26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Duck, NC

Are you planning a trip to Duck, North Carolina, and looking for fun activities to make your trip memorable? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll explore the 26 best and fun things to do in Duck, NC, making your trip unforgettable.

Conveniently located along the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina, Duck is a charming coastal town that perfectly blends natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a laid-back, small-town atmosphere.

Known for its beautiful beaches, unforgettable restaurants, and shops, Duck offers a diverse range of experiences waiting to be explored. Visit the Duck Town Park, the Duck Boardwalk, the Waterfront Shops, and other unique attractions.

26 Best and Fun Things To Do In Duck, NC (2024)

1. Duck Town Park Boardwalk

Begin your journey into the heart of Duck with a stroll along the charming Duck Town Park Broadwalk, which overlooks the Currituck Sound.

Stretching over 3,000 feet into the water, this wooden promenade skirts the tranquil waters of the Currituck Sound, offering a captivating panorama of the surrounding beauty.

As the sun casts its golden hues across the water and a gentle breeze rustles through the reeds, you’ll quickly discover the soothing essence of Duck.

As one of the best things to do in Duck, walking along the boardwalk, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of waterfowl, wildlife, and migratory birds that also flock here, enjoying the calm waters and peaceful vibes.

Address: Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949

2. Duck Town Park

One fun thing to do with family in Duck, NC, is to explore Duck Town Park. The park is located near the Duck Boardwalk and offers a peaceful place for picnics, outdoor concerts, and family gatherings.

Sprawling 11 acres, this premier community recreational facility features natural beauty, including trails through the Maritime Forest, a willow swamp, open green space, sound side views, and access to the town’s boardwalk.

The park also features beautifully landscaped gardens, tranquil ponds, and a children’s playground. It also has an amphitheatre, a public kayak/canoe launch, a water fountain, a town green, and a gazebo.

Unwind under the shade of towering trees, bask in the serene ambience, and watch the kids play in the park’s spacious playground.

Address: Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949

3. Duck Waterfront Shops

Another special thing to do in Duck, NC, for couples is to engage in an intimate shopping experience at Duck Waterfront Shops, home to an array of delightful shops and boutiques that beckon with unique treasures.

The Duck Waterfront Shops feature over 27 boutiques, restaurants, eateries, and more. Take a leisurely walk with your partner through these charming stores to discover everything from artisanal crafts and exquisite jewellery to stylish clothing and eclectic home decor.

Each shop carries its own distinct character, making it a delightful experience to explore the waterfront’s shopping scene.

Address: 1240 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

4. Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Just a short drive from Duck, visiting the iconic Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the cheap things to do near Duck, North Carolina.

Located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, the Currituck Beach Light stands tall, beckoning visitors to ascend its spiral of 220 steps to the top for panoramic views. First lit in 1875, the lighthouse filled the remaining dark spot on the North Carolina coast between Cape Henry and Bodie Island lighthouses.

Marvel at this historic landmark’s maritime history and architectural splendour as you take in the sweeping vistas from the lighthouse’s summit.

Address: 1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927

5. Duck Jazz Festival

One of the fun things to do in Duck, NC, in the Falls is to attend the Duck Jazz Festival. This musical event, held annually in early October, transforms the town into a vibrant hub of jazz performances.

Typically held at Duck Park on Columbus Day weekend, this two-night musical event features live music performances by various jazz artists and ensembles to keep your toes tapping to the beat.

This festival celebrates the art of jazz with world-class musicians and an electric atmosphere. Come along with your chairs, blankets, food, and drinks. You can also try some local delicacies sampled by the food vendors at the park.

Address: 1200 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949

6. Wild Horse Tours in Corolla

Just a short drive from Duck, adventure awaits in Corolla as you embark on a thrilling wild horse tour. The Corolla Wild Horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs, roam freely along the beaches and dunes of this coastal paradise.

Your guided tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience as you get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. You can also take a Hummer Adventure Tour, which explores the Outer Banks beaches in an open-air, 13-passenger Hummer.

Address: 610 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla, NC 27927

7. Water Sports

One of the fun things to do in Duck today is to engage in water sports. The town’s waterways provide the perfect canvas for exploring the picturesque surroundings.

You can rent a kayak or paddleboard at Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports and embark on a serene journey across the Currituck Sound.

The calm and protected waters of the sound are particularly well-suited for beginners, while seasoned paddlers can venture farther into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Address: 1314 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949, United States

8. Jockey Ridge State Park

Jockey Ridge State Park is among the best places for fun family activities. Located in Nags Head, this park is a beehive of fun outdoor recreation.

Spanning 426 acres, Jockey Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living dune system on the Atlantic coast and provides an ideal destination for flying kites and watching sunsets.

The park offers numerous activities, including hang gliding, hiking, kite flying, and picnicking. The park also allows swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. It also features a visitor’s centre, a small gift shop, and a museum.

Address: 300 W Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

Are you exploring other attractions near Duck? Why not check out some fun things to do in Corolla, NC, and fun things to do in Nags Head, NC?

9. Kitty Hawk Kites

One of the fun outdoor activities to do in Duck is to seek adventure at Kitty Hawk Kites. This adventure company provides a gateway to outdoor activities, from hang gliding and kite flying to stand-up paddleboarding.

