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Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of the Outer Banks is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is the home to a live sea creature, set him back in the sand and keep searching. After you are done with your beachcombing, don't forget to soak the shells in bleach water or another cleaning agent. Even if the shells you choose are empty now, they had something living in them at one time and need to be cleaned before you pack them in your suitcase.

Have a Beach Campfire

One more great thing about the Outer Banks is that on a clear night when the stars come out, you can see them all. A great way to relax and see all the stars is to have a beach campfire. Take your family down to the beach just before sunset and set up your chairs, refreshments and firewood. If you would like, bring a few roasting sticks and some marshmallows. Once the sun goes down and the stars come out, you will be amazed at the view. If you are within a few miles of one of the four Outer Banks lighthouses, you will be able to see the flashing light as it makes its rotation. Don't forget to build your fire away from the dunes and vegetation, and clean up after yourselves when you are done. Enjoy the stars (and the marshmallows!)

Go Fishing on a Headboat Charter

If you don't want to spend the money on a private charter fishing boat, there are also several headboats available on the Outer Banks. Some of these large boats take parties into the ocean, though not as far as the Gulf Stream, while others take half-day trips to the inshore waters. Headboats normally are between 60 and 75 feet long and can accommodate up to 50 anglers. Headboats are great for the novice fisherman or for parties with children. The Crystal Dawn and the Country Girl are at the Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (252) 473-5577. The Miss Oregon Inlet is docked at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island and can be reached at (252) 441-6301. Docking in Hatteras Village at Oden's Dock are the Miss Hatteras and Captain Clam. Half-day trips are about $30 per person, and full-day trips range from $75 to $85 per person, depending on the boat.

Watch the Charter Boats Come in with Their "Catch of the Day"

Both Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet have fleets of charter boats that take excited fishermen into the gulf stream to catch the fish of their dreams. Can't afford to go on a charter boat? Don't have sea legs and don't want to experience life on the water? Try going to the docks in the afternoon when the charters come in. You will see tired, sunburned (and happy) fishermen, whistling mates and captains and hundreds of pounds of the tuna, wahoo, mackerel, dolphin and other choice catches of the day. See the people who caught them and watch the mates clean them in the fish cleaning stations. Experience a small part of the charter fishing experience without spending a dime! For daily information on times of charter returns, contact the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at (800) 272-5199, Oden's Dock (Hatteras Inlet) at (252) 986-2555 or Teach's Lair Marina (Hatteras Inlet) at (252) 986-2460.

Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. Emphasis in the museum is placed on the periods from 1524 to 1945. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995.

Ride Go-Karts with Your Friends and Family

While you are on the Outer Banks, take the kids (or the adults!) for some go-kart riding. There are a few tracks to choose from and any of them are sure to provide lots of fun and laughter. The Colington Speedway in Kill Devil Hills has three tracks to choose from and can be reached at (252) 480-9144. Dowdy's Amusement Park is located in Nags Head and can be reached at (252) 441-5122. Finally, on Hatteras Island, Frisco Mini Golf & Go-Karts also offers a track for your enjoyment and can be reached at (252) 995-6325.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Manteo

One of the oldest Outer Banks communities, Manteo is the county seat of Dare County and is home to several old office buildings that are still in use today. Manteo also has several bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, shops and attractions - all of which attract thousands of visitors to Roanoke Island each season. The downtown area is located on the waterfront, which has 53 modern dockside boat slips and a comfort station with showers and bathrooms. The downtown area has many independently owned shops and restaurants that provide for an interesting afternoon of shopping. Also in the area is the American Bicentennial Park, which has a wooden boardwalk along the waterfront, a gazebo area and picnic tables for resting and a playground for the kids. In Historic Downtown Manteo, there is something for everyone!

Watch the Diamond Shoals Band at the Frisco Jubilee

In the small theater at Red Drum Pottery in Frisco, the Diamond Shoals Band plays their music on Thursday nights from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. from the end of May through Labor Day each year. The Diamond Shoals Band began in 1990 and their music is a blend of folk and bluegrass. The theater seats about 72 people and ticket prices are $12. For more information, contact the band at (252) 995-5757.

Fly a Kite

The Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for its great wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! Also, the Outer Banks is home to one of the top kite stores in the world, Kitty Hawk Kites. They sell a large range of kites ranging from backyard style to competition stunt kites. While you are in their store, talk to the staff about your skill level and they can assist you in purchasing the right kite. Kitty Hawk Kites has shops located throughout the Outer Banks to meet your needs. If needed, lessons are available. Many people choose to fly their kites in Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head because it offers many acres that are unobstructed by power lines and trees. Wherever you decide to fly your kite, have fun!

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or Canoeing

People of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873.