Summer on the Outer Banks

Sitting at home under your blanket thinking "I could go for some sunny skies and warm temperature". Well stop thinking about it and start planning it! The warm, sunny summer days on the Outer Banks await you. The best season ever will have you wanting to return year after year. Book your OBX summer stay today!

KEES offers a large selection of homes for the summer months. Many of our houses offer homes with private outdoor pools and hot tubs. In addition, you can bring your furry family members to our pet-friendly homes. The Outer Banks allows dogs to enjoy the beach as well, make sure you abide by the leash laws in the various towns. For those who want to stare out at the ocean, we have oceanfront homes for you as well. The large decks on vacation rentals provide a great opportunity to sit, relax, and feel the warmth on your face.

With our FlexStay™ program, you can arrive and leave whatever day you`d like and stay as many days as you wish. Beat the Saturday summer traffic by checking in on a different day of the week.

You may have visited the Outer Banks once or twice and noticed that many restaurants and activities were closed for the season. Not in the summer! IT`S ALL OPEN! From your favorite local restaurant to your happiest place to visit. There is plenty to do and see in the summer on the Outer Banks.

Experiences

The Outer Banks are known for their stunning beaches, perfect for everything from swimming and sunbathing to relaxing with loved ones. There is nothing like feeling the warmth of the summer sun on your face. Whether playing in the sand or looking for exciting beach activities, there is something for everyone.

With the high temperatures in the summer averaging in the 80s, the ocean breeze will keep you cool even on the hottest days. The ocean water is warmer in the summer thus creating an opportunity for you to swim without freezing. Besides swimming, the ocean is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, and boogie boarding.

Don`t forget the sunscreen! But if you forget sunscreen or any other beach necessity, no worries, there are plenty of local beach shops on the Outer Banks to get whatever you need. You might even end up with your favorite OBX t-shirt. If you want to rent beach chairs and/or umbrellas, check out one of our concierges, Ocean Atlantic Rentals!

The Outer Banks come alive in the summer with a vibrant lineup of local events. From bustling farmers` markets offering fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and unique home goods to lively music events scattered across town, there`s something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit our Live Music page for information on the summer VUSIC schedule. Morris Farm on the Currituck Mainland has a summer lineup of live music and most of the local bars and restaurants will have live music outside during the summer.

The Fourth of July is huge on the Outer Banks. Join the locals and grab a seat on the beach to watch fireworks over the ocean. You can also head down to downtown Manteo for their popular 4th of July celebration.

Keep an eye out for the dates of the Dare Day Festival (kids will love it!); the Rogallo Kite Festival (Let`s go fly a kite...); the Soundside Fun Fair in Nags Head (take a Ferris wheel ride!); or the Under the Oaks Art Festival in Corolla. There is always something fun happening in the summer!

All our vacation rentals have a kitchen. Why not catch some fresh fish and come home and cook it for your group? How satisfying!

The Outer Banks are home to a variety of fish, including red drum, striped bass, and bluefish. You can fish from the beach, from a pier, or a boat. You may even see people in their kayaks with a line dropping in the water. The Outer Banks has several bait and tackle shops in case you need something to help make a successful fishing trip.

The Outer Banks is home to several boat tour companies offering a variety of exciting trips, from dolphin-watching adventures to serene sunset cruises. For those who love fishing, charter a boat and combine two classic summer activities: fishing and boating—and yes, you get to keep your catch! If you`re staying in or near Pirate`s Cove, you`ll enjoy the added convenience of charter boats departing right from the marina. It doesn`t get much easier than that!

The previous section mentioned fishing from a kayak. Even if you don`t fish, kayaking is a great activity to enjoy in the summer. The Outer Banks has many waterways perfect for kayaking. Exploring by water can give you a different perspective of the area. You can even enjoy some birdwatching and nature sightings along the way. Reserve a spot with one of the local kayak companies that can give you a structured guided kayak tour.

Surfers abound in the summer on the Outer Banks. Do you wish you could learn to do what they do? Well, you can while on vacation! There are a few local surf schools that offer lessons for the whole family, both private and public classes. For the kids in the group, Outer Banks Surf School offers Kids Camps in the summer in Nags Head. Check their website to determine what dates are available.

Horseback riding is a memorable experience you might not have considered. Several stables on the Outer Banks offer horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides, making it a fantastic family outing or a romantic adventure for couples. Local favorites include Equine Adventures, Hatteras Island Horseback, Lighthouse Horse Rides, and OBX Horseback.

