A ferry accessed island offering 14 miles of secluded beaches, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, croquet greenswards, swimming complex, children's programs, and a wide variety of vacation home rentals, restaurants and a protected full-service marina. baldheadisland.com
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Cape Fear Coast
Wrightsville Beach ,Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Bald Head Island, Oak Island ,Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach
Banks Rambler
Fishing, guided shelling and clamming! banksrambler.com
Bogue & Core Sounds
, Harkers Island, Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Emerald Isle, Swansboro
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Crystal Coast
Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Emerald Isle, and the cape lookout national seashore
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
bogueinletpier.com
The horizontally striped lighthouse rises 159 feet above sea level just south of Nags Head. The base of the tower is open seasonally, along with restored Double Keeper's Quarters, which contains lighthouse exhibits and a book shop. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Atlantic Ocean Resort Beaches of the Topsail Island Area
North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Topsail Beach
Carolina Beach State Park
The Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall, located by the entrance to the park, offers environmental education programs and exhibits. The interactive maps and exhibits highlight the park's flora and fauna, but focus specifically on the carnivorous plants that are unique to their area. Spot the rare Venus flytrap and other species of plants. Wind your way through habitats along intriguing trails or enjoy fishing and boating. Covers 712 acres with five miles of hiking trails, and boat ramps, slips and fuel dock. Campsites, picnic areas, group camping. Free. Fee for camping, ramps and slips. Carolina Beach State Park
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
In 1804, Congress authorized construction of a lighthouse on Cape Lookout, the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks barrier islands. Completed in 1812, the Cape Lookout light was reconstructed in 1859 to its height of 163 feet and, today, is still an acting aid to navigation. It was painted with its distinctive black and white diamond pattern in 1873. A new keeper's quarters was constructed at the same time. The keeper's quarters is accessible to visitors on a seasonal basis. There is no access by road to the undeveloped islands of the cape lookout national seashore. Ferry services are available from Davis, Atlantic, Harkers Island, Beaufort
, and Morehead City. cape lookout national seashore
cape lookout national seashore
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island
cape lookout national seashore consists of three undeveloped barrier islands covering 55 miles. Activities include: fishing, swimming, birding, boating, Windsurfing, kayaking and shelling. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on south Core Banks and is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Primitive camping allowed. Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray. Pets are allowed on leash, but they are not allowed on public ferries or in concession lodgings. cape lookout national seashore, which includes the Cape Lookout Historic District, conserves and preserves for the future the outstanding natural resources of a dynamic coastal barrier island system; protects and interprets the significant cultural resources of the past and contemporary maritime history; provides for public education and enrichment through proactive interpretation and scientific study; and provides for sustainable use of recreation resources and opportunities. cape lookout national seashore"> nature.org recreation.gov
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, operated by Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. (OBC), under a lease agreement with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Division of Archives and History, preserves, maintains, and exhibits the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse, its restored Keepers Quarters, and several dependencies for the enjoyment and education of the public. Exhibits interpret the construction, significance, and social history of this lighthouse. Collections including oral histories, institutional archives, photographs, and a variety of miscellaneous published and unpublished manuscripts are housed in the corporate offices of the OBC and at the Outer Banks History Center, both at Festival Park in Manteo. First illuminated on Dec. 1, 1875. Over 1,000,000 red bricks were used to build this lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 214 steps to get a breathtaking view of the ocean and sound. Open 10 to 6 daily, April thru October. Admission is $5.00 for all people 8 years and older. currituckbeachlight.com
Currituck Beaches
To the west is the North River, to the south is the Albemarle Sound and to the east is the Currituck Sound. Millions of vacationers are attracted to the wide, clean and beautiful beaches each year. Open year round. Currituck County Tourism
Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Carova Beach
Corolla from the North Beach access 4-wheel drive ramp. Two miles of wildlife preserve for hiking and beach activities. Inhabited by a variety of native wildlife showcasing a prime example of maritime forest. Foot and four wheel drive access only. Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Carova Beach
The refuge hosts almost 20,000 visitors annually. It is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, throughout the year. Hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, and waterfowl hunting are the primary wildlife-dependent activities that may be enjoyed on the refuge. Wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors with a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Piping plover and loggerhead sea turtles occasionally nest on the refuge. Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Ocracoke Visitor Center
