5-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in the Outer Banks, NC

Day 1: Beach Day

Nags Head, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stack 'Em High Pancakes

Start your day with a hearty stack of pancakes at this local favorite, perfect for fueling your beach adventures.
Located right in Nags Head, easy access.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jockey's Ridge State Park

Explore the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast, enjoy hiking, and fly kites with the family.
A short 5-minute drive from Stack 'Em High.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mama Easley's

Grab some delicious BBQ or a fresh seafood sandwich for a quick and satisfying meal.
Just 10 minutes away in Nags Head.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time at Nags Head Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or building sandcastles.
Just a short drive or a 5-minute walk from Mama Easley's.
USD0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Dunes Restaurant

Overlook the ocean while enjoying dinner with a diverse menu that caters to both kids and adults.
Located nearby Nags Head Beach.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Island Exploration

Hatteras Island, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hatteras Island Coffee

Start your morning with fresh coffee and pastries to energize your exploration of the island.
Drive 30 minutes south to Hatteras Island.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Enjoy scenic views, shore birds, and maybe even spot some dolphins as you explore this national treasure.
Just minutes from the coffee shop.
USD0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Frisco Sandwich Company

Enjoy signature sandwiches that are perfect for a beach picnic.
A short drive within Hatteras Island.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Experience breathtaking views after climbing the 257 steps of the tallest lighthouse in America.
Close proximity from Frisco Sandwich Company.
USD12 for adults, USD7 for kids, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Wind down your day with seafood and classic southern dishes at this waterfront restaurant.
Located within Hatteras Village.
USD60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Ferry Adventure

Ocracoke Island, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Howard's Pub

Savor breakfast while enjoying views of the harbor before embarking on your ferry ride.
Before heading to the ferry, located in Hatteras.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take the Ferry to Ocracoke Island

Experience a scenic ferry ride, watching out for sea turtles and dolphins along the way.
Board the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke; it takes 40 minutes.
USD22 for a car, USD1 for adults, USD0.25 for children, 1 hour including wait

10:00AM

Explore Ocracoke Village

Wander through quaint shops and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this remote coastal village.
A short extra drive after disembarking the ferry.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ocracoke Coffee Company

Enjoy a casual lunch with some of the best coffee on the island.
Located within Ocracoke Village.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Ocracoke Beach

Soak up the sun or collect seashells on the beautiful nearby beach.
Just a short walk from the coffee shop.
USD0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Islander

Enjoy a laid-back dining experience with fresh, local seafood and kid-friendly options.
Located just a few minutes from Ocracoke Beach.
USD45, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Roanoke Island, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Front Porch Cafe

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and fresh-baked goods.
Back on the mainland, stop at the cafe in Manteo.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Elizabethan Gardens

Stroll through these beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a family-friendly treasure hunt.
Located in Manteo near the cafe.
USD9 for adults, USD4 for kids, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop

Taste delicious sandwiches and salads at this local gem, perfect for all ages.
Nearby in Manteo.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Roanoke Island Festival Park

Learn about the first English settlers in America and enjoy interactive exhibits and play areas.
Just a short drive from the lunch spot.
USD10 for adults, USD5 for kids, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial

See where the first flight took place and enjoy educational displays and hiking trails.
A 30-minute drive north from Roanoke Island.
USD10 for adults, USD5 for kids, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at A Shore Thing

Take in a beautiful sunset while enjoying pizza and salads with the kids.
Located in Nags Head.
USD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure Activities

Kitty Hawk, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stack 'Em High Pancakes (again!)

Start your final day with a delicious breakfast to keep you energized for the adventure ahead.
Return to Stack 'Em High in Nags Head.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Experience the beauty of the Outer Banks from the water by renting kayaks or paddleboards.
Located in Kitty Hawk; many rental shops are available.
USD30 per person, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Stack 'Em High Pizza

Enjoy delicious pizza and pasta, perfect after a morning of activity.
Located within Kitty Hawk.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Explore the natural history exhibits, and take part in family-friendly programs.
Located in nearby Corolla; a short drive away.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Duck Beach

Conclude your adventure with some beach time, swimming, and soaking in your last moments in the sun.
Drive to Duck Beach from the center for a relaxing end to the trip.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Blue Point

Enjoy a peaceful dinner overlooking the sound, creating lasting memories to end your trip.
Located along the road in Duck.
USD65, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability