9 days in Raleigh & Outer Banks Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): get to know the fascinating history of Historic Oakwood, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, then admire the natural beauty at Mordecai Historic Park, and finally look for gifts at Videri Chocolate Factory. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: delve into the lush surroundings at Clemmons Educational State Forest, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, then stroll through Historic Yates Mill County Park, and finally hike along Neuse River Trail.

To find where to stay, reviews, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Raleigh travel planning tool.

Des Moines to Raleigh is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Des Moines to Raleigh due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Des Moines in December, with highs in Raleigh at 16°C and lows at 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Tue) to allow time for travel to Ocracoke.

Your inner history buff will appreciate British Cemetery and Ocracoke Lighthouse. Fort Ocracoke Monument and Over the Moon are good opportunities to explore the local culture.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Ocracoke sightseeing planning website.

Traveling by combination of car and ferry from Raleigh to Ocracoke takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, bus, taxi, and ferry; or do a combination of bus, taxi, and ferry. Traveling from Raleigh in December, Ocracoke is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 9°C. On the 30th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Manteo.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Sat): visit a coastal fixture at Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, stop by The Christmas Shop, then enjoy the sea views from Bodie Island Lighthouse, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Coquina Beach. Keep things going the next day: get outside with Outdoor Activities and then contemplate the long history of Island Farm.

To see maps, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Manteo online journey planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and car from Ocracoke to Manteo in 5 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.