Guides
Outer Banks Guides
The best of the OBX, year-round — restaurant guides, recipes, attraction and lighthouse explainers, trip-planning tips, and event coverage. 168 guides and counting.
Looking for daily picks instead? Things to do on the OBX.
Restaurants, food & drink
Where to eat and drink on the OBX — best-of lists, town dining guides, breweries, and coffee.
- Best OBX Seafood Restaurants According to Visitors
Visitors repeatedly named these Outer Banks seafood restaurants and dishes. Use this north-to-south guide to match a current menu with the meal you want.
October 2, 2026
- Best Breakfast in the Outer Banks by Town
Find the right Outer Banks breakfast near your stay, from Corolla bagels and classic beach diners to Nags Head favorites and Hatteras Island bakeries.
October 1, 2026
- Outer Banks Seafood Festival 2026: Visitor Guide
Celebrate the Outer Banks fishing community with local seafood, live music, coastal exhibits, and family fun in Nags Head on October 17, 2026.
September 25, 2026
- CrabDaddy Seafood & Wine Festival 2026: Visitor Guide
Plan an October afternoon at Sanctuary Vineyards with steamed blue crabs, a Currituck fish fry, local drinks, and live music.
September 19, 2026
- 2026 Ocracoke Seafood Festival Visitor Guide
Plan a Labor Day weekend visit to Ocracoke's community seafood fundraiser, featuring local food, family activities, auctions, and live music.
September 2, 2026
- 2025 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast
2025 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast
February 12, 2025
- 12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2024
12 Bars of Christmas OBX 2024
November 14, 2024
- 2025 Outer Banks Seafood Festival
2025 Outer Banks Seafood Festival
October 29, 2024
- Best Breakfast Sandwich on the OBX
Best Breakfast Sandwich on the OBX
August 27, 2024
- 15 Best Ice Cream Spots on the Outer Banks
15 Best Ice Cream Spots on the Outer Banks
August 25, 2024
- 10th Annual Surf and Sounds Chamber Music Series: String Quartet Performance at The Pioneer Theater
10th Annual Surf and Sounds Chamber Music Series: String Quartet Performance at The Pioneer Theater
August 23, 2024
- Outer Banks Seafood Festival 2024
Outer Banks Seafood Festival 2024
August 21, 2024
- Best Pizza on the OBX
Best Pizza on the OBX
August 12, 2024
- Best Anniversary Restaurants in the Outer Banks
Best Anniversary Restaurants in the Outer Banks
August 8, 2024
- Best Coffee Shops in the Outer Banks
Best Coffee Shops in the Outer Banks
August 3, 2024
- 2024 Top Vacationer Recommended Restaurants in the Outer Banks
2024 Top Vacationer Recommended Restaurants in the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- 🌊 OBX Local Eats: Today’s Specials | August 1, 2024
🌊 OBX Local Eats: Today’s Specials | August 1, 2024
August 1, 2024
- Best Taco Restaurants on the Outer Banks 2024
Best Taco Restaurants on the Outer Banks 2024
July 31, 2024
- Cooking Breakfast on the Beach in the Outer Banks
Cooking Breakfast on the Beach in the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- Hosting the Ultimate Outer Banks Style Crab Boil: A Complete Guide
Hosting the Ultimate Outer Banks Style Crab Boil: A Complete Guide
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks She Crab Soup
Outer Banks She Crab Soup
July 17, 2024
Recipes
OBX-style dishes to make at home, from hot dog chili to fresh catch.
- OBX Shrimp & Jalapeno Cheddar Grits Recipe
OBX Shrimp & Jalapeno Cheddar Grits Recipe
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Spaghetti with Clams Recipe
Outer Banks Spaghetti with Clams Recipe
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Crab Dip Recipe
Outer Banks Crab Dip Recipe
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Outer Banks Style Hot Dog Chili
July 16, 2024
Lighthouses, attractions & nature
Lighthouses, parks, wildlife refuges, museums, and the landmarks worth a detour.
- Bluegrass Island Festival 2026: Lineup and Visitor Guide
Explore the 2026 Bluegrass Island lineup, daily highlights, ticket details, parking, and jam sessions on the Manteo waterfront.
September 24, 2026
- Island Farm Pumpkin Patch 2026 in Manteo
Pick a Saturday for pumpkins, historic crafts, blacksmithing, games, cider, treats, and local vendors at Island Farm on Roanoke Island.
