• About
    • Meet Tara
    • Family Photography
    • PR & Advertising
    • Disclosure
    • Contact
  • Celebrations
    • Anniversary
    • Baby
    • Back to School
    • Birthday
    • Bridal Showers
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Father’s Day
    • Graduation
    • Halloween & Fall
    • Mother’s Day
    • Patriotic
    • St Patricks Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Wedding & Engagement
  • Crafts
    • Costumes & Wearables
    • Gifts and Toys
    • Home Decor
    • Jewelry
    • Kids’ Crafts & Activities
    • Papercrafts
    • Printables
    • SVG Cut Files
  • Home
    • Nehil Home Tour
    • Basement and Garage
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Entryway
    • Kitchen
    • Living Room
    • Office
    • Outdoors
  • Lifestyle
    • Blogger
    • Favorite Products
    • Mom Life
    • Organization
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Kids Activities
    • Travel
  • SHOP

Spot of Tea Designs

Crafts & DIY, Parenting, Home Decor and Parties.

TwitterFacebookPinterestInstagramShopContact

Nags Head Outer Banks NC Family Travel Guide

Lifestyle, Travel

The Outer Banks in North Carolina, or OBX, as it’s also called, is a great family beach destination for multi generation vacations! While there are many small towns in that area, our family loves Nags Head specifically! The houses are affordable, the beaches are spacious and beautiful and the atmosphere is very family friendly. Follow this family travel guide based on our last few years vacationing here!

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, which come at no cost to you. Know that I only promote products I personally use and stand behind. To learn more about my affiliates, please review my disclosure policy.

Last August we enjoyed our 3rd annual Outer Banks vacation before school started and we are on our way to booking this year’s trip! Granted last year was different than others with the many restrictions in place due to covid but we didn’t feel restricted in this mostly beach environment! This post is a Nags Head family travel guide from things we’ve enjoyed over the last 3 years, with and without socially distant restrictions.  

Where to Stay

Rental Homes – OBX is known for large, multi level rental homes or all bedroom and bathroom amounts. We have gone on vacation three years in a row with my little family of four and my parents and we typically settle in a three level home in Nags Head. The layout we prefer has the kitchen and living room on the top level with a master suite and a mid-level with three bedrooms for our family (the girls still don’t share a room). They have all included a third bedroom and game room on the lowest level but we haven’t used those yet! We’ve rented from Joe Lamb and Resort Realtors the past few years and have been happy with all three homes chosen! Tip: Check the map on the host listings to make sure you near a beach access if you prefer not to drive, like us!

What to eat

We book houses with a full size kitchen and tend to hit the grocery store twice during our week long trip. We have been known to make tacos, meatballs and pasta and Grilled chicken three dinners of the week and fill in the rest with local restaurants in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant – Two years ago we discovered this gem of a restaurant which overlooks the Roanoke Sound in Nags heads. There’s an indoor portion for families and a bar style high top setup in an upper level for that afternoon type feel. In good weather, there is also an outdoor space where you can have a drink on Adirondack chairs while listening to the lap of the waves and some live music playing. You can walk out on a pier afterwards and watch the kite boarders and windsurfers that are out on the water. It’s great as a family friendly meal, but also as a date night as we’ve done both!

I Got Your Crabs – Our family loves blue claw crabs so we’ve ordered ahead and picked up these perfectly steamed and seasoned crabs the last few years.  Order ahead and arrange for pickup!

Billy’s Seafood – This is more of a fish market than a take out joint, but their steamed crabs and shrimp were MEGA sized and perfectly cooked whenever we got them!

Mulligan’s Grille – If you can’t tell, we prefer to get seafood when down in Nags Head and this local family friendly restaurant is yummy all hours of the day!

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Snowbird OBX – One of our first rental homes was only a few doors down from this burger and ice cream joint. It had a constant flow of visitors for lunch, dinner and after dinner hours so we had to try it for ourselves! We’ve enjoyed both a juicy burger and cold ice cream here and would love to return again!

Sooey’s BBQ – We’ve been known to order pulled pork and other BBQ delights from this local joint at least once during our vacations each year!

Things to do

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – If you’re looking to do something with the kids other than enjoying the beach, make a trip over to Roanoke Island and visit this cute aquarium. We spent a cloudy morning there one afternoon and the girls were entertained with their large tanks and exhibits.

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Their interactive Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit was very unique as each child got to don a white lab coat, choose a fake turtle toy and bring it over to all sorts of mock equipment to learn how to care for sick turtles and how they nurse them back to health. You’re able to see some live turtles who were being cared for there after you learned more in this please-touch-me style exhibit.  

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Ghost Crab hunting – Ghost crabs roam all over the beaches in this area and while they do pop their heads out on the sand during the daytime, they run amok at night! Bring some glow sticks, flashlights and a bucket and have fun roaming the beach after dark finding these little critters.

