Summer brings a lot of excitement and activity to The Northern Outer Banks beaches, but that does not mean the spring season has any less to offer!
An early visit to The Northern Outer Banks, which includes Corolla, the 4WD beaches north of Corolla, the Mainland and Knotts Island, is perfect for those who prefer to visit this beautiful region before the busy summer season kicks in. As you’ll see, there is plenty to do, see, eat and drink here in spring.
Hit the Greens
For a pleasant spring day out on the fairways and greens, The Northern Outer Banks boasts six golf courses, each equipped with stunning views and state-of-the-art amenities.
On the Mainland, you’ll find Holly Ridge Golf Course in Harbinger, The Pointe Golf Club in Powells Point, Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powells Point, The Carolina Club in Grandy and Eagle Creek Golf Club in Moyock. Over in Corolla is The Currituck Club, offering stunning views of Currituck Sound.
Explore by Land and Sea
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, The Northern Outer Banks is perfectly situated to offer an abundance of watersports and aquatic activities. Explore the area from the water on a kayak or standup paddleboard. Several local companies offer equipment rentals, lessons and even guided tours to get you on your way. For those feeling particularly adventurous, there are exciting jet skiing and parasailing options. Fishing and surfing are also popular activities here.
If observing the coastline’s beauty on land is more your thing, The Northern Outer Banks offers beach walks, nature trails and opportunities to safely view wildlife in the Donal C. O’Brien Sanctuary and Audubon Center at Pine Island, Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge on Knotts Island and the Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve and on the Mainland at the Currituck County Rural Center. Guided wild horse tours through the 4WD area are a very popular land-based adventure in Corolla.
Get Wet at the #1 Family Attraction on the Outer Banks
Opening on May 24, 2025, H2OBX Waterpark on the Mainland is a must-visit for anyone seeking fun in the sun. When the ocean water is still fairly cold in the late spring, the water at H2OBX is the perfect temperature for playing and relaxing in the water all day long. Featuring waterslides, a lazy river, a surf simulator, a kids’ zone, a wave pool and plenty of food and drink choices, H2OBX is the Outer Banks’ only waterpark.
Dig In
The Northern Outer Banks offers many tasty dining options, but two favorites in these parts are seafood and barbecue.
With all the water around here, it’s not surprising that seafood is popular. A variety of fish, blue crab, shrimp, clams and oysters are harvested around the Outer Banks, so be sure to ask for what’s fresh and in season while you’re here. A tasty spring treat is soft-shell crabs.
If you’re more interested in turf than surf, you can’t go wrong with eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. One taste of this slow-smoked pulled pork in a light vinegar sauce, with all the iconic sides, and you’ll be hooked.
Stock Up on Local Goods
Locally grown produce is the name of the game on The Northern Outer Banks Mainland, and all those homegrown goodies are available at one of the area’s many farmers markets. At markets like Seaside Farm Market in Corolla, Grandy Farm Market and Green house in Grandy, Powell’s Roadside Market in Moyock, Morris Farm Market in Maple, the Moyock Farm Market, Roberts Ridge Farm in Shawboro and Tarheel Produce in Grandy, plus several other farm stands, you’ll be amazed at the variety of offerings, from local produce to honey and jams, from baked goods to groceries and gifts. Be sure to stop by for delicious produce and more on your way in or out of town!
Dive into Drinks
A coastal winery might be a surprise, but once you’ve tasted the wine at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg, you’ll discover what a great idea it is. They offer daily tastings of their acclaimed European wines, tours of their stunning soundside vineyard and frequent events featuring live music, wine, beer, barbecue and seafood.
Another gem of The Northern Outer Banks refreshment scene is Buffalo City Distillery. They handcraft whiskey and vodka made with ingredients they grow themselves. You can sample their delicious distilled spirits and enjoy live music, trivia and other events in their Dare Forest Lounge. In Corolla, you’ll find two local craft breweries. Whalehead Brewery offers a tap wall, restaurant and weekly events like trivia and bingo. Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company serves its beers and snacks in its taproom.
Rest Your Head
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll surely find your home away from home on The Northern Outer Banks: vacation rental properties large enough for the family; cozy, locally owned inns perfect for a romantic getaway; hotels to house the entire wedding party; sound side campgrounds for off-the-grid relaxation; and more. Hotels, motels and inns are available on the Mainland and in Corolla. If you need more space, vacation rental companies are available to help you find properties ranging from two to 24 bedrooms with a variety of amenities, from private to community pools to home theaters and gyms to direct beach access.
For more Spring and Summer ideas, go to TheNorthernOuterBanks.com.
About the Author Leah Wingenroth
Leah was born and raised on the Outer Banks and is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and King's College. She currently resides in England, writing and managing content in the lifestyle, education, travel and literary publishing sectors.
