3 Best Hiking Trails on the Outer Banks to Explore this Summer

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit the Outer Banks this summer? If you do, then we have to tell you all about the fun and exciting things you can do together. Staying in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. Let’s take a look at where you and your family can do some exploring this summer together.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

3 Best Hiking Trails on the Outer Banks to Explore this Summer

Have you and your family ever been to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge before? If you haven’t, then you are in for a nice treat. From watching for birds to watching for other wildlife, there is something for all who are looking for an adventure. The Creef Cut Wildlife Trail is about a half-mile trail that allows you to see different trail vegetation and wildlife while on the trail. The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail is good for those who are looking for a more rustic trail than the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail. While the trail is good for those who are looking for a hike more in the woods, then this is the trail. There are many other things that your family can do while you explore the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on your next vacation to the Outer Banks.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Another great location that your family can head to for some trails is Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Here, you and your family can hike one of the three trails that are within the park. The first trail is where your family can hike on 360 feet of boardwalk to view wildlife, dunes, and nature. The Soundside Nature Trail is where your family can explore a short hike to view the Roanoke Sound and more of the park. Tracks in the Sand Trail happens to be a self-guided trail where you can grab an educational trail brochure to explore more. Along with the trails, there is a visitor center and a few other fun activities your family can do together!

Nags Head Town Park

If you feel more like sticking to a park located within Nags Head, then head on over to the Town Park. Here, you and your family can explore the 1.6-mile trail, along with picnic tables, bathrooms, and even a brand new playground for the kids. After you have completed the trail, head back to the car, grab your lunch you may have packed, and enjoy a nice lunch with a cool breeze. Then let the kids play their hearts out on the playground together. What a great way to spend the day and just enjoy time together! You never know what other fun adventures you may find there at the park.

While there are many other trails that you can hike at such as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park and the Pea Island National Park, these are the ones we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your summer trip to stay with us in one of our Nags Head vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories on your next vacation!

Plan Your Spring Break to the Outer Banks Today

It’s hard to believe that February is almost over, and before you know it, spring break will be upon us. That only means that it will be time to come to the Outer Banks for a week and soak up the sun and surf together as a family. Staying in one of our Kill Devil Hills vacation homes will keep you and your family where the fun and adventures are happening. Let’s look below at a few things that you and your family can enjoy while on vacation this spring break.

Go Kart Fun

One of the best things that you and the family can do is head over to Full Throttle Speedway in Nags Head for an evening full of fun. They have two different tracks that you can check out: the Figure 8 Track and the Super Sea Track. Your family can also experience the different go-karts that they offer, such as the Double Seat, Single, and Junior Racer Karts. The cost of the double seat is $10, the single seat is $10, and the junior seat is $8. Full Throttle Speedway is located at milepost 15.5 on the right-hand side of the Shell Gas Station. You will also find a great adventure golf course that you can have fun at too. What a great evening you can have with the family racing each other on the track!

Avalon Fishing Pier

Have you and your family ever gone fishing while on vacation to the Outer Banks? If you haven’t, then you will want to explore the Avalon Fishing Pier located in Kill Devil Hills. They offer daily, three-day, weekly, and even seasonal fishing passes for your family to enjoy. There are also child passes that are available for kids 12 and under. One of the best things about coming to the Outer Banks is getting to experience fishing off this amazing pier. Spend the day with the kids fishing and making new memories together!

Soak Up the Rays

Spending time doing different things while on Spring Break is something that everyone loves to do, but spending the days on the beach is fun as well. Allow the kids to bring the sand toys and splash in the waves as you sit back and relax. Pack a lunch to bring on the beach as you and the family soak up the rays and enjoy the surf. Vacationing on the Outer Banks is always fun and an adventure as you think about the kids not being in school and you’re ready to relax. This is a great way to recharge your batteries too as you need some relaxation too.

