Top Outer Banks How to Get Around in 2026

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and discover more on your Outer Banks road trip. Hear fascinating stories and local tips, with directions playing automatically based on your location. This tour combines the Wright Brothers area and Cape Hatteras National Seashore into one seamless route — climb historic lighthouses, spot wild horses in the dunes, stroll iconic piers, and explore Wright Brothers aviation history along the way. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Your adventure begins as you lift off from Dare Co Airport, where you'll quickly climb above the breathtaking waters of the Roanoke Sound. Fly over the impressive Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge as you leave the mainland behind and head toward the Atlantic Ocean. Within moments, the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic come into view as you arrive over the world-famous Jennette's Pier. Watch the waves crash beneath the pier while surfers, fishermen, and beachgoers create the classic Outer Banks scene below. Your pilot then makes a smooth, sweeping turn over the shoreline, giving you incredible views of Nags Head's beautiful beaches before heading back across the sound to Manteo. From the air you'll enjoy spectacular views of the barrier islands, winding waterways, marshes, boats, and miles of pristine coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins and rays that are often spotted from above. This flight lasts approximately 10 minutes but please allow up to an hour for the experience.

Uncover the spooky history of the Outer Banks as you embark on a walking tour around downtown Manteo. Listen to tales about the Lost Colony and Blackbeard as you walk around stopping at landmarks including the Pioneer Theatre and Roanoke Lighthouse. Your guide also uses an EMF detector to search for spirits just like they do on paranormal TV shows.

Explore spooky spots around Manteo in the Outer Banks on a night walking tour that brings you to fascinatingly eerie places you wouldn’t know about on your own. Listen to historic tales that leave your spine tingling while you visit a cemetery, a haunted theater, and haunted inns. Hear about the Roanoke Island ghost ship and other creepy tales.

Paddle through the Outer Banks' Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for a fun adventure. Join a small group and learn about the old logging and whiskey distilling community that once thrived during Prohibition as you navigate the waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for several wildlife species including alligators, bald eagles, turtles, river otters, and even a black bear.

Discover the calm waterways and local wildlife of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve during this kayaking excursion. Join a small group and paddle on a glassy creek that winds through the deciduous maritime forest. Learn about the local ecosystem from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for osprey, egrets, herons, turtles, and even river otters.

Take in the stunning Outer Banks from above with OBX Helicopter Tours. Perfect for families and couples alike, these tours offer a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty and historical significance. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a bucket-list adventure, the knowledgeable pilots provide insights into the region's fascinating history while ensuring a memorable experience. Tours cater to all ages and include options for various flight paths to suit your interests. - Scenic helicopter rides showcasing Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and historic shipwrecks - Expert pilots share local history during each flight for an enriching experience - Ideal for families, couples, photographers, and first-time visitors - Multiple tour options available, accommodating all ages and offering unique views

Embark on a captivating drive along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore with this self-guided tour of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Dive into a rich tapestry of history, from tales of the Lost Colony to the legendary pirate Blackbeard as you marvel at stunning oceanside scenery. Visit the majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, encounter the unique marine wonders of the Pamlico Sound, and so much more. This tour ends at the Hatteras Ferry in case you want to keep the adventure going on the remote island of Ocracoke. The barrier islands await! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

We will enjoy a lovely boat ride from the Outer Banks to the Currituck Mainland on the Currituck Sound. We will arrive at Sanctuary Vineyards and enjoy a delicious sampling of the fine wines of Sanctuary Vineyards. After our wine tasting there will be some time to shop and purchase wines for your enjoyment. We will then head back to the Outer banks on our boat and return to Duck.

