The Best Outer Banks Date Night Restaurants

The Outer Banks are an assortment of barrier islands off the North Carolina Coast overflowing with natural beauty and rich American history dating back to the first attempted English Colony. This enchanting region boasts plenty of incredible restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients and waterfront views that are perfect for date nights during romantic getaways. Atlantic Realty offers a lovely array of Outer Banks vacation rentals with amenities that will suit every couple’s desires. From pet-friendly options to private pools and oceanfront views, our OBX vacation rentals are sure to make your couples retreat extra special.

couple strolling hand in hand
couple strolling along the boardwalk

7 Good OBX Restaurants for Romantic Date Nights

  1. NC Coast Grill & Bar: Indulge in tasty dishes in a chic and laid-back atmosphere overlooking the water. With a 4.4-star rating from over 796 reviews, this is an excellent date night restaurant for a romantic evening. 
  2. Red Sky Cafe: With over 30 years of culinary excellence and creative tasty cuisine, this is easily one of the best date night restaurants in the Outer Banks. We aren’t their only fans, they also boast 5.7K Facebook followers and 5.1K Facebook likes. 
  3. JK’s Restaurant: Head to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, for one of the best date night restaurants around, with a 4.6-star rating from over 1116 Google reviews and delicious steaks, seafood, and wood-fired grill cuisine. Enjoy an elegant ambiance and a delicious meal with your sweetheart.
  4. Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar: Tucked within Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is one of the best Outer Banks date night restaurants, featuring a 4.7-star rating from over 559 Google reviews. Indulge in delicious seafood and cocktails together in an upscale dining setting. 
  5. Trio Restaurant and Market: Couples can enjoy one of the best Outer Banks date night restaurants or grab some treats from the market to enjoy in their OBX vacation rentals. With a 4.7-star rating from over 980 Google reviews, it’s clear to see we’re not alone in enjoying this spot.
  6. The Paper Canoe: Feast your eyes on elegant waterfront dining on American gourmet cuisine. They also feature a stunning 4.7-star rating from over 662 Google reviews.
  7. The Blue Point: Taste the flavors of authentic Southern cuisine with creative twists and ingredients sourced from the Outer Banks. They also feature waterfront views and a 4.6-star rating from over 1111 Google reviews.

Find the best places to stay in the Outer Banks at Atlantic Realty!

Enjoy Romantic Getaways in the NC Outer Banks

Romantic getaways in the NC Outer Banks are an enchanting experience filled with rich American history and the allure of coastal charm. Regarding accommodations, Atlantic Realty offers the best places to stay in the Outer Banks. Our vacation rentals offer a delightful blend of comfort and luxury for couples seeking a memorable escape in the Outer Banks. Choose the perfect accommodations for your NC romantic getaway from our portfolio with options that will suit every heart’s desire, from oceanfront views to even pet-friendly options. 

chairs overlooking the sunrise
Experience a romantic Outer Banks sunrise or sunset

5 Best Ways To Enjoy Romantic Getaways in the NC Outer Banks

  1. Stroll Along Some of the Nation’s Most Iconic Beaches

Embrace the magic the Outer Banks beaches are known for through long romantic walks together during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft, golden light over the sandy beaches creates an enchanting ambiance, perfect for romantic getaways in NC. You can add an additional touch of romance with one of the picnic setups offered by Atlantic Realty Fun N Sun Pass Program partners. Relax and let DREAMART OBX Picnic Co. or OBX Pop Up Picnics do the work for you. Or you could add a personal touch and enjoy whipping up some picnic recipes together in your vacation rental’s fully-equipped kitchen.

  1. Explore the Outer Banks With Horseback Riding Tours

Whether you and your sweetheart are horse lovers or want to enjoy a new experience together, the Outer Banks horseback riding tours are a dreamy choice for romantic getaways in NC. There is no experience required to enjoy this unique experience on the Atlantic Coast. You can also enjoy a wild horses tour to view these majestic creatures living freely in their natural habitats.  

