Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or...
Located just south of Nags Head, Coquina Beach is a refreshingly undeveloped stretch of shoreline that's close to the central Outer Banks towns of Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk, but feels like it's miles away.
Myrtle Beach fans may be surprised to learn that this shoreline has a quiet side, but visitors who want to soak up a natural coastal South Carolina landscape will find plenty of pristine and undeveloped room to roam at the Myrtle Beach State Park...
Veterans Memorial Park is a quiet and reverent green space dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Located near Shelter Cove, the park provides a peaceful setting where visitors can...
The Hunting Island State Park comprises the entirety of the famed Hunting Island, and is a family-friendly beach destination with a big reputation. As the most visited state park in all of South Carolina, the 5,000 acre undeveloped barrier island...
Nature lovers who want to take an in-depth and self-guided exploration of Southport's wild terrain can take an easy stroll down the "Marsh Walk." This long boardwalk that begins along Brunswick Avenue on the edges of the busy downtown ends...
Ferry Landing Park, nestled at the end of Shallotte Boulevard in Ocean Isle Beach, is a peaceful waterfront destination that offers visitors a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty and laid-back coastal charm. Located along the Intracoastal...
The South Carolina Aquarium may be one of Charleston's newest local attractions, but it is certainly making waves as one of its most exciting and entertaining venues in an already packed southern destination.
The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes with the season, every visit...
Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family...
The expansive James Island County Park has a unique distinction as being one of the most entertaining and diverse destination in the Lowcountry. Able to accommodate a world of interests, from camping and fishing to splashing around in a seasonal...
Visitors who want to take a break from Carolina Beaches' busy surfside scene, and instead enjoy its acres of wild, undeveloped territory, can pay a visit to the sprawling Carolina Beach State Park.
An easy walk that is shaded year-round, and can be easily tackled by hikers of all abilities and in virtually any season, the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is a great way for newcomers to uncover the more secluded natural landscapes of this otherwise...
The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on Roosevelt Drive, is an...
The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a large parcel of maritime forest, marshes, and even brackish swamplands that border the Currituck Sound. Located well off the main US 158 Bypass and jutting out into both the sound and the Kitty Hawk Bay, the Kitty...
Just west of the town of Emerald Isle, and across a maze of marshy terrain off the coast of mainland Swansboro, lies Hammocks Beach State Park, an incredible refuge for beach lovers who want to forego the crowds, and enjoy a parcel of barrier island...
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share...
Isle of Palms County Park is a welcoming and well-maintained coastal destination that offers everything visitors need for a perfect day at the beach. Managed by Charleston County Parks and Recreation, this popular beachfront park combines natural...
Narrated sightseeing tours, & private charters on the Cape Fear River. Featuring the Henrietta. Cape Fear Riverboats is Wilmington NC’s longest continuously running cruise line. We’ve been in business since 1987 and are...
Back Country Safari Tours is pleased to offer two distinctly different kayak adventures. Both kayak adventures start out with a 12-mile beach exploration in a custom Safari Cruiser before we launch inside the Spanish Mustang Reserve!
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has become a beloved attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and an annual outing for seasoned visitors who are young and young at heart. The 68,000-square-foot complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks...
Climb Aboard the Crystal Dawn Head Boat and Enjoy an Awesome Day of Head Boat Fishing or an Amazing Sunset Cruise! Bring the Whole Family! Fish for a variety of species, including spot, croaker, flounder, grey trout, speckled trout...
The 2nd Avenue Pier is a historic and beloved oceanfront landmark that offers a quintessential slice of coastal life right in the heart of the city. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean from the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this...
Mount Pleasant Pier and Waterfront Park offer a stunning and serene escape that blends Lowcountry beauty with inviting public space and panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor. Located beneath the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, this picturesque...
Garden City Beach in South Carolina is a laid-back, family-friendly coastal destination that offers the perfect mix of beachside charm and classic seaside fun. Located just south of the more bustling Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach areas, Garden...
Pier 14 is a beloved oceanfront destination that blends the classic charm of a fishing pier with the vibrant energy of the Grand Strand. Stretching gracefully over the Atlantic Ocean just off North Ocean Boulevard, this scenic pier offers a variety...
Thomson Park is a peaceful, historically significant waterfront space that offers visitors a quiet place to relax while reflecting on the island’s rich past. Tucked away near the western end of the island, this small but meaningful park sits...