September 17, 2026
- Shuck for the Ridge 2026 at Jockey's Ridge
Enjoy local oysters, barbecue, live music, and a silent auction at Jockey's Ridge while supporting the nonprofit that helps protect the park.
September 16, 2026
- Halloween Island 2026 in Manteo: Visitor Guide
Spend October exploring Manteo's townwide Halloween bar crawl, with themed stops, costumes, passport stamps, and a fundraiser for the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
September 13, 2026
- Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge 2026: Angler Guide
Fish the Hatteras Island shoreline for bluefish, black drum, sea mullet, and pompano during the September 25-27 Surf Fishing Challenge.
September 2, 2026
- OBX Bronco Beach Bash 2025
OBX Bronco Beach Bash 2025
February 27, 2025
- Jockey's Ridge 50th Anniversary Celebration
Jockey's Ridge 50th Anniversary Celebration
February 27, 2025
- 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
February 26, 2025
- OBX Taste of The Beach 2025
OBX Taste of The Beach 2025
January 20, 2025
- 2025 Winter Bluegrass Island Nights Concert Series
2025 Winter Bluegrass Island Nights Concert Series
January 9, 2025
- January Winter Star Party at Jockeys Ridge
January Winter Star Party at Jockeys Ridge
January 7, 2025
- 2024 Dowdy Park Holiday Markets
2024 Dowdy Park Holiday Markets
November 14, 2024
- 40th Anniversary Open House at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
40th Anniversary Open House at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
November 14, 2024
- Step Back in Time with OBX Christmas on the North End at Island Farm
Step Back in Time with OBX Christmas on the North End at Island Farm
November 14, 2024
- 2024 Winter Lights at The Elizabethan Gardens
2024 Winter Lights at The Elizabethan Gardens
November 6, 2024
- Halloween Island 2024 in Manteo
Halloween Island 2024 in Manteo
October 29, 2024
- Bluegrass Island Music Festival 2024
Bluegrass Island Music Festival 2024
August 21, 2024
- Sublime with Rome at Roanoke Island Festival Park
Sublime with Rome at Roanoke Island Festival Park
August 21, 2024
- Jamey Johnson at Roanoke Island Festival Park
Jamey Johnson at Roanoke Island Festival Park
August 21, 2024
- Full Moon Climb at Bodie Island Lighthouse on September 17, 2024
Full Moon Climb at Bodie Island Lighthouse on September 17, 2024
August 21, 2024
- Visiting The Lighthouses On The Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Visiting The Lighthouses On The Cape Hatteras National Seashore
July 17, 2024
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Revolutionary Fresnel Lens
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Revolutionary Fresnel Lens
July 17, 2024
- 2024 Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament
2024 Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament
July 17, 2024
- Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills
Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills
July 17, 2024
- National Aviation Day at the Wright Brothers Memorial 2024
National Aviation Day at the Wright Brothers Memorial 2024
July 17, 2024
- How to Capture Stunning Beach Photos
How to Capture Stunning Beach Photos
July 17, 2024
- Highlights from the 46th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
Highlights from the 46th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
July 17, 2024
Trip planning & living here
When to visit, where to stay, what to pack, and what life on the Outer Banks is really like.
- Blackbeard's Pirate Jamboree 2026: Ocracoke Guide
Explore living history, pirate encampments, sea shanties, and the story of Blackbeard's final battle on Ocracoke October 30–31, 2026.
September 30, 2026
- OBX Brewtag 2026: Date, Venue and Visitor Guide
Watch homemade flying contraptions launch keg barrels at OBX Brewtag, returning to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head on October 24, 2026.
September 28, 2026
- Halloween International Film Festival 2026 Guide
Independent horror comes to Manteo October 23–24, 2026, with two days of films, filmmaker conversations, meet-and-greets, and Orange Carpet moments.
September 27, 2026
- NCBBA Red Drum Tournament 2026: Angler's Guide
Fish 60 hours of Hatteras Island surf during the 17th annual NCBBA Red Drum Tournament, scheduled for October 21–24, 2026.
September 26, 2026
- Wings Over Water 2026: Outer Banks Festival Guide
Plan a Wings Over Water adventure with guided birding, paddling, photography, art, and natural-history programs across coastal refuges.
