4 Must-Visit Sites Near Duck, North Carolina

Top Things to See Near Duck, N.C.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is an area steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty. The birthplace of American aviation, the Outer Banks features memorials to the Wright Brothers, as well as other interesting historic sites such as the lost colony of Roanoke and the countless life-saving stations that dot the coastal region. During your vacation at Ocean Pines, consider visiting some of the following must-visit sites to enhance your Duck, North Carolina getaway.

1. Duck Town Park & Boardwalk

Spread across 11 acres, Duck Town Park & Boardwalk is the perfect location to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of this small coastal community. Nature trails here traverse diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests and willow swamps, with ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

Throughout the park, visitors will find walking trails, water fountains, picnic facilities and a playground for kids. Whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon picnic or hoping to get in a leisurely morning stroll, you’ll love Duck Town Park & Boardwalk.

2. Wright Brothers National Memorial

In 1900, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to begin testing their manned glider plane in a region known for its steady winds. After years of practice and experimentation, the brothers successfully flew their gas-powered powered airplane in December of 1903 in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., where their namesake memorial stands today.

The memorial features a replica of the hangar used by the Wright brothers, as well as a visitor center that features models and tools of the machinery they used. A 60-ft granite monument also stands on the site, commemorating the brothers’ achievements in aviation. See where aviation history was made, just a few miles away from your Ocean Pines suite.

3. The Lost Colony of Roanoke

Roanoke was established as the first permanent English colony in the New World by explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585. However, the colony collapsed in 1590 due to circumstances still shrouded in mystery today. Just over 30 miles from Ocean Pines, visitors can experience what life may have been like for those early English settlers, whose doomed fate has been the subject of countless films, shows, and pieces of literature in recent years. Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 25-acre site that features an Algonquian longhouse, museum, replica Indian Town, and spritsail skiff. You’ll love walking through history when you visit the site of the lost colony of Roanoke.

4. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

18 miles south of Ocean Pines, you’ll find the tallest living sand dune on the United States east coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The park includes a visitor center with museum exhibits, a 360-ft boardwalk, and stunning views that span from the ocean to the sound. Visitors can take part in a variety of outdoor adventures at this state park, such as kayaking, flying kites, and hang gliding. The dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park are thought to be 3,000-4,000 years old!

From historic sites to natural wonders, you’ll find so much to appreciate during your visit to Ocean Pines in Duck, N.C. Make the most of your Outer Banks vacation by taking in some of these must-do attractions.