  1. Try the Best OBX Restaurants During Romantic NC Getaways

Romantic getaways would not be complete without indulging in some of the best restaurants in the NC Outer Banks. Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Point, JK’s Restaurant, and Tale of the Whale Restaurant are some excellent choices for a truly special date. 

  1. Cruise the Alluring Outer Banks With Your Special Someone

Embark on a dreamy boat cruise to be surrounded by the tranquility of the open waters with your special someone. Many tour operators offer private and intimate cruises tailored for couples. There are also boat tours with engaging activities like crabbing, shrimping, parasailing, fishing, and much more.

  1. Romantic NC Getaways in Premium OBX Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, the most romantic getaways are when you are simply enjoying quality time together, and our NC Outer Banks have an impressive selection of amenities to make this time extra special. Book your stay with Atlantic Realty to spend a relaxed evening in the comfort of amenities such as private hot tubs, balconies with ocean views, or game rooms that create a romantic atmosphere.

Your Guide to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Exploring the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is like stepping into a time capsule that bridges the past and the present. Nestled on the picturesque Roanoke Island in North Carolina, this site holds profound historical significance, particularly due to its connection with the mysterious Lost Colony of Roanoke and the Civil War. This site is overflowing with things to explore while staying in one of the Outer Banks vacation rentals offered by Atlantic Realty.
Staying in the Outer Banks vacation rentals provided by Atlantic Realty is like discovering your own slice of paradise along the stunning North Carolina coast. Choose from our OBX vacation rentals with options featuring oceanfront views, theater rooms, and private pools. Some of our rentals are even pet-friendly! The Outer Banks’ rich history and beauty, combined with the comfort of our OBX rentals, create an unforgettable vacation.

The Fort Raleigh Park
Fort Raleigh offers walking paths and historical markers to enjoy at your leisure

Top 9 Activities at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

  1. Lindsay Warren Visitor Center: Start your trip to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at the visitor center. This center hosts engaging exhibits on the Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony, the English, the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island, the Algonquian, and Reginald Fessenden.
  2. 1896 Monument: This monument marks the start of preservation efforts at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, a Croatoan native Manteo baptism, and the birth of Virginia Dare. She was the first English child born in North America.
  3. Earthwork: Learn about the earthwork and metallurgical activity that was present on the site for centuries. 
  4. First Light of Freedom: This monument at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site commemorates what was an important haven for formerly enslaved people. The Freedman’s Colony was set up on Roanoke Island during the Civil War era. 
  5. Freedom Trail: Embark on a hiking adventure on this 1.25-mile trail through maritime forest, Croatan Sound views, and near where the Civil War forts and Freedmen’s Colony once stood.
  6. Thomas Hariot Trail: This shorter hiking trail in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site explores the maritime forest and the Albemarle Sound. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs describing the habitat and the Algonquian food and resource gathering methods. 
  7. Waterside Theatre: Watch the mysterious story of the lost Roanoke Colony come alive at the country’s first and longest-running outdoor symphonic drama.
  8. Etheridge Point Beach: The water here tends to be calmer and warmer than the ocean, making this the perfect beach trip. Etheridge Point has one of the best views of the Outer Banks, with sights such as the Wright Brothers Monument, Jockey’s Ridge, and Colington Island.
  9. Fishing: Enjoy a delightful day of fishing at the Albemarle Sound, which is adjacent to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. 

The range of accommodations offered by Atlantic Realty caters to various tastes and needs, offering an experience that’s not just about a place to stay but a gateway to an exceptional coastal adventure overflowing in history!

4th of July Celebrations Around the OBX

There has never been a better place to celebrate the 4th of July than the OBX (Outer Banks) of North Carolina. Our barrier island community was the site of the first attempted colonization in the “New World,” 20 years before Jamestown. You and yours can celebrate our country’s independence right from America’s First Beach! 4th of July celebrations in the OBX boast incredible beach weather, warm ocean temperatures, and plenty of fellow travelers searching for a bit of a slice of historical paradise. 

