The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks (or OBX, as it is often abbreviated) is a popular destination for vacationers. With over a million visitors every year, the local economy relies heavily on its tourism industry. The beaches are clean and family-friendly, and its long shoreline means that there are many access points to the ocean. However, there’s more to the OBX than water activities. The sights below are in the Northern Beaches area and are worth checking out.Kitty Hawk
One might think an unassuming visitors center would be a sight for sore eyes only if a restroom is badly needed. However, behind the Aycock Brown Welcome Center in Kitty Hawk, stands the Monument to a Century of Flight. It commemorates the first 100 years of aviation history, from the time the Wright Brothers launched their successful flight in 1903 to forays into outer space up until 2003. The pylons are arranged in an orbital pattern, marking each milestone within the timeframe. It’s a good stop, free of charge, and this year, it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary.Kill Devil Hills
Though the Wright brothers famously placed Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on the map, the first successful test flight actually took place in Kill Devil Hills. The Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the sand dune where the brothers would laboriously climb up, carrying their kites and gliders to make numerous flight runs until they found the right design, engine, and wingspan to make it work. Because of the site’s extensive grounds, it’s best to catch a guided tour. Visitors aged 16 and older pay $10 per ticket, which is good for seven days. This year’s 45th annual Wright Kite Festival is happening July 14–15, offering a truly fun OBX activity.
Nags Head
For a one-of-a-kind trek, step into Jockey Ridge State Park, where the sandy landscape will make you think that you’ve landed on an oasis in a Middle Eastern desert. Your calf muscles will get a real workout climbing those sand dunes, but the view from the top is worth it. Sandboarding is allowed (use a flattened box that can be recycled afterward) and is a fun reward for soldiering up the shifting sands. For those participating in the National Park Service’s Passport to the National Parks program, this site is worth two stamps, and best of all, admission is free.
If you’ve still got the energy, drive some 14 miles south from the sand dunes, and you'll quickly spot the Bodie Island Light Station with its signature back-and-white horizontal pattern. During the latter part of 2022, it celebrated 150 years of illuminating part of the seashore that is often called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” You must purchase tickets online in order to climb the light station, or you may choose to roam the grounds for free. Note: Its more popular OBX counterpart, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, isn’t open for climbers this season as it’s undergoing renovations.
(anthony heflin/Shutterstock)
A Local Sweet Treat
Once you’ve worked up an appetite after all the walks and climbs, grab a customizable, fresh-from-the-oven donut treat from Duck Donuts. Named after the town of Duck, where the first store is located, it offers tempting creations such as bacon-topped doughnuts and ones with shredded coconut on lemon icing. As its mascot, Ollie, would say, come in for a “DUCKadent dozen.”
These great places to visit are all within a 37-mile stretch of the Outer Banks, which explains why the OBX is such a popular vacation spot. The sun and sand experience isn’t limited to the beach and is such an integral part of what makes the Outer Banks unique. It’s worth brushing the sand off the beach chair for a bit of exploration.
