There’s something timeless about a boardwalk stroll in the NC Outer Banks. From the soundside sunsets of Duck, to the wild beauty of Currituck Banks, to the bustling waterfront in Manteo, and the quiet marsh trails near Bodie Island Lighthouse, each boardwalk offers a different glimpse into the natural beauty and coastal culture that make the OBX unforgettable.
Make your boardwalk adventures even more memorable by staying close to the action. Atlantic Realty offers a wide selection of OBX vacation rentals for both long-term and partial-week stays. Select from cozy cottages to luxury Outer Banks oceanfront house rentals, perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends (and even your furry family members in our pet-friendly properties).
Explore the Duck Boardwalk in the Outer Banks
Duck Town Park and Boardwalk sit at the heart of Duck, offering 11 acres of maritime forest trails, willow swamp, open green space, and soundside views. The nearly mile-long Outer Banks boardwalk stretches along the Currituck Sound, connecting the park to shops and restaurants in the Village Commercial District. Visitors can launch a kayak, tie up at a boat slip, catch live music at the amphitheater, or simply take in the sunsets that make this spot a favorite for both locals and vacationers.
Stroll the Boardwalk at Currituck Banks Reserve
Currituck Banks Reserve, one of North Carolina’s first National Estuarine Research Reserves, protects 965 acres of barrier island habitats, including maritime forest, freshwater marshes, oceanfront dunes, and tidal flats. Just north of Corolla, visitors can explore a 1/3-mile Outer Banks boardwalk leading to Currituck Sound or branch off onto the 0.75-mile Maritime Forest Trail. The site is a haven for birdwatchers with seasonal waterfowl and migratory species along the Atlantic Flyway. Parking is strictly for trail use, while beachgoers and 4x4 drivers should use nearby county lots.
Visit the Outer Banks Manteo Waterfront Boardwalk
The Manteo Boardwalk winds along the waterfront from Marshes Light Marina through downtown Manteo to Roanoke Island Festival Park. Along the way, it passes the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a playground, a gazebo over the water, and busy docks filled with sailboats and fishing vessels. Shops and restaurants open directly onto the boardwalk, and boat and kayak tours depart from the waterfront. Crossing the Cora Mae Daniels Basnight Bridge offers beautiful views of Shallowbag Bay, Dough’s Creek, and the Elizabeth II.
Explore the Boardwalk by Bodie Island Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Nature Trail is a short Outer Banks boardwalk, just one-eighth of a mile, that winds through marshland to a freshwater pond. An observation deck at the end offers views of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, wetlands, and diverse wildlife, from blue crabs and snapping turtles to migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. The trailhead, located north of the Bodie Island Visitor Center, provides parking, restrooms, water fountains, and bike racks. Benches at the overlook make it an ideal spot to pause and enjoy the sounds and sights of this coastal habitat.
5 bedrooms
4 baths
13 guests
