4 Things to Do in The Outer Banks
My family and I finally visited the Outer Banks last summer after having lived in the DMV area on and off for years.
If you haven’t already noticed from my other blog posts, or if you’re new here: I get bored very easily.
Too much lounging by the pool is bound to provoke an antsy Stephanie.
My ideal vacation is not a week in Hawaii, or Greece, or Florida where I would do nothing but lay back on the beach.
My ideal vacation is an adventure away from my mundane day-to-day routine.
I was concerned that joining my family for four days would result in utter boredom – but we found some things to keep my hyper-being occupied.
Kitty Hawk, the Outer Banks; August 2018
If you’re like me, and can’t sit still for too long – here are some things you can do in the Outer Banks besides working on your tan:
fun Things to Do in the Outer Banks
1. Rent Jet Skis
Yep, that’s right – I’m listing these from most exhilarating to least.
Hands down, the most entertaining thing we did at the Outer Banks was go jet skiing.
Is Jet Skiing Difficult?
If you’ve never been jet skiing before, I will warn you… it’s not intuitive. Handling the jet ski, understanding how to maneuver it, takes a little while – definitely longer than the thirty-minute ride we had.
Nonetheless, the water splashing in your face as you speed through the wind is sure to put a wide smile on your face…
…and to make you laugh when one of you potentially falls off.
2. Go to a Go-Kart Track
Near Kitty Hawk, there are tons of Go-Kart tracks. We weren’t sure why, but we took advantage.
Many of them also have arcade holes, and my family tends to be a fan of those.
Some friendly competition is certainly a nice break from taking too long a break at the pool.
View of the Ocean in Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks; August 2018
3. Eat an Acai Bowl at The Spot
When I think of summer, I mostly think of misery: mosquitos trying to attack me, unbearable heat, sauna-like humidity…
… but I also think of food.
Oh, who are we kidding… I’m almost always, thinking of food.
Specifically, summertime food.
Even more specifically – acai bowls.
There’s a cute, colorful café called, “The Spot” in Nags Head that has a lot of Acai Bowl options.
An Acai bowl from “The Spot” in Nags head in the Outerbanks; August 2018
4. Watch the Sunset
Where ever in the Outer Banks you decide to stay, you should sit outside, order a drink, and take in the pink-infused show that the sky will put on for you.
Watching the sunset from our hotel in Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks; August 2018
What My Overall Opinion of the Outer Banks?
In my opinion, the Outer Banks aren’t as pretty as all my friends made it out to be.
It’s low-key.
It’s simple.
It’s not commercial.
But I think that’s the exact point of the Outer Banks; is to breathe in and take a break from over-stimulation and ground yourself to what’s in front of you.
I hope this gave you some ideas of what to do in North Carolina for your upcoming trip to the Outer Banks.
If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.
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Last updated: June 7, 2025