Attractions

The Outer Banks is rich in American history – from Black Beard to the Wright Brothers first flight. There are so many fun cultural activities for the entire family within walking distance from Shutters on the Banks.

Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

• Wright Brothers Memorial
Visit the Wright Brothers Visitor Center where the Wright brothers’ story is told through exhibits.

• The Lost Colony
Over 100 professional actors, technicians & designers gather every summer to honor the memory of the brave people who came here to build a new country.

• The Graveyard of The Atlantic
Snorkel or dive the region just offshore of the Outer Banks where some 3,000 shipwrecks decorate the depths from Kitty Hawk south to Ocracoke.

• Freedman’s Colony
Learn the story of this Civil War colony, similar to others established by the Union Army, gave African Americans their first tastes of independence and freedom.

The Outer Banks has everything from fine dining to a walk-up Dairy Queen (where our guests can save 10% with their room key). There are many dining establishments within walking distance of the hotel.

Artistic Elegance Salon & Spa

Artistic Elegance Salon & Spa is a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon offering massages, facials, body treatments, nail services, waxing, and make-up design. Spa boutique offers hair products, lotions, and specialty spa gifts. Groups welcome.

When visiting the Outer Banks it’s impossible to miss the breathtaking landscapes and plentiful wildlife. From secluded wildlife refuges to aquariums, our island’s beauty is on display for all to enjoy. Nature lovers won’t want to miss these special Outer Banks places.

• Jockeys Ridge State Park
The tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, Jockey’s Ridge is one of the most significant landmarks on the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

• Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy, this preserve is a gem of sand dunes, ponds, marshes and wetlands nested on the Outer Banks. Activities include hiking, jogging, birding and more.

• Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens is a 10.5 acre public garden located within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site adjacent to Waterside Theatre.

• Pea Island National Wildlife Preserve
This 426-acre park has the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast. Two self-guided trails and nature programs available year-round. Hang gliding, kite flying, hiking, visitor’s center, small gift shop, museum, picnic facilities and restrooms.

Surfing, kite boarding, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing are just a few of the water sports which can be found on the Outer Banks. Whether you are an experienced veteran or simply want to try something new, all the right waves, winds, and waters await your arrival.

• Island Breeze Watersports
Set off on your own adventure aboard a Jet Ski, Paddle Board or Kayak or take one of our tours and learn about the area’s history, wildlife and favorite spots. Located at Mile Post 16 on Hwy 158. Look for the climbing tower at First Flight Adventure park and turn into the Dairy Queen entrance, located between Pamlico Jacks Restaurant and the Outer Banks Event Site. A short, beautiful stroll to the end of the boardwalk and you are here!

• Blow Kite
Kiteboarding instructions and rental company that is IKO certified, licensed, insured and with permit from the National Park Service to teach kiteboarding on Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pamlico Sound.

Spending your time on land in the Outer Banks is no ordinary experience. With horseback riding, hang gliding, ATV tours, and golf, there is fun for the whole family to enjoy.

• Kitty Hawk Kites
Rock wall climbing, wild horse tours, Segway tours and more.

• Hatteras Island Horseback Riding
Providing safe rides for families and people with little experience in riding. Offer calm, friendly, kid safe horses.

• Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
All terrain vehicles guide you through one of the Outer Banks best kept secrets just south of Ocracoke Island!

• The Carolina Club Golf Course
Groomed for the pro but available to the public, this magnificent 7,000 yard, par 72 championship golf course may well be the highlight of your stay on the Outer Banks.

• The Pointe Golf Club
Groomed for the pro but available to the public, The Pointe Golf Club’s A-1 bentgrass greens are second to none, and the plush fairways ensure perfect lies.

There are many unique shops and boutiques on the Outer Banks to keep you busy when you’re ready to take a day off from the beach. Whether you’re looking for a memento from your trip or a new outfit for dinner, the Outer Banks has you covered.

• Jewelry by Gail, Inc.
The studio and gallery of award-winning designer Platinum – Goldsmith, Gail Kowalski. Each of Gail’s original jewelry designs is hand-wrought in gold, platinum, or argentium silver.

• Seaside Art Gallery
Established since 1961, specializes in original works of art. 12 rooms filled with over 3000 works of art, antiques and estate jewelry. An accredited fine arts appraiser is on staff.

• Miss Lizzie’s
Women’s Clothing & Accessories Boutique

• Barree Station
Men’s & Women’s Fine Clothing, Swimwear, Jewelry & Gifts

• The Cottage Shop
Home Décor, Entertaining and Gifts

For over two hundred years Outer Banks lighthouses have acted as a lifesaving guide to those traveling by sea, and a marvel to those who stand next to their towering beauty. These structures define the Outer Bank’s, and should not be missed when visiting. For more information:

• Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, located in the heart of Corolla, borders the historic Whalehead Club and still functions as a guide for passing mariners.

• Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The Roanoke Marshes lighthouse is often one of the most overlooked of the Outer Banks lighthouses, simply because of its small stature, limited visibility and remote location tucked away at the quiet east end of the Manteo waterfront.

• Bodie Island Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Lighthouse, (pronounced “Body”) is located just south of the town of Nags Head and Whalebone Junction, where Highway 158, Highway 64, and NC Highway 12 intersect.

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its black and white candy-cane stripes, is one of the most famous and recognizable lighthouses in the world.

• Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may not be the most imposing of the Outer Banks lighthouses, but as North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse in operation, (and the second oldest in the United States), it is certainly one of the most beloved.