Sure, you’re spending your vacation at the beach. The waves, the sun and the sand are what you look forward to all year long. But the Outer Banks has way more to offer than just the beach. We have some of the greatest destinations on the east coast, and let’s face it; at some point during your vacation you’re going to need a break from all that sun.
From the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, to the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, to Ocracoke Island on the south end of the Outer Banks, your family will want to check out all these beautiful places. We think that you’ll agree, they are all Worth the Drive!
WRIGHT BROTHERS NATIONAL MEMORIAL
More than 115 years ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright proved to the world that man could fly. And they did it right here on the Outer Banks with the first successful airplane flights on Dec. 17, 1903. Enormous sand dunes, steady winds and wide open spaces drew the Ohio brothers to our shores. To commemorate their achievement, this massive monument in Kill Devil Hills marks the exact location where the brothers made history. It’s an experience the whole family will enjoy. Note: Until late summer/early fall of 2018, the Visitor Center will be closed, however, the grounds and outdoor exhibits are open. Information and bookstore services are available in the temporary facility near the parking lot, as well as some smaller exhibits. 1401 National Park Drive, Kill Devil Hills • nps.gov/wrbr

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES GATEWAY VISITOR CENTER
Located on beautiful Roanoke Island, visitors can learn about the 11 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery located on the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina. Interactive exhibits, walking trails and a virtual airplane are all part of the experience. Visitors will love stopping by the old Dare Forest Supply Store, learn the history of Buffalo City and more as you watch short films in the center’s theater. Be sure to check out the pocosin diorama and red wolf den while you are there. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. 100 Conservation Way, Manteo • fws.gov/ncgatewayvc

JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK
A visit to the Outer Banks isn’t complete without a trip to Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest active sand dune in the eaatern United States. Slip off your shoes when the sun starts dipping into the Roanoke Sound and treat yourself to amazing views of the ocean and sound from the top. Participate in an interpretive ranger-led program, try your hand at wind sports such as hang gliding or just simply take in the views while you fly a kite. Jockey’s Ridge is an experience any time of day you visit. Let the children explore the dunes by running and sliding down the steeper slopes, and then hike along the sound side beach. Remember to stop by the visitors’ center to learn more about these amazing dunes and the animals that call them home. 300 W. Carolista Dr., Nags Head • jockeysridgestatepark.com

ROANOKE ISLAND FESTIVAL PARK
There is so much to explore on this 25-acre interactive historic site adjacent to downtown Manteo that you will want to give yourself plenty of time. Home to the Elizabeth II, a 16th-century representative ship, visitors can spend time on deck with the crew and practice their hand at some of the daily chores that took place way back when. The park also features the Algonquian Indian Town, English Settlement Site and Roanoke Island Adventure Museum. Both the young and old will delight in the interactive components of the park and the costumed interpreters. A variety of performances are also held throughout the year at the Outdoor Pavilion, including concerts such as the Island Bluegrass Festival. 1 Festival Park, Manteo • roanokeisland.com

THE LOST COLONY
Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, step back in time at the Waterside Theatre on Roanoke Island as you enjoy The Lost Colony, America’s longest running outdoor drama about the first English colony and its mysterious disappearance. A tradition for both locals and visitors alike, guests will experience exciting battles, Indian dances, the royal court, and the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World. More than 200 actors, technicians and designers have come together each summer since 1937 to put together this popular production. A must see while you are on the Outer Banks, The Lost Colony was written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green. 1409 National Park Dr., Manteo • thelostcolony.org

ELIZABETHAN GARDENS
Get lost in the beautifully landscaped Elizabethan Gardens, located on the site of the first English settlement on Roanoke Island. During the summer, stroll along paths that feature blooming hydrangeas, crepe myrtles, coneflowers and other native plants. New this year is a butterfly garden, and there are always activities and events in these gardens for those who want to experience more. Beautiful statues and historic treasures are dispersed throughout the gardens. The Elizabethan Gardens are a must-see for gardening lovers and history enthusiasts. 1411 National Park Dr., Manteo • elizabethangardens.org

OREGON INLET FISHING CENTER
Whether you want to experience the joy of catching your own dinner or you are a seasoned angler, the experts at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center will guide you – providing you with the gear and instruction for a great fishing trip. There’s something for everyone at the fishing center, which offers everything from offshore fishing charters to half-day excursions in the sound. Even if you don’t fish, you’ll definitely want to stop by the fishing center in the late afternoon to see them bringing in the day’s catch. A trip to the Outer Banks isn’t complete without a stop by this iconic fishing center. 8770 Oregon Inlet Rd., Nags Head • oregon-inlet.com

LIGHTHOUSES OF THE OUTER BANKS
Make it a point to either visit one or all five iconic beacons of the Outer Banks, which are steeped in maritime history and draw people from far and wide. While all are worth the trip, if you want to climb and see the spectacular views from the top, visit Hatteras Island, Bodie Island and Currituck Beach lighthouses. These three beacons also offer interpretive programs and exhibits for the public. Keep in mind that climbs, which involve more than 200 steps in each lighthouse, can be very strenuous for some visitors. Bodie Island Lighthouse | Currituck Beach Lighthouse | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse | Ocracoke Lighthouse | Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Spend the day among the shorebirds at this refuge located just south of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge. More than 365 species of birds – including ospreys, snowy egrets and tundra swans – visit the refuge that includes 10 miles of beautiful, untouched beaches. Stop in the visitor’s center on N.C. 12 to learn more about interpretive programs, environmental education, fishing, boating and wildlife observation opportunities. Take a hike or go beachcombing on this beautiful refuge that is away from the hustle and bustle of the beach towns. Kayak eco-tours also provide a great way to see many species of avian life from the water. In the fall, the refuge is also host to many Wings Over Water Festival programs. Pea Island Visitor’s Center, NC 12, Hatteras Island • fws.gov/refuge/pea_island

OCRACOKE ISLAND
Discover Ocracoke Island while visiting the Outer Banks. Take the free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry and enjoy, or check out the new Ocracoke Express passenger ferry (round trip from the Hatteras Island ferry terminal to Silver Lake is $15). You’ll love the island’s wide-open, undeveloped beaches and charming village. Enjoy life on this island that is alive with art, local music, and community events like the popular Ocrafolk Festival. The island also offers plenty of opportunities for unrivaled solitude. Visitors can easily get around this quaint island on bike. Stay for the day or the week. For ferry schedules, visit www.ncdot.gov/ferry. Ocracoke Island • ocracokevillage.com

NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM
Explore the world under the sea at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Home to the largest collection of sharks in the state, the aquarium features the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit and the interactive sea turtle rehabilitation center. There are plenty of new exhibits this year. Visitors of all ages will love wandering through a sunken ship in the Sea Treasures exhibit, getting up close with sting rays at Sea Senses touch tank, watching river otters play, and exploring the Ironclad Sanctuary. Be sure to let the kids run around the Nature Play area located on the aquarium grounds. Check out the website for weekly events and programming. 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC • ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island

THE WHALEHEAD CLUB
The Whalehead Club and the 39-acre Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla is a perfect venue to spend the day with the family. This Art Nouveau-style residence was restored in the 1920s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The club features a copper roof, curved rooflines, ornamental chimneys, Tiffany lighting and distinctive porches. Visitors can go on a self-guided or docent tour of the club. Also on the grounds are the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Nearby, stroll through the charming village of Corolla as you soak up small town life by the sea. Visit the website for hours, special events and programming. 1100 Club Road, Corolla, NC • visitcurrituck.com