Apache Pier is one of the most iconic and well-loved fishing piers on the Grand Strand. Known for being the longest wooden pier on the East Coast, it stretches far out over the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a classic coastal experience steeped...
The impressively grand Tryon Palace is easily one of New Bern's most famous local attractions. With a central location on the outer edges of downtown, and bordering acres of riverfront, this historical recreation of a late 1700s governor's palace...
The Shackleford Banks is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and is a barrier island system that is found just off the coast of Beaufort and Harkers Island, and which is a popular offshore beaching destination for summertime Crystal Coast...
While the oceanfront of the Outer Banks gets plenty of morning glory, those in the know head soundside when sunset approaches. Located at Milepost 16 on the Roanoke Sound, The Soundside Event Site in Nags Head has transitioned from a wide-open...
Visitors can enjoy a quiet view of the Calico Bay and Newport River from this refreshingly secluded spot that’s tucked away on the outskirts of the downtown Morehead City area. Conchs Point is a public water access point, but it also has a ton...
Halyburton Memorial Park is a perfect respite for visitors who want to take a break from the busy Downtown Wilmington shopping, dining and attractions, and just relax amidst the natural ponds and unique rolling sand hills, and watch the wildlife...
Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a...
Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both Morehead City and Beaufort visitors.
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers fishing and fun for the entire family! Go fishing, take a family fishing class or simply walk out to the end of this 1,000-foot-long, concrete ocean pier.
Renowned as a small but substantial piece of Southport’s history that was almost lost in the wake of 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, the Southport City Dock reopened to grand acclaim in the 2021, and has regained its reputation as a popular...
Just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, the town of Belville has quietly cultivated one of the region's finest hidden gems for nature lovers and community gatherings. Situated directly opposite the western banks of Eagles Island on the...
Foliage fans and gardening enthusiasts from all over the country will love a day trip to the Elizabethan Gardens. Tucked away in Manteo within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, this 10 acre Roanoke soundfront locale is home to hundreds of...
The northernmost coastal region of Carolina Beach is home to the Freeman Park Recreation Area, a stretch of shoreline that is well known to adventurous, beach-loving 4WD truck owners. Unlike other stretches of the barrier islands off the coast of...
Many visitors coming to the Outer Banks from the west or the south have most likely spent a chunk of their journey driving right through the refuge, and unless they noticed the small brown signs along the way, may not have even noticed it. The...
Arrowhead Park is a fun destination for Wilmington locals and visitors alike to take a break from the waves, and dive into a little outdoor entertainment outside the waterfront realm. Located just south of the heart of the Wilmington, and easy to...
Commune with nature and take photos of the pristine Outer Banks!
There's a reason why the wild terrain of Bald Head Island and its surrounding islands remains distinctively wild, and the primary responsibility of retaining this native nature is in the hands of the local Bald Head Island Conservancy. Overseeing a...
Swansboro's Bicentennial Park may not be the grandest of most extensive park along the Crystal Coast's Inner Banks, but it is certainly one of its most scenic. Surrounded by the deep waters of the White Oak River and Swansboro Harbor, patrons to...
The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site in downtown Wilmington. They’re eight colonial structures left in Wilmington, four on are the property. Three ballast stone buildings, circa 1744, once the city...
Though it’s located in a fairly busy section of Morehead City, the Calico Creek Boardwalk is a breath of fresh air for birdwatchers, nature fans, and everyday sightseers, thanks to its picturesque location on the edge of the slightly inland...
The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks’ most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District. Located just inland of...
The pinnacle of fishing on the Outer Banks, however, is and has always been Cape Point. Ask any long-time Hatteras Island fisherman about Cape Point, and they'll gladly tell you about incredible catches, near-misses, and the occasional vehicle...
Captain Charles Robbins' Cape Fear River Adventures is a top-rated touring company that takes explorers to the backwaters of the local Cape Fear rivers and streams where the local wildlife thrives. From basic on-the-water skills like boating...
Enjoy a freshwater environment just a block or so away from the beach with a visit to Carolina Beach Lake Park. This public park is centered on the 11-acre freshwater lake, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the closest...
The wetlands environment made available to the public by the Walk holds an unbelievable amount of information about the ways in which waterways affect the land. Wetlands are transitional zones between land and water. The water is usually near or...
You’ll find Causeway Waters Sports on the beautiful Roanoke Sound on the Causeway between Nags Head and Manteo, just past Whalebone Junction. This family outdoor activity center offers parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wave runners and...
The Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a Mecca for coastal fishermen, hunters, birdwatchers, and everyday explorers, thanks to miles of undeveloped terrain in a uniquely coastal location. Found just northeast of Beaufort along NC Highway 12...
If you are looking for adventure, stop by or call Coastal Kayak Touring Company and book your reservation. The company has been offering kayak and paddle boarding tours on the Outer Banks since 1999 and is located at the Waterfront Shops in...
Corolla Adventures is a family owned and operated business. The Meredith family has been providing vacationers with entertainment for nearly two decades. My late father opened The Waterworks, a watersports rental store in Nags Head during the...
Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in 1997, is one of the most popular destinations for a myriad...
Fun, family-oriented and professional fishing and maritime trips.
Located in one of the Outer Banks most beautiful wooded areas, the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Park is a small recreation area just off the Bypass near the entrance of Kitty Hawk Woods. It’s a family-oriented neighborhood playground that has play...
The Field Research Facility in northern Duck is known for its 1840 foot long pier and its internationally recognized research. It’s mission is “Advancing coastal knowledge through observation and discovery.”Established by the U.S...
As everyone can see just walking past this store, many of the mild-weather recreational activities that can be done outdoors are covered here. Racks in front of the store are filled with fat tire beach cruisers, kayaks and surfboards. Inside, surf...
Visitors who take advantage of the exceptional fishing along the Albemarle Sound or Edenton Bay, or who notice the abundance of maritime wildlife along the local creeks and rivers of the Inner Banks, can send their thanks for this ecological...
On Oak Island, even getting to the beach can be a scenic and relaxed adventure, thanks to the collection of Environmental Overlook Trails that lead visitors from the Intracoastal Waterway-bordering sections of town to the beachfront neighborhoods...
Explore the beauty and serenity of Hatteras Island on horseback anytime of year at Equine Adventures. Riders can expect quality service from local owner and operator Sylvia Mattingly, who brings more than 25 years of horse experience to Equine...
Take a walk on the Cape Fear’s wild side with a visit to the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve – a scenic 174-acre natural area that’s a prized component of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Located just outside the busy...
Shelling, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding, Eco Tours & Light Fishing. Guided family adventure trips on Hatteras Island, NC. We take your group to multiple tidal islands along the Cape Hatteras seaside. These islands are constantly changing and...
Night climbing starts in June of 2019! FFAP is an Aerial Adventure Park overlooking the beautiful Albemarle Sound. Platforms range from 12 feet to 50 feet high. Climbers take the action into their own hands by choosing to go on the easiest of the...
Take a breather from an exploration of busy historic Beaufort and enjoy some stunning views of the local waterfront with a visit to Fishermen’s Park. This small park that is a popular launching point for easy treks to the adjacent Rachel...
Looking at the small town of Manteo, with its Crepe Myrtle lined busy main streets, and charming downtown filled with contemporary restaurants and old antique stores, one wouldn't necessarily think that this Outer Banks village was the veritable...
A campground, convenince store and watersport site rolled into one.
Ghost Crab Quest is an ecotourism company based on the Outer Banks. Amazed by the beauty of these fragile barrier islands, Ghost Crab Quest is committed to sharing and exploring its wonders day and night. While the star of the show is the mighty...
Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike...
Embark on an adventure that you and your crew will never forget with a fun Hatteras Island expedition that is commandeered by Godspeed Charters. This Hatteras village-based charter business features a wide range of activities for families of all...
Halyburton Park, (also known by its formal name of Halyburton Memorial Park), is a 58-acre nature preserve that features a lengthy biking and hiking trail, a number of public facilities, and a scenic glimpse into the local foliage and wildlife that...
No Outer Banks family vacation is ever complete without a Harbor Star dolphin tour. What could possibly be more exciting than watching the wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin jump and frolic right in front of you? This trip is guaranteed to be a great...
Harkers Island visitors who want to enjoy a waterfront expedition or just a little time on the sand can head to the Harkers Island Beach and Boat Ramp. Centrally located along the main road that heads to Harkers Island, this popular local spot...
From exploring the diverse wildlife that crowds the local beaches, to taking a lazy tour through the winding marshes and creeks of the Pamlico Sound, there’s a lot to discover at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center. This unique interactive...
Enjoy recreational watersports and guided tours.