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Our Top 23 Things To Do In The Outer Banks For Couples

  • JP Grice
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Outer Banks is the name given to the line of islands off the North Carolina mainland bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a stunning tourist destination known for its abundant water activities, natural scenery, historic lighthouses, and cool beaches. You can do plenty of romantic activities on the island, perfect for any date, anniversary, or honeymoon plans. Here are some ideal things to do in the outer banks for couples:

See Some Of The Lighthouses Of The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are popularly known for their series of historic lighthouses. One of the most popular sites is Cape Hatteras which houses America’s tallest brick lighthouse. Visit the seashore and try climbing to the very summit of this structure. The top view of the ocean waves is something you simply can’t miss! We also love visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse! Driving through a forest of pines with chances to see all kinds of wildlife, you will arrive at the lighthouse. Once there, you can walk the boardwalk and enjoy epic views of the area!

Bodie Island Lighthouse - things to do in the outer banks NC for couples
Bodie Island Lighthouse

Take a Winery Tour with Sanctuary Vineyards

The Sanctuary Vineyards are part of a quaint seaside farm at Jarvisburg, NC, on the outer banks. The farm has been a part of the Wright family heritage for over seven generations. These vineyards cover around 10 acres and produce various wines, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Albariño, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Tempranillo. Furthermore, you can visit the vineyards and take a winery tour with your significant other. It is one of the most recommended things to do in outer banks for couples.

Stroll through the Downtown of Historic Manteo and See Local Goods and Independent Shops

Historic downtown Manteo is a charming town in the heart of Roanoke Island, NC. It is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, rich in history and culture with plenty to explore. You c a walk downtown and explore the shops selling local produce and goods. You will also find plenty of restaurants where you can stop by for a bite near the beautiful waterfront settings. 

Visit the Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabeth Gardens are part of the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on the North Carolina Outer Banks. These whimsical gardens were built as a memorial site for the first English colonists who settled on Roanoke Island. These gardens are a spectacle to experience, especially when they fully bloom during spring. Thparken also hosts various special events and programs throughout the year. 

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach with OBX Horseback

Outer Banks (OBX) Horseback is a rental service offering dedicated beach horseback rides to visitors and locals. You can enjoy a casual horseback ride along the beach with your partner. You will have at least one to two instructors guiding you at a time; this ride is perfect even for those not experienced with horseback riding. They also offer professional photography shots if you want a keepsake from your trip. Also, it is one of the best things to do in the outer banks for couples.

Get Adventurous Together by Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge

If you want to spend the day doing something exhilarating, head to the Jockey Ridge on the Outer Banks for professional hang gliding services. They give preliminary training before visitors can set out for the barrier islands. Jockey Ridge has some of the tallest dunes on the East Coast, of which hand gliders launch over. Beginners and experts alike are welcome to join the thrill! Hence, it is one of the top-adventurous things for couples to do in outer banks.

Jockeys Ridge Sand Dunes Outer Banks - things to do in the outer banks for couples
Jockey’s Ridge Sand dunes

Pick up Lunch from Country Deli & Have a Picnic on the Beach

Visit the Outer Banks in NC and ask the locals where the best sandwich shop might be, and they will guide you to “Country Deli.” Country Deli at the Kill Devil Hills has been a hoping sandwich deli in the Outer Banks since it opened in 1990. Hear to the deli and have some of their delights packed for a romantic beach picnic!

Moreover, Asheville, NC, also offers the best things you can do as a couple. So don’t forget to explore that too!

Drive The 4×4 Beaches for a Chance to See the Wild Horses.

The 4×4 Beaches is the name given to the strip of 100 miles located on the outer Banks, which can only be traveled with 4-wheel drive vehicles. You will find wide stretches of beach, dense maritime forests, and marshy areas lacking paved roads here. 

If you have the right vehicle, heer to the beach and observe the Corolla wild horses in their natural habitat. It is one of the indeed the top things to do in Corolla, NC.

Do a Guided Kayak Tour

The Outer Banks offer many waterfront sports to enjoy. You can spend the day on the waters as a part of a kayak tour. Many tour companies provide premier kayak touring services to the residents and tourists of the Outer Banks. This activity is perfect for all ages, beginners and experts alike!

Go to the Local Fish Market and pick Up the Freshest Options to Cook with Your Loved One.