September 23, 2026
- USA Surfing Prime Nags Head 2026: Spectator Guide
Watch elite emerging surfers compete at Jennette’s Pier during USA Surfing’s Prime East Series opener in Nags Head.
September 22, 2026
- Ocracoke Working Waterman’s Festival 2026 Guide
Celebrate Ocracoke’s fishing heritage with watermen’s exhibits, seafood, demonstrations, music, and stories on the Community Square docks.
September 21, 2026
- Duck Jazz Festival 2026: Schedule and Visitor Guide
Get the 2026 Duck Jazz Festival dates, lineup, venue rules, and practical tips for a free weekend of music at Duck Town Park.
September 20, 2026
- 2026 Outer Banks Parade of Homes Visitor Guide
Tour new homes and imaginative residential and commercial remodels from Corolla to Avon during the 34th Outer Banks Parade of Homes.
September 18, 2026
- 2026 Ocracoke Red Drum Shootout Visitor Guide
Plan for Ocracoke's two-day red drum tournament, with tiered angler categories, a boat parade, music, community events, and awards.
September 15, 2026
- Day at the Docks 2026: Hatteras Village Festival Guide
Celebrate Hatteras Island's working-waterfront heritage with seafood, boats, demonstrations, and family activities at Day at the Docks.
September 2, 2026
- 2026 Outer Banks Triathlon: Manteo Race Weekend Guide
Swim Croatan Sound, bike Roanoke Island, and finish at Fort Raleigh during the 2026 Outer Banks Triathlon in Manteo.
September 2, 2026
- 2026 Outer Banks Kite Festival Visitor Guide
See giant display kites, synchronized flying, free lessons, and a children's kite sprint at Jockey's Ridge State Park.
September 2, 2026
- OBX Jeep Mutiny 2026: Schedule, Registration, and Visitor Guide
OBX Jeep Mutiny brings beach crawls, custom builds, vendors, and a lighthouse toy run to the Outer Banks September 18-19.
September 2, 2026
- 2026 Easter Weekend on the Outer Banks
Why Easter Weekend on the Outer Banks Is One of the Best Getaways You Are Not Taking Seriously Enough
March 20, 2026
- Planning a 2025 Easter Week Trip to the Outer Banks
Visiting the Outer Banks at Easter
February 23, 2025
- Planning a 2025 Trip to Ocracoke
Planning a 2025 Trip to Ocracoke
February 19, 2025
- St. Patrick Day Weekend on the OBX 2025
St. Patrick Day Weekend on the OBX 2025
February 19, 2025
- 2025 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo
2025 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo
January 7, 2025
- 25 Tips for First Time Home Buyers on the OBX
25 Essential Tips for First Time Home Buyers in the Outer Banks
November 10, 2024
- Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Outer Banks
Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- Is a Sunday Check-In Worth It for Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks?
Is a Sunday Check-In Worth It for Vacation Rentals on the Outer Banks?
August 2, 2024
- Hurricane Season Safety Tips for Vacationers in the Outer Banks
Hurricane Season Safety Tips for Vacationers in the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- Family-Friendly Guide to Your First Outer Banks Visit
Family-Friendly Guide to Your First Outer Banks Visit
July 17, 2024
- Why Everyone from 8 to 80 Should Try Taking a Surfing Lesson During Their Outer Banks Vacation
Why Everyone from 8 to 80 Should Try Taking a Surfing Lesson During Their Outer Banks Vacation
July 17, 2024
- 10 Tips for Planning an Affordable Outer Banks Wedding
10 Tips for Planning an Affordable Outer Banks Wedding
July 17, 2024
- St. Patrick's Day Weekend Beer Mile at the Outer Banks
St. Patrick's Day Weekend Beer Mile at the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- Tips for Taking Spring Photos on the Outer Banks
Tips for Taking Spring Photos on the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- Planning a May Visit to the Outer Banks
Planning a May Visit to the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- Are Outer Banks Vacation Homes Good for a Budget Friendly Wedding?
Are Outer Banks Vacation Homes Good for a Budget Friendly Wedding?
July 17, 2024
- What Makes the Outer Banks a Good Vacation Spot?
What Makes the Outer Banks a Good Vacation Spot?
July 17, 2024
Festivals & event coverage
Coverage and recaps of OBX festivals, races, and signature events — check dates before you plan around past editions.
- A Night of 1,587 Pumpkins 2026 in Manteo
See The Elizabethan Gardens glow with 1,587 jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treating, contests, and autumn treats on October 30, 2026.
