Outer Banks, NC, can be found just off the mainland. This unique area is separated from the coastline for at least one hundred miles. The barrier islands of the Outer Banks are perfect for family travel at any time of the year. However, falling in the Outer Banks brings experiences you can’t have anywhere else.  

The best reasons to visit the Outer Banks in the fall though include amazing weather, practically empty beaches, and the opportunities to do anything you want without the crowds. Add in the unique things to do in the Outer Banks at this time of the year, and you will instantly fall in love with the area.  

Experience Fall in the Outer Banks 

Go Hiking in the Outer Banks 

Since the weather in the Outer Banks is a little cooler in the fall, it is the perfect time to go hiking. There are multiple trails to choose from. A few favorite Outer Banks hiking trails can be found within: 

• Nags Head Woods 
• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge 
• Kitty Hawk Woods 
• Jockeys Ridge State Park 
• Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Preserve 
• Roanoke Island Marshes 

Visit the Outer Banks Breweries 

Breweries can be fun family outings, especially when you are on vacation in the Outer Banks. There are quite a few breweries in the Outer Banks, so you should be able to find one close to where you are vacationing with your family. A couple of recommended Outer Banks breweries include: 

• Lost Colony Brewery and Café 
• TRiO 
• Lost Colony 

Attend the Outer Banks Seafood Festival 

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is held every October. The event is only for one day, so you must plan your vacation in the Outer Banks carefully if you want to attend. Once the gates open, you will have the chance to watch the food being prepared, eat, and listen to music until the last note is played at the end of the day.  

Take a Long Walk on the Beach 

Since there are fewer people in the Outer Banks during the fall, it is the perfect time to take long walks on the beach. Take your time as you are walking along and stop for seashells along the way. This is an excellent time to watch the birds that spend their days by the water too. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always rent a 4WD vehicle and drive through the sand at many of the local beaches.  

Take a Scenic Drive Along Highway 12 

If your family is interested in seeing as much of the Outer Banks as possible, you must take the time to do the scenic drive along Highway 12. This drive will allow you to see areas that include: 

• Nags Head 
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore 
• Ocracoke 
• Cedar Island 
• Morehead City 
• Atlantic Beach 

You must know that you will need to take a ferry ride to some of these places. But the rides are definitely worthwhile.  

See the Marine Life at the Aquarium 

The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is an excellent place to see the marine life up close in the Outer Banks. This is an excellent option for those days that are a little rainy or less than perfect. I recommend also heading over to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center. You will learn a lot about conservation there.  

These are the best things to do when experiencing fall in the Outer Banks. If you are ready to spend some time with your family and discover amazing things, a family trip to the Outer Banks will check off all the boxes.  

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation in the Outer Banks?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.   

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