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Things To Do On The Outer Banks For May 23, 2025
Stacey OBrien
May 28, 2025
The Outer Banks is buzzing as Memorial Day weekend draws near. With sunshine in the forecast, new markets opening, and the beaches primed for exploring, Friday is shaping up to be a perfect start to summer’s unofficial kickoff.
Weather & Tides
Expect mostly sunny skies, highs in the upper 70s, and a gentle southeast breeze—ideal for beachcombing or a sunset stroll.
Water temperatures are in the mid-60s, great for a quick dip or surf session.
Tide Times for Avon:
High Tide: 4:16 AM, 5:03 PM
Low Tide: 10:32 AM, 11:22 PM
Sunrise: 5:52 AM
Sunset: 8:05 PM
What’s Happening May 23
Dowdy Park Farmers Market (Nags Head) – Opening Day!
Kick off your weekend at the season’s first Dowdy Park Farmers Market. Browse local produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and more. It’s a favorite Friday tradition and a great way to meet local makers.
Secotan Market (Wanchese, Saturdays)
Plan ahead for Saturday’s Secotan Market, offering strawberries, seafood, and a bounty of local goods.
Gearing Up for Memorial Day
Locals are stocking up at farm stands and groceries before the weekend rush. If you haven’t made dinner reservations, now’s the time—wait times jump by Friday night.
Best Places to Hunt for Seashells on the Outer Banks
The OBX is a shell hunter’s paradise, with each stretch of sand offering its own unique treasures. Here’s where to find the best shells—and a few tips to boost your odds:
Top Shelling Beaches
Beach/Area | What You’ll Find & Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
Carova 4x4 Beaches | Wide, uncrowded, and less picked over. Look for whelks, sand dollars, sea glass. |
Coquina Beach (South Nags Head) | Famous for colorful coquina clams and shell beds. Best in late May–early September. |
Oregon Inlet | Good for a mix of shells, especially near the old Coast Guard Station and inlet. |
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge | Great for shelling and spotting rare finds, especially after storms3. |
South Beach (Buxton, near Cape Point) | Considered the best for shelling, especially after storms. Look for Scotch Bonnets, whelks, and helmet conchs67. |
Frisco & Hatteras Beaches | Shallow ocean floor means delicate shells wash up intact; try after low tide. |
Ocracoke Island | Consistently ranked among the nation’s top shelling beaches. Miles of shoreline and variety, from Scotch Bonnets to sand dollars. |
Portsmouth Island | The true shelling mecca—remote, wild, and loaded with treasures. Accessible by ferry or tour from Ocracoke. |
Shelling Tips
Best Time: Go early, especially after a storm or at low tide, when new shells are freshly deposited.
Where to Look: Check under seaweed clumps, in tidal pools, and right at the water’s edge. Dig gently—many great finds are just below the surface.
What to Bring: A mesh bag for finds, sunscreen, and shoes for walking long stretches.
Be Respectful: Only collect empty shells and avoid disturbing live creatures10.
Local Flavor & Pro Tips
Farm stands are bursting with strawberries and early summer produce—perfect for beach snacks or a picnic.
With Memorial Day weekend just days away, expect more events, live music, and bustling boardwalks from Corolla to Ocracoke.
Beat the crowds: Shop early, reserve your beach gear, and plan your shelling adventures before the weekend rush sets in.
Whether you’re treasure hunting along the shoreline, shopping local at the market, or simply soaking up the sun, May 23 on the Outer Banks is all about discovery and anticipation. Happy shelling, and see you on the sand!
@vacationobx
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