JR07 in Nags Head on the Oceanfront

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Go on an Adventure To View Local Shipwrecks

Because the Outer Banks, referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," has record of more than 100 shipwrecks throughout history, there are some shipwrecks you can see during your visit. Many of the shipwrecks are on the ocean floor and only visible by scuba divers, but others are either onshore or in other land locations. The 1921 Shipwreck of the Schooner Laura A. Barnes is located on Coquina Beach, where it was placed for public display. The 1933 Shipwreck of the Schooner G.A. Kohler can be viewed at the edge of the surf at low tide at 4WD beach access Ramp #27 (between Avon and Salvo.) There are some other shipwrecks in the area as well. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Try Your Luck at Crabbing

Crabs can be caught in local sound waters from late spring into early fall, but the best months for crabbing are May, June and July. Crabbing can be a fun activity for both adults and children and is relatively simple. You need a length of cord with suitable bait tied to one end. Chicken necks or fish heads work well for enticing the crabs onto your line. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull gently on the line to see if you have a crab nibbling on the other end. Some more experienced crabbers prefer to use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. When you are done, boil your catch, and enjoy! If you prefer not to eat your catch, it is also fun to catch and release them back into the water.

Take the Ocracoke Village Walking Tour

The small fishing village of Ocracoke is the perfect opportunity for you to park your car for a day and wander the narrow streets of the village. Historical landmarks, local shops, restaurants, antique shops and old buildings and homes are among the interesting things you will find on your walking tour. A suggestion is to begin at the Ocracoke Visitor Center, which is located on the west end of the village and adjacent to the ferry docks. Since the island is so small, it is almost impossible to get lost! If you would like, ask a National Park Service employee in the Visitor Center for directions and suggestions before you start your journey.

Relax at the Beach

If watersports, fishing and tourist attractions aren't for you, don't worry - there is still something you can do to enjoy the Outer Banks! Get a cooler of your favorite refreshments and some snacks, grab a beach chair and head to the beach! Depending on the time of year, there will more than likely be something or someone for you to watch, whether it is surf fishermen, children playing in the sand and water, surfers or dolphins playing in the water. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in that will relax you, and you will never want to leave!

Tour the Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island offer a picturesque view of more than 1,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. Created in 1960 in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh's colonists for their efforts in establishing an English settlement, these botanical gardens are open year-round. The paths take visitors through 10.5 acres of some of North Carolina's most colorful flowers. Most paths are wheelchair-accessible. Garden admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids between ages six through 18, $5 for adults age 62 and older and free for children under 5 when accompanied by an adult. Hours of operation vary throughout the year. For more information, contact The Elizabethan Gardens at (252) 473-3234.

Get Married (Or Renew Your Vows) on the Beach

Each year, hundreds of people have weddings on the beaches of the Outer Banks. With all of the large vacation rental homes that are available for families and friends to rent, mixed with the unforgettable backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Outer Banks sand dunes and sea oats, it will be a ceremony you will never forget. There are many local photographers, florists, wedding planners, entertainers, caterers and more that can assist you with your planning. You will need to obtain a marriage license in the county of your ceremony. If you are getting married on the beach, you will also need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service. For information about any of the services or permits you will need for your beach wedding, you may contact the Outer Banks Wedding Association at (252) 473-4800.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Studio 12

Studio 12 is a small, locally owned pottery shop located on Highway 12 in Avon. They have many pieces of unfinished pottery. You pick the pottery piece that you would like to paint. You choose your colors and design and sit down and paint the pottery. The owners will fire and glaze your piece for you and send you on your way. What would make a better Outer Banks souvenir than a piece of pottery that you chose and painted yourself? You won't regret spending a few hours in Studio 12.

Tour the Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center

The Native American Museum & Natural History Center in Frisco is full of unusual collections of Native American artifacts dating back to the 1930s. The Museum has one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Chiricahua Apache tribe, as well as several artifacts from other tribes from around the country. There is a gift shop at the museum that sells various art, crafts, jewelry, toys and books. Outside the museum, there are outdoor nature trails leading into three acres of woods. The museum is open year-round on Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family, and group rates are available. For more information, contact the Museum at (252) 995-4440.

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.

Visit the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is a maritime forest that is managed by The Nature Conservancy, which is an international, nonprofit conservation organization. Located in Kill Devil Hills on the west side of US Highway 158, the Preserve is home to many rare plant and animal species. Spend an afternoon hiking on more than 5 miles of trails and footbridges that take you through forest, swamp, pond and dune habitats. Trails are open to visitors during the week between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Bicycles and pets on leashes are restricted to a portion of the trail. For more information, contact the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve at (252) 441-2525.