We just spent five days in the Outer Banks in May, and to be honest it did not go as planned. Every time I have ever been to the Outer Banks it has been near perfect: sunny with a perfect breeze and in the high 80s (which I think is perfect weather!) However, are most recent trip was anything but that. A cold front from Canada brought down Winter vibes to the OBX. It was 50 to 50 degrees, cloudy and rainy, and extremely windy….we’re talking 40 mph gusts…the entire time we were down there. But were we going to let that stop us from enjoying a vacation and all the amazing things that this area has to offer. The answer is: not at all!!!! Below you’ll find our favorite things to do in the Outer Banks when it rains!
Instead we focused on what was in our control! We chose to visit the following places and ultimately, looking back, although the weather wasn’t the best the trip was one of the more memorable I’ve had to this special place on the coast of North Carolina.
Take The Family To The North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island is a 6100-square-foot facility in Manteo, a short distance from Nags Head. It houses over 22,000 animals on display, including sharks, turtles, and other marine animals. You can see the beauty of marine life or learn about the North Carolina waterways and how you can play a role in aquatic environment conservation. My favorite room is the jellyfish room! I could stare at them for an hour! This is easily my number 1 on the list of things to do in the Outer Banks when it rains!
Do A Tasting At OBX Distilling
The Outer Banks Distilling is a famous distillery in Kill Devil Hills, NC – also known as one of the first legal distilleries to make their mark on the Outer Banks. Visit the establishment to partake in their rum-tasting tours or purchase a bottle of their award-winning brews. The distillery also offers tours of its facility on-site for interested visitors. It is one of the top things to do in OBX when it rains.
Embrace The History Of The Area At Frisco Native American Museum
The Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center is open year-round at Hatteras Island. Inside you will find thousands of artifacts from native cultures all around the US, particularly those found locally around the Outer Banks and the first inhabitants of Hatteras Island. Apart from its many exhibits, the museum also houses a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs from your trip.
Take A Tour of The Wright Brothers National Memorial In Nags Head
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a popular attraction in Nags Head. It features a 60 ft granite monument which serves as a reminder of the Wright brothers’ efforts in making modern aviation a success. Here they conducted some of their initial launch tests that made aviation possible for all today! This is one of my top things to do in the Outer Banks when it rains. Then when the rain stops you can come back to visit the memorial on Big Kill Devils Hill! Your National Park ticket is good for a week, so it works out perfectly: visit the museum on a rainy day and learn about the history then when the sun shines come back to see the memorial!
See The Graveyard Of The Atlantic Museum
Although it is currently temporarily closed, when it is back in business this place is amazing! The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a state-of-the-art facility to preserve and honor the maritime culture of the Outer Banks. It houses exhibits and artifacts from the 2000 or so ships that sank off the North Carolina coast, also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The best part is admission to the museum is free for all!
Ashley’s Espresso Parlour
Sometimes it’s nice on a rainy day just to chill out a bit and there’s no place better than Ashley’s Espresso Parlour. You can grab yourself a delicious cup of coffee, log in to wifi and surf the internet or get some work done…casually of course, and even enjoy a delicious snack. What I like about this place the most is the vibe and how alive and full of character it is. I will be back on my next trip for sure!!!
Roanoke Maritime Museum
Manteo, NC let’s just say is my pick for the next upcoming coastal town in North Carolina. This place isn’t big but literally everything there is the cutest. I love the lively feel of the shopping area, the marina and boardwalk is beautiful, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is super cool, and then there’s the Roanoke Maritime Museum. It’s not big, but boy doest it have a lot of cool old boats and knick knacks. Highly recommend stopping by here on a rainy day and then heading to The Lost Colony restaurant for a beer!
OTHER FUN RAIN ACTIVITIES IN THE OUTER BANKS
Go Shopping At The Cotton Gin
The Cotton Gin is a popular shop located at Nags Head, Outer Banks. This unique shopping sensation celebrates the coastal heritage of the Outer Banks. The Cotton Gin was built on the grounds of an original working cotton gin back in 1929 and was converted into a gift shop for the local community soon after. Here, you will find a diverse selection of fine gifts, beachwear, souvenirs, home decor, and collectibles.
