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Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and friends. Spending the holiday on the Outer Banks is a chance to get everyone together, enjoy some fresh air, explore local towns, and squeeze in a little adventure between meals. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, an Outer Banks Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to make memories together. When you're ready to step away from the turkey and pie, there's plenty of fun to be had! Here are nine ways to make the most of Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks.
1. Beach walks
November is a great time to enjoy a quieter shoreline, search for shells, watch the waves, catch a colorful sunrise and take a family walk. Bring the dog along if your beach allows it and keep an eye out for dolphins. The weather may be cooler, but that doesn't make the Outer Banks any less beautiful. Bring a jacket, grab a coffee, and enjoy having the beach practically to yourself. Looking for trails beyond the beach? We’ve got those too! Check out our guide to Outer Banks nature trails for more places to explore.
2. Climb the dunes at Jockey's Ridge
Head to Jockey's Ridge State Park for a little adventure! Kids can run across the dunes, everyone can enjoy the views, and it's a great spot to watch the sunset over the sound. Bring your camera and wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy! Prefer not to hike? Check out the new dune overlook. You can also explore the recently remodeled visitor center with exhibits covering the area's ecology, local history, and the dunes themselves.
3. Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial
Explore the place where aviation history began at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Walk the grounds, check out the exhibits and learn about the Wright brothers' first powered flights. It's an interesting stop for kids and adults alike and a nice way to add a little history between beach visits and holiday meals.
4. Spend an Afternoon in Duck
Shopping, snacks, and soundfront views? Sounds like a good afternoon! Take a stroll along the Duck Town Boardwalk, browse the local shops, and grab a bite to eat. It's an easy way to get outside and explore without planning a whole day's worth of activities. If you time it right, you can catch a beautiful sunset over the Currituck Sound. Don't forget your camera!
5. Go Fishing
Fall is a popular time for fishing on the Outer Banks, especially if you're hoping to catch a red drum. Bring your fishing gear, find a spot along the beach, and see what's biting. Even if fishing isn't your thing, watching anglers cast their lines along the shoreline is part of the local experience. Check out our guide to Fall Fishing on the Outer Banks for tips on what you might catch and where to go.Break out the board games, shuffle a deck of cards, put together a puzzle, or organize a family-style Olympics or trivia challenge. Add snacks, comfy clothes, and a little friendly competition, and you've got an evening loaded with family fun and entertainment.
7. Check Out the Holiday Lights and Events
The Outer Banks starts getting into the holiday spirit in November making it a fun time to explore local events and festive displays. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to catch Kites with Lights at Jockey's Ridge, WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens, or holiday light displays around the area. Local restaurants and businesses also get in on the fun with seasonal decorations, festive menus, and holiday drinks. Check our Outer Banks November Events guide to see what's happening during your stay. You might just find a new family tradition!
8. Cook Thanksgiving Dinner Together
One of the best parts of an Outer Banks Thanksgiving? Having everyone under one roof with plenty of room to spread out. Put everyone to work preparing family recipes, let the kids help, turn on the Thanksgiving Day parade and save some time for football.
Don’t want to cook the entire feast? No problem! Many local restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals, takeout, or catering options. Enjoying a delicious holiday dinner doesn’t mean spending the whole day in the kitchen. And don't forget the leftovers. Thanksgiving sandwiches taste even better when you're at the beach!
9. Visit an Outer Banks Lighthouse
Take a scenic drive and check out some of the Outer Banks’ most iconic lighthouses! From the black-and-white stripes of Bodie Island Lighthouse to the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, each has its own history and charm. Stop for family photos, stroll the grounds, and take in the coastal views. You can also visit the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla or the Ocracoke Lighthouse for a little island adventure. Planning to climb? Check seasonal schedules and availability before you go.
Ready to plan your Thanksgiving getaway? Find your home away from home with Southern Shores Realty. From Corolla to Nags Head, we have vacation rentals to fit your holiday plans.
Visit Southern Shores Realty or call 800-334-1000 to find your home away from home for the holidays!
