Things to Do!

From fantastic beaches and historic lighthouses to tours and shopping – and everything in between, we have you covered! Check out our list of Things to Do for inspiration for your Outer Banks vacation!

Beach Day!

A trip to the Outer Banks is not complete without visiting our beaches! Spend the day playing in the sand and surf!  The See Sea Motel is located between two public beach accesses, both within walking distance. 

Atlantic Street Beach Access – a short walk, approximately 250 feet south of our location – offers paved parking, handicap parking, outdoor showers, a porta-potty, lifeguard (in-season), wooden walkway, sand access, and pet waste bags. 

Martin Street Beach Access – .02 miles north of our location – offering paved parking, handicap parking, outdoor showers, lifeguard (in-season), wooden walkway, and pet waste bags.

**Please note between Memorial Day and Labor Day of each year, no dogs shall be permitted on the public beach between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless being used to aid a handicapped person. At all other times, no dogs shall be permitted on the public beaches except upon a leash and under the control of owner or handler.

Beach Picture

Ghost Crab Hunting!

Ghost Crabs are also known as Sand Crabs, are so named because of their ability to blend into the sandy beaches and dunes in which they live. Ghost crabs normally stay burrowed in the sand during the day and make their appearance at night. The nighttime activity of ghost crab hunting is a family favorite. Once the sun goes down the real fun starts. Grab a flashlight and head to the beach.  Watch the sand as the ghost crabs scurry away from your light. Please do not harm crabs. The best time to go is during the summer months from May to early September.

Explore Roanoke Island

Roanoke Island Festival Park and Maritime Museum: 
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured throughout the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to demonstrate how the first settlers lived, worked and played on Roanoke Island. For a hands-on history lesson, visit American Indian Town and the Adventure Museum that feature interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy.
North Carolina Aquarium: 
Experience a whole new adventure as you explore the waters in and around the Outer Banks. Exhibits educate visitors as they journey through coastal freshwater habitats to find river otters, turtles, and American alligators.  Wander into a sunken treasure ship as a variety of marine animals swim all around. Touch a stingray, wonder at sea jellies, and marvel at history. Watch sharks cruise by in the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit. Check the aquarium’s website for daily programs, admission pricing, hours of operation, and reservations – please note reservations are required at this time.
Island Farm
Visit Island Farm, a living history site that tells the story of the everyday Outer Bankers that lived on Roanoke Island in the 1850s. Here, an island family experienced the impacts of the Civil War, performed harrowing rescues as members of the US Life-Saving Service, and assisted the Wright Brothers in their dream of achieving powered flight. At Island Farm you will find unique programs every day, live demonstrations including blacksmithing, traditional agricultural, food preparation, hearth cooking, weaving and spinning wool, feeding the animals, and so much more!

The Lost Colony

The Lost Colony outdoor drama is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA). Experiencing The Lost Colony has become a tradition for many. Come see epic battles and Indian dances. Experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss. Witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America.  You are seated in the center of the action with the show happening on three sides of you and even sometimes right next to you in the aisle. There is music, laughter, romance and dance.

Fun Nearby

Play a round of Putt-Putt Golf!

Playing a round of putt-putt or miniature golf is a classic “must-do” when visiting the Outer Banks! Check out some of our favorite courses listed below.

Lost Treasure Golf – Kill Devil Hills: Dual 18-hole mini-golf courses with a mining-town theme, water features, and a train ride!

Paradise Golf & Arcade – Kill Devil Hills: Family-friendly fun park featuring mini-golf, go-karts, bumper cars, and arcade games.

Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf and Arcade – Nags Head (pictured above): Beautiful sound-side 18-hole mini-golf course. The clubhouse offers arcade games, drinks and snacks.

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Take a hike through nature when visiting the Preserve, a self-guided facility open from dawn to dusk every day free of charge. Restrooms and visitor lobby are open based on staff availability.

TRAILS:
Center, Sweetgum Swamp and Blueberry Ridge Trails 

~ One big trail system in three parts through the mature maritime forest. Access is off the deck at the parking area. Sweetgum and Blueberry Trails are rigorous in skill level, so plan accordingly.

Discovery Trail
Easy trail accessed by walking out the parking area and left down the gravel road. The entrance is on the right.

Wright Brothers Monument

Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, NC where they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17th, 1903!

Climb the 90-foot hill (a big sand dune that has been stabilized) to visit the monument in person. Enjoy the visitor center and the interactive activities and exhibits on aviation, historic preservation, and STEAM-based activities. Visitors will embark on a journey through the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, exploring their characters, diving into problems they solved, and the methods they used that ultimately led to their first flight. Inside the Flight Room, visitors will be able to view the reproduction 1903 Wright Flyer – the flyer that made history during the first flight – along with a brand new 16-screen video wall!
 
Visit the National Park Service website for park hours and admission pricing.