Things to Do in Duck, NC
Duck, North Carolina is a charming coastal town that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, arts and culture, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, there’s something for everyone in Duck. Here are 7 things to do in Duck, North Carolina.
Visit the Duck Boardwalk: This wooden boardwalk runs along the soundfront and provides beautiful views of the water. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along the way.
Enjoy the beach: The Duck beaches are, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. The Travel Channel would agree as Duck, North Carolina, continues to rank high on their annual list of America’s Best Beaches. Unlike other popular beach destinations, visitors don’t have to worry about overwhelming crowds or searching for a place to lay their towels down.
Take a kayak tour: Explore the waterways and marshes of the Outer Banks on a soundside kayak tour, you’ll be able to see a variety of wildlife. Alternatively you can try your luck on the Atlantic waters and have a chance to see dolphins. There are plenty of places for you to go for kayak rentals in town!
Attend a concert or festival: Duck has a lively arts and culture scene, and there are several concerts and festivals throughout the year including the annual Jazz Festival at the Town Park in October. Check our OBX Events Calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Visit the North Duck Watersports Center: This center offers a variety of water activities, including parasailing, boat rentals, paddleboarding and much more! Whether you’re an experienced waterman or just looking for a new adventure, there’s something for everyone.
Shop and dine: Duck has a variety of shops and restaurants, ranging from beachy souvenir shops to gourmet dining. Take some time to browse the shops and sample the local cuisine. Some of the most highly rated OBX restaurants are right here in town, and you can find food for every craving. Duck is also the hometown of the first Duck Donuts, a popular donut shop famous for its mouthwatering made-to-order donuts.
Visit the Sanderling Resort: The Sanderling Resort is the only hotel in the small seaside town. The hotel combines vintage elegance with a modern touch to give tourists a unique perspective of Duck, North Carolina. Guests at the hotel can enjoy ocean-view rooms at this beachside resort. From high-end spas to award-winning dining, the Sanderling Resort offers incredible amenities to help you feel refreshed and relaxed.
If you don’t mind a short drive, there’s a wealth of activities to do in the nearby towns:
See the wild horses in Corolla: These Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs arrived nearly 500 years ago on the OBX. You can easily schedule a wild horse tour, most tours are conducted in 4×4 off-road vehicles. Participants ride in comfort with enough seating so that all tour goers can simply climb aboard, sit back, take photos and enjoy the ride. But if you’re feeling adventurous you can simply take a long drive along the beaches of Carova, and see if you can discover these original natives on your own.
Visit the Historic Corolla Park and Currituck Lighthouse: Located in the heart of Corolla, the park is free and open to the public. The park, which features four unique attractions, offers wide-open green spaces that are great for walking, biking, crabbing, fishing and hosting events of all sizes. The Park’s most prominent attraction is Whalehead, a 1920s era architectural masterpiece and museum. On the other side of the park, The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education offers exhibits and outdoor programs designed to help you explore North Carolina’s coastal wildlife. The park stands in the shadow of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. A must see attraction, climb the 220 steps to the top of this historic beacon for an inspiring view. The newest addition to Historic Corolla Park is the Currituck Maritime Museum.
See the Wright Brothers monument in Kill Devil Hills: The Wright Brothers Memorial is a popular attraction for visitors to the Outer Banks beach towns. It’s open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm. There’s a museum and visitor’s center which holds the life-sized replica of the first aircraft ever made. You can climb the hill to the moment and enjoy a view of the surrounding town.