Hidden gems, local favorites, and can't-miss spots that reveal the real Outer Banks: from coffee corners and art trails to historic ships and windswept dunes.
Whatever destination you choose for your vacation, the mountains of Colorado or the beaches of North Carolina and Florida, getting to know the local secrets and hidden gems is sure to take your trip to new heights.
Thinking about the OBX for your next getaway? This North Carolina treasure is full of hidden corners and local favorites that bring the place to life. From the colorful Winged Horses of the OBX to the cozy calm of Ashley's Espresso Parlor, every stop adds its own flavor to the Outer Banks experience.
Here's a little preview for you:
- Jockey's Ridge State Park: Towering dunes, hang-gliding, and sunsets over Roanoke Sound.
- Winged Horses of the OBX: A colorful public art trail celebrating wild horses and aviation.
- Ashley's Espresso Parlor: Cozy local café with great coffee, pastries, and weekend music.
- Century of Flight Monument: Open-air tribute to aviation history with stunning photo spots.
- Little Red Mailbox of Hope: A heartfelt community mailbox filled with messages of kindness.
- Elizabeth II State Historic Site: Hands-on maritime history and colonial reenactments in Manteo.
Dreaming of an OBX getaway? Village Realty has been matching beach lovers with the perfect vacation homes for over 25 years. We offer an extensive selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals tailored to meet every need and desire. From stunning oceanfront properties and cozy condos to pet-friendly and newly listed rentals, our diverse portfolio ensures you find the perfect home away from home.
Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.
In this guide, I'll share some of the most beloved hidden gems and local secrets of the OBX to help you experience it from a local's perspective.
Ready? Let's get straight to the fun part!
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park
Home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast.
Jockey's Ridge is one of those places that gives the Outer Banks its magic. Home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, it's a playground for adventure seekers and daydreamers alike. You can hike, fly a kite, take a hang-gliding lesson, or just sit back and watch the sunset roll across a sea of golden sand. Every visit feels a little different; the dunes shift, the light changes, and the park somehow keeps surprising you.
What You'll Love
- Towering dunes with unbeatable views of Roanoke Sound.
- Hang-gliding lessons for all experience levels.
- Easy trails that wind through dunes and maritime forests.
- Incredible sunset views that light up the sand.
- Kite-flying days and fun local festivals.
2. Winged Horses of the OBX
A colorful collection of horse statues, scattered across towns from Corolla to Hatteras.
The Winged Horses of the OBX art trail turns the Outer Banks into an open-air gallery. These colorful horse statues, scattered across towns from Corolla to Hatteras, celebrate the islands' wild horses and aviation heritage. Each one is hand-painted by a local artist, so no two are alike. Some are bold and bright, others calm and coastal. Spotting them as you wander feels a bit like a treasure hunt, with each horse telling a small story about the people and places that shape the islands.
What You'll Love
- A creative local project celebrating OBX culture and history.
- More than 80 uniquely painted horse statues across the islands.
- A family-friendly "find-them-all" activity.
- Local stories and artist notes on each display.
- A fun, free way to explore new corners of the OBX.
3. Ashley's Espresso Parlor
A coffee spot everyone wishes were in their neighborhood.
Ashley's Espresso Parlor is a coffee spot everyone wishes were in their neighborhood. It's tucked away just enough to feel like a secret, yet always full of friendly faces. The space has an eclectic, cozy vibe, mismatched mugs, colorful art, and the hum of conversation blending with the smell of fresh espresso. It's the perfect pause between beach walks or road trips.
What You'll Love
- Excellent espresso and cold brew made with care.
- Signature drinks like the lavender latte and seasonal specials.
- Buttery croissants, vegan pastries, and gluten-free treats.
- Local art on the walls and live music on weekends.
- A laid-back atmosphere that feels like home away from home.
4. Century of Flight Monument
A quiet place to reflect, read, or simply marvel at how far aviation has come.
Perched near the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Century of Flight Monument celebrates humankind's journey from sandy takeoffs to space-bound dreams. Fourteen sleek, wing-shaped pylons rise at different heights, each marking a major milestone in aviation history. It's part open-air museum, part sculpture garden, and all-around inspiring. A quiet place to reflect, read, or just marvel at how far we've come since that first flight in 1903.
What You'll Love
- The soaring design that mirrors the spirit of flight itself.
- Informative plaques tracing aviation's biggest moments.
- Peaceful landscaped grounds perfect for a mid-morning stroll.
- Golden-hour views that make for incredible photos.
- Occasional events and educational programs for history buffs.
5. THE LITTLE RED MAILBOX OF HOPE
A community project turning a simple mailbox into a symbol of kindness and connection across the OBX.
On the beach at Kill Devil Hills, the Little Red Mailbox of Hope waits quietly by the dunes, small in size, huge in heart. Inside are notebooks filled with handwritten notes from strangers sharing words of love, loss, and encouragement. Started by local Sue Wasserman in 2014, this community project turned a simple mailbox into a moving symbol of kindness and connection across the OBX.
What You'll Love
- Reading heartfelt messages left by visitors from around the world.
- Adding your own note to the growing collection of stories.
- The serene beach setting, perfect for a few quiet minutes of reflection.
- Feeling part of a community built on compassion and hope.
- A truly local experience you'll remember long after you leave.
6. Elizabeth II State Historic Site
Full-scale replica of the 16th-century English ship.
What You'll Love
- Boarding the Elizabeth II and chatting with the ship's lively crew.
- Watching craftspeople forge, carve, and weave like 16th-century settlers.
- Exploring the interactive Roanoke Adventure Museum.
- Walking the scenic nature trails through marshes and forests.
- Seasonal reenactments that bring history to life for all ages.
Other Ways to Enjoy the OBX Like a Local
There's more to the Outer Banks than what makes it onto postcards. Once you've seen the dunes, sipped your latte, and spotted a few Winged Horses, slow down and do what locals do: enjoy the small, everyday moments that make OBX life special.
Here's how to blend right in:
- Catch a Soundside Sunset: Locals love the calm waters on the sound side. Bring a chair, grab takeout, and watch the sky melt into pink and gold.
- Order Like a Regular: At a local seafood market, ask what was caught that morning, then grill it at your rental. It doesn't get fresher than that.
- Go Beachcombing After a Storm: Morning walks after rain uncover the best shells and driftwood treasures.
- Bike the Beach Road: Between Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, this scenic stretch is perfect for an early ride, no rush, no crowds.
- Join a Small-Town Festival: From the Duck Jazz Festival to Manteo's First Fridays, these community gatherings show the OBX's friendly heart.
- Chat With Locals: Whether it's a barista, a kite instructor, or a fisherman, a quick conversation often leads to the best recommendations you won't find online.
Experience the Best of the OBX
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!