A trip to these amazing barrier islands is a great beach vacation. Once you secure your accommodation rentals, you may wonder how much more money you will have to dish out. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in the Outer Banks that won’t cost you a penny.
The Outer Banks is known for its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than by taking a walk. Be sure to bring your camera – the scenery is stunning. There are historic sites and plenty of opportunities to get in touch with wildlife.
Don’t forget to look for some beautiful shells on the beach – a forever souvenir. With that said, let’s explore free things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina area.
Free Things For Kids
The Wright Brothers National Memorial
No visit to the Outer Banks, North Carolina is complete without visiting this site. It commemorates the spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright made history with their first flight in Kitty Hawk in 1903.
The beautiful memorial building is open for tours, and there are several other things you can do here as well, such as visit the gift shop, watch a short film, go on a self-guided tour, or enjoy the park. While the museum costs a moderate fee for adults and older teens, children under the age of 15 get in for free.
The Elizabethan Gardens
This garden is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re a history buff or just love gardens. It’s located in Manteo and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is free for children under the age of 6.
The Roanoke Island Festival Park
The Roanoke Island Festival Park has special events such as the North Carolina Seafood Festival and the All American Music Festival. It is a 25-acre island park that is free for kids under two years old.
The Beaches in OBX
There are several great beaches in the Outer Banks, but perhaps none is more famous than Cape Hatteras. This beach is home to the highest dunes on the East Coast (some of which extend up to 200 feet high!). The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a standout feature you will want to visit.
If you’re lucky enough to visit it when there’s no surf on the dunes, hop onto one of the “backcountry” trails and hike through the dunes to get to the beach.
The Outer Banks is known for its resident pod of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, which you can frequently see swimming around in the ocean off the coast. There are two popular dolphin watching areas; Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Kitty Hawk Kites. The latter is the better choice for seeing dolphins, as they swim closest to shore and you can partake in dolphin cruises.
Of course, you can do free water sports such as paddleboarding or go in a kayak.
Duck Town Park & Boardwalk
This park is a great place to take a walk, go for a run, or just sit and relax. There’s also a boardwalk here that makes for a great stroll. You and the family have plenty of room to walk since the boardwalk is almost a mile long. The park is located in the town of Duck and is free to visit. When you are ready to spend a few dollars, check out the popular Ducks Donuts or one of the plentiful shops in the area.
North Carolina Wildlife Reserve
This reserve is a great place to take the family for a nature hike and see some of North Carolina’s beautiful wildlife. It’s free to enter and open every day from dawn until dusk. There are over 4 miles of trails to explore, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
You may see deer, coyotes, turkeys, and other animals while you’re here. Be on the lookout for signs of an errant bear who recently escaped from his enclosure.
Jennette’s Pier
This highlight will cost you a few dollars (only $2 for adults and $1 for kids) to enter. However, once you gain entry, enjoy a stroll on the longest pier in North Carolina. Go fishing for a small fee or find a gift shop.
The Grounds of Bodie Island Lighthouse
This lighthouse is located in Nags Head and is open daily. It is a striking black and white striped structure that was completed in 1872 by the Oregon Inlet. It’s free to walk around the grounds itself. Birds, fish, crabs are in easy view. You can even climb to the top of the tower, for a fee, for a view you’ll never forget.
Nags Head Woods Preserve
This nature preserve is a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the beauty of North Carolina’s flora and fauna. Admission is free, and it’s open every day from dawn to dusk. There are over 8 miles of hiking trails to explore, so there’s something for everyone. You may see deer, foxes, turtles, and all kinds of birds.
If you’re driving your vehicle, bear in mind that parking is limited, so it may be best to carpool. You can always bring your bike in for free as well.
The Wild Horses of Corolla
This is one of the most popular attractions on the Outer Banks and for good reason. These horses are wild, and you can see them roam free on the beaches and in the marshes. It’s free to view them, but if you want to get up close to the Spanish mustangs, there is a fee. The best time to see them is early morning or late evening, although you may see them at any time of the day.
On certain days, you may be able to go “horseshoeing” with them. There are times when it’s free and other times that have a fee associated with them, so check before you go and prepare to wait for your turn.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
This national park is a great place for hikers to enjoy the coastal scenery. This park is very popular so be sure to come early to avoid the crowd and have a chance at the parking close by. Get into the park for free and go hiking or take advantage of the picnic shelters.
There are guided dune hikes with rangers and exhibits that discuss the critters that live in the dunes as well. If you want to spend some money on an adventure, pay for hang-gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites.
See Historic Sites
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site tells the story of the Lost Colony, a group of English settlers who disappeared in the late 1500s. This site is open daily from 9 am-5 pm and admission is also free.
Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park is another popular outdoor area that features a Civil War fort. It’s located right on the beach with fantastic views and great access to nature all around. Go swimming, beachcombing, attend cannon and musket demonstrations or go on guided tours.
Beachcombing
This is a great way to enjoy the Outer Banks while saving money. You can find shells, driftwood, interesting shapes in the sand, or even a piece of history if you’re lucky. The best time to go beachcombing is during low tide when there is a more exposed area.
In conclusion, the Outer Banks is a fantastic place to go with family. It has several cool attractions, beaches, and other outdoor activities for you to enjoy free of cost. Have fun hiking, hang gliding, visiting state parks, or walking the boardwalk. Whatever you decide, you can have fun in the Outer Banks, North Carolina without breaking the bank.