There are many other fun things that you and the family can do while you are on vacation to the Outer Banks this spring break. If you haven’t booked your next trip to stay in one of our Kill Devil Hills vacation homes, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and the family as you make new memories this spring break!

Best Family Friendly Restaurants on the Outer Banks

Are you and your family coming to the Outer Banks for your next family vacation? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you about the best family friendly restaurants on the Outer Banks. We at Outer Banks Rentals can tell you about some of the best restaurants that you will want to take your family to dine at. Let’s look below at where you and the family can enjoy some great food and fun while you vacation on the Outer Banks this year.

Spanky’s Grille

Does your family love hamburgers and hot dogs? If so, then we have the perfect restaurant located in Kitty Hawk at Mile Post 3.5, Spanky’s Grille. Spanky’s Grille was opened in 2004 and has been many families must eat at while on vacation to the Outer Banks. The original menu had hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, French fries and more. But the menu has since expanded to include different menu items such as okra, shrimp burgers, catfish, reubens and more. During the winter months, they are closed on Saturday and Sunday’s so they can spend time with their family. Don’t miss this delicious restaurant with the family on your next vacation.

Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse is located in Kill Devil Hills and offers your family breakfast and dinner. This restaurant has been opened for over 40 years and is a family owned restaurant in which they wanted to continue to serve families while on vacation. They have some of the best breakfast on the Outer Banks where you can get some biscuits and gravy, a crabmeat omelette and even a grilled cheese sandwich for the kids. Their dinner menu has quite the feast such as Scallops-n-Bacon, Coastal Carolina Oysters, Crab Legs and a Ribeye. Be sure to check out this restaurant with your family on your next vacation to Kill Devil Hills.

High Cotton Barbeque

Have you and your family ever had Eastern NC BBQ before? If you haven’t, then you will have to go visit High Cotton Barbeque in Kitty Hawk. Opening in 2002, the owner is a native to North Carolina and wanted for others to enjoy the tasty food included the traditional sides and sweet tea. High Cotton Barbeque has family packages to serve the whole family and also plates and sides for you to enjoy. We promise you that you will want to give this restaurant a try on your next vacation!

There are many other family-friendly restaurants that are here on the Outer Banks but wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our Kitty Hawk vacation rentals, now is the time. We look forward to seeing you and your family on your next adventure to the Outer Banks!

Be Adventurous on your Next Family Vacation to the Outer Banks

Summer will be coming to an end for many kids soon and now is the time to head to the Outer Banks for an adventure. The Outer Banks has a lot of fun things that everyone in the family can enjoy and we had to tell you about them. Staying with us in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will keep you close to where the fun is at. Let’s look below at our top 4 adventures to do with your family.

First Flight Adventure Park

Families love to head over to the First Flight Adventure Park to experience a new adventure on their vacation. Located over at Mile Post 15.5 in Nags Head is where you will find this adventure park. It’s good for everyone in the family age 6 & up and is perfect for those thrill seekers. Not only will your family love this as it will have you think and figure out where you should go next high in the air. Admission to this fun park is 10 & up is $50 and kids 6-9 are $40 but this price does include 2 hours of play time. You will receive the use of a helmet, harness & gloves to be able to enjoy the park. Don’t miss this amazing adventure with the family on your next vacation the OBX.

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Have you ever wanted to get up close to see the wild horses of the Outer Banks? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the Wild Horse Adventure Tour. Located in Corolla is where you and your family will be able to see an exclusive access of the Wild Spanish Mustangs. You may even get to see Raymond the mule while you are on this tour as well as the Currituck Beach Lighthouse & the Whalehead Club. Some of the wildlife that you may see while on this tour are dolphins frolicking in the waves, deer and even boar. Prices for the tours are $59 for adults, $57 for seniors and $34 for children 12 & under. Don’t forget to bring drinks and snacks and we can’t forget about your camera!