Have Fun At OB-Xscape Rooms
If you want to do something uniquely thrilling with your friends and family, we recommend visiting OB-Xscape Rooms. This collection of seven interactive escape rooms demands teamwork and problem-solving skills to get through. Form a group with your friends and family and head in for a private playing experience. Admission to the escape rooms will cost you around $35-$50, depending on the game you select.
Head To The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
The Outer Banks Center For Wildlife Education is a popular facility in Corolla, a nautical village near the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The center covers 22,000 square feet, within which you can explore exhibits on coastal North Carolina wildlife, natural history, and heritage.
Besides hosting several permanent exhibits, the center offers free programs that teach birding, fishing, ocean ecology, and other engaging topics. It is one of the top things to do in Corolla NC when it rains.
Tour The Corolla Wild Horse Museum
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum and Store is a nonprofit organization working to preserve, protect and care for the wild horse roaming the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. In particular, they protect the wild Spanish mustangs, the last remaining herds around the world. The museum has several exhibits dedicated to the historical and cultural significance of horses.
Visit The Spa At The Sanderling
To rejuvenate and refresh your senses, spend a day at The Sanderling Resort and Hotel Spa. The Spa offers beautiful views of the Currituck Sound lagoon from the 10 treatment rooms available to guests and visitors. You can settle for a seasonally inspired massage or a body and facial treatment that will leave you physically and mentally rejuvenated.
Enjoy A Beer Tasting At Swells’a Brewery
Swells’a Brewery is a local brewery in the Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina. Visit with your friends for a drink of any of their brews. They house a wide assortment of fresh cold brews on tap. You can also enjoy clear ocean views if you head up to their balcony. It is one of the top-recommended things to do on rainy days.
Go Bowling At OBX Bowling Center
The OBX Bowling Center at Nags Head is an exciting bowling alley that operates week-round and is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day. Have your friends and family join in for a competitive bowling game or explore the center’s collection of over 50 arcade games. The center also offers a mix of good foods and drinks to enjoy during your visit. It is one of the most-recommended outer banks indoor activities. When looking for fun things to do in the Outer Banks when it rains, can you think of a more reliable option?!?!
Visit SeaWorthy Gallery in Hatteras
The Outer Banks art scene is one worth exploring. The SeaWorthy Gallery is one you can’t miss out on. The gallery houses a notable selection of eclectic handcrafted art that reflects the culture and lifestyle of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. You can browse through their collection of jewelry, pottery, decorative glassworks, oil and watercolor paintings, stainless steel sculptures, fine prints, and photographic works.
Shop At Nags Head’s Outlets
If you are up for some shopping, there is no better place to visit than the Outlets Nags Head. This is a famous shopping center where you can find all your favorite brands for less. Brands housed within include American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie, Carter’s Babies and Kids, JCrew, Talbots, Gap Factory Store, Michael Kors, and more.
Post-shopping, visitors typically head to the terrace to enjoy the beautiful sunset views in a warm seating area.
See A Movie At OBX Movie Theatre
When it gets rainy, you should consider going for a simple movie screening. The RC Kill Devil Hills Movies 10 theater is one of the most popular theaters in the Outer Banks, where you can catch a movie when the weather isn’t doing so well at a pretty reasonable price. Movies include some of the latest blockbusters from Hollywood!
Take The Family To Children At Play Museum In Kitty Hawk
If you are looking for an activity you can enjoy with your kids, head to the Children @ Play Museum, an interactive children’s museum in Kitty Hawk. They house many stimulating hands-on exhibits and activities that promote children’s physical fitness, health, and creativity. It is one of the top things to do in Kitty Hawk when it rains.
Final Thoughts
The next time the weather turns blue and you are unsure where to go, visit any of the locations listed above. With its abundance of museums, galleries, spas, and eateries, there is plenty to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina when it rains!
