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Things to Do on the Outer Banks & Dare County
Dare County is most of the Outer Banks: the beach towns from Duck to Nags Head, historic Roanoke Island and the villages of Hatteras Island. More events happen here than anywhere else in the region, so check back often. 🌊
Climb the dunes 🏖️
Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head has the tallest living sand dunes on the East Coast. Come for sunset, fly a kite, or take a hang gliding lesson on the sand.
Dig into history 🏛️
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills marks the first powered flight in 1903. On Roanoke Island, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is home to The Lost Colony, the outdoor drama that has played each summer since 1937.
See the lighthouses 🗼
Bodie Island Lighthouse stands just south of Nags Head, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton is the tallest brick lighthouse in America.
Bring the kids 🐢
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has sharks, river otters and a sea turtle rescue center. Afterward, walk the Manteo waterfront and visit Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Get outside 🦅
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island is a favorite for birders. On the mainland, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is home to black bears and red wolves.
Mark your calendar 🎉
Fall brings Wings Over Water and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival. Summer brings The Lost Colony and Fourth of July fireworks, and December lights up with Christmas parades and holiday events in Manteo.
Towns in Dare County
What's happening on the Outer Banks this week
Explore nearby: Corolla & Currituck County · Elizabeth City & Pasquotank County · All communities