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Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local Sounds

There are several docks and marinas located throughout the Outer Banks to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Space is limited during the summer months, especially on the weekends, so be sure to call ahead for slip reservations. Thousands of visitors bring their boats to the Outer Banks each year, but if you don't have your own boat, some area businesses do offer powerboat rentals. For information on marinas and dock space, a few options are the Dock of the Bay in Kitty Hawk at (252) 255-5578, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at (252) 441-6301, Frisco Cove Marina at (252) 995-4242 or Teach's Lair Marina in Hatteras at (252) 986-2460. For boat rentals, contact The Promenade Watersports in Kitty Hawk at (252) 261-4400 or The Waterworks in Nags Head at (252) 441-8875.

Learn How To Kiteboard

Kiteboarding is a relatively new sport that is enjoyed by windsurfers, surfers and wake boarders. The Outer Banks is widely recognized as one of the best places in the world to kiteboard because of the winds and shallow sound waters. Though kiteboarding may look relatively easy when you are watching others perform the sport, it is actually quite dangerous and you cannot rent equipment until you have obtained a basic level of certification. For more information on kiteboarding lessons, you may contact REAL Kiteboarding at (866) REAL-KITE. They offer several different kite camps throughout the year for various skill levels. Kitty Hawk Kites also has a kiteboarding school in Nags Head and can be contacted at (252) 449-2210.

Go Surf Fishing on the Beach

Visitors and locals to the Outer Banks share the popular Outer Banks sport of surf fishing. Red drum is prevalent during about nine months of the year. Effective in 2006, you need to purchase a fishing license to go saltwater fishing in North Carolina. In addition, some species (including red drum) are regulated for size and limit. For more information about licenses and tag and release programs, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 473-5734. Other fish species that are common are dogfish, bluefish, pompano, striped bass, Spanish mackerel, croaker, flounder, spot and trout. The most popular surf fishing spot is the Cape Point in Buxton, located at vehicle access ramp 43, though you can surf fish pretty much anywhere on the beaches of the Outer Banks.

Drive-Thru a Brew Thru Convenience Store

You've heard of drive-thru fast food restaurants, but have you ever been to a drive-thru gas station and convenience store? The Outer Banks is home to the original Brew Thru, which is a local chain of drive-thru gas station/convenience stores where you will find friendly service, great prices and the unique Brew Thru apparel - all without having to leave the comfort of your car! There are four Brew Thru locations to serve you, located between Corolla and Nags Head. Drive thru and check them out!

Fly a Kite

The Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for its great wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! Also, the Outer Banks is home to one of the top kite stores in the world, Kitty Hawk Kites. They sell a large range of kites ranging from backyard style to competition stunt kites. While you are in their store, talk to the staff about your skill level and they can assist you in purchasing the right kite. Kitty Hawk Kites has shops located throughout the Outer Banks to meet your needs. If needed, lessons are available. Many people choose to fly their kites in Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head because it offers many acres that are unobstructed by power lines and trees. Wherever you decide to fly your kite, have fun!

Try Your Luck at Parasailing

Parasailing, a sport where participants are pulled through the sky by a boat while being attached to a sail, is an activity enjoyed by many on the Outer Banks. Unbreakable ropes are the standard for this sport, so parasailing is a relatively safe activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Enjoy the view of the Outer Banks similar to what the seagulls have! For the northern beaches, you can fly with Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or The Waterworks in Nags Head at (252) 441-8875. For Hatteras Island, you can fly with Hatteras Watersports in Salvo at (252) 987-2306 or Island Parasail in Avon at (252) 995-0177.

Catch a Local Music Performance at the Deepwater Theater

Molasses Creek is a high-energy acoustic folk band that plays bluegrass and ballads and is the most popular local band on Ocracoke Island. Though they perform throughout the nation, Molasses Creek plays in the Deepwater Theater all summer, and during occasions throughout the year. They perform at the theater on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the summer. Other performances also take place in the Deepwater Theater, including the Ocracfolk Opry, which is held on Wednesday evenings. The Deepwater Theater is located on the School Road in Ocracoke Village.

Take a Bike Ride in the Salty Ocean Air

Bike riding is a popular way to exercise while on vacation on the Outer Banks, as it allows you to enjoy the nature and salt air at the same time. Highways 12 and 158 are busy highways, so only ride on them if you are an experienced rider. It is best to ride on side streets or in areas where there are separate bike paths. Corolla, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island do not have any designated bike paths but do have extended shoulders on Highway 12. Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Roanoke Island have separate designated bike paths in either some or all areas. Don't forget to wear your safety helmet. For information on bike rentals, kiddie carts and pull-behind bikes for children, contact Ocean Atlantic Rentals at one of their four locations. Contact Corolla at (252) 453-2440, Duck at (252) 261-4346, Nags Head at (252) 441-7823 or Avon at (252) 995-5868.

Go Fishing on a Private Charter

There are a large variety of inshore and offshore charters located throughout the Outer Banks. For any of the charters, you will want to make reservations at least one month in advance. The cost of private charter day trips range from $400 to $1,300, depending on the size of your group and the boat you choose. Some of the marinas are as follows: Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (800) 367-4728, Thicket Thump Marina in Wanchese at (252) 473-4500, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island at (800) 272-5199, Hatteras Harbor Marina at (800) 676-4939, Teach's Lair Marina at (252) 986-2460 and Ocracoke Fishing Center at (252) 928-6661.

Go Fishing on a Headboat Charter

If you don't want to spend the money on a private charter fishing boat, there are also several headboats available on the Outer Banks. Some of these large boats take parties into the ocean, though not as far as the Gulf Stream, while others take half-day trips to the inshore waters. Headboats normally are between 60 and 75 feet long and can accommodate up to 50 anglers. Headboats are great for the novice fisherman or for parties with children. The Crystal Dawn and the Country Girl are at the Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (252) 473-5577. The Miss Oregon Inlet is docked at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island and can be reached at (252) 441-6301. Docking in Hatteras Village at Oden's Dock are the Miss Hatteras and Captain Clam. Half-day trips are about $30 per person, and full-day trips range from $75 to $85 per person, depending on the boat.