If you want to make the most of your visit to the North Carolina coast, it’s always a good idea to arrive with an outline of your trip. We crafted a seven-day Outer Banks itinerary, so you don’t have to worry about planning your getaway. Keep reading to discover our favorite ways to spend your trip!
For more ways to make the most of your OBX adventure, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best restaurants, activities, and attractions in our area!
The Perfect Seven-Day Itinerary to the Outer Banks
Day 1: Spend a Full Day at the Beach
There’s nothing better than starting off your seven-day itinerary in the Outer Banks with a sunrise walk on the beach. Whether you go to Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, or Kill Devil Hills, you won’t find a better time or place to soak in the natural beauty of our enchanting coastline.
After your walk, stake your spot on one of the fantastic beaches in the area. Between playing in the ocean, building sandcastles, and running around on the sand, your little ones will have plenty of opportunities to tire themselves out! It’s the perfect way to spend the first day of your trip.
Day 2: Discover the Rich History of the OBX
Spend the second day of your vacation exploring the unique historical attractions throughout the Outer Banks. From nautical history to the location of the first flight, below are some of the top attractions that both adults and kids will love in the area.
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- Roanoke Maritime Museum
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
Day 3: Find the Wild Horses of Corolla
Spotting a wild horse is one of the most unique and popular sights in the northern region of the Outer Banks. These herds of beautiful creatures roaming the beaches originated from a deserted Spanish settlement in the 1500s that continued to breed. There are plenty of tour companies that give you an up–close and personal view of these beautiful creatures. This is a fun way for kids and adults to enjoy an adventure during your OBX experience.
Day 4: Soak in the Great Outdoors of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is full of adventures for even the most intrepid explorer. Whether you love watersports, hiking, biking, or swimming, there’s something here for everyone. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Nags Head Woods Preserve Trail, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park are just a few of the unique wilderness areas that are unique to the coast. We recommend spending at least one of the days of your seven-day OBX itinerary enjoying one of these beautiful locations.
Day 5: Explore Downtown Manteo
Roanoke Island may be small, but it packs in plenty of fantastic things to do and places to see. One of the top places to explore is the quaint and charming downtown Manteo waterfront! Here, you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and attractions that are perfect for adults and kids! It’s a great escape from the crowded Outer Banks beaches, especially during the summer. Plus, it’s only minutes away from your Pirate’s Cove rental!
Day 6: Take a Day Trip to Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island is one of the best islands in the Outer Banks for its isolation. If you want to get off the grid and relax with as few people as possible around you, then this is the place for you. Ocracoke Village has some shops and restaurants, but for the most part, it’s just you and nature. We recommend this as a day trip from Roanoke Island or Nags Head. There is a ferry you must take to get here.
Day 7: Relax and Enjoy Your Pirate’s Cove Rental
Scratch in a day of relaxation during the final stretch of your seven-day Outer Banks itinerary. If you’re staying in our gated community, you receive access to all of our community amenities, including the pool, game area, sports courts, and boardwalks. Finish off the day with a drink at Mimi’s Tiki Hut and dinner at the Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar.
Book Your Pirate’s Cove Rental 
Now that you know how to make the most of your weeklong retreat to the Outer Banks, it’s time to start organizing your accommodations! Whether you want to explore the rich local history of the first English settlement in America or relax on the beach (which is only a 10-minute drive), there are endless ways to make the most of your stay. Don’t forget to check out our Things to Do page!
Browse our collection of condos and houses and book your Outer Banks family vacation today! We look forward to welcoming you to the Pirate’s Cove family.
