outer banks info

[ajo66]

We're headed to the Outer Banks in June for the first time. We are staying in the Atlantic Beach area. Looking for any suggestions for things not to be missed - thanks!!

 

[skater]

What town are you staying in or near?

 

[heart4pooh]

I live in the same county as Atlantic Beach. What kinds of things do you like to do?

 

[skater]

I'm sorry - I don't know where you're talking about. I've stayed in Corolla, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. We like to hang out on the beach, drive down to Hatteras and explore the empty beaches, climb the sand dunes, fish, eat at Mama Kwans and Sugar Creek, and a few other miscellaneous things.

 

[bas71873]

Wow. I had to google that. I'm fairly certain that Atlantic Beach isn't considered to be part of the outer banks of NC or what is known locally as the OBX. It's WAY, WAY South, beyond the southern base of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and between Emerald Isle & Morehead City. I've never been to that area, but I've heard of both so I say google them and see whatcha get

 

[Mom of 3 Princesses]

We go to Atlantic Beach for Day trips. It is right down the Highway from us.

I would strongly strongly recommend going to Fort Macon and visiting the Fort and the park as well. I know it doesn't sound all the exciting, but my kids love it.

Honestly, there is not TOOO much around Atlantic Beach , but I would check out some of the lighthouses around as well. Atlantic Beach is a nice beach, but I would cruise down to the beaches at For macon, they are usually less crowded and the have a nice shower and food area.

You could also check out the Pine Knolls Aquarium as well.

Have fun
'

 

[HM]

Fort Macon, Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, visit Beaufort for ice cream and Maritime Museum. Use the rest of your time to relax on the beach. Have fun!

 

[Diegosmom]

I have been a few times and we like a place to eat called DJ Shooters (although I think the took the DJ off) it is across the street from the Sheritan. We always get the 2 lobster tails (it isnt on the menu but if you ask they will get it for you) and we actually split it and add a salad...so good.

Yeah not a whole lot to do around there. I believe there is an aquarium but not sure how good it is. We havent been in a few years and DS was too young before.

Very relaying area.

 

[ajo66]

I was vague in my request - sorry about that, but to those had some -thanks for the ideas!! I did do some online searching, but I just thought I would check here as well. I love the disboards because you can often find out about things you don't necessarily find through the usual searches.

We are definitely looking to relax and we are going with another family that has stayed in this area and loves it because it sort of forces you to do that! Mom of three princesses, thanks for your input on Ft. Macon -we have two princesses and I was wondering about taking them there. Diegos Mom - love to hear about local places to eat and Hm - ice cream is always a great idea! Heart4pooh - I'm mostly worried about my husband who doesn't know how to just sit and relax!! He will probably look to rent a kayak or something - my girls and I would enjoy that too.

Found info on the Shankleford Banks Ferry - does anyone know anything about that? It would be much easier than driving to Corolla to see the horses, but you never know! We thought about stopping in Corolla on the way home.

Thanks again all!

 

[RunningGirl]

Atlantic Beach is nowhere near Corolla and not part of the Outer Banks. You'll be near Morehead City and Beaufort, which are both nice places to visit. Corolla is over 4 hours away. The Shackleford Banks Ferry does not go there, it goes to Shackleford Banks.

 

[torinsmom]

You can drive to Beaufort and there are "cruises" there that will take you out to see wild horses, dolphins, etc. Beaufort is about 30-40 minutes from Atlantic Beach. http://www.tourbeaufort.com/horsesafari.htm

They have inland bay fishing in Beaufort too. My son loves fishing from a boat. And Beaufort is kind of an adventure on its own. Beautiful shops right by the sound.

If you want to see the Outer Banks, you could drive to the Cedar Island Ferry and take it over to Ocracoke. It is over an hour drive and then 2 hour ride though. Ocracoke is pretty, but really busy in the summer. If you went, you'd probably do best to stay there for the night. From Ocracoke, you can take the Hatteras Ferry(20 minutes) over to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The NC Aquarium is right down the road from Atlantic Beach. It's a lot of fun and they have activities you can sign up for like night treks on the beach and surfing

http://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores/programs/spring-summer-2011-outdoor-adventures

Cape Lookout is not too far and pretty neat. I think we had to drive about an hour from Emerald Isle past Beaufort and then we took a small boar over there.

If you want a good place to eat, head to Emerald Isle to Rucker Jones. They have some yummy food. And the Circle K pizza has amazing pizza, subs and burgers.

That area is great! We head down to EI at least once a summer.

 

[heart4pooh]

There are several places to rent kayaks. There is a local kayak association that has organized outings. Also, at the NC Aquarium they have a lot of activities, including a kayaking outing, snorkeling, crabbing, and even surf lessons. If you are coming in the summer thay have weekly day camps for the kids, but the spots go fast so if you're interested you may want to look into them now. I think there may be a minimum age for some of the activities. There are other day camps, too. My son has been to all of them! There are several other places to rent kayaks also.

You can do deep sea fishing with Capt. Stacy. What kinds of things does your husband like to do?

We can do Ft. macon in the morning in less than 2 hours, have lunch and then go to the aquarium for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

In Beaufort (which is only 20 min away from Atlantic Bch...if you drive real slow) you can take a ferry to the Rachel Carson Reserve. We went there on
my son's 4th grade field trip and it was the BEST FIELD TRIP EVER!! I believe you can get info from the NC Maritime Museum about their tours. It's great to go with someone that can point our all the interesting things you may walk right past. My son and I found a baby sea turtle walking across our path. Not to mention the small herd of wild horses that we stood and watched for quite a while. We were all transfixed by the young foals.

Really, if you want to know about my county I will be happy to share. Most people do come to relax, but according to what your interests are there are lots of things to do that many tourists might not know about... And of course there are lots of good restaurants if you want to stay away from where the tourists flock. And if you want a decent massage I can help you out there, too

 

[ajo66]

Atlantic Beach is nowhere near Corolla and not part of the Outer Banks. You'll be near Morehead City and Beaufort, which are both nice places to visit. Corolla is over 4 hours away. The Shackleford Banks Ferry does not go there, it goes to Shackleford Banks.

Perhaps I wasn't clear...I know Corolla is hours away, that's why I said we thought about hitting it on the way home. I wondered if the Shackleford Banks Ferry (which of course goes to Shackleford Banks) would be a reasonable substitute.

 

[ajo66]

Thanks Torinsmom and heart4pooh for the great suggestions!! I will definitely research those places! I appreciate it so much!!

 

[terribm]

We spend most of our summers in this area. We love going to Shackleford for day trips. We take our own boat but you can ferry over and set up a spot on the beach. It is a prestine beach and if you are lucky, you can see the island's wild horses. You can also ferry over to Cape Lookout national seashore. Tickets in advance will allow you to climb to the top of Cape Lookout lighthouse. Some of our favorite places to eat: Beaufort Grocery (for lunch), Ruddy Duck in Morehead, and if you are in Atlantic Beach, you must go to Amos Mosquitos but get there early...very popular. Check with the chamber of commerce website. I know they do weekly outdoor movies in AB, Beaufort, and EI. Have fun on the beautiful Crystal Coast AKA Southern Outer Banks.

 

[ajo66]

Thanks terribm!! I love all the ideas I am getting for places to eat and the little things that a regular website might not tell you. I'm making my list!! Thanks again!!

 

[shortbun]

I would not go near Corolla on the weekend. The traffic is horrible getting in and out of that area on Saturday and Sunday. Go way around. If you want to see Ocracoke, Hatteras, Corolla and nearby-stay there. It's just not side trip material. The ferries are too long and need a reservation.

 

[ajo66]

Thank you for that information - good to know!!