Boardwalk attractions in the Outer Banks?
March 11, 2013 6:40 PM Subscribe
The boardwalk on Rehoboth Beach, Del. is my idea of heaven: arcades, pizza places, and mini golf all within walking distance, and right on top of a beautiful beach. Is there anything like that (even at a smaller scale) in the Outer Banks?
I'm aware that the lack of commercialization is rightly considered a strength of the Outer Banks, but I thought I would ask anyway. I've also visited Ocean City, Maryland, and Honolulu, Hawai'i, and felt that with all the tall buildings they were too developed for my taste. Something like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk would be OK, too.
I'm aware that the lack of commercialization is rightly considered a strength of the Outer Banks, but I thought I would ask anyway. I've also visited Ocean City, Maryland, and Honolulu, Hawai'i, and felt that with all the tall buildings they were too developed for my taste. Something like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk would be OK, too.
I've been to the Kitty Hawk area in the Outerbanks. There wasn't really any boardwalk to speak of, but there was certainly plenty of arcade type places, mini golf, go carts, laser tag, within a quick drive or longish walk. It's definitely quiet though we had issues finding any good beach bars to hang out in and could have used a little more of a nightlife, there was virtually none, but we were also a little late in the season. I've never been to Rehoboth, but from what I'm been told it's significantly more lively.
posted by whoaali at 6:54 PM on March 11, 2013
posted by whoaali at 6:54 PM on March 11, 2013
Different areas of the Outer Banks vary, some do have a fair amount of mini golf and such. In general, it is more low key than Rehoboth - closer to Bethany Beach. There is no boardwalk proper at all, it's all driving on the bypass and Beach Road.
posted by Chrysostom at 7:00 PM on March 11, 2013
posted by Chrysostom at 7:00 PM on March 11, 2013
Well, might I recommend downtown Manteo? While it might not have as many attractions, there is a nice walkway along the marina. There are some good restaurants and shops along there and you can visit the Elizabeth II replica ship.
posted by pxharder at 7:10 PM on March 11, 2013
posted by pxharder at 7:10 PM on March 11, 2013
My family vacations in the Outer Banks every year. You will not find that boardwalk type atmosphere there. That is one of the reasons I love going there. However, there are things to do, especially in Nags Head. I recommend bringing bikes. Most places are a reasonable bike ride from entertainment. You can also rent bikes when you get there if bringing a bike for each family member is overwhelming.
If you haven't already booked, look at Ocracoke. It's a small island south of Hatteras. While it doesn't have all of the attractions that Nags Head will provide, it has that "everyone is vacationing with everyone else" type feel. People ride bikes, golf carts or walk everywhere. It's small, quaint but quite the party.
If you are the type of person who needs to be 'on the go' every day of a vacation... the Outer Banks may seem boring to you. But it's a nice way to reconnect with family doing things together like playing games.... building castles on the beach... reading books .
I hope you have a great time!!! Try the Outer Banks Brewing Station for some good food and beer! It's the only (partially) wind powered brewery in the US I think!
posted by makeshiftjoy at 8:16 PM on March 11, 2013
If you haven't already booked, look at Ocracoke. It's a small island south of Hatteras. While it doesn't have all of the attractions that Nags Head will provide, it has that "everyone is vacationing with everyone else" type feel. People ride bikes, golf carts or walk everywhere. It's small, quaint but quite the party.
If you are the type of person who needs to be 'on the go' every day of a vacation... the Outer Banks may seem boring to you. But it's a nice way to reconnect with family doing things together like playing games.... building castles on the beach... reading books .
I hope you have a great time!!! Try the Outer Banks Brewing Station for some good food and beer! It's the only (partially) wind powered brewery in the US I think!
posted by makeshiftjoy at 8:16 PM on March 11, 2013
No, and most everybody hopes it stays that way. The Outer Banks is why DC people in-the-know drive another couple hours to get to the beach -- to avoid that Rehoboth/Ocean City boardwalk scene. You can walk on boards over the beach, however -- just stroll one of the fishing piers.
posted by Rash at 10:35 AM on March 12, 2013
posted by Rash at 10:35 AM on March 12, 2013
> The boardwalk on Rehoboth Beach, Del. is my idea of heaven: arcades, pizza places, and mini golf all within walking distance, and right on top of a beautiful beach. Is there anything like that (even at a smaller scale) in the Outer Banks?
Well, by definition, no.
But...if you stay near Avalon Pier, that might serve your needs well enough. It has a pretty great (in my opinion) not-fancy, old-school arcade, pool tables, etc. They're repairing the actual fishing pier which got pretty badly damaged by Sandy. It's in Kill Devil Hills at Mile Post 6. I don't know where the closest good pizza joint is, but Awful Arthur's is a great seafood place that's practically across the street.
posted by desuetude at 11:33 AM on March 12, 2013
Well, by definition, no.
But...if you stay near Avalon Pier, that might serve your needs well enough. It has a pretty great (in my opinion) not-fancy, old-school arcade, pool tables, etc. They're repairing the actual fishing pier which got pretty badly damaged by Sandy. It's in Kill Devil Hills at Mile Post 6. I don't know where the closest good pizza joint is, but Awful Arthur's is a great seafood place that's practically across the street.
posted by desuetude at 11:33 AM on March 12, 2013
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posted by greta simone at 6:47 PM on March 11, 2013 [1 favorite]