OBX recommendations:
Plan on a full day in the Nags Head / Manteo area. Drive up to Carolla and take one of the tours that go out to see the wild ponies (use your own vehicle if you have 4wd). Take family picture in front of Carolla Lighthouse - climbing is optional. Then back to Kitty Hawk for the Wright Brothers Memorial. Next climb Jockey's Ridge and race the kids down the face to the bottom - repeat. Over to Manteo and Festival Park for the QE II sailing ship. Next, get to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in time to view the Park and buy your tickets to that evening's performance of The Lost Colony. This will probably take all day but, if you need to fill some time, the Elizabethan Gardens adjoin Fort Raleigh and the NC Aquarium is also nearby. Maybe check with the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to see if there's a wolf howling planned.
Middle OBX - stop at Bodie Island Lighthouse for family photo, climb is optional. Stop at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Southern OBX - visit Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; climb is mandatory here. Check ranger programs at Visitor Center to see if any are of interest, the seining and crabbing are something most kids enjoy. Nice miniature golf course and go kart track a few miles south of the Lighthouse. Take free ferry to Ocracoke. Pony pens are about halfway (6 miles) between ferry landing and town. Drive to Village and park in lot next ro southern ferry terminal. Rent golf cart and explore the town. Visit Ocracoke Lighthouse and take family photo, no climbing here.
Water is of course the main attraction of the OBX. In addition to the ocean, there are numerous public parking areas on the sound side and we like that better for younger children. Water is less than three feet deep for a hundred yards or more out in most places. The kite boarders and wind surfers will share the beach with you.
Hope you enjoy your visit with us. Post your lighthouse pics for all to see.
