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Embark on a Civil War Trail Journey

The Civil War plays a role in the history of the Outer Banks, and several historical markers will tell you the story. Along the Civil War Trail of the Outer Banks, you will find important monuments and displays reminiscent of the War. The historical marker for the Battle of Chicamacomico Races, which was the battle when the Confederacy attempted to reclaim Hatteras Island from the Union, is located across from the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe. Another part of Civil War history is the Freedmen's Colony in Manteo, which is located at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and was a colony set up after Union forces captured the island. For more information on other historical markers and sites, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN.

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or Canoeing

People of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873.

Take a Local Sight-Seeing Tour

If you aren't interested in boat or adventure tours, you may want to take an Outer Banks sight-seeing tour. There are a few options available on the Outer Banks for land tours. Hatteras Tours will take you on a fast-paced tour of island history, geology and culture and can be reached at (252) 986-2995. Candle light walking tours of Historic Old Manteo are offered and can be reserved by calling (252) 475-1701. Other Outer Banks tours are offered by OTS Ventures at (252) 202-3919 or Sandy Beach Tours at (252) 441-9800.

Ride a Personal Watercraft in the Sound

Personal watercraft (jet skis) are a favorite pastime on the Outer Banks. Since the Outer Banks are surrounded by water, there are plenty of areas where you can ride your personal watercraft. There are also several places that rent personal watercraft. Depending on the area, personal watercraft is prohibited within 150 to 900 feet of shore. For more information on your specific area, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN. You can rent personal watercraft from Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Another option is Hatteras Watersports in Salvo at (252) 987-2306. On Ocracoke, personal watercraft can be rented at (252) 928-2600 or (252) 921-0314.

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.

Visit the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary

Ducks, geese, rabbits, deer, fox and many other animal species live in the 5,400-acre wildlife refuge known as the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, located between Duck and Corolla on the northern Outer Banks. Many trees and marsh grasses also grow in this secluded wetland area. A trailhead is located at the Sanderling Inn and gives access to a 2.5 mile clay trail that takes hikers, bikers and strollers through a part of the Sanctuary.

Learn about Local Environment at Jeanette's Pier

Jeanette's Pier is a local historic landmark located in Nags Head at Milepost 16.5. Although Hurricane Isabel took 540 feet of the pier in 2003, the pier house reopened in 2004. The pier is owned by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, which has a unique partnership with the North Carolina Aquarium. There are plans in place to enlarge and rebuild the property. In the peak season, there are daily educational activities in the ocean classroom located in the pier house. Programs such as Beach Exploring, Family Fishing, Beach Fun and Safety, Marsh Adventure for Kids, Beach Creatures of the Night and more are offered throughout the week. For more information, contact Jeanette's Pier at (252) 441-6421.

Tour the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station

Located in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island, the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of the original seven lifesaving stations built on the Outer Banks. The original station opened at the current location in 1874 and became a storage shed in 1911 when a larger facility was built next to it. Crews at this station guarded the Hatteras Island northern coast for more than 70 years. Today, the lifesaving station is a museum of lifesaving equipment, awards and artifacts and volunteers are on staff to give guided tours. The station is open from Easter weekend through the Saturday after Thanksgiving from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Various programs are available during the summer months and admission is free, though donations are accepted. For more information, contact the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station at (252) 987-1552.

View the Ocracoke Lighthouse

Located in the southwest corner of Ocracoke Village, many visitors view the Ocracoke Lighthouse each year. Built in 1823, the lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in the nation and is 77.5 feet tall. Though the lighthouse is not open for tours or climbing, visitors can walk down a wooden boardwalk adjacent to the lighthouse to view and photograph the structure. To get to the Ocracoke Lighthouse, turn left off NC Highway 12 at the Island Inn. The lighthouse is about 800 yards down, on the right side of that street.

Tour the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at "Duck Pier"

Situated on 173 acres just north of Duck Village, the Waterways Experiment Station of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been helping scientists study ocean processes since 1977. The site's equipment to monitor sand movement, wave forces, water currents, temperatures and sedimentation have helped the facility gain a reputation as one of the best coastal field research facilities in the world. From mid-June to mid-August, tours are available at the research facility at 10:00 a.m. between Monday and Friday. For more information, contact the Field Research Facility at (252) 261-6850, ext. 401.