About Hatteras - Outer Banks Day Trips

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Roanoke Island

Elizabethan Gardens: Flower-bordered walkways, antique garden statuary and majestic trees are found at the 16th century garden. Highlights include the thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden and formal sunken garden. Open year-round. 252-473-3234 Admission. Performances in the hall during summer season. For times, locations and tickets, call 252-473-1061.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located at the north end of Roanoke Island. This is where Sir Walter Raleigh's explorers and colonists established settlements in 1585. There is a Visitor Center, nature trail, and interpretive programs. Home to Waterside Theatre, where you'll find The Lost Colony, a symphonic outdoor drama. 252-473-5772

North Carolina Aquarium/Roanoke Island: Sharks, loggerhead turtles, and rays are a few of the living marine creatures on exhibit. This marine education and research facility includes aquariums, exhibits, field trips, guided tours, and other group activities by appointment. Touch tanks and the 285,000 gallon "Graveyard of the Atlantic" tank. Open year-round. 252-473-3493 Admission.

Roanoke Island Festival Park: Here you will find the Outer Banks History Center, a gift shop, and the Elizabeth II Historical Site. Enjoy a film about Native Americans and their relationship with the early explorers and settlers. At the pocosin-side amphitheater, music, dance, and theater productions are scheduled throughout the year. Admission 252-473-1144

Nags Head

Bodie Island Lighthouse: This 156 foot tall lighthouse is located north of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. A visitor's center in the old keeper's quarters features exhibits, a bookstore and is open year-round. This lighthouse is not open for climbing. Self-guided nature trail. 252-441-5711 Free Admission.

Jockey's Ridge State Park is a 400 acre park that has the largest natural, living sand dune on the East Coast. A self-guided trail is open year-round. Hang gliding, kite flying, climbing, picnic facilities, visitor's center, and restroom are available. 252-441-7132. Free Admission.
Jockey's Ridge - summer seasonal activities: Some programs are limited to small group participation and require pre-registration, such as Seine the Sound, Crabby Clinic, Kayaking, Birding on the Sound and Go Fly a Kite. The most popular program is Sunset on the Ridge, held nearly every evening during summer months at the top of the ridge. All are free and open to the public. Some programs are accessible for the physically disabled. 252-441-2588

Kill Devil Hills

The Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods: A 1,400 acre maritime forest with more than five miles of hiking trails and information center. 252-441-2525

Wright Brothers National Memorial: The memorial site is the site of the first powered flight on December 17, 1903. The Visitor Center features a full-scale reproduction of the Wright flyer, granite monument, historical markers, a reconstructed hanger, and a public airstrip. A centennial pavilion boasts an exhibit hall with permanent and special exhibits, including a replica of the 1902 Glider and a multipurpose auditorium. Open year-round. 252-441-7430 Admission.

Corolla

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse: Built in 1875, this lighthouse is located 15 miles north of Duck in the village of Corolla. It is one of the only two lighthouses on the Outer Banks open for climbing. The lighthouse and compound, which includes a Victorian stickstyle house, cistern, privies, and museum shop, is open Easter through Thanksgiving. Admission.

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