This bundle includes 2 Audio tours: • Cape Hatteras National Seashore • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Explore North Carolina's Outer Banks on this self-guided car tour. First, see the majestic Bodie Island Lighthouse and the peaceful Coquina Beach, where nature meets history. Continue to Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site, a maritime hero attraction. Next, see the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a coastal landmark. Last stop: the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where flight dreams were realized. Explore maritime history and pioneering spirit in stunning coastal scenery. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Experience the stunning Outer Banks from above on the Beach Cruiser helicopter tour. This 15 minute flight offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Roanoke Sound, and iconic landmarks like Jennette’s Pier and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. As you soar over sandy beaches and rolling surf, look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and the historic USS Huron shipwreck. Perfect for families and anyone wanting to capture the beauty of the Outer Banks, this tour provides all window seats and live narration for an unforgettable aerial adventure. - Duration: Approximately 15 minutes, with a total experience time of about 30 minutes - Maximum of 3 passengers per flight - All ages welcome, with a combined weight limit of 540 lbs per group - Enjoy panoramic ocean views and live commentary from your pilot

Let the story of the Wright Brothers uplift you on this self-guided driving tour of the Carolina Dunes, where they made their first flight. Find out how these two young men went from repairing bicycles to building the first airplanes (and why those who came before failed) as you explore the majestic North Carolina seashore where the brothers made history. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, stop by the garage site where they built their prototype, and then continue to take in some stunning views at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Corolla Beach. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Discover the Outer Banks from a unique perspective on this exhilarating helicopter tour. Departing from Manteo, soar above breathtaking landscapes including Roanoke Sound, Jockey's Ridge dunes, and the historical Wright Brothers National Memorial. As you glide over pristine beaches and iconic lighthouses like Bodie Island, take in the stunning coastal scenery and learn about the region’s rich history through live narration. Perfect for all ages, this unforgettable flight promises an exceptional experience for families, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. - Enjoy a 25-minute aerial tour of the Outer Banks' most famous sights - All window seats with live narration provided by knowledgeable pilots - Suitable for all ages; minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 per flight group - Depart from Manteo with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and barrier islands

The OBX is some 100+ miles long, but this kayak rental gets you right next to the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the best family-friendly eco-tour locations in the Outer Banks. You and your crew will paddle along a glassy creek and through a maritime forest habitat—one of the state’s largest. Perfect for most ages and skill levels, it’s an only-in-OBX adventure.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We’re not just photographers, we’re storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Outer Banks, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You’ll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We’re proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your Eastern USA road trips. As you drive, hear stories play automatically as you explore scenic drives, national parks, lakeshores, and historic parks. This is the ultimate collection of 14 iconic destinations, including Acadia, Blue Ridge Parkway, Catskills, Florida Keys, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Superior, Outer Banks, Shenandoah, and Vermont’s Route 100. A memorable adventure awaits on America's iconic roads. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

During the Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour, you’ll navigate through tranquil waterways, witness breathtaking coastal landscapes, and encounter a variety of wildlife. Available from April to October, this tour is perfect for all ages and lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, and immerse yourself in the rich history surrounding the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

This location is the ideal location for a first time paddler to try kayaking. The water is very shallow (less than waist deep) and we have an easy access point to the water. You can also have an opportunity to check out local wildlife as the access point is very near the Bodie Island Wildlife Refuge!

Take a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Outer Banks, where aviation history began. Soar above the iconic Wright Brothers National Memorial, witness the stunning Roanoke Sound, and explore Nags Head Beach and Jockey's Ridge State Park from the sky. This 18-20 minute tour offers a unique perspective of the landscape that inspired the first powered flight, perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Enjoy live narration, window seats, and the chance to spot dolphins and turtles as you glide above the beautiful coastline. - Duration of 18-20 minutes with a 30-minute overall experience - Minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 passengers per flight - Max 300lbs Per Seat and 540lbs Per Flight - Scenic views of historic landmarks and the Outer Banks coastline - All window seats and live narration enhance your tour experience

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with kayak rentals from Kitty Hawk Kites. Paddle through calm coastal waters and spot local wildlife with options for both single and tandem kayaks. Whether you're a solo adventurer or looking for a fun outing with family or friends, the flexible rental durations and convenient delivery or pickup options ensure a hassle-free experience. Perfect for all skill levels, these kayaks come with all necessary safety gear and quick instruction to get you started. - Choose from single or tandem kayak. Or reach out to one of our team members @ 252-441-4124 about renting a Hobie pedal kayak for your adventure - Flexible rental durations available, from hourly to weekly - Convenient delivery or pickup options at multiple Outer Banks locations - Suitable for ages 5+ with adult supervision

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!