Atlantic Realty has all the best OBX house rentals, perfect for starting your barrier island experience. Since 1982, generations of families have found relaxation, fun, and a place to truly get away from it all during their OBX vacations with help from our talented team of local experts! This 4th of July season, enjoy an affordable and adventure-packed vacation with many can’t-miss festivities along the scenic coastline. Keep reading for more details—

Girl on Beach with Fireworks
Spend Independence Day on the Outer Banks

Spend Your 4th of July in the Charming OBX

Of course, you can always indulge in some peaceful 4th of July relaxation at one of Atlantic Realty’s many gorgeous family vacation rentals. All of our properties are equipped with complete kitchens, so whip up a  delicious OBX-inspired dish and gather with family for a patriotic feast! Staying in oceanfront NC accommodations? We recommend bringing along beach toys and games, in addition to the two complimentary beach chairs you’ll receive with our Fun N Sun Perks Pass. Check out our “What to Bring” page for more useful vacation planning tips before Independence Day. 

Seeking some adventure with your family and friends? A 4th of July road trip to see all the best OBX festivities from Corolla down to South Nags Head will be just up your alley. See our recommend event lineup below: 

Corolla:  

Historic Corolla Park will be the site of the Independence Day Celebration, packed with live music, food, drink, and fireworks! Activities begin at 5:00 p.m. with free admission, parking, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. 

Duck:

The Town of Duck has an annual 4th of July Parade that winds through the neighborhood behind Scarborough Faire.  This year’s parade will begin at 9am on Monday, July 4, 2022.  

Kill Devil Hills:

 Folks love watching the stunning fireworks show held annually at the beaches around Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills. 

Nags Head: 

You and yours can head a little south, catching the showstopping Town Of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular, blasting off over the ocean waves. Fireworks are even sometimes visible from Nags Head rental homes

If you are traveling with all adults (21+), consider participating in the Independence Beer Mile, presented by the Outer Banks Brewing Station on July 3. Start a new family vacation tradition and come celebrate the 4th of July with Atlantic Realty this summer. Our amenity-filled rental homes in the OBX are well-maintained and perfectly suited for all families and large friend groups. Save money by booking directly on our website today!

Have Some Fun ‘N the Sun with Atlantic Realty || OBX Vacations

Summers in the OBX (Outer Banks of North Carolina) will transport you worlds away from your everyday hustle and bustle. Our family-friendly vacation destination is made up of over 100 miles of wide-open shoreline, Southern hospitality, and a mix of quaint seaside villages boasting unique personalities and rich history. Although we are a short drive away from major cities and airports, our barrier island communities feel remote. The OBX is where our beloved country got its start, so it’s only fitting that your summer vacation traditions start here!

Enjoy the Ocean with an Outer Banks Vacation

The Best OBX Vacations Start with Atlantic Realty 

Atlantic Realty is truly where your barrier island experience begins, supplying families with the best places to stay in the OBX every year. Since 1982, multiple generations of families have joined us in enjoying waves of fun and quiet relaxation. We offer a wide range of OBX vacation rentals from Corolla to South Nags Head, centered on amenities, togetherness, and affordability. Whatever you’re searching for, we’ve got something in store for you. 

If you are looking for a family vacation spot void of crowded spaces and busy cities, we welcome you to start a new family tradition and indulge in a much-needed OBX vacation. This summer, the friendly Atlantic Realty team will help you get more bang for your buck with our guest perks. Get ready to stretch your OBX vacation dollars as far as they can go with our acclaimed Fun N Sun Perks Pass Program—

Vacation Like A Local with Atlantic Realty’s Fun N Sun Perks Pass

Our Fun N Sun Perks Pass elevates all OBX vacations, no matter the time of year. This program is an exclusive vacation amenity providing complimentary local attractions, activities, and discounts for guests staying with us. We offer such great value to ensure your OBX vacation goes beyond the doors of our fabulous accommodations and beautiful outdoors. Take your summer stay to the next level with one (or more) of our recommended recreational activities! 

