Peaceful escape from the beach crowds. Highlights: the sunken garden, ancient live oak, and the Virginia Dare statue. Combine with the Lost Colony outdoor drama next door.
Landmarks
The Elizabethan Gardens
10 acres of themed gardens honoring Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony — quiet, romantic, camera-ready.
See it from the air
Many Outer Banks activities look completely different from a helicopter. Coastal Helicopters offers scenic tours over the beaches, lighthouses and wild-horse territory.
Book a helicopter tourMore landmarks
Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Climb 257 steps to the top of America's tallest brick lighthouse.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Walk the exact flight path from December 17, 1903.
Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
220 steps up an unpainted red-brick lighthouse for the best views of the northern beaches.