Fall on the Outer Banks

The temperatures become cooler, the pace more relaxed, and the crowds less abundant. With this changing of seasons also comes fantastic fall events!
Read about: 

• Spooky Season on the Outer Banks
• Fall Flavors on the OBX: More Than Just Pumpkin Spice
• Things To Do
• Local History
  
• Events
• Fall Specials Discounts and Deals for OBX rentals

Autumn on the Outer Banks presents a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Mother Nature.

The fall season boasts delightful, mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 82° in September to 66° in November. It`s an ideal period to uncover the hidden gems of the Outer Banks that might have been overlooked during the busy summer months.

With cooler temperatures and less crowds, the Outer Banks is an ideal place for ghosts and ghouls to visit in October. There is spooky fun Outer Banks-wide for all ages and interests. Pumpkin patches, haunted trails, seasonal food and drinks, and ghost tours are just some of the fun that awaits your fall vacation.

Walk through Downtown Manteo led by a guide and a flickering lantern as they tell the haunted history of the Outer Banks along with ghost encounters, and more. A perfect experience for a fall evening on the Outer Banks.

Visit this over-a-decade-old-movie theater in Downtown Manteo to see an iconic Halloween movie such as Hocus Pocus or Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. But beware, Halloween movies may not be the only spooky thing in this theater. Go on an OBX Ghost Tour to learn exactly who or what hangs around this spot after dark.

Learn about the frightening real events that have taken place just off the coast of the Outer Banks that have given the waters the chilling title of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic". Discover what caused the thousands of ships to ultimately lay to rest on the ocean floor at this museum in Hatteras.

Experience the thrill of the Wicked Woods in East Lake, located about 30 minutes from Nags Head. Walk through the eerie, shadow-filled woods with heart-pounding scares every step of the way.

Watch 1,587 jack-o-lanterns illuminate the night at this memorable, straight-out-of-a-Hallmark-movie event on October 26th at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for trick-or-treating, contests, and seasonal snacks and goodies. Carve a free pumpkin on October 24th and 25th at the Gardens to bring to this magical night of fun.

Celebrate the arrival of fall every Saturday in October with the annual pumpkin patch at Island Farm in Manteo. Pick a locally grown pumpkin, play historic games, enjoy cider and popcorn, and tons of other fall activities for the entire family.

Check out some of your favorite OBX bars spookified for the season! With Halloween-themed drinks, food, and events from October 17-31, 2024. Participating restaurants include Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills restaurants such as Spooky 12, Gloombays, Shack of Shadows, and Monster Kwans (Lucky 12, Goombays Grille & Raw Bar, Bonzer Shack, and Mama Kwans).

Choose from 8 diverse trails and immerse yourself in nature with beautiful fall foliage at one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. While these woods may not be haunted, they do have an interesting history of being home to a once-thriving village through the 1930s. Learn about the full history by listening to the Roanoke Trail audio tour on your next visit.

Welcome back oyster season and celebrate North Carolina Oyster Month at your favorite restaurants. With October being North Carolina Oyster Month, visitors can enjoy the local delicacies or explore local oyster sites via boat. View an interactive map here to learn more.

Sip a seasonal beverage this fall at Front Porch Cafe at one of their 3 stores in Manteo, Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head. Enjoy more than a just Pumpkin Spice Latte, other seasonal drinks include Pumpkin Chai, Sweater Weather Latte, and don`t forget about their fresh baked goods!

Stock up on fresh produce and other local goodies at this all-local market in Wanchese. Nothing says fall like a Saturday morning market. The Secotan Market will run every Saturday in October and on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 9AM to 12PM.

Join all the fall fun at Morris Farm with live music and hayrides in October. Resurrection A Journey Tribute will be performing on October 20, The Marshall Tucker Band will be performing the following weekend on October 26, and on the 27th there will be a Fun on the Farm Fall Festival! Morris Farm is located on the mainland of Currituck County or roughly 30 miles from Kitty Hawk.

A Pumpkin Spice Latte may pair perfectly with an autumn morning on the Outer Banks, but what about an evening with a North Carolina craft beer or a bold glass of red wine? Discover these 5 spots to visit this fall on your OBX vacation to savor the true taste of the season!

Step into this quaint cottage in Duck and be welcomed with books and the smell of fresh coffee. Delight in their fall menu with drinks like The Lodge, a maple and brown sugar cinnamon latte or a Golden Latte with honey and turmeric syrup, or a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Pick out the perfect autumn read to pair with your drink on your next visit to Duck`s Cottage!

Fill your cup at this cute coffee shop nestled in the Historic Corolla Village. Try one of their fall specials such as an Apple-Ginger Spiced Fizz with apple cider, ginger beer, cinnamon, and fresh apple slices, or a Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Latte. The Kind Cup also sells local art, fall-scented candles, pottery, and other unique local items.

