28 November 2022 | Published By: Hotels OBX
By: Jennifer LeVine, Assistant General Manager
Happy Fall, Y'all may not think that now is not the ideal time for a beach getaway, but Fall is a great time to visit The Outer Banks. Whether you prefer Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, we would be more than happy to help you at either one of our oceanfront hotels in North Carolina. Call us!
Beach Fun In The Fall
You may be asking yourself, what can you do comfortably on the beach in the Fall weather? The answer is … PLENTY! In my (non-expert) opinion, Fall weather on The Outer Banks hits a little differently than everywhere else in the Country. Daylight Savings time may put a sense of urgency in getting your plans in for the day, but it also makes the sunrises brighter, the sunsets more colorful, and the crisp ocean air exhilarating. Our OBX hotels on the beach have a breathtaking front-row seat to the colorful sunrises.
A popular Fall activity on The Outer Banks is having a bonfire on the beach. There is just something about sitting in the sand, with a warming fire in front of you, that relaxes you. The salty air helps with the smoke, and you are warm while still being able to stick your toes in the sand. You will need a permit to have a bonfire on the beach. It is painless to obtain one by going to nagsheadnc.gov/159/Beach-Pit-Fires. The front desk staff at your OBX hotels on the beach can also help answer questions.
Remember the ingredients for your s'mores! Try elevating the sweet snack by using a peanut butter cup instead of a chocolate bar or making an adult-only one using rum or Moscato-soaked strawberry slices. Whether you go old school and stick to the original recipe or try something new, they taste just a little bit better around a fire on the beach. OBX hotels in Nags Head have local grocery stores to pick up supplies in case you forget something.
Another popular activity in the Fall is 4-Wheel beach driving. For 2022, the beach is open for driving from Nags Head Pier south. This fun activity makes you feel like you are doing something special. I mean, it's not every day you get to drive on the sand. Driving on the beach, you will see many birds and maybe a dolphin or two. Remember to follow the safety recommendations and plan for gas stations to put air back in your tires etc. You will need a permit for this, but it is reasonably easy to obtain by going here https://www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/249978
November Wildlife Escapades
Daytime activities more your thing? How about going to look for birds? At the beginning of December, Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is having an encore of its October main event. Wings Over Water began in 1997 and worked to encourage and promote public interest and awareness of wildlife on The Outer Banks. While it is a reservation-required event, there are over 90 activities this week, including paddling adventures, bird watching, photography workshops, and more. This will provide hours of entertainment for outdoor, nature, or bird lovers. OBX hotels on the beach can be as adventurous and educational as you would like them to be.
Fall brings the fish to The Outer Banks as well as the birds. While October is the "big" fishing month, you can still catch large Bluefish, King Mackerel, and false Albacore within a few miles from the inlet. You can get a half-day trip out of The Miss Oregon Inlet charter boat from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center about 10 miles from our Comfort Inn South Oceanfront, OBX hotel in Nags Head. Birds come from near and far this time of year. Tundra swans will appear in force in all of their regal beauty. If you go to the Pea Island Nature Center, you will not only see the swans, but you will also catch a glimpse of white pelicans. These winged creatures are beautiful, and their yellow beaks make their facial feature "pop" in pictures. The 30-minute drive from your OBX hotel in Nags Head is worth seeing them.
The Outer Banks Market Place
While some restaurants begin to close for the season, the shopping is still bountiful. The Outer Banks has an Outlet Mall within walking distance of our OBX hotels in Nags Head. There are also many local shops to patronize. Stores like The Cotton Gin carry everything from soup to nuts, literally. The Cotton Gin has a little bit of everything. Ladies, I promise your husbands will not mind spending time in this store. The Outer Banks Distillery is also another unique spot. The rum is excellent, and they even make fall-inspired flavors. Anyone at the front desk of OBX hotels on the beach can help you with directions to many unique local shopping experiences.
Off-Season Activities In The Outer Banks
Whether you have s'mores on the beach in front of the fire, take a historical Ghost Tour in Downtown Manteo, look for birds, or take a relaxing walk along the beach looking for shells, Fall on The Outer Banks is something special. Use our Contact form if you need us to reserve your OBX hotels on the beach for a group booking of Fall fun. Safe travels, and we will see you soon!