Scooter Accident Injury Attorneys in Nags Head, NC

Board the ferry, ditch your car, and head outside.

In This Article

Located off the coast of North Carolina, this overgrown, nature-loving island is rich in opportunities for adventure. For one, it's the home of the state's oldest standing lighthouse, Old Baldy. Its nature is also something of preserved wonder. It's the northernmost subtropical island on the East Coast and 10,000 of its 12,000 acres are protected as preserves. There are endless stretches of sandy beachesand palm-filled forests, too, giving you plenty of places to get lost and get back to quiet moments in nature.

Park your car and set out on foot; while getting there and getting around will require a little planning, once you've arrived, you'll see why it's such a treasured secret. Here are some ideas for visiting this quiet hideaway.

The Best Beach Towns In North Carolina

How To Get Transportation

Cars aren't allowed on the island, so it's actually possible to get some real peace and quiet—aside from the hum of cicadas, of course. Visitors must travel there by ferry or private boat and then use a golf cart or bicycle to get around. (Don't worry, it's mostly flat.) Cary Cart Co. has some spiffy rides available for rent so you can cruise in style.

A ferry departs from Deep Point Marina in Southport, North Carolina, every hour (on the hour) that will deliver you and your luggage to Bald Head Island Marina where you can catch the island tram to your house (reserve online) or pick up golf carts for the day from Cary Cart Company (reservations recommended). For the athletically inclined, Riverside Adventure Company is located next door and rents out bikes by the hour or day. If you are flying to Bald Head, take a taxi from the airport to Deep Point Marina.

What To Do

During any trip outdoors, you're sure to glimpse some island wildlife. Hike through the Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve by entering any of the trailheads along Federal Road. It comprises 173 acres of forest.

According to the Bald Head Association, you'll see giant live oaks, laurel oaks, red cedar, and red bay laurels on the island. Take in these natural areas, or simply kick it on the beach by entering the sand at any of the many public access points that run along the 14 miles of coastline.

To learn about nature in the Brunswick Islands, head to the Bald Head Island Conservancy, where you can sign up for a guided nature outing, turtle walk, or ride-along beach turtle patrol. Kids' programs will help them get their feet wet with crabbing or surf fishing. Some programs are only available in summer, so check the website to see what's currently on offer.

If adventure is calling your name, rent kayaks, surfboards, and paddle boards at the East Beach Surf Shop and set out on the water to see the sights. You can explore the tidal creeks solo or hire a guide. If you're looking to discover surfing for the first time, contact the shop to see when surf lessons are available.

Don't miss your tee time just because you're on vacation. Golf is available to members and their guests through the Bald Head Island Club. You'll get excellent views while you play, as the George Cobb-designed course winds through the forest, under Old Baldy, and out onto the dune ridge with a 180° view of the ocean, according to the club. Check out baldheadisland.com/events for other great activities indoors and out.

No visit to Bald Head Island is complete without a visit to the most recognizable local landmark. Many coastal towns have a lighthouse, but this one is special. Travel back in time with a tour of the island's unofficial mascot, Old Baldy, and make sure you're rested and ready, because a visit here might include a climb. If you're up for it, take the 108 stairs to the top for unparalleled views of the coast. Built in 1817, it's the oldest standing lighthouse in the state. Through the special programs at Old Baldy, you can take a two-hour historical tour aboard a golf cart, which will zip you around the island and uncover facts about the area as you go.

A deep-tissue massage, botanical facial, or pedicure awaits you at Island Retreat, a salon, spa, and the island's only professional yoga studio. Enjoy yoga and mimosas on the studio's porch under a canopy of oaks and palms. Or, join a pilates class in the studio or a session of beach yoga.

Where To Eat And Shop

For breakfast treats and the best iced coffee on the island, head to Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream (conveniently located right next to the ferry), which serves up hearty scoops of local ice cream. Or go next door to Boat House, a newly opened diner serving up everything from beignets to fried green tomato B.L.T.s.

Try Jailhouse Provisions for fish baskets, sandwiches, and salads, or stock up on groceries at Maritime Market and cook your own fresh catch. For a sip of something refreshing, stop into Bald Head Bottle Wine Shop and Bar.

Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub has a prime location in the heart of the marina, plus a pet-friendly deck if you want to bring your pup along. Choose from a mix of Southern favorites, sushi, and seafood, then head to the bar to hang out while the party lasts.