The Outer Banks also has various of local seafood markets, offering a steady supply of the freshest catch. You’ll find plenty of tuna, mahi-mahi, brown shrimp, hard shell crabs, flounder, and more varieties throughout the year. Head to the local fish market for the day and select the freshest produce to cook with your significant other! Make your day cheerful with this activity, as this is among the ideal things to do in the outer banks for couples.

Take a Long Drive on Outer Banks Scenic Byway

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a road that will take you along the entire strip of the outer banks following the North Carolina coastline. It stretches 138 miles and is the perfect place for a long drive with your partner!

Take a Drive through Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge covers over 154,000 acres of wetland habitats that house a variety of wildlife, including alligators, black bears, wood ducks, and red wolves. You can drive through the wildlife refuge and observe these animals in person. You will also find several hiking trails, observation platforms, and fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities. 

Explore the Villages on Hatteras Island

Hatteras Island is a barrier island off the North Carolina Coast near the Outer Banks. This is a charming island full of hospitality. Here you’ll find seven villages that had preserved their way of living before the English colonized this region; you can visit these villages and get a taste of life on the Outer Baion. 

Visit The Spa at The Sanderling

The Sanderling Resort is a luxury resort on the Outer Banks where you can spend a relaxing vacation with your loved one. Head to their spa to experience true physical and mental rejuvenation. They offer body, massage, and facial treatments you can choose from, along with salon services and professionally instructed yoga classes. 

Have an Upscale Dinner at Tale of the Whale

The Tale Of The Whale is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Outer Banks, NC. They have served the residents some of the finest local seafood, steaks, salads, pasta, chicken, and more for over 43 years. If you want to have a lovely romantic dinner, visit the establishment. 

Eat Dinner Overlooking the Sound at Cafe Pamlico

You can go to the Cafe Pamlico at Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for more fine dining. Here they serve food with classic southern hospitality aboard the scenic views of the Pamlico Sound. You can watch the sunset over the waters as you enjoy your dinner. 

Pamlico Sound In The OBX is one of our favorite things to do in the outer banks for couples
Pamlico Sound

Do Yoga on the Beach Together

Outer Banks has many facilities for beach yoga, especially for visiting couples. You can check out Trivillage Yoga which hosts regular public yoga classes on the beach. Nags Head Beach Yoga is also a popular service that hosts weekly yoga classes by the beach. 

Keep Things Simple: Get Your Coffee and Head to The Beach for Sunrise

Sometimes simplicity can be the best choice! Take your loved one out for a cup of steaming hot coffee. Head over to the beach with your breakfast brew and watch as the sun rises for the day. There are also many cafes around the outer banks where you can enjoy tantalizing brews before you start the day. 

See Live Music at Avon Pier

Avon Pier is a popular fishing sport and recreational pier on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. This pier has also become a hotspot for live music performances during the summer. Every Thursday evening, you can come out to the pier to listen to local musicians and bands play their music live. It is one of the top-recommended things to do in Avon, NC.

Take a Sunset Cruise with OBX Adventures

Outer Banks (OBX) Adventures offer exceptional cruising services to the locals and tourists at Outer Banks, NC. You can join the cruise and watch the panoramic views of the sunset out on the waters. 

See The Sunset from Jockey’s Ridge

If you are noo fond of sunset cruises, visit the Jockey’s Ridge state park instead. Here you can watch some of the tallest natural sand dunes in the Eastern USA, giving you stunning views of the warm yellow sunset. 

Do a Wine Tasting at Vineyards on the Scuppernong

Vineyards On the Scuppernong is a local winery located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They offer wines made from six different varieties of grapes. You can tour the winery and take your time to taste its fresh brews. You can also schedule an intimate private wine-tasting session to sample 8-10 wines from their facility, perfect for outer banks’ romantic gateways. 

Final Thoughts

The Outer Banks in North Carolina offer many activities you can do with your partner. You can tour the beaches, enjoy waterfront activities, feast on delectable foods, or explore nature trails and wildlife. Simply choose any of the destinations we have listed above; there are plenty of ways to plan a romantic day with your loved one! Hence, there are plenty of things to do in the outer banks for couples. You just need to explore!

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JP Grice

Art Director and co-founder of QC Exclusive. Probably traveling the Carolinas, photographing sunsets, or fly fishing in a river somewhere.

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