3 Day Outer Banks Vacation
Bodie Island Lighthouse OBX Cape Hatteras North Carolina
Day 1 You'll See:
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- The Lost Colony
Day 2 You'll See:
- The Elizabethan Gardens
- Jennette's Pier
- Jockey's Ridge State Park
- Wright Brothers National Monument
Day 3 You'll See:
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Outer Banks Beach Time
Day 1
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Start your trip off right at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the local wildlife attraction that offers guests seasonal tours, canoe outings, and ranger-led programs on local animals like wolves, bears, and alligators. There is a multi-refuge visitor center onsite full of exhibits covering the animals within, so step inside and learn all about them, then go outside and explore/catch a glimpse for yourself!
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 25-acre historic site that includes a recreated 16th-century sailing ship, living history demonstrators, a museum, and a variety of performances and visual arts regularly. The park aims to allow guests to experience firsthand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585!
The Lost Colony
The Lost Colony is an 83-year-old Roanoke Island performance, showcasing one of our nation's greatest mysteries. In 1587, 117 settlers came ashore to Roanoke Island, and 3 years later when a supply delivery was set to arrive to the settlers, not a soul was found. The play explores this mystery and commemorates the birth of the first English child born in America during that time, Virginia Dare.
Day 2
The Elizabethan Gardens
Gorgeous seasonal gardens, classic and modern statues, educational workshop offerings, and so much more are available to guests here at The Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island's very own botanical garden. Take a self-guided or audio tour during your visit and see areas such as the Great Lawn, Virginia Dare Statue, Odom Hall, the Ancient Live Oak, the Camalia Collection, the Sunken Garden, and Shakespeare's Herbs.
Jennette's Pier
Jennette's Pier is one of the longest-running attractions in the Outer Banks, located in Nag's Head. The site offers an indoor education center, seasonal programs for all ages, and of course, some seriously excellent fishing off of the 1,000-foot long pier. The pier is a part of the North Carolina Aquarium system.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Welcome to Jockey's Ridge State Park, the 427-acre protected park area in Nags Head that holds the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. The dunes reach heights of 80-100 feet, the massive dunes were said to have formed by several storms and hurricanes in the past. They are still shifting and changing even today, which is a concept you can learn all about within the onsite Visitor Center.
Wright Brothers National Monument
Established in 1927, this memorial allows you to stand at the take-off spot of the first successful airplane flight by the famous self-taught engineers, Wilbur and Orville Wright!
Day 3
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore holds historic lighthouses, nature excursion opportunities, and outdoor recreation galore, many guests enjoying boating, wind-surfing, off-roading, exploring the lighthouses, and more. You can 'enjoy the beach, kayak the sound, or climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse' while here, as well as enjoy beach fires, fly kites, picnic, and shell.
Outer Banks Beach Time
There are over 100 miles of shoreline in Dare County, all connected by the legendary coastal 2-lane highway, NC 12. You will find sand dunes, wild horses, and pristine coastline all along the Outer Banks, which is a true beach lovers paradise. Spend your afternoon at Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, Nag's Head, or Corolla.
