Top 10 OBX experiences

Uncrowded beaches that stretch for miles, the Outer Banks is a special place. Full of history, adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, America’s First Beach is perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways and weekend visits.

Here are some suggestions for your next visit to OBX!

1. Bodie Island Lighthouse
This 1872 lighthouse is open to the public for climbing and self-guided tours from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. Located on NC12, the national Outer Banks Scenic Byway, this famed beauty is fresh inventory for lighthouse lovers.

2. Horse around on the beach
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is preserved for recreation and wildlife. Explore the wilder side of the OBX on a guided horseback tour, or get access to the most remote beaches in a 4x4 to enjoy choice fishing and beachcombing areas with a backdrop of coastal waterfowl.

3. Ride the wind
Fly the same skies as some of the world's most famous pilots by taking hang gliding lessons at Jockey's Ridge, the highest sand dune on the East Coast. If you prefer staying grounded, it's also a popular spot for kite flying. Cape Hatteras is also one of the best places for wind surfing and kiteboarding.

4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Climb the tallest lighthouse in North America under a full moon! Full moon tours at Cape Hatteras are offered in summer months. Reservations are required, click here for more details. Regular daytime climbing season runs from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day.

>> Cruising down the Carolina coast

5. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
See rare artifacts on display, enjoy interactive exhibits and family activities that explore the fate of America's first English colony at Roanoke Island (circa 1585-1587).

6. The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
Can you solve America's greatest unsolved mystery? See epic battles, witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court, experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss at the "grandfather" of all outdoor dramas. Season runs May – August.

7. Outer Banks Scenic Byway
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is home to the largest tracts of undeveloped beaches in the U.S. that are easily accessible by car. Thread the villages and preserves on coastal highway NC12.

8. Play golf
Enjoy a surprising variety of play and scenery at Nags Head Golf Links, Kilmarlic and The Currituck Club, plus four more courses. Find golf packages and planning tips at playobxgolf.com.

9. Rent an oceanfront home
From the luxurious 16 bedroom coastal castles to the quaint single family cottages, there's something for everyone's taste and budget.

10. Eat like a Food Network star
Guy Fieri, host of the popular TV show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" launched the OBX culinary scene into the national limelight a few years ago featuring several local foodie favorites like Black Pelican, Cravings and Weeping Radish. He scratched the surface of this emerging food scene.

Cox Media Group