Step out of your comfort zone and saddle up for an unforgettable ride along the beach, guided by these majestic animals. It`s a one-of-a-kind way to explore the beauty of the Outer Banks while creating lasting memories. Perfect for vacationers staying with KEES Vacations!

Your trip to the Outer Banks wouldn`t be complete without a round of miniature golf. With all locations open during the summer, there`s no shortage of family-friendly fun. No matter what town you are in, you`ll find several mini golf courses offering themes and challenging obstacles. Enjoy hours of friendly competition with vibrant landscapes, waterfalls, and pirate-themed adventures. Perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends, mini golf on the Outer Banks is a must-do activity.

The Outer Banks region has several public 18-hole golf courses. Imagine hitting a tee shot while you look over at the Roanoke Sound. Golfers can choose from a variety of courses in the area, ranging from scenic links-style courses to challenging inland layouts.

The Outer Banks is a shopper`s paradise, offering an array of adorable shops and boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore local stores to find OBX souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, and products that capture the spirit of the North Carolina coast. Whether it`s OBX-branded apparel or locally made keepsakes, you`ll discover the perfect memento to remember your summer visit to the Outer Banks. Best of all, stores are open and ready to welcome you!

WE`RE OPEN! Summer is a great time for experiencing the thriving food scene since all the restaurants are open for business. The many local restaurants (non-chain) will have what you have a hankering for whether it`s seafood, BBQ, salad, Italian, and even Tai. Check out our list of favorites that KEES has compiled for you in our Guide to the OBX.

Attractions

A true treasure of the Outer Banks are the five iconic lighthouses: the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla; Bodie Island Lighthouse in south Nags Head; Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton; Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo; and the Ocracoke Lighthouse at the southernmost point of Hatteras Island.

In the summer, they are open for you to climb and take in the breathtaking views of the area. After your climb, be sure to stick around and learn all about its history.

Visit All 5 of the Outer Banks Lighthouses

The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills commemorates the Wright brothers` first powered flight. You can learn about the history of flight and see a replica of the Wright brothers` airplane. Options include: The spot where Orville and Wilbur first took flight and the locations where they landed; reconstructed camp buildings where the pilots stayed while planning their flight; and the Wright Brothers` Visitor Center.

Climb to the top of Kill Devil Hill and see the monument as you look out to the ocean and the sound at the same time. So exhilarating!

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It`s crazy how close you can get to the shark tank! You can watch animal feedings and attend educational programs. With something for everyone, the North Carolina Aquarium is a must-visit destination during your summer Outer Banks vacation.

The Outer Banks History Center in Manteo is a museum that tells the story of the Outer Banks, from its Native American history to the present day.

The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is a 10-acre public garden that features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a replica of an Elizabethan knot garden. The flowers in full bloom in the summer are something of beauty. Walk through the gardens feeling the warmth of the summer sun on your face. There is even a gift shop if you`d like to bring a trinket home with you.

Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo is a top Outer Banks attraction, perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. This living history museum relays the story of the first English settlement in the New World. Explore the Elizabeth II, an awe-inspiring replica ship, and take in the interactive exhibits and historical reenactments.

The park also features hands-on activities and educational displays, making it a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Roanoke Island Festival Park is surrounded by vibrant shops, dining, and local town charm. Plan your summer visit to this Outer Banks destination and uncover the rich heritage of Roanoke Island.

The Whalehead Club, part of Historic Corolla Park in the Northern Outer Banks, is a historic mansion that was built in the 1920s as a hunting club. Take a tour of the mansion, learn about its history, and take a stroll around the walking path by the sound. If you are lucky, you may even get to see a summer wedding taking place on the grounds.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum located on Hatteras Island, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime history of the region, which includes more than 2,000 shipwrecks that have occurred off the coast of North Carolina.

The Corolla Wild Horse Museum in Corolla is dedicated to the history of the wild horses that roam the Outer Banks. You can learn about the history of the wild horses and see them up close on a guided tour.

Ready to make your summer dreams a reality? Why wait? It`s never too early to book your summer stay. Get the days or weeks you want due to more availability. Have the peace of mind that your vacation is already scheduled. Know that you are guaranteed the price you reserve no matter how far in advance you schedule.

The Outer Banks offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences for everyone. Whether you`re soaking up the sun on our beautiful beaches, taking in the thrill of outdoor activities, or enjoying the local eateries, there`s something special waiting for you.

So, why wait? Book your summer getaway with KEES Vacations today and create memories that will last a lifetime.