Wikimedia Commons by David Broad
There are few things in life more beautiful, peaceful, and awe-inspiring than a perfect sunset. If you’ve never seen the sun set on the Outer Banks, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. There are so many fantastic places to watch the sun dip slowly beneath the sound that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Grab your phone and camera and get ready to capture some breathtaking photos, here are the five best places to watch the sun go down on the Outer Banks.
The Whalehead Club – Corolla, NC
The Whalehead Club is a historic home in Corolla located right on the sound. While it’s a popular attraction for visitors, there’s plenty of parking and it’s a fantastic spot to take in the view. Post up and watch the sunset; the home glows beautifully at night. After the sun goes down, you can take the Twilight tour (that ends with a free wine tasting) or embark on a Moonlight Ghost Tour where you’ll learn about the ghosts of residents who allegedly haunt the property.
Corolla Sunset by OuterBanks.com
The historic house was built in the 1920s by the Knights, a wealthy Rhode Island couple who wanted to build their dream home in the Outer Banks. Since then, the property has been used as a bunker for the US Coast Guard, a boarding school, a rocket fuel test site, and finally, renovated and open to the public in 2002 as part of Corolla Heritage Park. Want to see more historic spots while in the Outer Banks? Here are some must-see attractions like lighthouses, museums, and gardens.
The Blue Point in Duck, NC
Currituck Pier by OuterBanks.com
Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you take in the sunset from this Outer Banks favorite overlooking the Currituck Sound. You can watch the sunset from the laid back chairs on the water’s edge, the restaurant’s back porch, or enjoy the view with drink in hand from The backBAR.
The Blue Point serves an enticing selection of locally-sourced, high-end seafood; enjoy a delicious meal and listen to live music. Visit the restaurant’s website for the event schedule and get a sneak peak of the famous view from the sunset webcam.
Hayman Street Gazebo – Kill Devil Hills, NC
If sunset and sanctuary sound enticing, this is the perfect spot for you. Hayman Street Gazebo is located on Bay Drive in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. This spot is easy to find and access, and there is ample parking across from the gazebo on Hayman Street.
Kill Devil Hills Sunset / Flickr by Karen Blaha
More of an open space than a venue, bring your own food and enjoy a private picnic as you watch the sun go down. If you’re looking for other fun things to do while staying in or passing through Kill Devil Hills, here are some of the most popular restaurants, attractions, and nightlife hotspots.
Jockey’s Ridge – Nags Head, NC
Sunset or not, Jockey’s Ridge Park is a must-visit attraction in the Outer Banks. With panoramic, 360-degree Roanoke sound views from the tallest sand dunes on the east coast, however, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to watch the sunset.
Nags Head NC / Flickr by Tori Behr
The dunes formed 3,000 to 4,000 years ago and can get as high as 60 feet with sand constantly blowing back and forth. Besides the breathtaking sunset, you can spend the day at Jockey’s Ridge Park. Check out the exhibits, enjoy a meal at the picnic shelters, explore the museum, or get some air and try hang gliding.
Canadian Hole, Cape Hatteras
No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without a day at the beach. Whether you’re traveling with your family or a special someone, plan a day to swim, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, watch windsurfers and kiteboarders, and take in the view at this charming small-town beach on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Outer Banks Sunset by Pixabay.com
When you’re done lounging on the beach or splashing in the water, stick around to see the stunning sunset over the Pamlico Sound. Outer Banks locals and visitors frequently stop here to catch a glimpse of the sunset en route to Buxton or Avon (Canadian Hole is conveniently equidistant from both towns). If you’re staying on Hatteras Island for more than one night, Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, visit the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, or take the ferry to Ocraco*ke Island.
Whether you hit all these spots or just one, you’ll be awestruck by the view and the stunning sunset. Remember, you don’t have to wait until the sun goes down to visit these Outer Banks hotspots. From beaches to lighthouses to delicious seafood restaurants, take advantage of all the Outer Banks has to offer, and have a wonderful time. Do you have a go-to spot to watch the sunset? Let us know in the comments below!
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About The Author: Maile Timon is a freelance writer from San Diego, CA. When she’s not working or writing, she enjoys hiking, reading, drinking gluten free beer, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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