Courtney Wisecarver
Planning a girls’ trip to the Outer Banks? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together the perfect plans for a memorable beach trip with the gals. Whether your’re reuniting with friends, celebrating a milestone birthday, or having a bachelorette party on the Outer Banks, the following itinerary works for all ages and stages. Here are our recommendations for how to spend your mornings, days, and nights on your OBX girls’ trip, as well as our tips on what to do before you hit the road.
BAEcation (A100)
Book a Vacation Home
First things first, you’ll need a place to stay! Determine how many girls will be attending and find a vacation home that meets your group’s needs. Vacation homes come in all sizes and locations, whether you need a 10+ bedroom home for a larger group, like a bachelorette party or milestone birthday celebration, or you prefer a 5-bedroom or smaller home for gathering with friends from high school. Although centered around Duck, this itinerary features activities that are easily accessible from nearby towns like Corolla, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head.
Pack Your Bags
The most challenging part of packing is deciding which clothes to bring. The Outer Banks is a casual destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up, too. Here are the essentials to bring with you: swimsuits, comfy clothes, and a few nice outfits for pictures or dinners out. Depending on the time of year, you may want to bring a festive outfit or two. Also, don’t forget a hat or sunglasses for the beach! Check out our packing list for more ideas on what to bring.
Afternoon:
- Stop by the grocery store on your way into town to grab snacks, drinks, and basic necessities for the house.
- Pick up wine and charcuterie from Vine & Board on the way to your vacation home.
- Arrive at your beautiful beach house. Check out the pool, hot tub, and deck views. Decide who gets which bedroom.
- Unpack, unwind, and explore the home. Corolla Beach Services is available to assist you in quickly unloading your luggage and groceries.
- Toast to your first night of your OBX vacation with the girls!
Evening:
- Head to The Blue Point for a waterfront dinner. While waiting for your table, grab cocktails and appetizers at the BackBar while watching the sunset over the Currituck Sound.
- Stroll the Duck Boardwalk before heading back to your vacation home to recharge for the days ahead.
Morning:
- Start with breakfast on the deck or grab coffee and pastries from Treehouse Coffee in Scarborough Faire.
- Walk to the beach for a full morning of shell seeking, sunbathing, and refreshing dips in the ocean. Be on the lookout for elusive sea glass – a treasured beach find!
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch from Cravings. The Ultimate BrieLT is highly recommended.
- Stop by Winks Market to pick up snacks to enjoy by the pool or on the deck.
- Head back to the house for a poolside chill session. Choosing the right music is effortless – just turn on Twiddy’s spotify summer playlist.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Evening:
- Learn how to make smoked cocktails during an in-home cocktail class with an Outer Banks Mixologist.
- Cook dinner together, followed by card games or a rom-com movie night. Movie suggestions: Barbie, Mamma Mia!, Bridesmaids, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Though not a rom-com, Nights in Rodanthe is an Outer Banks movie that was filmed here on the Outer Banks. You could choose to binge Outer Banks on Netflix while you’re on the real Outer Banks.
Morning:
- Fuel up for your day at Duck Donuts. Try the fan favorites dozen to get a little bit of everything, including the tasty maple bacon.
- Head out for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tour on the sound with Coastal Kayak. If your group would rather be in the ocean, schedule a group surfing lesson with Outer Surf in Nags Head.
Afternoon:
- Relax with a healthy lunch and smoothies from Coastal Smoothie Cafe in the Scarborough Lane Shoppes. The Blackbeard Treasure Acai Bowl and Corolla Colada Smoothie are our favorites. Sandwiches are also on the menu.
- Shop at Scarborough Lane Shoppes and Scarborough Faire: Mango’s Boutique for beachy-style clothes, Island Bookstore to find your next beach read, and Birthday Suits to find a perfectly-fitting swimsuit.
Evening:
- Relax with cocktails at Duck Dive Bar. Their signature cocktails and house-brewed beer will put you in a laid-back beach vacation state of mind.
