It’s 80+ degrees here in April, and I’m dreaming of summer. Pools, ice pops, backyard barbecues. Summer has a lot going for it. But there’s just one thing I can’t get myself excited for and that’s a beach vacation.
I know. I KNOW. I’m sorry.
It’s not that I have anything against the beach. I enjoy walking along the wet sand, smelling the salty air and finding peace in the crash of the surf. (And don’t get me started on how cute sandpipers are when they’re trying to race the waves.) But at this point in my life, laying on the beach for a full day—let alone every day for a week—is just not my idea of fun.
So going to the Outer Banks in North Carolina for a full week last summer clearly wasn’t my idea. But sometimes you do things for family that you wouldn’t normally do yourself, you know?
Planning My Trip
Before we left for vacation, I made a list of non-beach activities that I was interested in. I took distance from our home base in Kill Devil Hills into consideration, as well as cost. I then divided them into must-do, wanna-do, and would-be-nice-to-do categories.
I love this priority-based method of planning for a couple of reasons. First, I can prioritize the “must-do” activities, and then everything after that is just a bonus. In this way, I can cut down on disappointment and FOMO.
Also, by researching beforehand, it saves my mornings when I might otherwise be looking up activities and planning my day. More time to sleep! More time to explore! Yay!
By limiting myself (mostly) to activities that didn’t require advanced booking, it also gave me day-to-day flexibility.
I was able to choose activities each day based on a variety of factors, including energy level, family and work commitments, who was joining me, and the weather forecast.
Did YOU know the region is known for intense summer storms and even tornados? I sure didn’t. But just look at that storm rolling in above!
Outer Banks for Those Brave Enough to Admit You Are Bored of the Beach
Whether you’re needing a day to let your sunburn heal or are just not a big fan of sand, the four activities below can be used on their own or become part of a bigger day away from the beach.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, East Lake
Offering views of wildlife from the comfort of one’s car, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife Drive is an accessible way to experience nature as a family regardless of mobility levels.
Known for its frequent black bear sightings, the refuge is also home to red wolves, bobcats, otters, and its namesake alligators. On our trip, we got there a tad too late in the day for prime wildlife viewing (many animals are most active during dawn and dusk), but the turtles, vultures, birds, butterflies, and peaceful scenery still made the trip worth it.
Keep in mind that this is a refuge, not a zoo, so animal sightings are in no way guaranteed.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located across the sound from Nag’s Head. Depending where in the Outer Banks you are staying, this may be a bit of a drive. However, you can register for a guided hike or kayaking tour in the refuge or visit Roanoke Island and all it has to offer to create a half-day or even full-day adventure.
The Scaredy Cat’s Tips for Making the Most of Alligator River:
1) Set an alarm. Do NOT rely on your internal clock to wake you up on vacation. (Woops.)
2) Stop by the free visitors center on Roanoke Island before heading into the thick of it for a map and a bathroom break before there’s no turning back!
3) Immerse yourself by rolling the windows down and taking in the smells and sounds as you go.
4) Drive slower than you think you need to.
5) Keep noise to a minimum, meaning music and chatting.
A Pit Stop on Roanoke Island
Our wildest animal encounter ended up during a bathroom break on the way back from Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
In the quiet town of Manteo, one of two towns on Roanoke Island, is a convenient public restroom outside the small Maritime Museum in the town’s marsh-side park.
After walking out to the lighthouse, we meandered back toward our car and discovered a Brown Water Snake feasting on an eel on the bank right in the park!
We didn’t stop for too long on Roanoke Island because we had to get back to the rest of the family, but we did enjoy sandwiches on the patio at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop (I recommend the Grilled Pimiento Cheese) and wandered through several gift shops before heading home.
If you have more time than we did, you might also check out Roanoke Island Festival Park, a living history museum all about the day-to-day life of the first English settlers in the area.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head
I know I said this list is for when you want to spend the day away from the beach and all its associated sand, but you’d be remiss not to take a jaunt over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park—the “tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast,” according to Jockey’s Ridge website. Depending on conditions, the dune can be as tall as 100 feet at its peak.
Coming out onto the dune from the natural path (versus the boardwalk), it was like being transported onto an alien planet on Star Trek. Even having spent time in the towering dune mountains in Huacachina, Peru, this place still took my breath away.
While wandering the dunes might be best suited for teens and adults, there were plenty of kids around rolling down the greatest hill of their lives (and, okay, I may have, too). With advanced arrangement, park staff can also take visitors with limited mobility up onto the dune via a four-wheeler.
A second section of the park, accessible via a different entrance, sits along the sound and is characterized by wetlands and laidback waterside activities. The mile-long nature trail there is officially on my “must do” list for next time.
Nags Head Woods Preserve, Nags Head
Blending light hiking with history, Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods Preserve has scenic trails for everyone, including a completely ADA-accessible half mile loop. During our visit, we opted to combine two paths—the Discovery Trail and the Roanoke Trail—for a slightly longer walk.
On the first stretch in the quiet, sensory-filled Discovery Trail, we walked through hilly woods with no other souls in sight—except a raccoon who was busy climbing up a tree.
We both preferred the Roanoke Trail, though. More popular—we saw a whole six humans on this trail—it includes an audio tour that takes visitors back in time to the area’s first European settlement, the remnants of which can be spotted along the way! I’m not usually a fan of listening to things while I’m in nature, but in this case it was an enriching addition to the easy walk.
For such a short hike, the Roanoke Trail had several surprises, like the otherworldly trees photographed at the top and a boardwalk buzzing with life.
One note on visiting Nags Head Woods Preserve: The parking lot is located at the end of a residential street and we were half-convinced we were going to end up in someone’s back yard. Don’t worry, just keep going!
Town Park and Boardwalk, Duck
The town of Duck, sitting on the northern end of the Outer Banks, is bustling but manages to retain many of the charms of seaside towns of yore. I recommend spending an afternoon here before strolling its boardwalk at sunset.
Duck’s mile(ish)-long boardwalk runs along the quiet waters of the sound. Starting at the town park on one end, it is dotted with shops and restaurants along the way.
We enjoyed milkshakes at Sunset Ice Cream & Coffee—a classic counter-style ice cream shop—while watching the sun go down. We also enjoyed an iced coffee from Duck’s Cottage, a coffee AND book shop (my dream), and perusing Duck’s General Store, which has a nostalgic variety store vibe.
The Wrap-Up
Now you may be thinking, “What about the Wright Brothers National Memorial?!” or “How could you not mention the lighthouses?!” There are so many things to do and see in The Outer Banks and a blog post can only be so long! So, now I ask you, if you have been to the Outer Banks, what’s your favorite thing to do there? If you haven’t, which would you most like to do? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, Mel
7/29/23: Updated formatting. Information added to Roanoke Island section.
The Scaredy-Cat's Guide to Travel 
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