10-day Outer Banks itinerary

A ready-made 10-day sightseeing plan for Outer Banks — top-rated attractions, one morning-to-evening schedule per day. Use it as-is or as a starting point; every stop links to full details, hours, and fees. Hungry? Pick your own spot to eat — we don't bake that decision into the plan for you.

1Day 1

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hatteras Inlet5.0

    Hatteras Inlet, hatteras

    A scenic coastal waterway connecting Pamlico Sound to the Atlantic Ocean

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Hatteras Island Scenic Byway5.0

    Cape Hatteras National Park Rd, Nags Head

    Drive through coastal wilderness along North Carolina's stunning Outer Banks shoreline.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Manteo Farmers Market5.0

    106 Fernando Street, Manteo

    Fresh local produce and artisan crafts along the Manteo waterfront

2Day 2

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Nags Head Yoga5.0

    2420 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head

    Recharge by the ocean with scenic beach yoga sessions in Nags Head

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Ocracoke Island Ferry5.0

    Ocracoke, Ocracoke

    Experience scenic coastal travel connecting Hatteras and Ocracoke Island seamlessly

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Outer Banks Kayak Adventures5.0

    101 West Airstrip Road, Kill Devil Hills

    Explore scenic Outer Banks waterways with guided kayak and paddleboard tours

3Day 3

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center5.0

    14500 North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe

    A premier Outer Banks refuge for watching wildlife and migratory birds

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Shallowbag Bay5.0

    Shallowbag Bay, manteo

    Enjoy picturesque coastal views and watersports along historic downtown Manteo waterfront.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Dare County Arts Council4.9

    300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo

    Discover local artwork and vibrant cultural exhibitions in historic downtown Manteo

4Day 4

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hatteras Island4.9

    Hatteras Island, hatteras

    Discover pristine barrier island beaches, maritime history, and coastal outdoor adventure.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Nags Head Beach Access4.9

    Holden St, Nags Head

    Easy public access to clean oceanfront beaches in Nags Head.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Outer Banks Distilling4.9

    510 Budleigh Street, Manteo

    Historic downtown Manteo distillery crafting award winning small batch rum

5Day 5

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Bodie Island Lighthouse4.8

    8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head

    Discover this iconic historic black and white striped Outer Banks lighthouse

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Cape Hatteras Lighthouse4.8

    46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton

    America's tallest brick lighthouse standing guard over the Outer Banks

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Cape Hatteras National Seashore4.8

    North Carolina, manteo

    Explore scenic barrier island beaches, historic lighthouses, and coastal wildlife.

6Day 6

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site4.8

    23645 North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe

    Discover Outer Banks maritime rescue history at this preserved life-saving station.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Dare County Beach Access4.8

    7133 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head

    Convenient public access points to oceanfront beaches throughout the Outer Banks

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Duck Town Park Boardwalk4.8

    Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck

    Scenic soundside boardwalk connecting maritime forest, local shops, and sunset vistas.

7Day 7

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hatteras Watersports4.8

    27130 North Carolina Highway 12, Salvo

    Family-owned water sports rental destination in Salvo on Pamlico Sound

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Jockey's Ridge State Park4.8

    300 West Carolista Drive, Nags Head

    Explore the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve4.8

    701 Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills

    Discover pristine maritime forests and peaceful hiking trails in Outer Banks

8Day 8

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge4.8

    14500 North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe

    A coastal haven for migratory waterfowl, birdwatching, and nature trails

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    The Nature Conservancy4.8

    701 Ocean Acres Drive, Kill Devil Hills

    Explore lush maritime forest and scenic nature trails in Kill Devil Hills.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Wright Brothers First Flight Airport4.8

    Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills

    A historic general aviation airstrip on the Wright Brothers memorial grounds

9Day 9

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Wright Brothers National Memorial4.8

    1000 North Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills

    Explore the historic birthplace of aviation in North Carolina's Outer Banks

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Hatteras Island Fishing4.7

    58058 North Carolina Highway 12, Hatteras

    World-class ocean, soundside, and charter fishing on the Outer Banks

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Hatteras Island Horseback Riding4.7

    Ramp 55 park service parking lot, Hatteras

    Experience scenic beach horseback rides along the Outer Banks shoreline

10Day 10

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Manteo Waterfront4.7

    207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo

    Explore scenic waterfront boardwalk views, local dining, and coastal history.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Rodanthe Beach4.7

    23713 Midgett Drive, Nags Head

    Relax on the peaceful ocean beaches of Rodanthe along Outer Banks

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Sandy Run Park4.7

    4343 The Woods Road, Kitty Hawk

    A peaceful 16-acre natural retreat in Kitty Hawk featuring boardwalk trails.

Want more options? Browse things to do in Outer Banks, places to eat, or the full Outer Banks vacation guide.