5 days in Outer Banks Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 28th (Fri): visit a coastal fixture at Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Museum, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 29th (Sat): trek along Currituck Banks Reserve, then take a leisurely stroll along Duck Town Boardwalk, then head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

For ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read our Corolla trip planner.

Durham to Corolla is an approximately 4.5-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of flight and car; or do a combination of train and car. In July in Corolla, expect temperatures between 88°F during the day and 72°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can drive to Manteo.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Sun): see majestic marine mammals with Capt Johnny's Outer Banks Dolphin Tours, get engrossed in the history at Buffalo City Exhibit, take a leisurely stroll along Jennette's Pier, then explore the striking landscape at Jockey's Ridge State Park, and finally look for gifts at Salty Paws Biscuits. On the next day, meet the residents at North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, then enjoy the sea views from Bodie Island Lighthouse, and then don't miss a visit to Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum.

To find photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Manteo visit planning tool.

You can drive from Corolla to Manteo in 1.5 hours. In July, plan for daily highs up to 86°F, and evening lows to 73°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can travel to Ocracoke.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Tue): look for all kinds of wild species at Springers Point, visit a coastal fixture at Ocracoke Lighthouse, and then stroll through Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach.

To see more things to do, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our Ocracoke trip app.

Traveling by combination of car and ferry from Manteo to Ocracoke takes 5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 86°F in July, and nighttime lows around 75°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Tue) so you can travel back home.