Outer Banks: Driving Tour

Setting out on a driving tour of North Carolina’s Outer Banks promises an immersive journey through the region’s rich history and captivating natural wonders. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Bodie Island Lighthouse, hike the expansive Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and encounter the elusive Corolla wild horses. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the tour offers opportunities to experience the area’s renowned surfing and fishing spots, as well as explore its storied past at sites like Fort Raleigh and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. With a comprehensive route and engaging storytelling, this driving tour is poised to deliver an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to uncover the Outer Banks’ captivating allure.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Outer Banks.

Key Points

• Experience the iconic Outer Banks attractions, including the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and the legendary Wright Brothers National Memorial.
• Witness the majestic Corolla wild horses roaming freely within the protected coastal dunes of the region.
• Engage in a variety of watersports, from world-class surfing and kiteboarding to fishing on the renowned piers.
• Explore the rich history of the Outer Banks, exploring the site of the first English settlement and the mystery of the Lost Colony.
• Enjoy a comprehensive driving tour with engaging storytelling and flexibility, while covering additional costs for accessing various sites and amenities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Visitors can climb the 156-foot tall Bodie Island Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships along the Outer Banks since 1872.

The lighthouse features a striking black-and-white spiral pattern and offers incredible views of the surrounding marshes and beaches from the top of the tower.

Climbing the 214 steps to the observation deck is a popular activity, and guided tours provide insight into the lighthouse’s history and construction.

Visitors should plan to spend 30-45 minutes exploring the lighthouse and its grounds.

While there, they can also visit the nearby Bodie Island Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s wildlife, shipwrecks, and coastal heritage.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Spanning over 70 miles along the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore boasts an array of natural wonders, from towering sand dunes to pristine beaches and historic lighthouses.

Visitors can explore this national treasure through the driving tour, with highlights that include:

• Climbing the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States
• Spotting wild horses roaming freely in the protected Currituck Beach area

Fishing from the Jockeys Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast.

Surfing or kite-boarding along the renowned wave-riding spots.

Discovering the shipwreck remains and maritime history along the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’.

Wild Horses in the Dunes

Outer Banks: Driving Tour

The Outer Banks is home to a captivating population of wild horses that roam freely within the protected coastal dunes.

These majestic creatures are a beloved sight for visitors, who can spot them grazing among the rolling sand hills and lush vegetation.

Known as the Corolla Wild Horses, this herd of approximately 100 horses is managed by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to their preservation.

Visitors can search for the wild horses along the scenic beaches and dunes, but are advised to keep a safe distance and not approach or feed them.

Catching a glimpse of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience on the Outer Banks driving tour.

Beaches and Watersports

Along the Outer Banks’ windswept shores, visitors can indulge in a wealth of beachside activities, from catching the perfect wave to combing the sand for unique shells.

The region’s renowned surfing and kiteboarding conditions attract enthusiasts from around the world, who come to harness the power of the wind and waves.

Meanwhile, anglers can try their luck fishing from the iconic piers, reeling in a variety of saltwater species.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the beaches offer ample opportunities to simply stroll, sunbathe, or collect seashells – a favorite pastime of many Outer Banks visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Famous Fishing Piers

The Outer Banks boasts several iconic fishing piers that draw anglers from near and far, each offering a unique experience and perspective on the region’s abundant marine life. The 100-year-old Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, with its panoramic views and deep-sea fishing, attracts both experienced and novice fishermen. The Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, meanwhile, is renowned for its proximity to the beach and its family-friendly atmosphere. Further south, the Rodanthe Pier in Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge provides a tranquil setting to cast a line, while the Kitty Hawk Pier offers unparalleled opportunities to reel in prized catches.

Pier Name	Location	Unique Features
Jennette’s Pier	Nags Head	Panoramic views, deep-sea fishing
Avalon Fishing Pier	Kill Devil Hills	Beach proximity, family-friendly
Rodanthe Pier	Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge	Tranquil setting
Kitty Hawk Pier	Kitty Hawk	Prized catch opportunities

Fort Raleigh

Along With the famous fishing piers, the Outer Banks driving tour also allows visitors to explore Fort Raleigh, a historical site with a rich and fascinating past.

This 16th-century structure was the location of the first English settlement in the New World, and the site where the legendary ‘Lost Colony’ disappeared.

Visitors can:

• Discover the history of the Roanoke Colony and its mysterious fate
• Explore the reconstructed earthworks and walk the grounds of the original fort

Visitors can also:

• Visit the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which features interactive exhibits and a recreated 1580s settlement
• Learn about the indigenous Algonquian people who once inhabited the area
• Gain a deeper understanding of the early European exploration and colonization of North America.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Where can visitors see the site of the world’s first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight? At the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the historic 1903 achievement of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Situated on the Outer Banks near Kitty Hawk, the memorial features a visitor center, museum, and replicas of the Wright Flyer and camp buildings. Guests can climb the 60-foot monument that marks the exact site of the first flight, and explore exhibits on the brothers’ experiments and innovation. Whether you’re a history buff or aviation enthusiast, the Wright Brothers National Memorial offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant moments in transportation history.

Highlights	Description
Visitor Center	Features exhibits on the Wright brothers and their accomplishments
Monument	60-foot granite monument marks the site of the first flight
Replicas	See recreations of the Wright Flyer and camp buildings
Museum	Explore interactive displays and learn about the brothers’ experiments
Views	Take in scenic vistas of the Outer Banks landscape

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The driving tour of the Outer Banks includes engaging storytelling with unique tales and history, as well as a comprehensive route and stops to see all major attractions. However, it doesn’t cover entry fees, national park passes, reservations, transportation, or parking fees.

The tour offers:

• All-day support via phone, chat, or email
• Flexible booking – reserve now and pay later
• Suitable for groups up to 8 participants
• Access to historic lighthouses and wild horses
• Opportunities to surf, kite-board, and fish

While the driving tour provides a comprehensive experience, visitors should be prepared to cover additional costs for accessing various sites and amenities along the Outer Banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, the Outer Banks driving tour can accommodate a single traveler. The tour is priced per group of up to 8 participants, so a solo traveler can enjoy the experience for the full group rate.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The Outer Banks driving tour is currently only available in English. The tour company does not offer the experience in other languages at this time, though they may consider expanding language options in the future based on customer demand.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Activities?

No special equipment is needed for the outdoor activities on the Outer Banks driving tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy beach exploration, lighthouse visits, and wildlife spotting during the self-guided tour.

How Do I Access the Audio/Visual Content During the Tour?

The tour provides access to the audio and visual content through your mobile device. Once you book the tour, you’ll receive instructions on how to download the app and access the engaging storytelling and route information.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally allowed on the tour, though some restrictions may apply. Visitors should check with the tour operator for specific pet policies before booking. Many of the stops along the tour route are pet-friendly.

Recap

The Outer Banks driving tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the region’s rich history and natural wonders.

From iconic lighthouses to wild horse-filled dunes, the tour showcases the area’s diverse attractions.

Travelers can discover renowned surfing and fishing spots, as well as historic sites like Fort Raleigh and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

With comprehensive route information, this driving tour promises an unforgettable experience along the breathtaking North Carolina coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: