: Safe, Scenic OBX Adventures
Discover our curated list of top socially distanced activities on the Outer Banks (OBX), perfect for safe exploration while enjoying the area's natural beauty.
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Hiking the Maritime Forests
Explore premier hiking at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, open dawn to dusk year-round. Enjoy views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes, and history. The popular Roanoke Trail is a kid- and dog-friendly 1.5-mile round trip through woods, past the historic Tillett homestead, to the soundside with benches for wildlife watching and sunsets. Don't miss Buxton Woods and Kitty Hawk Woods.
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Shelling and Beachcombing
The OBX excels for shelling after high tides, storms, mornings, or in winter. Spot sea glass, whelk shells, or pretty rocks as you hunt treasures along uncrowded shores.
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Ghost Crab Hunting
A family favorite at night: grab a flashlight, hit the beach, and watch ghost crabs scurry from your light. A must on any OBX bucket list.
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Uncrowded Sunrise and Sunset Spots
North Carolina's first sunrises and grandest sunsets await along the 100+ mile shoreline. Find your private slice of paradise without crowds.
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Windshield Tour of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Drive the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, one of 150 nationally designated routes (since 2009). Spanning 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles through barrier islands, villages, and coastal landscapes.
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore or Wright Brothers National Memorial
Stay in your car for views of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, Coquina Beach, and more. Circle the Wright Brothers pylon on Big Kill Devil Hill with parking and restrooms nearby.
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Golf or Disc Golf
Play year-round at premier courses like Nags Head, Sea Scape, or Duck Woods amid ocean breezes. Try the Casey R. Logan Disc Golf Course in Kill Devil Hills.
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Surf Fishing from the Beach
Cast along 100+ miles of accessible beach; use a 4x4 for remote spots.
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Kayak or Drive Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Paddle or drive through soundside waters, marshes, and shallows with public access on both island sides.
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Fly a Kite
Harness OBX winds: fly kites or kiteboard at Hatteras Island's S-turn or Canadian Hole.
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Hike Jockey's Ridge
Home to the East Coast's tallest dunes, Jockey's Ridge State Park offers trails through unique ecosystems to soundside views. Visit nearby Run Hill Natural Area (110 acres). Note enhanced cleaning protocols.