- Uber or drive to Kill Devil Hills for a girls’ night out! Hit casual spots like Outer Banks Brewing Station and Jack Brown’s for food, drinks, and live music.
Morning:
- Breakfast pastries from Tullio’s Bakery. Order a bagel sandwich or treat yourself to one of their delectable cinnamon rolls.
- Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga class at Village Yoga, or bring in a private instructor for a beachfront yoga session.
- After yoga, head to Aqua Spa for a Soundside Swedish Massage. The spa is situated on the soundfront, enhancing relaxation during treatments.
Afternoon:
- After visiting Aqua Spa for massages, enjoy lunch downstairs at Aqua Restaurant. Try the Bangin’ Shrimp Tacos for a zesty take on a classic dish.
- Shop along the Duck Boardwalk. Start at The Waterfront Shops: pick out a new artisan bag at Allie June, get a new summer dress at Islands, walk along the boardwalk to The Mystic Jewel to find some earrings to match your new outfit
Evening:
- Dress up and dine at Theodosia, award-winning chef and restaurateur Vivian Howard’s stunning, upscale restaurant on the soundfront. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
- Stop by Tap Shack for a beer and listen to some live music before heading home for the night.
Morning:
- Breakfast at Mike Dianna’s Grill Room. Start with a Biscuit Basket while deciding on a breakfast entree. Try the Lox Benny for a decadent start to your day.
- Book a Wild Horse Tour to see the mystical Corolla Wild Horses in their natural environment. You’ll cruise along the oceanfront on the 4×4 beach, which is an adventure all on its own.
- Grab a late-morning pick-me-up at Banana Dog Cafe. Check out their Instagram for creative and delicious weekly specials.
Afternoon:
- Stroll around Corolla Village, climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and take pictures by Historic Whalehead
- Relax with a cold beer under the shade of beautiful live oak trees at Corolla Beer Garden
- Shopping/snack stop at Timbuck II Shopping Village on the way back to Duck: Salty Skies for a new sundress, Ella’s Olive for some Tuscan Herb Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil, The Cotton Gin for coastal-inspired home decor; cocktail and appetizers at Upside (Dip Trio, Spiced Shrimp, and Fried Green Tomatoes)
- Get a scoop of gelato at doppio before heading out
Evening:
- Backyard cookout night! Grill up fresh seafood or juicy burgers and pair them with a crisp, colorful salad for a laid-back, satisfying meal.
- Gather your entire group to enjoy a fun game night or test your knowledge with OBX trivia.
- Pop open the rosé, let the conversation flow, and the laughter follow.
Morning:
- Coffee and muffins at Duck’s Cottage. We recommend an iced Coconut Crunch with oat milk and extra ice. Pick out a new book while you’re waiting in line. We have several recommendations for beach reads about the Outer Banks.
- Pop by Shane’s Family Market to pick up some chicken salad, sub rolls, and deli-style chips for lunch.
- Read your new book poolside as the rest of your group gets ready to go to the beach.
Afternoon:
- Spend your last full day on the Outer Banks lounging on the beach.
- Make chicken salad sandwiches for lunch and sip seltzers by the pool.
Evening:
- Boat tour: Sunset Sanctuary Vineyard Voyage with Kitty Hawk Kites. Cruise across the Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg. Taste and sample fine locally grown and bottled NC wine.
- Final dinner at NC Coast Grill & Bar
- One last toast to your OBX girls’ trip with champagne at the beach house.
- One last walk on the beach at sunrise.
- Grab breakfast and coffee from Shore Coffee Roasters before hitting the road.
- Hugs, goodbyes, and promises to return next year!
- Share an OBX Girls’ Trip reel on Instagram and tag your friends. Tag @TwiddyOBX as well – we’d love to see highlights from your OBX Girls’ Trip!
Plan Your Next Outer Banks Girls’ Trip
Let’s do it again next year! Choose the same vacation home or choose a different one for your next OBX trip with the girls. Plan ahead and secure your girls’ trip for next year, before everyone’s calendars fill up.
