Experience the Wonder of the Outer Banks’ Natural Beauty with Insider Amy Wood

Hi everyone — Amy Wood here! I’m an administrative specialist with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and a proud Outer Banker for the past 23 years. Growing up in Virginia, my family’s day trips and vacations to OBX were some of my favorite memories, and it didn’t take long for me to realize this place felt like home. So as a young adult, I made the leap to settle down in the Outer Banks for good.

I love the Outer Banks for its open spaces, laid-back pace and endless activities. But what truly sets it apart is the passion of the people who call it home. You can feel it as soon as you arrive — and I hope my recommendations below help you experience it too.

Get outside

Spring on the Outer Banks is seriously perfect. The weather’s ideal for getting outside and enjoying everything this beautiful place has to offer. At its soul, the Outer Banks is a natural wonder with a rich history and a way of life that has been passed down for generations. Do your part to protect it by making the Outer Banks Promise. Be aware, stay prepared, look out for one another and work together to preserve the beauty and spirit of this special place.

• Nags Head Woods: Start by hitting the trails here. It's peaceful, quiet and offers a cool look at the history of the folks who lived in these woods back in the day. There’s even an accessible trail, so everyone can join in!  
• Elizabethan Gardens: In the spring, it’s like stepping into a colorful wonderland. Everything is in bloom, and it's a total must-see. 
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge: In the mood for some wildlife adventure? You can take a trolley or kayak tour and, if you’re lucky, spot a red wolf (super rare!), black bears, bald eagles and maybe even an alligator.
• Build a beach fire: For something a little out of the ordinary, why not start a new tradition and have a beach fire? Whether you hire a company to handle everything (like Outer Banks Beach Fires) or decide to do it yourself (be sure to follow the official beach fire guidelines), it’s a great way to end the day with friends or family on the beach.
• Sunrises and sunsets: Get ready for some of the most vibrant displays you’ll ever see. While you can enjoy a front-row seat to a sunrise at any beach, there are a few standout locations for catching the sunset: Duck Town Boardwalk, Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills, Pineapple Beach in Manteo, the Salvo Day Use area or the Haulover Day Use Center on Hatteras Island. For an unexpected twist, both Jockey’s Ridge and the Bonner Bridge Pier (along the Basnight Bridge to Hatteras Island) offer prime spots to watch either a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

Embrace the spirit and history of OBX

Set aside some time to explore the roots of the OBX, where you can find fascinating connections to our nation’s history at every turn. 

• The Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile round-trip trail starts at Fort Raleigh and goes all the way to the northern tip of Roanoke Island. It’s a great way to learn about the Freedman's Colony, a settlement formed during the Civil War by formerly enslaved people who found refuge on Union-controlled land. History and fresh air, what’s not to love? 
• Local shopping: Map out a route that takes you through the local art galleries, indie bookstores and quirky shops. From Duck to Hatteras Island, you’ll find everything from paintings to pottery, all created by the local artists who really capture the spirit of the Outer Banks. 
• Island Farm in Manteo: For a unique glimpse into the past, this living history site brings to life the story of everyday Outer Bankers who lived on Roanoke Island in the 1850s. Don't miss Tater Day at the Farm on June 18 — where else can you celebrate the humble potato in such a fun, historical setting? 
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum: The newly renovated museum is a must-see, paying tribute to the thousands of shipwrecks that rest off NC’s coast and preserving the fascinating history of the region's maritime heritage.

Enjoy a bite to eat

The Outer Banks is packed with independent restaurants. These are just a few of my favorites.

• For coffee: There are several charming coffee shops offering their own signature brews — so be sure to sample them all. A standout is Charis Coffee in Manteo — a Cubano and freshly made pastry is the best way to start a vacation morning!  
• For lunch: Head to Wanchese and swing by O'Neal's Sea Harvest. Known for its fresh, local seafood, O'Neal’s offers mouthwatering platters and sandwiches, and you can even grab some to-go if you’re in a hurry. Lunch specials change daily, but you can’t go wrong with shrimp: steamed, fried, on a sandwich — you name it! 
• For dinner: Make it a meal to remember with a view at a soundside restaurant. Miller's Waterfront (I order the she-crab soup and sunset flounder), NC Coast (coconut curry bowl) and Blue Point (shrimp and grits) all offer stunning sunset views along with locally sourced seafood, meats and produce. 
• For a nightcap: Grab a pint at Swells-a Brewing (their hard seltzer is great), or catch some local tunes at Outer Banks Brewing Station, Outer Banks Pier or Poor Richards.

I also love giving back to the communities I visit — whether it’s as simple as secretly buying someone’s meal at a café, volunteering with a local organization or helping out at a community race with a running club. It’s such a meaningful way to connect with people and truly get to know a place. You can explore Outer Banks voluntourism opportunities here.

Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.