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Visitor Center seeks to educate visitors about the cultural heritage and natural history of the island. Exhibits focus on the Life Saving Station, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, pirate activity there, Ocracoke's role in the Civil War and in World War II, its British Cemetery, the native horses and other wildlife, and early tourism. Ocracoke Visitor Center
Coquina Beach
South Nags Head
Coquina Beach photo tour. Great beach with very good facilities. The remains of the shipwreck of the Laura Barnes are located here. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Open for climbing Good Friday - Columbus Day. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Outer Banks
Stretched over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a fascinating combination of natural and cultural resources and provides a wide variety of recreational and research opportunities relating to the cultural history and natural heritage of the Outer Banks, Shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Main offices and research facilities for Fort Raleigh, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located at the Fort Raleigh facility. Preserves and protects 75 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks. National park includes Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and visitors centers at Buxton (year-round), Bodie Island and Ocracoke (seasonal). Free. Fee for camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore recreation.gov
Cape Hatteras National Seashore & Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke Island
Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore in the country. It extends from Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet and includes 13 miles of pristine beach on Ocracoke Island. Local folks call this area "the park" and it offers a wide variety of activities such as birding, boating, camping, cycling, fishing, surfing, swimming, seashelling and wind-boarding! For a wonderful look at nature, visit the Hammock Hills Nature Trail on the island. Local shops on the island offer a variety of rentals such as bikes, kayaks, wind boards, etc.to help you explore this area. Ocracoke Island has the uniqueness of having the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. These factors give the visitor a choice of water activities, depending on their abilities. There is also a National Park Campground on the island, situated between the two bodies of water with easy highway access nearby. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Village of Duck
This charming village is a great location for browsing in boutiques, galleries and gift shops. townofduck.com
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Visitors Center
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area's Visitor Center Collection includes loggerhead and other turtle shells, seashells, taxidermy mounts of native ducks and other birds, and a variety of other natural history and science specimens. This growing collection is housed and exhibited in the visitor center classroom. Four miles and 288 acres of undeveloped beach. Swimming area and concession stand Memorial Day-Labor Day. Nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles and nesting waterbirds. Hiking trails. Licensed four-wheel-drive vehicles may travel on the beach in designated areas for access to excellent surf fishing. A regional public beach access with restrooms, showers, and refreshment stand. Offers educational nature programs. Fort Fisher
Freeman Park Recreation Area
North end of Carolina Beach. Permits are required, $40 annual or $10 day. Must have four wheel drive vehicle to navigate through the sand. carolinabeach.org/pages/parks_rec.html
Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon interprets and preserves the history of this structure. Displayed throughout the fort is the history of the site and its military role from the pre-Civil War era through World War II. Exhibits include the hot shot furnace in the fort yard, bread oven, kitchen and supply areas, and exhibits on the Fort Macon soldier's life. ## Built between 1826 and 1834 to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, this five-sided fort constructed of brick and stone was intermittently garrisoned before being seized by Confederate troops in 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. Twenty-six casements are enclosed by outer walls 4.5 feet thick. In April, 1862 the fort was recaptured by Union forces. During the Reconstruction Era, it was used as a prison. Fort Macon was re garrisoned in 1898 for the Spanish-American War and from 1941-1945 during World War II. Today, Fort Macon is one of the finest surviving examples of 19th century military architecture and fortification. Areas of the fort have been restored to depict periods of soldier occupation. Civil War reenactments occur during summer months. You may tour the restored fort daily except Christmas day. Swimming, fishing, a nature trail and picnicking are available daily. Free ## Civil War: Built 1826-1834 to protect the deep-water port at Beaufort
, this fort was taken by North Carolina militia in April 1861. Confederate occupation lasted a little more than a year. Fort Macon fell April 25, 1862 to a Union land-sea operation. The site remains in good shape and is maintained with its Civil War history in mind. Good exhibits located in the casemates. Frequent programs during the summer. Guided and self-guided tours available. Fort Macon State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Venture to Bear Island and be rewarded with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. An 892-acre barren island with 3.5 miles of pristine beach. Backpack and primitive camping, swimming, wildlife viewing and shelling. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime year round but is best in the fall. Passenger ferry service is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children 6-12. Fee for camping is $9. Hammocks Beach State Park
