What to Do in the Outer Banks in April

OBX In Bloom

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April is here and spring is officially in the air. With the weather warming up, the average high temperature in April is around 69° which is perfect for getting outside. The average low on the Outer Banks in April is 52°, so bring a jacket because the evenings are still chilly. The warmer temperatures mean beautiful seasonal flowers are emerging all around the Outer Banks…and so are we! It’s a time when the area truly begins coming alive. There are so many fun things to do on the Outer Banks in April. If you’d like to jump in the ocean during your spring break on the OBX, it’s definitely possible, but keep in mind the average ocean temperature in April is around 60°.

Elizabethan Gardens Easter on the Outer Banks Dare A250 Faire Marathons The Lost Colony Wine Festival Wild Horse Tours Beach Days
pink tree Elizabethan gardens

See the Elizabethan Gardens in Bloom

Perhaps one of our favorite springtime activities is seeing the Elizabethan Gardens in bloom. No need to wait until fall for that color tour! April brings the brilliance of Carolina Yellow Jessamines, gorgeous pink Azaleas, and more.

Flowers are not the only colorful sight to behold. The Elizabethan Gardens invites you to discover butterflies up close as they take their first flight at their Butterfly Release event happening on specific dates in April. 

On the Saturday before Easter, the Elizabethan Gardens holds their Eastertide in the Gardens event. Featuring the beauty of spring, this family event offers children the opportunity to gather eggs along paths through the Gardens. Contests, games, and vendors on the Great Lawn will also be present. The event often sells out, so purchase your tickets in advance.

Corolla Chapel

Celebrate Easter on the OBX 

The Outer Banks is a great place to gather your family to celebrate Easter. Whether you’re on a getaway for spring break or for the Easter holiday, there are plenty of things to do during the week before and after Easter. Easter Services are available across the Outer Banks, and most OBX restaurants are open for business if you’d like to celebrate with a special family meal together.

Dare A250 Faire at the Wright Brothers National Memorial

Dare County and the National Park Service are hosting an all-day patriotic festival to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event will focus on liberty, legacy, and liftoff in Kill Devil Hills, at the site of the Wright Brothers’ famous first flight.

Race to the Finish Line

The sun is out, and we’re ready to stretch our legs. Spring brings many opportunities for runners, including two unique marathons. Don’t forget to dress in your best pirate garb for these themed races!

*As of 1/2/26, 2026 dates for the Flying Pirate Half Marathon and First Flight 5K and fun run have not been confirmed.

wine

The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival

Eat, drink, and be merry while supporting The Lost Colony, the nation’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, which first premiered in 1937. The Annual Grand Tasting takes place in Manteo in mid-April, in the SoundStage Theatre, which features gorgeous views of the Roanoke Sound. Admission to the festival includes wine tasting, craft beers, and fare from ten local restaurants. In addition, there is a silent auction, regional art show, and live music. All proceeds from The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival benefit The Lost Colony production.

Foaling Season on the Outer Banks

Spring marks foaling season on the Outer Banks, a time when the Corolla Wild Horses welcome offspring into the world. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund regularly announces the birth of new foals to the herd. This momentous event reminds us of how extraordinarily lucky the Outer Banks is to have these animals on our shores. To see and learn more about the wild horses, we recommend taking a Wild Horse Adventure Tour, where you may even get to see a foal roaming amongst its herd on the 4×4 beach. If you choose to continue supporting these incredible animals, please consider donating to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, whose efforts keep the herd thriving.

what to do in april - wild horses
what to do in april - dog

Beach Bummin’

And of course, no OBX trip would be complete without a few beach days! April is a perfect time to hit the seashore. With fewer crowds and milder temperatures in the high sixties, there’s plenty of warm sand to sink your feet into. And for all the families with furry friends, April is one of the best months to visit the Outer Banks. Because of fewer people and mild weather, there is no time restriction on when dogs can go to the beach. Check out our guide to bringing your dog to the beach and our pet-friendly rentals.

Looking for more pet friendly things to do on the Outer Banks? The weather is just right for dogs to explore all the OBX offers. There are fun things to do with your dog in each town.

Courtney Wisecarver

Courtney Wisecarver

 
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