Discover a favorite new wine or sip a fall-inspired craft beer such as a pumpkin ale from NoDa Brewing Company at this cozy bottle shop and bar in Kill Devil Hills. Beach Road Bottle Shop also hosts fun fall events, including BYO vinyl nights, live music, and wine tastings paired with food from Ten O Six.

Stop in for a drink in Manteo at Outer Banks Distilling`s Wheelhouse Lounge and choose from an array of beverages including a fall favorite, the Honey Badger. This drink is made with Kill Devil Pecan Honey Rum, cream soda, and a lemon slice. Be sure to purchase a bottle of their spiced rum to enjoy a bit of the Outer Banks at home after your vacation ends.

Check out this charming coffee shop in Hatteras and try one of their freshly baked treats such as pumpkin muffins or get one of their seasonal beverages! Indulge in a White Spiced Cookie Latte with white chocolate, cinnamon, and cookie butter, or try a Pumpkin Chai with pumpkin pie sauce and chai, or the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte.

After Labor Day, the tourist crowds thin out, and the fish in the Outer Banks are gearing up for their southern migrations, making it an exciting time for fishermen. As fall settles in and the Carolina inland weather cools down, the Gulf Stream remains warm and inviting, keeping the coastal temperatures consistently 10 degrees or more warmer, extending this pleasant climate well into November. Even around Thanksgiving, the Outer Banks continues to be a haven for warm-weather fishermen.

Offshore, September offers opportunities to catch white and blue marlin, as well as impressive yellowfin and blackfin tuna. Schools of mahi-mahi are abundant as they migrate to warmer southern waters for the winter, and the elusive wahoo can make an appearance at any time. November is notable for the occasional appearance of giant bluefin and enormous bigeye tuna, adding excitement to the fishing experience.

Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi
This warm and earthy mahi recipe pairs well with roasted carrots or baked sweet potatoes with cinnamon.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1 clove garlic, crushed or to taste
4 (6 ounce) mahi mahi fillets
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions
Mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic together in a shallow dish. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper; place them skin-sides down in the dish with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish fillets, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm.

Pour reserved marinade into the skillet; simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve.

Breathe in the refreshing autumn breeze as you explore the diverse hiking trails of the Outer Banks. Looking to add an extra layer of excitement to your hike? Try geocaching – it`s a fantastic way to engage the entire family in outdoor adventure along the trail.

Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game or recreational activity that involves using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. Participants, known as geocachers, use GPS devices or smartphone apps to navigate to the coordinates of a geocache and then attempt to find the hidden container.

Geocaches vary in size and can contain a logbook for geocachers to sign and date when they find it. Some larger geocaches may also include small trinkets or items for trading. Geocaching is a popular outdoor activity that combines elements of exploration, navigation, and puzzle-solving, making it a fun and interactive way to discover new places and enjoy the outdoors. Participants often document their geocaching adventures online and share their experiences with the geocaching community.

Download the app
https://www.geocaching.com/play/mobile

Nags Head Woods Preserve Hiking Trails
Watch Video

Explore the numerous waterways the Outer Banks has to offer, aside from the well-known Atlantic Ocean. Embrace the serene and tranquil surroundings of places like the Nags Head Woods Preserve and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where you can also enjoy leaf-peeping via kayak or canoe.

Interested in a Kayak Tour or Rental?
Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
Hatteras Watersports
Duck Village Outfitters
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Ocean Atlantic Rentals
Ocean Air Sports
Kitty Hawk Watersports

The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer some of the best bird watching opportunities on the east coast. Not only are the beaches less crowded and the rental houses discounted, but Outer Banks bird watching is phenomenal in the fall and winter. However, visitors can experience a birding adventure year round. Expect to see various types of migrating birds in the winter months and birds returning for the warmer weather from Central and South America in the spring.

Learn More >>>

Visiting the iconic lighthouses of the Outer Banks in the fall is a truly enchanting experience. With the season`s mild temperatures and stunning coastal landscapes, these historic beacons are a sight to behold, standing tall against the backdrop of clear blue skies. Fall`s lighter crowds make it the perfect time for a more intimate and leisurely visit, allowing you to capture beautiful photos without the rush and bustle of summer tourists. Whether you`re admiring the majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or the charming Bodie Island Lighthouse, the peaceful ambiance of autumn adds a special touch to your visit, making it an unforgettable part of your Outer Banks adventure.

Experience the waterfront at a more budget-friendly cost. During the fall months, you`ll find significantly lower rates on oceanfront, semi-oceanfront, and soundfront homes. Seize this opportunity to enjoy the beach while benefiting from pleasant daytime temperatures and fewer crowds, all without breaking the bank.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore, or enjoying your morning coffee on a private balcony that overlooks the shimmering expanse of the sea. A waterfront vacation rental not only provides breathtaking views but also offers you the opportunity to take leisurely strolls along the beach, bask in the golden hues of a coastal sunset, and feel the cool sea breeze on your skin as you unwind by the water`s edge.