Kitty Hawk Water Sports

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, then head on over to Kitty Hawk Water Sports in Nags Head where you can have the time of your lives. They offer something that is fun for the whole family such as tours, jet ski rentals, banana boat rides and more. Depending on what you’d like to do for the day we can guarantee that you will never hear “I’m bored” out of the kids! Prices for the different kinds of activities you are interested in doing are reasonable and everyone can enjoy a good day on the water or enjoying a tour!

Nor’Banks Sailing

For anyone who loves to spend time on the open water, then this is for you. Depending on what your family is interested in doing there is something for everyone. Nor’Banks Sailing offers their guest a way to learn how to sail in sailing school or can ride the waves by windsurfing. Your family can also rent a pontoon boat to head on our and enjoy some time on the waters making new memories. Prices are very reasonable and everyone in the family will want to come back year after year. Don’t miss this fun adventure on your next vacation to the Outer Banks!

While there are many other fun adventures that are on the Outer Banks, these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you still haven’t booked your last getaway to the Outer Banks before school starts, we still have availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories together!

4 Kid Approved Beach Activities for the Outer Banks

Summer vacations on the Outer Banks is just what every family love. Coming and not having to worry about life at home and just soak up the peaceful and relaxation of being on vacation. But finding kid approved beach activities that your kids will not want to leave the beach is just what we have in store for you. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to where the beach activities are at. Let’s look below at a 4 kid approved beach activities that you can do on the Outer Banks.

It’s Christmas in July

It’s Christmas in July here on the Outer Banks and why not do something that you may only find during the winter. Yes, the Outer Banks may be missing one key ingredient that you will find outside, snow. Have no fear because we have more than enough sand to help build your very own “snowman”. All that you will need is a bucket filled with a little ocean water, a shovel, driftwood and seashells. Oh, and we can’t miss the most important part of the day, sand! Have each of the kids build their very own snowman out of the sand and take pictures to help remember that fun activity you spent together!

Scavenger Hunt on the Beach

Gather up the kids and go on a scavenger hunt on the beach. Before hitting the beach to look for different items, make up a list of things that each child can look for. Not only can they learn about other things that may live at the beach, but they can have fun while doing it. Let them search for different kinds of seashells, crabs, driftwood and different things that you may find on the beach. After each child has completed their list, give them a little prize like maybe a popsicle or some ice cream together as a family. Have a good time searching for each item together!

It’s Tic-Tac-Toe Time

Everyone loves to play a good game of tic-tac-toe and why not play it while you are on vacation. This might be the most fun that you will ever have because you will be playing it on a giant, homemade tic-tac-toe board. Grab a stick or a shell and draw the squares to make up the board of 3 across & 3 down. You can then pick teams or play against each other and play this classic game as a family. Keep a tally for each player and just have fun no matter what.

Fly a Kite

A fun, family activity that you can do together is go fly a kite on the beach. It doesn’t matter what kind of kite you have or where you purchased it from, it will still fly. Flying them in the evening just before the sun sets is the best time to fly them. And be ready to run a bit with the kids to get the kite up in the sky. Once it’s in the air, help the kids out with keeping it in the air by tugging the line a little bit. Just enjoy the time spent with the kids and the kids will love to do this activity for years to come!

There are many more activities that are kid approved, but these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you haven’t made plans to visit the Outer Banks before school starts, now is the time. Make reservations to stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals today. We hope that you and your family will have a wonderful vacation making new memories with the kids!