Explore the Shore This Summer with Atlantic Realty

At Atlantic Realty, we already know you’re excited to head down to our barrier island community straight away to begin the best OBX summer vacation possible. With our Fun N Sun Perks Pass in your back pocket, your family and friends will be able to enjoy affordable fun. Book one of our stunning OBX vacation rentals online today! 

Host Your Family Reunion in the Beautiful Outer Banks, NC

We’ve all been away from our extended families for too long after these past few wild years! It’s time to grab your address books and start calling up your loved ones for a long-awaited family reunion in the beautiful Outer Banks, NC. You’ll be able to enjoy quality time with those you love along our communities’ gorgeous coastline. There’s something for every family member, young and young-at-heart, in the OBX! 

Family Reunion
Gather the family and head to the OBX!

Atlantic Realty, a trusted name in local vacation rentals, offers the best places to stay and host the most spectacular family get-togethers in the Outer Banks. Since 1982, multiple generations of families have escaped to our charming barrier island properties, enjoying ultimate relaxation and waves of fun. We have amenity-packed homes suitable for larger celebrations, from family reunions to corporate retreats. This year, allow us to help you plan and host an unforgettable Outer Banks family reunion. Keep reading for more useful information! 

Let’s Plan Your Dream Family Reunion in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is perfect for large gatherings and family reunions, with over 40 gorgeous miles of coastline and space for your family to comfortably spread out. Atlantic Realty’s affordable accommodations mean you can get more bang for your buck and focus on what really matters most: family! We’re also dedicated to making your OBX reunion getaway “worry-free,” offering a flexible payment plan for 2022. It’s ideal for large group vacations where multiple families may be chipping in on vacation costs. 

Our Event Homes

We have homes ranging from 1 to 28 bedrooms, all the way from Corolla to South Nags Head. Our group event homes in the Outer Banks come equipped with spacious gathering spaces, comfy bedrooms, and resort-style amenities, like pools and theater rooms. Planning a huge family reunion with over 40 family members? We recommend reserving The Pine Island Lodge, a stunning 28-bedroom home boasting generous ocean views, ample kitchen space, dining areas for days, and a huge sparkling pool. Head down the private beach access with your loved ones, preparing for days filled with beach games and good times! 

Love your extended family, but don’t want to stay under the same roof? We have curated a list of some of our Outer Banks vacation homes and condos located near each other. Every group will have their own space, with the opportunity to gather for photos, meals, and vacation excursions. You can find the list here

Large Event Services

Planning a family reunion or any large gathering can be stressful. That’s where our event services page comes into play! We have compiled a list of all our trusted local vendors, from caterers to event planners, who can help make any reunion a true success. You’ll never be alone in the planning process!

Additionally, our guests are treated to free or discounted daily activities with the Fun N Sun Pass Program. Set your family reunion apart from the rest by vacationing like a local! Our event homes and spaces go quickly, so start planning your perfect Outer Banks family reunion with Atlantic Realty now. Contact us today and book your dream family getaway by calling (877) 858-4795! We cannot wait to host you!

5 Outer Banks Inspired Seafood Dishes & Sides You Need to Try 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is the ideal year-round destination, filled with charming seaside villages, exciting outdoor activities, delicious seafood dishes, and miles of open shoreline. You and your family can escape the typical vacation crowd of congested vacation spots, further adding to your overall experience. Break away from routine and enjoy a budget-friendly escape with the ones you love! 

