What to Do on Check-In Day in the Outer Banks

Check-in day on the Outer Banks is arguably the most exciting day of the vacation. You have a whole week of fun and sun ahead of you! There’s nothing quite like driving over the bridge, rolling down the windows, and breathing in the ocean air. Many homes will not be ready for entry until after 4:00 pm. However, there is no shortage of things to do on the Outer Banks and on the way to the OBX while our teams work hard to prepare your vacation home for your arrival. Here’s our guide for what to do on check-in day while you wait for your home to be ready. Follow along on our map. If you’re coming from the north, start at stop 1. If you’re coming from the south or the west, start at stop 4.

Currituck County Manteo Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head Duck Corolla

Along the Highway

You don’t have to wait until you’re over the bridge to start the fun. There’s plenty to do on your way in along the highway. These stops will give you an enjoyable break from driving and a chance to stretch your legs.

Coming From the North

Map Stop 1

Grandy Greenhouse

Stop at Grandy Greenhouse to pick up some local produce and other Southern goodies.

Map Stop 2

Sanctuary Vineyards

Sample wine at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg. Grab a few bottles to sip throughout the week at your vacation home.

Map Stop 3

H2OBX

Spend some time at H2OBX waterpark. This is a family-friendly destination with things to do for all ages. Float around in the lazy river, ride slides, play on the pirate ship, or simply hang out at the bar.

Coming From the South & West

Map Stop 4

Manteo

As you drive over Roanoke Island, stop in Manteo. Take a walk around the downtown area, stop in the boutiques, and grab a baked good and a cup of coffee at Charis Coffee Company. Walk down to the waterfront and along the boardwalk. Stop by Outer Banks Distilling and pick up a bottle of Kill Devil Rum to enjoy at your vacation home. Then drive over to the Elizabethan Gardens and take a stroll through the beautiful flowers and landscaped plants.

On the Outer Banks in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head

Map Stop 5

Go to the beach

Park at a public access and hit the beach. There are OBX public beach accesses with free parking throughout Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Look for a beach access with a bath house for bathrooms and a place to change. Jennette’s Pier bath house is a good option if you’re arriving from the west, and Kitty Hawk Bath House is ideal if you’re arriving from the north.

Map Stop 6

Play mini golf

Mini golf is a great group activity for all ages. There are plenty of options for places to play mini golf in most Outer Banks towns. Our favorites are Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf in Kill Devil Hills and The Grass Course in Corolla.

Map Stop 7

Go out to eat

Hungry and looking to beat the heat? Enjoy a meal with your group at one of our favorite restaurants in the Outer Banks. There is something for everyone, from local seafood to Italian dining to Mexican cuisine.

Map Stop 8

Grocery Shop

Get ready for the rest of your week by grocery shopping on check-in day. Check out our guide to grocery stores in the Outer Banks.

Map Stop 9

Duck Town Park & Boardwalk

Take a stroll along the Duck Town Park & Boardwalk to stretch your legs and get acclimated to quaint Duck Village. When you reach the Waterfront Shops, continue to the north end where you’ll find The BackBar. This soundfront spot has a laid-back vibe and is the perfect place to hang out before check-in. Live music and yard games will keep the kids entertained while you grab a drink and a bite to eat. The BackBar fun starts at 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and lasts until sunset.

Map Stop 10

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room

Tucked in the back of Timbuck II Shopping Village, you’ll find Mike Dianna’s Grill Room, a popular Corolla restaurant. Hang out on their deck with a cold beverage while you wait for your vacation home to be ready. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the full menu is available to order from the deck. Games are available to entertain the younger ones in your group. The deck is pet friendly, so this is a great place to stop and relax if you brought your dog to the Outer Banks.

Map Stop 11

Corolla Village

If you’re staying in Corolla or on the 4×4 beaches, Corolla Village is a great place to stop and stay awhile. There are great options for lunch; Corolla Village BBQ, Juice Jar, and Corolla Pizza are our favorites. Grab a coffee and browse locally made goods at Kind Cup. Browse Island Bookstore for your beach reads for the week. If you have children in your group, stop by the playground in front of Twiddy’s office. Be sure to make a stop at Corolla Beer Garden as well. They have beer and wine and a great atmosphere for hanging out with family and friends.

Stroll over to climb the Currituck Lighthouse for the best views in Corolla! Learn about the history of the lighthouse and browse the gift store. Continue walking until you reach Historic Corolla Park, where you’ll find several free things to do: the Currituck Maritime Museum, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, the beautiful 1920s-era Whalehead mansion, and an epic playground for the little ones in your group.

What to Do on Check-In Day in the Outer Banks

With these suggestions, your beach vacation will surely be off to a great start. We hope you kick off your Outer Banks vacation with fun and food on your check-in day!

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