Free Things to Do on the Outer Banks

Are you and your family heading to the Outer Banks this spring and summer and are looking for a few free activities to do? We understand that going on vacation can get a little pricey but when you vacation on the Outer Banks there are many things you can do for free. Staying with us in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will help you save money as you can cook meals while you are on vacation just like at home. Let’s look at a few of the free activities that you can enjoy while on vacation to the Outer Banks below.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Are your kids into nature and wildlife at home? Then this is the perfect free activity that you can do as a family. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is great for those who love birds and going in the spring and fall are the best. The paths that you can walk on in the park is perfect for those who want to capture the moments of the birds in the background. You may be able to see a few turtles and pelicans while you are there exploring. During the spring and summer, we do however suggest that you wear plenty of sunscreen and bug spray as it can get a little buggy. This is the perfect day trip to explore the wildlife on the island all for free.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Another beautiful and interesting place you can visit for free would be the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This is a fun place that you and the kids can head to for a day filled with loads of fun mixed in. This refuge is home to the largest population of black bears in Eastern North Carolina so if you happen to see one, just let it pass and don’t feed the bears! If you are into hiking, then this is the place for you. There are several trails that you can hike on and there is also a visitor’s center that has interactive exhibits for you to enjoy. Spend the day here and it’s something you will want to visit for years to come.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

If you have never been to the Outer Banks, then you are missing out on one of the best places to visit on the islands. Jockey’s Ridge State Park can provide hours of fun for the whole family such as running down the dunes or flying a kite there. This park is the tallest natural dune on the Eastern United States and once you climb to the top, the prize is very rewarding. Here you will be able to have the best view of the island and you will never want to leave this park ever. Plus, if you get here in the morning you may be able to catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunrise or a beautiful sunset in the evenings. Don’t miss this state park on your next trip to the Outer Banks as it’s a must for every vacation for many families!

Fort Raleigh

Located over on Roanoke Island is where you can find the historic Fort Raleigh which was the first English settlement in the New World. This is a free attraction that you and the family can visit while you are on vacation to the Outer Banks. Here you can see a lot of historical facts and artifacts on display and you can learn a little more about the famous story of the “lost colony”. What a wonderful way to get in a little education while on vacation and yet still do something fun and exciting in the area!

While there are other things that you can do on the Outer Banks that are free of charge, these are the few that we thought you’d like. If you still haven’t made your reservations for your next Outer Banks vacation rental, now is the time! Don’t miss what the spring has to offer you on the island and come relax with the family!

Top 5 Places to Watch the Sunset on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks even during the winter months have some incredible sunsets that you won’t want to miss. Whenever you stay with us in one of our beautiful Outer Banks vacation rentals, you will be able to watch the sunset any day of your vacation. We have come up with a list for our Top 5 places to watch the sunset on the Outer Banks this year.

Currituck Heritage Park

Top 5 Places to Watch the Sunset on the Outer Banks

Located in Currituck is the Historic Whalehead Club, where a beautiful bridge is spanning where the Currituck Sound meets the canal. Here you and your family will be able to take a photo or two of the sunsets while enjoy the bridge in the park. This location is famous to locals who love to take advantage of the sunsets while taking photos of not only the sunset but of other elements such as the Whalehead Club, Currituck Lighthouse and the old live oak trees. This is a place you can’t miss while you are on vacation.

Jockey’s Ridge

If you are looking for an iconic Outer Banks sunset picture, then you need to head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park located in Nags Head. Did you know that if you climb to the top of Jockey’s Ridge, then you will have a full 360-degree view of the Outer Banks? To the west you will be able to see the Roanoke Sound and the sunsets from this hill are absolutely gorgeous. During the day of course, there are plenty of things for you and your family to do and enjoy, but we promise you that the sunsets will not disappoint!

Colington Harbour in Kill Devil Hills

The thought of going to a Harbour can be fun for all those who love seeing the waterway and beautiful scenery. This quaint little boating community of the “Harbour” features miles of canals and gorgeous sound-front homes with boat docks that line the Albemarle Sound. Here you will be able to find the perfect vantage points for watching the sunset and taking those amazing shots of the sunsetting. For a more personal and unique approach to get a close up of the sunset, we suggest possible kayaking or renting a small boat to witness a sunset you will never forget.

Boardwalk in Duck

If you are staying in one of our Duck vacation rentals, then you and your family can head over to the boardwalk. Here you will be able to see a breathtaking view of the Outer Banks sunset. The boardwalk does stretch nearly the entire length of the village and here you can find cute shops and restaurants along the way. Don’t forget to pull out your camera or smartphone to capture the sunset from along the boardwalk.

