I had always wanted to go to the Outer Banks, so here is our Outer Banks 1 Week Itinerary! We went during March, while it wasn’t warm enough to swim in the ocean, it was pleasant weather and not too busy. We had most of a week, which gave us the opportunity to explore this long chain of barrier peninsula and islands. Additionally, you will frequently see on bumper stickers with the abbreviation for Outer Banks, OBX. Be sure to check out some other sites in the Southeast Region while planning your Outer Banks 1 Week Itinerary!
*Last updated April 29, 2025
Outer Banks 1 Week Itinerary
Day 1 – Drive to Outer Banks, NC
We actually left late Friday afternoon and drove a few hours to make the drive a little shorter. Also, we wanted to get in a little earlier to set up our new camper in the daylight. However, the main goal this first 1 day plus was just to get to our destination.
We stayed at the OBX Campground and it was a wonderful campground. Prices were reasonable being the shoulder season and the lots were spacious. Additionally, it overlooked a waterway and we had great star gazing in the evening. I would definitely go back!
Day 2 – Wright Brothers Memorial, Duck and Corolla
We kicked off our first full day in OBX by going to the Wright Brothers Memorial, in Kitty Hawk / Kill Devil Hills. Also, we are from Cincinnati, not far from the Wright Brothers hometown of Dayton, Ohio, so it was fun to make the same journey down to see the site of the first powered flight.
Additionally, there is a great museum that highlights the timeline of the Wright Brothers. They visited for a number of winters to learn the basic of flying gliders before attempting powered flights. However, they had 4 successful flights in 1903 and the longest one was nearly 300 yards!
Afterwards, we drove up to Duck for lunch and then stopped in Corolla at the Kitty Hawk Kite Store. Kitty Hawk has numerous stores in the Outer Banks and they are a lot of fun to visit! Additionally, we went to the Carrituck Beach Lighthouse to climb to the top. Beware, there is a fee, but it offers great views from the top. Also, nearby is the Whalehead Historic Club. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited on a Sunday.
Finally, we drove up to Corova Beach to look for the wild horses. However, be aware that it is a beach road (no pavement), which requires 4×4 and reduced tire pressure. We did not see any of the horses, but from what I’ve read, they are easier to see in the summer when they spend more time by the beach to help avoid the bugs.
Day 3 – Hang Gliding, Bodie Island and Pea Island
On our second day, we had scheduled a morning beginner hang gliding lesson offered by Kitty Hawk Kites. Additionally, it is located at the sand dunes of Jockey Ridge State Park, which is a beautiful site (more details on Day 6).
However, the wind had picked up that day and they had to cancel due to wind gusts over 25 mph. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any more openings the rest of the week. They did give us a full refund, so we’ll have to wait until next time we are back in the area to try again.
We were pretty flexible on this trip. Also, I knew some things that I wanted to see and do, but we kind of went with the flow. Since we had some extra time due to the canceled hang gliding, we drove down to visit the Bodie Island Light Station. Sadly, there was a fire in January, 2025 and the interior of the light house is closed indefinitely. However, there is a nice walking path that goes to the wetlands nearby that is worth a visit.
We also made a stop at a beach on Pea Island to look for shells and fly kites. However, the wind was still a bit too strong for kite flying. On our way back up we stopped at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is a nice brief stop to see some of the displays and maybe some wildlife.
Day 4 – Ocracoke
On our third day, we decided to make the trek down to Ocracoke, which is the southern most island in the Outer Banks. However, it is important to know that it is about a 90 minute drive to the Ferry that takes you to Ocracoke Island.
Additionally, the ferry is an hour each direction. Also, during the offseason, the ferry runs every hour. Unfortunately, in both directions we had to wait for a second ferry so it took 90 minutes waiting going down and 115 minutes on the return.
Once you get to Ocracoke Island, there is still another 20 minute drive to get to the town of Ocracoke. On the way, you can stop at the Pony Pen and see some of the “wild” ponies. However, they are now kept in pens due to safety issues.
In Ocracoke, we visited the Ocracoke Light Station, which is a nice stop near town. Additionally, since it is part of the National Park System, you can pick up a packet for the kids to work on their Junior Ranger Badge.
Afterwards, we stopped at the Springer Point Preserve, which is a fun little series of trails. Additionally, by the beach we saw crabs, hermit crabs, snails and jellyfish.
Finally, we stopped into town and got some ice cream and stopped at a local bookstore. We definitely enjoyed our Ocracoke visit, but I will admit that the journey from the north and the long waits for the ferry were longer than I had anticipated. We were gone for over 12 hours that day.
Day 5 – Roanoke Island Festival Park and Fort Raleigh NHS
On our fourth day, we drove inland to Roanoke Island. Roanoke is famous for the “Lost Colony of Roanoke” and there is an outdoor drama, but shows are only in the summer. Additionally, when you enter Roanoke, there is a sign touting that it is home of the “first English baby born in the new world”. This is referring to Virginia Dare, who disappeared along with the rest of the Roanoke Colony.
First, we went to the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which has both a museum and an outdoor recreation of the Indian towns and Fort Raleigh site. Additionally, there is a recreation of the Elizabeth II merchant ship that carried the passengers from England to the new world. Overall, it makes for a fun visit with interactive exhibits for the kids.
Afterwards, we had lunch at the nearby town of Mateo, a beautiful little shore town with a fair number of restaurants to choose from.
After lunch, we visited the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which has a museum and a short trail to the site of the Fort, where the earthen mounds have been rebuilt. Additionally, it is near the site of the stage for the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Finally, we ordered a fish boil from the Outer Banks Fish Boil Company that we picked up and cooked back at our campsite.
Day 6 – NC Aquarium at Roanoke and Jockey Ridge State Park
On our fifth and final day in Outer Banks, we went back to Roanoke Island to visit the NC Aquarium at Roanoke. They recommend you pre-purchase tickets as it can sell out during busy times. Additionally, there are a lot of local animals like sea turtles, sharks, fish, alligators and more.
After the aquarium we had lunch in Manteo again and stopped at the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and the nearby playground.
Afterwards, we went back to the campsite to pack up before heading back to Jockey Ridge State Park. Additionally, if you are looking for somewhere to watch a sunset, then this is a must visit! The rolling sand dunes are beautiful and it is a great place to fly kites as well.
Day 7 – Drive to Charlotte, NC
We have family in Charlotte, so we stopped there for the weekend. Additionally, it is nice to break up the drive on the way home. We arrived early enough to eat some dinner and head over to the Charlotte Knights, AAA minor league baseball game.
Day 8 – Charlotte, NC
On our second day in Charlotte, we spent more time visiting with family and hanging out. It would be fun to visit again and see some more of downtown Charlotte.
Day 9 – Drive to Cincinnati, OH
It was a great week and I have to say that it can be fun to visit a place like Outer Banks in the offseason. Some things might not be open yet, like go karts or a waterpark, but you get more space and it feels more like you have things to your self. I would definitely like to go back again some day to try the hang gliding and see the Lost Colony of Roanoke outdoor drama. Good luck planning your visit and I hope you have a wonderful vacation!