Hushpuppies are an Outer Banks staple to accompany seafood meals

Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks has all your family’s vacation needs covered, from affordable beach vacation homes to insider travel tips. We want to help you get more bang for your buck! Our properties have fully-equipped kitchens so guests can craft delightful family meals inspired by our coastal surroundings. The Outer Banks is all about good dining, so grab some fresh seafood and try the following five recipes at your Outer Banks house rental—

  1. Outer Banks Sunset 

This iconic OBX beverage can be made for adults or kids. No matter how you make it, sans alcohol or not, this colorful drink mimics the blazing sunsets that illuminate our shores every evening. Use any alcoholic beverage or kid-friendly substitute, just as long as it keeps its classic orange-red hue! We loved sipping these during family brunches. 

  1. Hatteras Clam Chowder

This simple broth-based chowder hails from the Outer Banks town of Hatteras. It’s an amazing dish to warm up with during chilly beach nights, filled with briny clams, potatoes, and chopped vegetables. We love how light and filling this chowder is—the perfect recipe to make for large gatherings. 

  1. Homemade Hushpuppies

No Outer Banks seafood spread is complete without hushpuppies! This tasty comfort food is an excellent side that can be found at any authentic Southern fish fry. Pair them alongside any seafood dish or gobble them up on their own. You may want to double this easy recipe as hushpuppies are known to disappear quickly. 

  1. Grilled Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is available to catch all year long in the Outer Banks, with the best catches occurring between October and June. This fish is delicious with a great sear, accompanied by a nice marinade and lemon. With your rental’s charcoal grill, you can whip up this quick marinaded yellowfin tuna dish.

  1. Apple Uglies

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe, located around one hour from the Atlantic Realty offices, created the fluffy miracles known as Apple Uglies. They are a dense take on an apple fritter, oozing with sweet apples, cinnamon, and coated with sugar. Even though they feel heavy, these apple uglies will melt in your mouth. This homemade recipe yields a slightly-differing duplicate of the original. 

Cook Up a Storm in Your Outer Banks House Rental

We at Atlantic Realty are excited to see all the yummy dishes you’ll create during your Outer Banks getaway. Your barrier island experience begins as soon as you step foot in one of our affordable house rentals. All homes come equipped with a full kitchen and other fantastic amenities. Book your stay with us online today!

Plan a Paw-sitive Spring Break in Pet-Friendly OBX

There’s no time like the present to start planning your family’s spring break! As we enter a new year full of possibilities and hope, folks all over the country are looking forward to a nice break from work and school. You all deserve it, including your furry family members. This year, head to the pet-friendly OBX, otherwise known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our barrier island communities offer a sweet reprieve from bustling crowds, hectic attractions, and essentially all things that can make spring break undesirable. The pet-friendly OBX will allow you to fully enjoy your short family vacation, with so many incredible attractions and activities. 

Kids and Dog on the beach
Pet Friendly Vacations are easy on the Outer Banks

Your barrier island experience begins when you stay with Atlantic Realty, where travelers consistently find the best places to stay on the Outer Banks. Since 1982, families have enjoyed spring breaks in our lovely OBX vacation homes, dotting the gorgeous shoreline. We’ll help you get more bang for your buck during your stay and we proudly provide several pet-friendly OBX vacation rentals. Follow our quick guide to a paw-some spring break adventure, all within perfect reach from your OBX vacation home—

Pet-Friendly Itinerary for Your OBX Spring Break

Your family’s spring break vacation can be rewarding for both humans and pets. The OBX has always been an incredible pet-friendly destination, drawing in visitors from all over! We have compiled a list of pet-friendly things to do to help with your vacation planning process. 

Where to Stay

Atlantic Realty has your vacation rental needs and wants covered! Our pet-friendly rentals ensure that you don’t have to leave your well-behaved pup behind this spring. We offer over 40 pet-friendly OBX homes, spanning from Corolla all the way to South Nags Head. There is something for every family, including great modern amenities and beautiful views. 

Where to Eat

What to Do 

Make sure to check out our helpful “Traveling with Pets” page for more valuable tips and tricks. You can also feel free to ask our knowledgeable staff for information! Book your pet-friendly OBX vacation home with Atlantic Realty online today—just in time for spring break!

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