Whether you’re seeking thrills or want to experience the great outdoors, Kitty Hawk Kites has you covered. This adventure is one of the best things to do in Duck.

Address: 302 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

10. Paradise Fun Park

One fun thing to do with family near Duck, NC, is to visit Paradise Fun Park, one of the Outer Banks’ top attraction spots. This outdoor park caters to adults and children in Kill Devil Kills.

This family-friendly park features go-karts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, bumper cars, and arcade games. Explore this park with your family and have fun playing the games.

Address: 3300 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, United States

11. Duck Trail

Among the many things to do in Duck, NC, is to hike and bike along the Duck Trail. The trail, a six-mile-long, multi-use path, traverses the entire length of the town.

Located primarily on the east side of Duck Road, the trail runs parallel to Duck Road (NC 12) as part of the wide shoulder. The trail offers a safe walk, run, or bike through the wax myrtle-canopied corridor between these towns.

Some smaller paths and trails wind pedestrians and bikers into the maritime forest and a spacious, relatively new boardwalk along Duck’s Sound side, making getting around by foot a choice thing to do in Duck, NC.

Address: Duck, NC 27253, United States

12. Elizabethan Gardens

Located a few minutes from Duck, visiting the Elizabethan Gardens, a part of the Fort Raleigh National Historic, is one of the romantic things to do near Duck, NC, for couples.

The gardens encompass ten acres of botanical and sculptural delights in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists. The gardens feature an array of seasonal flowering plants, meticulously manicured shrubs and trees, exquisite Renaissance sculptures, and other unique Elizabethan features.

Address: 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, United States

13. Duck Woods Country Club

Established in 1969, the Duck Woods Country Club is an 18-hole public course conveniently located in Southern Shores, North Carolina. The course provides a challenge to all golfers, whether they are novice golfers or experienced golfers.

The golf club also offers meticulously maintained greens set amidst gently rolling landscapes and serene water features. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, consider booking a session with their in-house professionals for tips and guidance.

Beyond golf, the club features a swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis and pickleball courts.

Address: 50 S Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949, United States

14. H2OBX Waterpark

One of the fun things to do with family in Duck, NC, is to visit the nearby H2OBX Waterpark in Powells Point. Located less than 30 minutes from Duck, this waterpark is a perfect destination for family fun and caters to adults and children.

This family-friendly attraction boasts an array of thrilling water rides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that promise hours of aquatic fun and excitement.

Beyond the splash zones, the waterpark offers more OBX vistas and venues to explore. For onsite shopping, visit Wright Stuff Retail and eat at Outer Banks Eats.

Address: 8526 Caratoke Hwy, Powells Point, NC 27966, United States

15. Bob’s Bait and Tackle

Fishing is one of the many water recreations in Duck, and Bob’s Bait and Tackle is where to get all your fishing gear.

Established in 1975, Bob’s Bait and Tackle offers a huge selection of fishing supplies like rods, lures, reels, and live frozen or fresh baits, including large bloodworms and crab bait, to prepare you for your expeditions.

As part of the fun things to do in Duck, climb aboard the modern fleets and enjoy a whole-day or half-day fishing charter. You’ll experience personalized service and instructions on how and where to fish and crab.

Address: 1180 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949, United States

16. Bodie Island Lighthouse

Just a half-hour drive from Duck, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the must-visit attractions in the Outer Banks. Built in 872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 165 feet tall with 214 steps that spiral to the top.

The lighthouse is still active, providing navigational aid to ships out at sea. On your visit, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Outer Banks, as the lighthouse is open seasonally for public tours.

Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

17. OB-Xscape Rooms

Looking for fun things to do in Duck today with friends and family? Then, experience an immersive, captivating, and challenging adventure at OB-Xscape Rooms.

The OB-Xscape Rooms provide an interactive and uniquely thrilling experience for families and friends to utilize teamwork and problem-solving skills in a fun and immersive environment.

The rooms are all set in different themes, with ten choices, making it a fantastic experience. Some escape rooms on offer include Cell Block 4 Death Row, Cold Case Murder of Dawn Renee, Raptor Revenge, Rest In Peace Motel, Blind Tiger Speakeasy, Mutiny on the Lark, Meltdown, Escape the Lost Pyramid, Medusa: Beyond Medusa’s Gate, and Huxley Save the Future.

Address: 1 Ocean Blvd Suite 108-111, Southern Shores, NC 27949, United States

18. Corolla Adventure Park

Just a 30-minute drive from Duck, seeking adventure at the Corolla Adventure Park is one of the unique things to do near Duck, NC.

The adventure park offers fun and challenges for the whole family. The park features 72 obstacles and eight zip lines 12–50 feet above the grounds. The park also offers axe throwing and a nature trail for nature enthusiasts.

Beyond the adventure, the park has an outdoor bar to get snacks and beverages for a family gathering.

Address: 1215 Ponton Lane, Corolla, NC 27927, United States

Are you exploring other attractions in North Carolina? Why not check out some fun things to do in Fayetteville, NC, and fun things to do in Murphy, NC?