Jennette's Fishing Pier
The oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, "Giants of the Sea," showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday - Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. jennettespier.net
Kure Beach Pier
Kure Beach Pier is a public fishing pier that has been located in Kure Beach since 1923. We are open April 1 thru Nov. 30, 24 hours a day. We allow King Fishing, with 3 rods & reels, May 15th thru Sept. 30th for $12.00 a day. Our basic rate is $5.00 per day for 1 rod and reel. On site we sell fishing tackle, bait, rod and reel combos. Also on site we have a concession stand, arcade and large souvenir area. At Kure Beach Pier we are geared to giving families a pleasent place to go on vacation. kurebeachfishingpier.com
Kitty Hawk Kites
Known widely as the world's largest Hang Gliding School for over 25 years, Kitty Hawk Kites is the Outer Banks' Family Adventure Center. Try one of our many family adventures, on the water or off. Learn to Hang Glide over soft sand dunes or fly tandem with an instructor to 2000 ft. The Wright Brothers chose the Outer Banks for their first flight, so can you. More adventure activities available are Kite Surfing, the newest watersport phenomenon, Dolphin Tours on a 24-passenger Jet Boat, challenging Rock Climbing Walls, for all ages, and much more. Don't forget to check out one or all of our kite and toy stores, full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Kid's programs run throughout the summer, as well as many spectacular kiting and hang gliding events! Kitty Hawk Kites
Mansonboro Island Estuarine Reserve
Evidence strongly suggests that the first stretch of the continental American Coastline ever spotted and described by European explorers was the 8-mile long beach now called Masonboro Island. Masonboro is the largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of North Carolina's coast. Mansonboro Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve
NCDOT Ferry System: Hatteras / Ocracoke
Hatteras Island - Ocracoke Island
NC Department Of Transportation Ferry System North Carolina Ferry System
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum
North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, built in 1817. Open to public. Historic tour packages available. Next to the lighthouse is the Smith Island Museum which houses historic artifacts found on Bald Head Island. These are managed by the Old Baldy Foundation in order to preserve the history of Smith Island, Old Baldy Lighthouse, and the maritime history of the Carolina coast. oldbaldy.org
Oak Island Lighthouse
Lighthouse is located on the U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island, on the southern coast of North Carolina. It was built in 1958, is seventeen stories tall; can be seen from 24 miles offshore and is the brightest light in Western Hemisphere. The lighthouse light flashes four times every 10 seconds and is designed to sway up to three feet at the top in 100 M.P.H. plus wind speed. The lighthouse is not open to the public but a viewing area is set aside on Caswell Beach Drive Southport - Oak Island Tourism
oceanana-resort.com
Outer Banks Fishing Tournament Calendar
Events and Tournaments
Offshore and inshore tournaments. Surf fishing.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is a 75-foot sturdy, whitewashed tower built of brick with a concrete veneer exterior. The walls of the lighthouse are five feet thick at the base. Work on the lighthouse was actually completed in 1823. The total cost for the lighthouse and other buildings around its base was less than $12,000.00. For more than 175 years, its beacon has shown out across this remote island and across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has braved countless storms and weathered many hardships. Its bright light is visible 14 miles at sea. It has led generations of sailors home and has become a symbol of the independent islanders who have made Ocracoke their home for more than 200 years. The interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public but wonderful photo opportunities are available on the grounds. Historic Ocracoke is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. The lighthouse is also one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. Ocracoke Light
Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
Ocracoke Island
Come and explore the uninhabited Portsmouth Village and discover a remote, pristine beach and its fascinating seashore creatures. Excursions begin with a twenty-minute boat ride from beautiful Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village. Once on the island you will discover the historic deserted village of Portsmouth. This settlement was once a thriving port town, established in 1753, with over 685 residents in 1860. It is part of the cape lookout national seashore and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical buildings open for you to see include the U. S. Life Saving Station, Schoolhouse, Post Office/General Store, Church, and visitor center. Then, its off to a beautiful, remote beach where you can discover excellent shorebird and dolphin watching, sea turtle tracks, and other fascinating creatures. Or, you can take a swim and enjoy the best shelling on the Outer Banks. The ATVs are shared (two people per ATV). Drivers must be at least 16. Children must be 6 years of age to take the tour. We provide the ATVs for the tour and do not take personal ATVs. portsmouthislandatvs.com
Rodanthe Watersports and Campground
Full service watersports rental center and soundside waterfront campground for tents and RVs. watersportsandcampground.com
Sportsmans Pier
sportsmanspier.com
Spinnaker Surf & Sport
Surf City
Arcade, surf board rentals, skateboards, skatewear, surfwear, shoes/sandals, designer eyeware, gifts, jewelry. spinnkaersurfshop.com