For a more elegant dining experience, full and temporary members can book a table at the Shoals Club. Aqua boasts the best views on the island and coastal cuisine fashioned from fresh, regional ingredients. The club's lounge, Latitudes, features a tapas-style menu and sweeping views when you're in the mood for a lighter meal.

You won't find any giant beach or souvenir shops littering the blocks here. Nor will you find a row of chain restaurants lit up with neon signs. For a little retail therapy, you can pop into Monkee's or Bald Head Blues, both of which stay stocked with preppy island must-haves. Monkee's, a boutique on Maritime Way, is filled with bright colors and breezy labels. Bald Head Blues has resort wear and golf gear as well as accessories to complement your sporty, beachy vacation. Stock up on beach gear at BHI Hardware & General, where they sell not only tools, housewares, and garden supplies, but also the best selection of beach toys and chairs.

Where To Stay

Accommodations are primarily rental homes available through companies like Intracoastal Realty or Tiffany's Beach Properties, or through VRBO or Air BnB. Stay along one of the island's three beaches—East, South, West—or in the lush "Maritime Forest," which is located not too far from the sand.

To experience the heart of the harbor, check into the Marsh Harbour Inn and wake up to views of sailboats and the salt marsh. If you're staying on the island, rental properties typically include golf carts and bikes for your use as well as guest access to either The Shoals Club or The Bald Head Island Club, which offer additional dining options, pools, and golf. The Inn at Bald Head Island is a cozy spot for a getaway too.

Duck, North Carolina—the Outer Banks' northernmost community—got its name from the abundance of waterfowl in the area, which rivals the town's human population. Fewer than 1,000 people call Duck home year-round, but tourism numbers can multiply the population by 20 once summer hits. Even so, the barrier island is dedicated to maintaining its small-town charm and tight-knit feel.

If you want to know what it's like to boast an OBX ZIP code, Duck is the place to do it. Because it's surrounded by water on both sides—the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Currituck Sound on the west—you get all the serenity of being tucked away on a secluded island plus gorgeous views of the water no matter which direction you face. Time isn't of the essence in Duck, and that's its allure. Savor a slow morning; go for a sunrise walk on the beach; spend an hour watching the birds fly over the marsh—Duck's your destination for it all.

What To Do

The 1-mile Soundside Boardwalk runs alongside the Currituck Sound and is a great place to meet locals and get a feel for town. The wooden walkway is often speckled with joggers and kayakers on their way to drop in at one of many convenient launches along the path. Wildlife enthusiasts in particular will love strolling the boardwalk to see all kinds of land and sea critters, from sea turtles to osprey.

ducknc.gov; Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949

The sound's warm, shallow waters make it an appealing place for families to hang out. Protection from rough ocean waves also makes the sound ideal for a number of water activities like standup paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Rent equipment for any of the three—plus bikes, beach equipment, and even golf carts—at Duck Village Outfitters. The Currituck Sound is also a hotspot for crabbing. You can catch giant blue crab right off the dock with nothing but a little fishing cord, tasty bait, and a net. Find everything you need for a successful crabbing session at Bob's Bait & Tackle.

mydvo.com; 1207 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

bobsbaitandtackle.com; 1180 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

While you're in the area, explore more of Duck's sound side at Duck Town Park, an 11-acre park with open greenspace and several miles of walking trails that weave through maritime forest and willow swamp. The park is an access point for the Soundside Boardwalk, and other amenities include picnic pavilions, a playground, dedicated fishing and crabbing areas, kayak launches, and boat slips. Additionally, the park's amphitheater hosts regular live music and performances.

ducknc.gov; Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949

Sunsets are spectacular over the sound—make reservations for a boat ride with Sanctuary Vineyard Voyages for a one-of-a-kind experience. The excursion begins at the Soundside Boardwalk, where you'll catch a ride across the sound to Sanctuary Vineyards in nearby Jarvisburg. Once on land, you'll climb into a 4x4 safari truck for an adventurous ride across the family-owned vineyard's marsh and agriculture fields. The cherry on top of an incredible experience is an in-depth tour of the winery followed by a private wine tasting.

