The Outer Banks offers numerous attractions, all of them based on the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area. The information listed here is subject to change; call ahead to verify information or to inquire about admission prices. See our Lighthouses page for information about the four local lighthouses.

Corolla

Corolla Wild Horse Museum – Exhibits on the Corolla wild horses and activities for children at the restored Corolla schoolhouse. Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm. 1126 Schoolhouse Lane, (252) 453-8002; corollawildhorses.com

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education – Exhibits and daily programs about the area’s natural history and heritage. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. Currituck Heritage Park, 1160 Village Lane, (252) 453-0221; ncwildlife.org

The Whalehead Club – A restored 1920s house museum. Open year round. Self guided tours Monday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; check the website for information about specialty tours and events. Currituck Heritage Park, 1100 Club Road, (252) 453-9040; whaleheadclub.org

Duck

Duck Research Pier – Tour the Army Corps of Engineers’ internationally recognized coastal observatory. Tours in summer only, mid-June through mid-August, Monday through Friday at 10 am. 1261 Duck Road, (252) 261-6840 ext. 234; frf.usace.army.mil

Kill Devil Hills

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve – Remarkable range of unique habitats, including forested dunes, interdune ponds, marshes and wetlands. Open from dawn to dusk every day. Ocean Acres Drive (MP 9.5; turn west off U.S. 158 across from McDonald’s), (252) 441-2525; nature.org (type Nags Head Woods into the search box)

Wright Brothers National Memorial – Explore the history of flight in the museum and on the grounds and walk the hill to the memorial pylon for a spectacular view of the Outer Banks. Open daily year round 9 am to 5 pm (until 6 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day). MP 8, U.S. Highway 158, (252) 441-7430; nps.gov/wrbr

Nags Head

Jockey’s Ridge State Park – Climb the tallest sand dunes east of the Mississippi River and explore the museum. Ask about programs. Park opens daily at 8 am, visitor center at 9 am. Closing times vary seasonally. Carolista Drive (MP 12, off U.S. 158), (252) 441-7132; jockeysridgestatepark.com

Roanoke Island

The Elizabethan Gardens – Delightful gardens created to honor the first settlers in the New World. Ask about special events and programs. The gardens are open daily year round; hours vary according to season and day. 1411 National Park Drive (adjacent to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site), (252) 473-3234; elizabethangardens.org

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site – Exhibits on the Roanoke Island colonies, nature trails and a restored fort. Open daily year round 9 am to 5 pm (until 6 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day). 1401 National Park Drive, (252) 473-5772; nps.gov/fora

Island Farm – Living history site interpreting daily life on a Roanoke Island farm in the mid-1800s. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. 1140 U.S. Highway 64. (252) 473-6500.

The Lost Colony – America’s longest running outdoor drama tells the story of the first attempts at permanent settlement in the New World. May 28 through August 20, 2011. Monday through Saturday at 8 pm. 1409 National Park Dr. (adjacent to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site), (252) 473-3414; thelostcolony.org

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – Salt and freshwater tanks, touch tank, exhibits, gift shop. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm. 374 Airport Road, (252) 473-3493; ncaquariums.com

Roanoke Island Festival Park – Elizabeth II representative sailing ship, interpretive programs, a museum, an art gallery, special events and performances. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm; closed in January and February. 1 Festival Park Drive (across from the Manteo Waterfront), (252) 475-1500; roanokeisland.com

Hatteras Island

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station – Tour the restored 1874 station and outbuildings and learn of the gallant men of the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Special programs in the summer months. Open mid-April to mid-November, Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm. MP 39.5, 23645 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe; (252) 987-1552; chicamacomico.net

Frisco Native American Museum – Learn about the island’s first inhabitants in the museum and tour the nature trails. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm in season (call for off-season days of operation). N.C. Hwy. 12, Frisco, (252) 995-4440; nativeamericanmuseum.org

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – This museum preserves, researches, exhibits and interprets Outer Banks shipwreck history from 1524 to 1945. End of N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village, (252) 986-2995; graveyardoftheatlantic.com