48 hours in the northern outer banks
The Northern Outer Banks is a land of happy juxtapositions. The area encompasses the upper stretch of the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, but also a swath of the mainland on the other side of the Currituck Sound, so the culture is a mix of seafaring adventure and small town charm. Visitors to the Northern Outer Banks will delight in both pristine beaches and dunes and quaint downtowns where live oaks hover over shady streets. The area boasts wild horses that roam the sands and boutiques flanked by popular seafood restaurants. Show up for a couple of days, and you can challenge the rugged surf in the Atlantic or cruise the calm waters in the Currituck Sound. Spend your time strolling lonely beaches and perusing bustling downtowns…You don’t have to choose between wild or civilized when you visit the Northern Outer Banks, because this area offers both experiences.
meet the local
Jason Weeks has worked to enhance and preserve the unique landscapes in the Northern Outer Banks for decades as the Currituck County Parks and Recreation Director. He never gets tired of exploring the wild coastline, quiet maritime forests and slow, meandering sound waters that make this corner of North Carolina so special.
“What sets The Northern Outer Banks apart is the balance between untouched coastal wilderness and welcoming community spaces,” Weeks says. “There are places where you can feel both the power of nature and the comfort of a small, connected community.”
Weeks believes that when visitors keep Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles in mind, they have a chance to not only experience the duality of the Northern Outer Banks for themselves, but also preserve it for others to enjoy.
“The Northern Outer Banks is rich in sensitive habitats and Currituck County offers a full and unforgettable time outdoors, from marshes and forests to wide-open beaches,” Weeks says. “We’re proud to share it with you.”
Jason Weeks: My Wild-Yet-Wise Weekend in Transylvania County
day one
Breakfast
Make your way to Historic Corolla Park, which is free and offers wide open green spaces along the waterfront where you can stroll, fish or search for crabs in the sound. This park is also home to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, where you can climb 220 steps to the top for an inspiring view, as well as Whalehead, a museum housed in a 1920s era architectural masterpiece. Spend your time strolling the perimeter paths or relax along the sound side. The park also features a one-of-a-kind kids play area which includes play equipment that mimics the wildlife of the area. Historic Corolla Park draws a lot of different guests, which makes it a wonderful opportunity for you to Share the Outdoors, being mindful of your noise and allowing other visitors to enjoy the park in their own way. Being considerate of other users helps maximize the enjoyment of the great outdoors for everyone.
Lunch
When you get hungry, there are plenty of local favorites close to Historic Corolla Park offering fresh seafood, sandwiches and shaded outdoor seating. My favorite is Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill, which is just a short walk from the beach access and to the Historic Corolla Park. The spot is famous for its locally sourced comfort food, like firecracker shrimp and chicken wings topped with crab meat.
Afternoon adventure
For a lesser-known gem, visit Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge on Knotts Island, a remote and sparsely populated sliver of land in the Currituck Sound reachable by ferry. The Great Marsh Trail offers a peaceful walk with expansive wetland views and excellent birdwatching. If you prefer water, rent a kayak at the sound side, or bring your own, and paddle the calm waters around Currituck Sound, watching for herons, and osprey. Regardless of how you get around the island, remember to Keep Wildlife Wild and maintain a respectful distance from local creatures. Observing these animals from a distance helps reduce their stress associated with human contact.
dinner
End your day along the mainland waterfront at Sound Park in Point Harbor. This community park features a fishing pier, picnic areas, sporting fields, and one of the county’s best sunset vantage points over the sound. It’s also packed with local restaurants. My recommendation would be BJ’s Carolina Café, which offers a mix of seafood and southern staples like fried chicken. Pick up dinner and enjoy it outdoors as the sky shifts from gold to deep pink.
spend the night
There’s no shortage of comfortable beds to rest after a day’s worth of adventure in the Northern Outer Banks. The Wild Horse Inn has suites, each of which has its own outdoor space so you can enjoy the night stars.
The Corolla Village Inn couldn’t be more charming. It’s tucked beneath a stand of live oaks close to the pedestrian-friendly Corolla Village.
day two
morning adventure
Start your morning at Currituck Banks Reserve, a 965-acre park that offers a diverse landscape full of ocean beaches, dunes, marshland and maritime forest. The Reserve is bound by the Currituck Sound on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The best way to explore it is by taking a casual
Walk along the Boardwalk Trail, an accessible experience ideal for all mobility levels. This short, sound sidewalk showcases marsh views, maritime forest, and interpretive signage highlighting local ecology. Be mindful to Stick to Established Trails, which helps preserve the sensitive fauna that thrive just off of the boardwalk.
lunch break
Consider grabbing a meal at one of the Northern Outer Banks’ bustling farmers markets, which are stocked with seasonal fruits and veggies, local seafood, and homemade baked goods and picnic supplies. Some of these markets even offer restaurants, beer and live music. Check out Seaside Farm Market for steamed shrimp, crabs and lobster tails.
afternoon adventure
After you have your fill of steamed shrimp, stretch your legs at Currituck County Rural Center in Powells Point. This massive site includes walking trails, open fields, a fishing pond and equestrian facilities. It’s one of our most versatile recreation areas, ideal for families, cyclists, dog walkers and anyone who wants space to roam. If you have a kayak or paddleboard, you can even launch from the park and paddle along a canal, which carves through the park to access the Currituck Sound. Help keep the banks of the sound and canal wild by launching your kayak only in designated launch sites or sandy beaches.
Bonus Adventure
No trip to the Northern Outer Banks is complete without trying to spot the Corolla wild horses, which are descendants of Spanish mustangs that now roam free along the dunes of Corova Beach. The best way to see the horses is on a guided tour, which will have you in a 4WD vehicle moving slowly along the beach. Bring a telephoto lens, so you can capture photos of the animals while still maintaining a safe distance, which helps preserve their wild habits without human interference. Giving the horses enough space will also reduce the chances of incidental contact, keeping both you and the animals safe. With any luck, you’ll see dolphins in the water as well.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.