kittyhawk.com; 1226 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

sanctuaryvineyards.com; 7005 Caratoke Highway, Jarvisburg, NC 27947

When you've had your fill of the sound, switch gears and head east to the sea. With 7 miles of pristine sandy shores, a perfect beach day is an easy ask. After hours spent reading, relaxing, or otherwise bumming around in the sun, you'll have your pick of restaurants to refuel for your next adventure. If you've had a successful day of fishing, grilling your own fresh catch is a worthy pursuit. Once night falls, grab a flashlight and follow the sound of the waves back to the beach for a different type of crabbing. This time, you'll need quick hands and a keen eye to spot and snag ghost crabs as they scurry across the white sand.

ducknc.gov

Where To Eat

There's no denying Duck is a small town, but when it comes to dining, it certainly doesn't feel that way. With more than 40 restaurants, bars, and cafes scattered along the island, there's a bounty of options. At Coastal Cravings, you can grab a great meal at any time of day. Start with the famous Duck Wontons, served with Creole lobster sauce and North Carolina smoked sausage. From there, you can't go wrong with a fresh seafood platter—especially when you're that close to the water. Alternatively, pop into local favorite Red Sky Cafe for the scallops, shrimp and grits, or fresh catch of the day.

cravingsobx.com; 1209 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

redskycafe.com; 1197 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

Duck does casual just as well. For a laid-back lunch, check out Cookshack Fried Chicken for a classic basket of crispy, golden brown chicken. Alternatively, Coastal Cantina, Coastal Cravings' seasonal sister restaurant, is a great option along the Soundside Boardwalk. The cantina offers a wide range of classic Tex-Mex plates, in addition to some unique "pizzadillas," including the Pato Pizzadilla, which includes duck confit, onions, pico de gallo, and queso fresca.

thecookshakfriedchicken.com; 1187 Duck Road, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

coastalcantina.com; 1236 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

And of course, you can't leave Duck without sampling the legendary one-bite hot cake donuts at Duck Donuts. The tiny treats come in many delicious gourmet flavors and are heaped with frosting, drizzles, and toppings. The fan-favorite Bacon in the Sun (maple icing, chopped bacon, and salted caramel drizzle) is a sweet and savory masterpiece, while the Piña Colada (lemon icing and shredded coconut) really captures the beachy essence of Duck.

duckdonuts.com; 1190 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

Where To Shop

The Soundside Boardwalk's Waterfront Shops, as they're known, offer something for everyone. Chic but comfortable coastal attire can be found at locally owned shops like Amity Boutique, Barr-EE Station, Gray's Outer Banks Lifestyle Clothing, and Islands. Art enthusiasts will enjoy SeaDragon and Yellowhouse Gallery, which sells everything from handcrafted jewelry to nautical-themed decor and art. Pass through SeaDragon's custom-built archway into sister store Yellowhouse Gallery, another purveyor of fine American craft, art, and photography.

facebook.com/islandsbyamity; 1240 Duck Road #8, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

shopbarreestation.com; 1240 Duck Road #3, Duck, NC 27949

grays-sportswear.com; 1236 Duck Road #102, Duck, NC 27949

islandstheshop.com; 1240 Duck Road #118, Duck, NC 27949

seadragonyellowhousegallery.com; 1240 Duck Road #5, Duck, NC 27949

Duck's Cottage Downtown Books offers a small but mighty collection of books. Pair a hot drink (like the house favorite Coconut Crunch Coffee) and flaky pastry with a newly purchased beach read. Once you've made your decisions, enjoy them both on the cozy front porch.

duckscottage.com; 1240 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

Where To Stay

One of Duck's best qualities is its uncanny ability to make its visitors feel right at home. A lot of that has to do with the huge variety of vacation rental homes in the area. From well-equipped waterfront homes large enough for multiple families or multigenerational groups, to smaller cottages tucked into Duck's friendly residential streets, there's something for everyone. Check rental sites like Twiddy & Company and Southern Shores Realty to browse your options.

twiddy.com

southernshores.com

The crown jewel of accommodations in Duck is Sanderling Resort, a AAA Four Diamond seaside retreat known for its classic architecture, excellent restaurants, and world-class amenities. The North Carolina resort features 120 rooms, each with its own private deck. There are also five vacation rental homes on the property. Even those who don't choose to stay at Sanderling can't resist coming by for a treatment at the spa, a meal at Kimball's Kitchen, or a surf lesson at the resort's private beach.

sanderling-resort.com; 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949