10 Ways to Unplug and Unwind on The Northern Outer Banks

From secluded, sunny beaches to pulse-raising recreational activities, The Northern Outer Banks invites you to do as much – or as little – as you’d like. Located at the top of North Carolina’s barrier islands, The Northern Outer Banks is an ideal destination for escaping everyday life.

1 Meet Wild Mustangs

1 Meet Wild Mustangs

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Wild horses freely roam the 4x4 area of the northern Corolla and Carova beaches. Their history goes back more than 400 years when descendants of Colonial Spanish Mustangs arrived on the shores with seafaring explorers. Today, the horses’ legacy continues along with their enchantment, and spotting one for the first time in their natural habitat will take your breath away. It is illegal to come within 50 feet of these majestic creatures, so the best way to experience their beauty is with a guided wild horse tour. Remember to bring your camera and zoom lens as there are laws in place to protect both the wild horses and the ones who admire them.

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2 Climb More Than 200 Steps for Wide-Range Views

2 Climb More Than 200 Steps for Wide-Range Views

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Protecting mariners day and night, the 162-foot Currituck Beach Lighthouse has stood firm in Historic Corolla for nearly 150 years. One million bricks later, this nautical symbol of safety towers over The Northern Outer Banks and can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to climb. After navigating the 220 stairs to the top, you’ll be rewarded with wide-range views of the Currituck Sound, Atlantic Ocean and The Northern Outer Banks.

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3 Explore Historic Corolla Park

3 Explore Historic Corolla Park

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Stroll through 39 acres of soundfront property with vast open green spaces, 100-year-old live oak trees and iconic cultural treasures at Historic Corolla Park. Step off the beach and walk through Whalehead’s threshold, admiring the 21,000-square-foot, 1920s-era art nouveau-style mansion and museum. For the explorers, visit Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education to learn about coastal North Carolina’s wildlife, natural history and heritage.  And the most recent attraction in this park, the Currituck Maritime Museum, provides visitors with a self-interpretive, family-friendly experience that examines the rich maritime heritage of Currituck County and The Northern Outer Banks.

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4 Get Outside and Enjoy Nature

4 Get Outside and Enjoy Nature

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Take a short 2.5-mile hike or kayak tour through a treasured ecosystem. Audubon Sanctuary at Pine Island is one of the last pieces of untouched property on the northeastern portion of the Outer Banks, and it preserves 2,600 acres of marsh, upland maritime forest and sandy beaches. Free from development, the sanctuary is also home to numerous species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, plus more than 350 plant species. For nature enthusiasts and avid hikers, the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve brings you to the marshy areas of The Northern Outer Banks, which are rich with indigenous plants and various species of birds.

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5 Raise a Toast

5 Raise a Toast

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The award-winning Sanctuary Vineyards lives on The Northern Outer Banks' Mainland. Propose a toast to your Northern Outer Banks experience and snag a bottle to bring back home with you. If you’re wanting to stock up on even more to-go beverages, check out Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company, Corolla’s first microbrewery. The six-barrel brewery provides tours upon request and offers fun options such as a sour lemonade lager, honey oatmeal stout and blood orange hard seltzer. The newest brewery in Corolla is Whalehead Brewery, offering traditional craft beer styles and artisanal pizza. The Mainland of The Northern Outer Banks also features Buffalo City Distillery, a new farm-to-bottle distillery.

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6 Paddle and Plunge

6 Paddle and Plunge

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Craving adventure? Take advantage of the ocean’s playground along The Northern Outer Banks, where you can surf, fish, kayak, parasail, paddleboard and kiteboard. The H2OBX Waterpark on the Mainland is also a great destination for water activities in a more controlled environment. This waterpark features more than 30 rides, slides and attractions for families or the young at heart. Besides the thrilling and family-friendly rides, the park also provides refueling opportunities at eateries including NC barbecue at Heavenly Hawgs, coastal favorites from Outer Banks Eats and sweet treats from Dune Devil Desserts. Voted the No. 1 family attraction on the Outer Banks, H2OBX is a must on your family beach getaway.

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7 Sunrise, Sunset, Repeat

7 Sunrise, Sunset, Repeat

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Make the most of your stay on The Northern Outer Banks by taking advantage of the island’s natural beauty. Wake up early and walk along the tightrope where the ocean meets the shore, or pack a picnic and head to Historic Corolla Park to soak in the beautiful sunset. Or do both. Either way, you will love it.

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8 Explore Knotts Island

8 Explore Knotts Island

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Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge on Knotts Island is a great spot to ride bikes, snag photos, cast your fishing rod, observe wildlife and kayak along the water. The refuge’s 8,219 acres are home to several endangered and threatened species, including peregrine falcons and American bald eagles. The island is also an important wintering area for thousands of ducks, geese and swans.

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9 Tee it Up at Unforgettable Courses

9 Tee it Up at Unforgettable Courses

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Grab your driver and shoot a hole-in-one at some of the top-rated courses in NC. The Currituck Club is famous for being closest to the ocean, but the Mainland is also home to several other awesome courses for golf fans. The Carolina Club sports a 7,000-yard championship design featuring tons of wetlands, water and bunkers. Kilmarlic Golf Club’s layout (designed by Tom Steele), golf cabins, clubhouse dining and so much more make this an ultimate resort getaway. Play some of the finest greens on the East Coast at the Pointe Golf Club. Or consider a visit to Holly Ridge Golf Course and Eagle Creek Golf Club & Grill for a family-friendly experience for golfers of various skill levels.

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10 Check In and Clock Out

10 Check In and Clock Out

Take a long stroll and gather your thoughts along 20-plus miles of windswept, remote beaches. Search for a unique beach treasure, like a rare piece of sea glass or a Scotch bonnet – North Carolina’s official state shell. Relax and unwind on an oceanfront deck and breathe in the salty air as you catch up with family and friends, or simply sit and gaze at the stars.

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However you spend your getaway, The Northern Outer Banks is a perfect destination to put away your phone – and your worries – at check-in and savor every moment.

This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, The Northern Outer Banks.