September 29, 2026
- 2026 U.S. Open Waveski Championships in Nags Head
See waveski and surf-kayak competitors take on the Atlantic beside Jennette's Pier during a three-day national championship in Nags Head.
September 14, 2026
- 2026 WRV Outer Banks Pro at Jennette's Pier
Watch World Surf League Qualifying Series competition at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, with practical tips for timing your visit, parking, and viewing the action.
September 2, 2026
- 2026 OBX Arts & Craft Festival in Kitty Hawk
Shop work from 24 locally known artists and meet three Outer Banks nonprofits during this free two-day festival in Kitty Hawk.
September 2, 2026
- April First Friday in Manteo 2026
April First Friday in Manteo 2026
March 19, 2026
- Visiting the Outer Banks in April 2025
Visiting the Outer Banks in April 2025
March 26, 2025
- March 2025 Events on the Outer Banks
March 2025 Events on the Outer Banks
February 23, 2025
- First Friday in Manteo - March 2025
First Friday in Manteo - March 2025
February 23, 2025
- 2025 Blackbeard's Revenge 100
2025 Blackbeard's Revenge 100
February 23, 2025
- Outer Banks Bike Week 2025
Outer Banks Bike Week 2025
February 21, 2025
- OBX Jeep Invasion 2025
OBX Jeep Invasion 2025
February 18, 2025
- Painting the Outer Banks Blue Gala 2025
Painting the Outer Banks Blue Gala 2025
February 12, 2025
- OBX Polar Plunge 2025
OBX Polar Plunge 2025
January 29, 2025
- 2025 OBX Rod & Custom Festival
2025 OBX Rod & Custom Festival
January 25, 2025
- Things Happening on the Outer Banks in 2025
Events Happening on the Outer Banks in 2025
January 9, 2025
- Soundside Holiday Market 2024
Soundside Holiday Market 2024
November 14, 2024
- Merry Market on the Manteo Waterfront 2024
Merry Market on the Manteo Waterfront 2024
November 14, 2024
- First Flight Holiday Markets 2024
First Flight Holiday Markets 2024
November 14, 2024
- Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting 2024
Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting 2024
November 14, 2024
- 2024 Soundside Holiday Market
2024 Soundside Holiday Market
November 6, 2024
- 2024 OBX Marathon
2024 OBX Marathon
October 29, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 24th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 23rd 2024
September 24, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 23 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 23 2024
September 23, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 21st 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 21st 2024
September 21, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 20th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 20th 2024
September 20, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 18th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 18th 2024
September 18, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 17th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 17th 2024
September 17, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 16th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 16th 2024
September 16, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 15th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 15th 2024
September 15, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 14th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 14th 2024
September 14, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 13th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 13th 2024
September 13, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 12th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 12th 2024
September 12, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 11th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 11th 2024
September 11, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 10th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 10th 2024
September 10, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 9th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 9th 2024
September 9, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 8th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 8th 2024 🌞 Good morning, OBX adventurers! September 8, 2024, is shaping up to be a beautiful day, just in time for National Grandparents Day ! The weather is most
September 8, 2024
- Things to Do on the OBX for September 7th 2024
Things to Do on the OBX for September 7th 2024
September 7, 2024
- Best Bakeries on the OBX
Best Bakeries on the OBX
August 27, 2024
- Best Places for Steak on the OBX
Best Places for Steak on the OBX
August 27, 2024
- Best Hotels on the Outer Banks
Best Hotels on the Outer Banks
August 27, 2024
- OBX Brewtag 2024
OBX Brewtag 2024
August 21, 2024
- OBX Jeep Invasion 2024
OBX Jeep Invasion 2024
August 21, 2024
- 1st Annual Ocracoke Red Drum Shootout
1st Annual Ocracoke Red Drum Shootout