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Oceanfront
Semi-Oceanfront
Soundfront

Dedicate some time to explore the diverse museums that can deepen your appreciation for the Outer Banks. Immerse yourself in the history of the region, from its earliest inhabitants to its maritime heritage and the story of flight. Additionally, gain insight into the living treasures of the Atlantic Ocean. 

• Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site
  
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center
• Currituck Maritime Museum
• Roanoke Island Festival Park
• Whalehead in Historic Corolla
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• North Carolina Aquarium

Join in the festivities of the yearly autumn celebrations. Among the well-loved events are the Duck Jazz Festival, The Bluegrass Island Festival, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival.

Now - November 27, 2024
Mondays & Wednesdays
You`ll be entertained as our enthusiastic guides lead you through downtown Manteo telling the spooky stories that make the Outer Banks one of the most haunted beaches in America! You even get to use a real ghost detector!

October 5, 2024
Explore the spine-chilling depths of our Haunted Woods attraction, an immersive and hair-raising experience that promises to send shivers down your spine!

October 5, 2024
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary event of seafood, BBQ, and fried-fish harmonize perfectly with a curated selection of our award-winning wines. Join us as we welcome the annual arrival of The Crabdaddy from the bountiful waters of the Currituck Sound at Sanctuary Vineyards. This event is a celebration of fresh seafood, local wines, and beers that showcase the best of the Currituck Outer Banks.

October 10-13, 2024
The 2024 Outer Banks Parade of Homes experience will be back to in person tours during Open Hours of Thursday-Saturday from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. This means that during these three days you will have exclusive access to some of the most innovative, exciting homes on the Outer Banks.

October 12-13, 2024
The Town of Duck brings jazz to the Duck Town Park annually in early October. This event is non-ticketed and free to the public. Food and drinks are available to purchase from town eateries and chairs are available for rent. Attendees may also bring food, coolers, chairs, blankets, and well-behaved dogs.

October 16-20, 2024
Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The festival is held at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park, which overlooks miles of pristine sound waters. This unique 22-acre island becomes Bluegrass Island each year to host the event. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets and lodging well in advance as this event tends to fill up fast each year.

October 17-23, 2024
Get ready to experience chills, thrills, killer cocktails, ghostly food and spooktacular events at four of your favorite haunts: Spooky 12, Gloombays, Shack of Shadows and Monster Kwans. From spine-tingling sips to frightfully good bites, these four pop-up bars will be serving up the best in eerie eats and ghoulishly good times. Follow us for all the haunting details and join us for a Halloween you`ll never forget!

October 19, 2024
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This all-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks` culinary cuisine.

October 19, 2024
Join the Ocracoke Preservation Society in celebrating Ocracoke heritage with its rich history and continuing tradition of working on the water with this unique festival. Held on the grounds of the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, this festival will celebrate these traditions with booths and exhibits with the watermen themselves, as well as plenty of food and fun to go around.

October 22-27, 2024
In 1997 Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival was begun under the direction of then refuge manager, Mike Bryant, as a way to encourage and offer the public wildlife and wild land interpretation, educational opportunities and experiences on regional national wildlife refuges. This annual national wildlife refuge fundraising event has grown from a few offered activities in 1997, to over 70 birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs.

October 24-26, 2024
In 1587, English colonists came to Roanoke Island. Night of 1587 Pumpkins is an event at which we attempt to light 1,587 jack-o-lanterns. The evening will consist of trick-or-treating, contests, and of course, pumpkins! Everyone is encouraged to come in costume to enjoy the festivities. Jack-o-lanterns are provided by our community, so come to the Gardens to carve a free pumpkin on October 24 or 25th that will be added to the pumpkin path. Or bring your own carved pumpkin(s) to the event!

October 26, 2024
A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flutag, translated to "flying day" in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos!

November 1-2, 2024
Come to Ocracoke Island for a Pirate Halloween! The Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree is an annual and multiple-day event that is highlighted by a family-friendly Pirate Encampment by Blackbeard`s Pirate Crew on Ocracoke Island, and an ensuing world of fun on the southern Outer Banks.

November 8-10, 2024
The Outer Banks Marathon Weekend will be chock-full of action. In addition to the marathon, the weekend will include a half marathon, 8K, Southern 6K, 5K, challenge, and fun run.

Come revel in the beauty of North Carolina`s coastal crown jewel! Our race courses are carefully planned to showcase some of the best-loved spots along the Outer Banks. Don`t forget to plan a few extra days for some beach time and wider exploration.

• You can save up to 50% off peak rates by making your OBX vacation reservation during the fall months.

• The longer you stay, the more you save on average per night.

Experience the beauty of the Outer Banks during the fall with KEES Vacations` special offers and off-season savings! KEES Vacations provides fantastic deals on accommodations, making it easier than ever to plan your fall getaway. Enjoy leisurely strolls on the beach, explore local attractions, and relish the serene atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of peak season. Book now and make the most of the autumn season with incredible savings and unforgettable memories!