Visit the northern beaches of Corolla to see the legendary wild Spanish mustangs roaming free along the dunes and shorelines.

🌾 What to Expect:

Horses roam freely along the beach, dunes, and even residential neighborhoods

You can view them from a safe distance, either on your own (with a 4x4 vehicle) or on a guided wild horse tour

📸 Seeing them walking along the shoreline with the ocean behind them is a true OBX moment—so bring your camera or phone!

🚙 How to Visit:

🔵 Take a Guided Tour

If you don’t have access to a 4WD vehicle, guided tours are the safest, easiest, and most educational way to see the horses.

Popular tour companies include:

Corolla Wild Horse Tours

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Bob’s Wild Horse Tours

🎟️ Most tours are 2 hours and cost between $40–$60 per person
💬 Tour guides share history, horse facts, and local legends along the way!

⚠️ Important Reminders:

Do not approach, feed, or touch the horses – it’s illegal and dangerous for both you and the animals

The horses are protected by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which works to preserve their habitat and safety

Stand where aviation history was made! Explore the visitor center, climb the hilltop monument, and learn about the first flight.

What You’ll See & Do:

Climb the Monument Hill – Take in sweeping views of the OBX from the base of the 60-foot monument.

Walk the Flight Path – Markers on the field show where each of the four historic flights landed, giving you a clear visual of their progress that day.

Explore the Visitor Center – Newly renovated and filled with interactive exhibits, it includes:

A full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer

Original tools and photos

Stories about the Wright brothers’ process and perseverance

Visit the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings – See how simply the Wright brothers lived and worked during their time here.
🎟️ ~$10 admission, valid for 7 days
📸 Amazing views and history in one spot

Jockey’s Ridge is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Outer Banks and a must-visit for J-1 exchange visitors. Known for its towering sand dunes, it’s the tallest natural dune system on the East Coast—and one of the best places to experience both the wildness and wonder of OBX.

What Makes It Special:

Climb the dunes for a 360° view of the ocean, sound, and town below—it's especially breathtaking at sunset.

Feel like you’re on another planet—the endless sand dunes stretch out like a desert by the sea.

Fly a kite—the open space and constant wind make it a world-class kite-flying spot.

Sandboard or roll down the dunes—yes, it’s a thing! Bring a board or just your sense of fun.

Walk the soundside trails—there’s a peaceful nature trail on the backside that leads to calm waters and shallow beaches
💰 Free entry
💡 Sunset views here are unforgettable!

The Outer Banks is home to some of the most beautiful and historic lighthouses in the U.S. Each one offers something unique—whether it’s a panoramic climb, a quiet photo stop, or a glimpse into local history. Visiting these coastal landmarks is a must during your time here!

🔴 Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Corolla

This red-brick lighthouse stands 162 feet tall and is open to the public for climbing. Once at the top, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean.

🪜 220 steps to the top

💵 Admission: ~$12

📸 Perfect for sunset or fall colors

🕒 Open seasonally (spring to late fall)

⚫⚪ Bodie Island Lighthouse – Nags Head

Surrounded by marshland and peaceful trails, this black-and-white striped lighthouse is as photogenic as it is historic. You can climb it during the warmer months or enjoy the view from the nearby boardwalk.

🪜 214 steps

💵 ~$10 adults / $5 kids (climbing ticket)

🕒 Check NPS site for hours and tour availability

📍 Located inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore

🌀 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Buxton

This is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, famous for its black-and-white spiral design. Though the interior is currently closed for renovation, it’s still worth a visit for its massive presence and oceanfront setting.

🏛️ Historic significance + photo ops

📸 Don’t miss the beach trail nearby for peaceful ocean views

🛠️ Climbing currently paused for preservation work

⚪ Ocracoke Lighthouse – Ocracoke Island

The oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, built in 1823. It’s the smallest on this list and not open for climbing, but it’s a peaceful and charming stop while exploring Ocracoke Village.

🏝️ Short walk from the village center

📷 Great for a quiet afternoon or history tour day

Watch the fishermen, take ocean photos, or just chill with friends while the waves crash below.

🟡 Avalon Pier – Kill Devil Hills

One of the oldest and most laid-back piers in the OBX, Avalon Pier has a casual, nostalgic vibe that’s perfect for a quiet walk or watching the waves roll in.

🎟️ Admission: Around $2 to walk / extra to fish

🕰️ Open daily (hours vary by season)

🎣 Fishing available with rental gear

🛍️ Small shop with snacks, drinks & souvenirs

📸 Great for sunrise views and peaceful photos

💡 This is the “chill with friends and talk about life” kind of pier. Perfect for a short walk after work or catching your breath during a busy week.

🔵 Jennette’s Pier – Nags Head

Operated by the NC Aquarium Society, Jennette’s Pier is a modern, eco-friendly pier with educational exhibits, fishing, and events.

🎟️ Admission: $2 walking / $14 fishing (day pass)

🕰️ Open daily (check jennettespier.net for hours)

🐠 Aquarium-style exhibits and science displays

🌊 Stunning ocean views from the far end of the pier

🛍️ Gift shop and gear rentals available

💡 Great for groups, field trip vibes, or anyone curious about marine life. Sometimes they host yoga, beach cleanups, or educational talks—ask about the schedule!

Tucked away just across the sound from Nags Head, Manteo is a charming small town full of local history, art, and scenic beauty. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a cozy café, or something unique to take home, Manteo is a perfect spot to slow down and explore.

🌊 What to Do:

Walk the waterfront boardwalk – Enjoy views of the marina, boats, and the Roanoke Sound.

Grab a coffee or ice cream from a local shop like Island Perk Coffee or Old Tom’s Ice Cream.

Explore boutique shops and galleries with local art, handmade goods, and souvenirs.

Take a break in the park at the Manteo Waterfront Marina—it’s a great spot to relax or eat lunch.

Check out the Downtown Market on Saturdays (seasonal) for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music.

🎭 Bonus Adventures Nearby:

🐠 North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – A family-friendly and interactive aquarium with sea turtles, otters, sharks, and hands-on exhibits about coastal ecosystems and marine life in the OBX.

Roanoke Island Festival Park– An interactive museum with a replica ship, living history, and costumed interpreters.

The Elizabethan Gardens – A peaceful botanical garden near the site of the Lost Colony, filled with seasonal blooms, sculptures, and walking paths.

The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama – America’s longest-running symphonic outdoor play, telling the story of the mysterious Roanoke Colony (runs May–August).

💡 It’s a peaceful, walkable town—great for a low-key day with friends or some solo exploring.
📸 Don’t forget your camera! Manteo is full of colorful buildings and perfect photo backdrops.