August 21, 2024
- 2024 OBXTreme Magic Show in Duck
2024 OBXTreme Magic Show in Duck
August 21, 2024
- 2024 Hidden Gems of the Outer Banks
2024 Hidden Gems of the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- The Lost Colony: America's Oldest Mystery Brought to Life
The Lost Colony: America's Oldest Mystery Brought to Life
July 17, 2024
- 2024 Outer Banks Pirate Festival
2024 Outer Banks Pirate Festival
July 17, 2024
- 2024 March Outer Banks Photography Workshop
2024 March Outer Banks Photography Workshop
July 17, 2024
- 2024 Outer Banks Polar Plunge
2024 Outer Banks Polar Plunge
July 17, 2024
- Plan a 2024 April Visit to the Outer Banks
Plan a 2024 April Visit to the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- 18th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival
18th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival
July 17, 2024
- 2024 Surfing For Autism in Nags Head
2024 Surfing For Autism in Nags Head
July 17, 2024
- OBX KidsFest 2024: A Day of Fun, Learning, and Community Engagement
OBX KidsFest 2024: A Day of Fun, Learning, and Community Engagement
July 17, 2024
- 2024 Flying Pirate Half Marathon: Embrace the Pirate Spirit
2024 Flying Pirate Half Marathon: Embrace the Pirate Spirit
July 17, 2024
- Books & Brews: A Unique Gathering for Book Lovers and Beer Aficionados
Books & Brews: A Unique Gathering for Book Lovers and Beer Aficionados
July 17, 2024
- 2024 OBX Taste of the Beach
2024 OBX Taste of the Beach:
July 17, 2024
- Dive into the World of Words at the 6th Annual Literary Festival in Elizabeth City
Dive into the World of Words at the 6th Annual Literary Festival in Elizabeth City
July 17, 2024
- Nags Head Woods 5K Run: A Scenic Race Through the Heart of the Outer Banks
Nags Head Woods 5K Run: A Scenic Race Through the Heart of the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- 2024 The Outer Banks Independence Beer Mile
2024 The Outer Banks Independence Beer Mile
July 17, 2024
More from the OBX
Everything else from the archive.
- March Soundside Spring Market in Nags Head
March Soundside Spring Market in Nags Head
March 19, 2026
- Are There Alligators in the Outer Banks?
Are There Alligators in the Outer Banks?
January 26, 2025
- Fall Camping on the OBX
Fall Camping on the OBX
November 10, 2024
- Best Bookstores on the Outer Banks
Best Bookstores on the Outer Banks
August 9, 2024
- Best OBX Water Activities
Best OBX Water Activities
August 2, 2024
- Top Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day in the Outer Banks
Top Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day in the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- Your First Stop on the Outer Banks
Your First Stop on the Outer Banks
August 2, 2024
- Best Burger on the OBX
Best Burger on the OBX
August 2, 2024
- Best Beach Umbrellas and Canopies for Windy Conditions
Best Beach Umbrellas and Canopies for Windy Conditions
July 31, 2024
- What's the Best Month to Visit the Outer Banks?
What's the Best Month to Visit the Outer Banks?
July 31, 2024
- Which Do You Prefer Sunrise Or Sunset on the Outer Banks?
Which Do You Prefer Sunrise Or Sunset on the Outer Banks?
July 17, 2024
- Triangle Wrecks in Kill Devil Hills
Triangle Wrecks in Kill Devil Hills
July 17, 2024
- Bringing Your Dog to the Outer Banks for the First Time
Bringing Your Dog to the Outer Banks for the First Time
July 17, 2024
- 7 Benefits of Having a Beach Wedding in Nags Head
7 Benefits of Having a Beach Wedding in Nags Head
July 17, 2024
- The Origins of the name Kitty Hawk
The Origins of the name Kitty Hawk
July 17, 2024
- Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks for Couples
Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks for Couples
July 17, 2024
- The Best Mesh Toy Bag for the Beach
The Best Mesh Toy Bag for the Beach
July 17, 2024
- Who was Frank Stick?
Who was Frank Stick?
July 17, 2024
- The Forgotten Village: Unveiling the History of Nags Head Woods Preserve
The Forgotten Village: Unveiling the History of Nags Head Woods Preserve
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Style Shrimp Stock
Outer Banks Style Shrimp Stock
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Sweet Potato Biscuits
Outer Banks Sweet Potato Biscuits
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Fish in a Bag: "Fish en Papillote"
Outer Banks Fish in a Bag: "Fish en Papillote"
July 17, 2024
- Navigating the Decision to Buy an Investment Home on the Outer Banks
Navigating the Decision to Buy an Investment Home on the Outer Banks
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Style Barbecue
Outer Banks Style Barbecue
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Sweet Slaw
Outer Banks Sweet Slaw
July 17, 2024
- Outer Banks Style Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
Outer Banks Style Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
July 16, 2024