Soundfront Vacation Rental

If you and your family would prefer not to travel around the island to get a picture of the sunset, then stay in one of our soundfront vacation rentals. Staying in one of these beautiful homes, you will be able to catch the sunset right from the deck of your rental. This can be perfect for families who have smaller children who don’t want to have to worry about getting them in and out of the car to catch the beautiful sunset. Just kick back and relax from your soundside or soundfront vacation rental on your next vacation to catch a glimpse of the sunset.

While there are many other locations around the Outer Banks where you can get a beautiful picture and watch the sunset, these are the few that we recommend. If you are still in search of a perfect Outer Banks vacation rental, then please check out our inventory. We can’t wait to see you on your next vacation and hopefully you will be able to take a few pictures of the beautiful sunsets that the Outer Banks has to offer!

Visit the Outer Banks in the Winter

Coming to the Outer Banks during the off-season can be just as fun as coming during the warmer months and we encourage it. The past few years, the North Carolina Coast has seen a change when it comes to the “chillier” times of the year or off-season. Normally the summer season on the Outer Banks is where visitors can enjoy the warm sunny salt air and the sandy beaches. Now that winter has made its appearance, you can still enjoy the beaches but with cooler air. Staying in one of our beautiful Outer Banks vacation rentals will help keep you and your family close to where the wintertime fun happens to be on the North Carolina Coast.

Shipwrecks

Visit the Outer Banks in the Winter

The Outer Banks is known to be the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of all the shipwrecks found along its coast. The barrier islands have a wealth of history to them and getting to learn more about the 3000 shipwrecks can be pretty neat. Head over to the NC Maritime Museum that has plenty of exhibits dedicated to its grave namesake and learn why the North Carolina Coast have been known to be some of the most dangerous for seafaring. Plus, there are a few places on the shore where you can go see some of these shipwrecks.

Oh, My Shells

Coming to the Outer Banks during the winter can have its advantages. You and your family can look for shells which normally during the summer may be hard to find with it being so crowded. Before you head on vacation to the Outer Banks, be sure to pick up a mesh seashell bag for your day on the beach. This bag will allow you to collect the seashells without having to bring back with you all of the sand. Once you are back in your vacation rental, have a mason jar for each family member and add your collected shells into it. This way you can take home your shells but without the added mess that they may bring with the sand. This can be a fun and exciting souvenir you can take home after every trip!

Bird Watching

Visit the Outer Banks in the Winter

Coming to the beach isn’t the only thing that you can do on the Outer Banks. Head on over to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge which is where you and your family can enjoy some wildlife. Open 7 days a week you can spend all day at the park if you’d like. They do offer 90-minute guided walk if you’d like to learn about the nearly 400 species of birds who call the Outer Banks their home. If you and your family would like to wander on your own, then take advantage of the 13-mile-long sanctuary. But keep an eye out for a few endangered species such as the Red World or the Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

See the Light

Visit the Outer Banks in the Winter

While on vacation, you have to visit one of the lighthouses on the Outer Banks. If you’d like to see all of the lighthouses in a day here’s how we suggest you do it. Begin your trip out, start by visiting the northern area of the Outer Banks by visiting the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Next visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head followed by the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on Roanoke Island. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse would be next, and finally visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse. The ones you can climb are Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island Lighthouse. The others you can visit but climbing is not open at the time. Once you are diagnosed with any severe condition that affects the quality of your life, the only thing you need https://medimagery.com/online-pharmacy-canada-online/ to do is find the solution. What a great way to spend the day learning about these amazing lighthouses on the coast of North Carolina!

With so many fun things to do during the wintertime on the Outer Banks, these we thought you’d enjoy. And when staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals, you will be near it all. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Fall Fishing on the Outer Banks

Now that school is back in session, it only means one thing for those who love to visit the Outer Banks. Fall fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the best things that you can do when you vacation here. The weather begins to get cooler later in the month of September, there are less people and the fishing is great! And when you stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals, then you will be close enough to where you can go fishing. Did you know that the best time of the year for the angler is during the fall months? Let’s look at where you can find some of the best fishing on the OBX this year.

