20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Rodanthe, NC
Are you planning a trip to Rodanthe, 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 20 best and fun things to do in Rodanthe, NC, making your trip unforgettable.
Located along the shores of Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks in Dare County, Rodanthe, North Carolina, is a beautiful coastal town that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures.
Known for its beauty and tranquility, the best things to do in Rodanthe will leave you looking for more. To make the most of your vacation, explore the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, learn history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and visit the Rodanthe Pier.
20 Best and Fun Things To Do In Rodanthe, NC (2024)
1. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site
Begin your Rodanther adventure by visiting the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site. Established in 1874, the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station is the most complete site of all remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the most complete sites in the nation.
The station features fantastic architecture and its accompanying structures, such as cookhouses, stables, water towers, a potable water beehive cistern, and assorted period rescue equipment.
The station’s original complex now serves as a museum and souvenir store, showcasing some of the team’s most daring efforts.
Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved historic buildings and artifacts that transport them back in time. You also gain insight into the courageous life-saving crews who battled treacherous waters.
Address:Â 23645 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
2. Relax on Rodanthe Beaches
One of the fun things to do in Rodanthe, NC, is to escape the summer heat at Rodanthe’s pristine beaches. The town, which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is famous for its pristine and serene beaches.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of beach activities, such as sunbathing, beachcombing for seashells, swimming, or simply taking in the tranquil coastal atmosphere.
What’s more, while at the beach, you can also witness stunning sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky with breathtaking colours.
Address: 23731 NC 12 Highway, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
3. Rodanthe Fishing Pier
The Rodante Fishing Pier, also known as Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, is a popular attraction in Rondate due to its excellent fishing opportunities.
The pier is an excellent destination for fishing and sightseeing. The pier house is stocked with everything you need to enjoy an afternoon or relax over the ocean views.
The shop features tackle rods and reels, bait, and snacks. There is also a game room with tables and chairs to keep everyone entertained.
Address:Â 24251 Atlantic Drive, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States
4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Just a short drive south of Rodanthe is the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the must-visit attractions in Rodanthe, North Carolina.
Completed and lit in 1870, this iconic structure is one of the three constructed in Buxton, NC. This structure provided navigational aid to ships out in the Atlantic.
Standing at 198.5 feet tall with 257 steps that spiral to the top, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white stripes, has been a major attraction in the Outer Banks.
On your visit, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean, as the lighthouse is open seasonally for public tours.
You can also explore the visitor center to learn about the history of the lighthouse and its significance in maritime navigation.
Address:Â 46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC 27920, United States
5. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
One of the fun things to do in Rodante, NC, today is to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Established in 1938, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge provides nesting, resting, and wintering habitats for migratory birds, including greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and raptors, among others.
The refuge, which is home to over 370 species, includes a beach, dunes, brackish ponds, and marshes.
On your visit, explore the hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse coastal ecosystems. Also, observe a myriad of wildlife, from shorebirds and waterfowl to turtles and dolphins.
6. Rodanthe Community Center Playground
Exploring the Rodanthe Community Center Playground is one of the kid-friendly things to do in Rodanthe, NC. This outdoor recreational center caters to people of all ages.
The nautical-themed playground features slides, tunnels, climbing bars, a swing set, and a picnic area.
As part of your Rodanthe itinerary, spend time at this playground and let your kids have fun.
Address:Â 23646 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
7. Pamlico Sound
Among the many fun things to do in Rodanthe is to engage in water sports at Pamlico Sound, the largest lagoon along the North American East Coast.
This shallow body of water is about 5–6 feet deep and provides the perfect canvas for exploring the beautiful surroundings. The Outer Bank, a chain of narrow barrier islands, separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Pamlico Sound.
The sound provides opportunities for fishing and crabbing, boating, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and embark on a serene journey across the Pamlico 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: North Carolina, United States.
8. Bonner Bridge Pier
The Bonner Bridge Pier is one of the best attractions in Rodanthe, North Carolina. Completed in 2021, the 1,046-foot-long concrete structure was once the southern terminal of the original Bonner Bridge.
The pier is an excellent spot for anglers to enjoy easy access to Oregon Inlet and sightseers to enjoy the views that extend from the Bodie Island Lighthouse to the historic Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station.
To use the pier, you must comply with the rules, which can be found at the entrance to the Bonner Bridge Pier webpage.
Address:Â QF99+2W, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
Are you exploring other attractions in the Outer Banks, North Carolina? Why not check out some fun things to do in Nags Head, NC, fun things to do in Corolla, NC, and fun things to do in Duck, NC?
9. Pioneer Theater
Located in Manteo, North Carolina, about 30 minutes from Rodanthe, seeing a movie at the Pioneer Theater is one of the most romantic things to do in Rodanthe, NC, at night for couples.
Established in 1918, this family-owned theater has played host to numerous events, including movies, music, and theater performances. The theatre shows one movie a night without trailers.
To catch a performance, check the theatre’s calendar and pre-purchase tickets.
Address:Â 109 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954, United States.
10. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
One of the unique things to do in Rodanthe is to embark on a captivating journey through maritime history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
Located on Hatteras Island, this museum focuses on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The museum houses many exhibits featuring artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including a German Enigma machine from the German submarine U-85 that was sunk in 1942.
It also showcases other exhibits, including ship models, exhibits about General Billy Mitchell and his ship bombing demonstrations off the Cape Hatteras coast in 1921, explorers and colonists, lifesaving and rescue operations, and piracy and famous area pirates.
On your visit, learn about the shipwrecks, lifesaving efforts, and brave souls who navigated treacherous waters. Also, explore interactive exhibits and a vast collection of artifacts from sunken vessels.
