The Outer Banks: See Wild Horses Roam & Sink Your Toes Into The Sand In North Carolina
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 31, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Imagine a place where wild horses run free across endless, expansive beaches. A place where soft sand dunes form hills and valleys, stretching out as far as the eye can see. A place where foamy waves crash against rugged coastlines, with weather-worn beach houses blending in as if part of the natural scenery. A place where historic lighthouses still keep watch during the darkest nights and harshest storms. A place with absolutely charming downtowns that truly feel like home. A beach vacation that truly feels like a beach vacation. This is the magic of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
The Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina is one of the most resplendent treasures on the Atlantic Coast.
Managed by the National Park Service, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore spans over 70 miles along the Atlantic coast, preserving and protecting the portion of the OBX from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island.
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Once known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for its treacherous waters and storms, Cape Hatteras has a wealth of history relating to shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
And visitors to the OBX can get a hands-on history lesson at any of the island's several historic lighthouses. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was constructed in 1802, to mark dangerous shoals that extend from the cape. Today, it is open to visitors for tours. The lighthouse was actually moved in 1999 due to soil erosion along the coastline, making it one of the tallest masonry structures ever moved (Cape Hatteras is 200 feet tall and weighing 5,000 tons).
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Another extraordinary lighthouse on the island, The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, borders the historic Whalehead in Historic Corolla and actually still functions as a guide for passing mariners.
At 162' feet tall, the lighthouse's First Order Fresnel light, (the largest size available for American lighthouses), can be seen for 18 nautical miles.
This lighthouse is just as stunning on the inside, too.
Open for tours, inside the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, you'll follow a series of spiral stairs and landings leading up to the top. The architecture is truly incredible.
And it would be impossible to talk about the OBX without including aviation.
Home to Wilbur and Orville Wright's groundbreaking first flight, the eponymous Wright Brothers
National Memorial in Kitty Hawk is an inspiring testament to the power of the imagination. After four years of experimentation, on Dec. 17, 1903, the brothers successfully flew. This must-visit memorial commemorates the spot where history was made and dreams came true.
Flight, in all its forms, is celebrated in the OBX.
Kitty Hawk Kites, one of the area's favorite outdoor attractions, often has hands-on demonstrations of the first flight, using a replica 1902 Glider where visitors may even get the opportunity to soar off the ground, too.
Known for epic paragliding, Kitty Hawk Kites invites visitors to take flight for a memorable experience.
Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports offers some of the most extraordinary excursions on the water, with parasailing taking adventure-seekers high above the coastal seas.
The desire to experiencing the OBX from above is only natural, as this region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the Atlantic Coast.
And if your wanderlust is leading you into the skies, the aerial tours offered by Kitty Hawk Kites have the most jaw-dropping views of the OBX. If you're feeling nostalgic, you can opt to sightsee aboard a bi-plane.
For those who prefer the seas to the skies, a catamaran cruise is an unforgettable activity that belongs on your vacation bucket list.
While most famous for its massive, 285,000-gallon shark tank, this aquarium offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on fun and learning. Most notably, it's home to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, a 3,000 square-foot facility where staff and volunteers care for sick and ailing sea turtles.
In terms of wildlife on the OBX, though, wild horses reign supreme.
The Corolla Wild Horses are located on the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks. These wild horses are descendants of horses brought over in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, and today are a celebrated part of the OBX. The island is also home to smaller wild ponies, mainly along the Shackleford Banks near Cape Lookout. All of these wild equines are a protected species.
To see these magnificent creatures up close, an adventure tour is your best bet.
Wild Horse Adventure Tours is ranked as the top attraction in the OBX, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature. If you're looking for something truly special to do in the OBX, this is it.
Outer Banks is a welcome refuge for those looking to truly enjoy a beach retreat: no tourist traps, no crowds, no vacation overload.
In fact, you won’t find any cities on the Outer Banks, just 100 magnificent miles of wide-open shoreline, charming seaside villages, and a mix of eclectic little towns brimming with history and charm.
The Outer Banks is everything you could ever wish for in a vacation — and more. If you’re looking for a memorable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, this is it. Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping aerial adventures, exploring incredible state parks and historic places, or simply strolling along the sandy shores of a picture-perfect beach, The Outer Banks is a bucket-list-worthy destination that will fill your soul and satisfy your wanderlust.
General Information:
Accessibility: The attractions in the Outer Banks offer varying levels of accessibility; as such, it’s best to check with each company directly. The Outer Banks Visitor’s Guide is a great reference as you plan your trip.
Pet Friendly: The OBX is an incredibly pet-friendly place to visit, with many accommodations allowing four-legged friends. In addition, several outdoor parks also allow dogs, but you’ll definitely want to check individual attractions before you go.
Seasonal Access: The Outer Banks is a delightful place to visit all year-round, but certain activities, such as the water recreation attraction Nor’Banks, are only open seasonally.
Cost: Attractions like parasailing and aerial tours offer variously priced packages, but it’s possible to have fun on any budget in the OBX with activities such as hiking and visiting several of the area’s parks. For example, admission to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast, is free.