Surf Fishing

Fall Fishing on the Outer Banks

When you think about fishing, many like to consider fishing from the beach. This doesn’t require much equipment which is normally a rod and a reel. But if you want to bring a little more to enjoy yourself on the beach. The size of the rod we recommend would be at least an 8 or 9-foot rod to be able to fish from the surf. Having different weights and lengths will help as well to help you with getting your line to stay in the surf and not float away. If you bring with you a sand pipe that will help you keep your rod and reel from getting ruined. It’s just a piece of PVC pipe that you will stick in the ground and super cheap too.

Pier Fishing

Fall Fishing on the Outer Banks

If surf fishing isn’t for you but you still want to experience fall fishing, then head on over to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for the day. There you will be able to fish for the day for $14 per adult and $7 per child. You can also rent a rod for $10 which can be very beneficial to those who don’t want to bring their own rods. But if you are staying in the area for longer than 2 days and want to fish the entire length of your trip, you can. You can purchase a 3 day or seven-day pass to be able to fish longer than the first few days. You will be able to purchase bait and other items in the tackle shop while you fish.

One thing that you might have to get is an NC Fishing License which is pretty easy to get. You can either go to the NC Wildlife Site to obtain one or when you go fishing on the pier you are able to obtain one there too. The price for Coastal Recreational Fishing is a 10 day for $5 for Residents of North Carolina. If you happen to be a non-North Carolina Resident then the cost is $10. If you are still looking for an Outer Banks vacation rental, check out the specials we have right now.

Outer Banks Wild Horses – Raymond is Back

When people come to the Outer Banks for vacation, they think of only the surf, sand and sun. There are many other things for you to do and see. One of the things that is a must do and see would be the Outer Banks wild horses and the last mule of Corolla. And don’t be surprised if you are staying in your oceanfront vacation rental if you happen to spy Raymond or one of the other OBX wild horses. They wanted to come by for a quick hello.

About Raymond and The Wild Horses

Last winter, it was believed that the last living mule was dying and many thought that they would never see him again. Raymond, the mule was originally thought to have passed away during the winter months but he didn’t and proved he is just too stubborn to go. Meg Puckett, the herd manager of Corolla Wild Horse Fund, thought Raymond had passed away after a last effort to save him in November. They had to drug him to be able to saw down his hooves which had become so deformed it was difficult to walk. Many of the locals who know of Raymond took to social media to celebrate his return to the rest of the Outer Banks wild horses.

Corolla's Last Mule is Back with the Wild Horses

The wild colonial mustangs are believed to have been brought to the Outer Banks more than 400 years ago. The mules came later when the farmers worked the barrier islands and their livestock got loose among the wild mustangs. While the farmers are now long gone and with Raymond being the only remaining mule of the bunch, it will be a sad time for all who are familiar with him when he passes away. It will feel like a little piece of history has died along with Raymond.

Where to See the Outer Banks Wild Horses

The Outer Banks wild horses roam freely in Corolla and most are going to be found in the 4-wheel drive areas of the beach. While it is illegal to come within 50 feet of the horses, you can still admire their beauty from a safe distance. Please note that you cannot pet or feed these wild horses as they are not like domestic horses. And in 2010 the Spanish Mustang was designated as North Carolina’s official state horse. What an amazing accomplishment for keeping the history of these horses alive. If you’d like a little help seeking out these beautiful animals, there are many tours available to see the Outer Banks wild horses in the Corolla area!

Outer Banks wild horses

If you are still looking to take a family vacation this year, then please look at one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals. We’d love for you to come visit our beautiful area, and to see the beautiful wild horses and Raymond the mule. Don’t miss seeing Raymond before he is gone forever!