Address:Â 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, NC 27943, United States
11. Fessenden Center
Located in Buxton, North Carolina, 30 minutes south of Rodanthe, Fessenden Center is a multi-generational facility that caters to people of all ages on Hatteras Island.
The center provides professional and supervised programs in areas such as arts, athletics, wellness, and general leisure programming.
The facility features a multi-use field with a backstop and dugouts, soccer gails, a concession stand, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, a playground for kids, an outdoor basketball court, two tennis courts, a skate park including a bowl and street park, and a full-size gymnasium, among others.
Address:Â 46830 North Carolina Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920, United States
12. Waves Village Watersports Resort
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Rodanthe? Then head to the Waves Village Watersports Resort, which offers one of the best recreational water sports, wind sports, and family-friendly entertainment.
Beyond the entertainment, the Waves Village Watersports Resort is also the best place to stay in Rodanthe, as it offers beautiful sound-front vacation rental accommodation.
On your visit, you can engage in numerous water activities, including kiteboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Address:Â 24502 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
14. Outer Banks Mall
Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, about 30 minutes from Rodanthe, the Outer Banks Mall is a one-stop shopping center for a variety of goods and services.
The mall houses several stores that sell groceries and furniture and several restaurants, including Grits Grill, New China, WooCasa Kitchen, Yellow Submarine, Island Snowball, Duck Donuts, and Outback Steakhouse.
So if you’re looking for where to go shopping during your vacation in Rodanthe, take a short drive to the Outer Banks Mall.
Address:Â 5000 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States.
15. Rodanthe Watersports and Campground
Located along the Pamlico Sound waterfront, the Rodanthe Watersports and Campground is one of the best places to visit in Rodanthe for fun. outdoor activities.
The campground offers one of the most beautiful camping experiences on the Outer Banks. The family-owned and operated campground features an array of standard and waterfront sites for visitors, as well as a 12’x12′ cabin.
Here, visitors can have access to several watersports, including kayaking, windsurfing, beachcombing, swimming, fishing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing. They also provide rental fleets including SUPs, sailboats, kayaks, surfboards, skimboards, and more.
What’s more, visitors can also explore the nearby beach, fishing pier, skate park, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Address:Â 24170 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States.
16. Pirates of Chicamacomico
One of the unusual things to do in Rodanthe today is to shop for pirate-related items at the Pirates of Chicamacomico.
Established in 2008, the Pirates of Chicamacomico sell unique pirate items, making it a rewarding and fun experience for visitors and residents alike.
On your visit, check out the store and special offers, and get pirate souvenirs as a symbol of your vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Address:Â 23881 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States
17. Wings Over Water Festival
One of the fun things to do in Rodanthe, NC, in the fall is to experience the Wings Over Water Festival.
Held annually, this premier wildlife festival serves as a fundraiser for the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and features more than 100 different tours and events focused on birding, kayaking, photography, natural history, and art.
The week-long festival, which takes place in mid-October, offers a plethora of educational events, lectures, and opportunities to meet and greet with other birders.
Visitors can participate in art and photography classes, go on guided birding tours, take a tram or kayak tour of a National Wildlife Refuge, and much more.
Address: 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NCÂ 27954, United States.
18. Pea Island Art Gallery
One of the fun things to do in Rodanthe, NC, for art enthusiasts is to explore the vibrant local art scene at the Pea Island Art Gallery.
Housed in a historic replica of a 19th-century Old Lifesaving Station, this art gallery is filled with watercolors, oils and acrylics, sculpture, jewellery, photography, glass, pottery, wood, fiber, garden art, etchings, and hand-pulled fine art prints.
The art gallery features over 100 local and regional artists with all kinds of unique art.
On your visit, admire and purchase unique pieces created by talented Outer Banks artists. Also, take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your Rodanthe experience.
Address:Â 27766 North Carolina Hwy 12, Salvo, NC 27972, United States.
19. Jumpmasters Trampoline Park
Located in Manteo, North Carolina, about 30 minutes from Rodanthe, seeking fun and adventure at the Jumpmaster Trampoline Park is one of the family-friendly things to do near Rodanthe, NC.
This popular attraction is a beehive of fun indoor activities for families, kids, and people of all ages. This facility features trampoline zones, dodgeball, slam dunk zones, a ninja warrior course, a battle beam, a pugil stick, a 3D climbing wall, and an airbag.
This amusement park also features OBX Axe Throwing, an exciting place where you can hone your axe-throwing skills
In addition to the fun activities offered at the park, Jumpmaster Trampoline Park is also a great place for birthday parties, family gatherings, team parties, and other events.
Address:Â 728 US-64, Manteo, NC 27954, United States
20. OBX Bowling
Less than an hour’s drive from Rodanthe, experiencing thrilling games at OBX Bowling is one of the fun things to do in Rodanthe, NC, at night.
This family entertainment is a paradise catering to both kids and adults.
OBX Bowling offers numerous lanes catering to casual bowlers and serious league players. They also offer automatic bumpers on the bowling lanes for kids.
The entertainment centre offers a variety of bowling formats, including open bowling and junior and adult league bowling. It also boasts billiards and an arcade with games like Skeeball and air hockey.
Beyond the lanes, OBX Bowling boasts a cafe where you can treat yourself and your family to some beverages.
Address:Â 200 W Satterfield Landing Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States
Plan Your Trip To Rodanthe, NC
Rodanthe, North Carolina, offers an array of fun activities and experiences that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. From its rich history and natural beauty to adrenaline-pumping water sports and serene beachfront relaxation, Rodanthe has something to offer everyone.
Plan your visit to this coastal paradise, immerse yourself in its beauty and culture, and create lasting memories that will forever be etched in your heart. Safe travels!