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Fly kites at Jockey Ridge State park – Some rental homes have kites, including the one we stayed at last year. Tip: Park at Kitty Hawk Kites and walk across the street for an easy entrance to this huge sand dune!

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Hit the beach – Personally we tend to look for beach houses that are “on the beach road” and have mostly stayed in houses on Virginia Dare Trail so we have a short walk to our daily beach destination.

Nags Head North Carolina Family Vacation Guide | spotofadesigns.com

Crabbing and Fishing – We’ve found a spot we liked under a bridge where we caught a fair share of crabs two days in a row! Bring your equipment (and your sunscreen) for a fun morning catching lunch.

Related Posts:

Road trip car organization - plus our new favorite car travel games! | spotofteadesigns.com
Disney World Vacation Tips - how to have fun with little kids | spotofteadesigns.com

  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Tagged: vacation guide   |   1 Comment

Printable Valentines | Snowman Collection Tic Tac Toe Valentine’s Free Cut File
Spotofteadesigns.com Signature Design showing ways to socially follow this DIY/Parenting blogSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on twitter. Username: spotofteadesignSOTD2019SignatureFollow4FacebookSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on pinterest. Username: spotofteadesignSpotofteadesigns.com Signature showing how to follow on instagram. Username: spotofteadesignsSpotofteadesigns.com Signature

Sign up to stay inspired with new posts!

Comments

  1. MADELINE l NEWTON says

    January 8, 2021 at 5:36 pm

    loved all of your pictures …looks like all had a good day or weekend …looks great places …thank you for sharing your great fun vacation…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Tara, author of Spot of Tea Designs

STAY INSPIRED

Sign up for the Spot of Tea Designs Email Newsletter and receive an email each time a new post goes live! Privacy Policy
Shop the Spot of Tea Designs Amazon Store front | spotofteadesigns.com

Follow Me on Instagram

Quick and easy Valentines gift idea ahead --> prin Quick and easy Valentines gift idea ahead --> printable lottery ticket holders! Print, trim, cut the little slits indicated on the file and slide a lottery ticket in. Great for teachers, your hubby, the bus driver or anyone on your Valentine list.
.
There is also nothing on the design that says Valentines so it can really be for any holiday including Mother's Day, teacher appreciation or just as a thank you!
.
See all my printable lottery ticket holders --> https://spotofteadesigns.com/printable-lottery-ticket-holders/
Be Mine, Valentine 😍!!! It’s the first week o Be Mine, Valentine 😍!!! It’s the first week of #DIYitsValentines and we would love to see your DIY decor, parties, treats, and crafts! Share your creativity for a chance to be our weekly feature. Here’s how to participate:
1️⃣ Follow all of our hostess accounts
♥️Beth @thekingstonhome
💗Christina @sunshinetulip
♥️Katie @katieinthedetails
💗Laura @destrophoto
♥️Lexy @lovinglifewithlexy
💗Lydia @lydioutloud
♥️Mariah @giggles_galore
💗Michelle @michellespartyplanit
♥️Paula @frogprincepaperie
💗Tara @spotofteadesigns

2️⃣ Tag your photos by Friday 1/29, using #DIYitsValentines. We will feature one of you on all 10 hostess accounts each Monday. We are looking forward to seeing all your entries! (📷: @giggles_galore) #crafts #diy #valentinesdaycrafts
Of all the crafts I've tried before, I've never do Of all the crafts I've tried before, I've never done tie dye! #ad
.
Luckily I'm partnering with @joann_stores this Valentine's season to change all that with the Tulip tie dye kits and my girls could not be more excited! They love the tie dye ombre look so we'll see how I do making us some tie dye heart t-shirts! 
.
Check out my stories I recorded yesterday unboxing our goodies and stay tuned to see the final tie dye results! 
.
👇 Feel free to leave me all your tie dying tips below!!
.
#handmadewithjoann
If yesterday proved anything, it's that girls can If yesterday proved anything, it's that girls can do anything including being Vice President or an AWESOME poet and speaker! Girls can also like science too, which is why I designed these "Great Chemistry" tags for Valentine's day in gender neutral colors for anyone to pass out this February.
.
Test tube containers: @orientaltrading 
Tags: Spot of Tea Designs etsy shop
Learn more: (link in bio) https://spotofteadesigns.com/great-chemistry-printable-valentines-tags/
A while back I worked with @custompictureframes to A while back I worked with @custompictureframes to showcase different DIY ways to use their beautiful frames in different ways in your home. Their new website FINALLY launched and I'm happy to share the first post of mine that's on their blog! 
.
Head to their site to check out how to make this cute clothing line style photo display using screw eyes in a frame. 
.
If you're looking for new frames for the home, see their big selection that you can order in practically any size you need! I have several in my house (in fact they are the only frames we have hung up in our house since moving in 2 years ago).
They didn't offer basketball in our town this year They didn't offer basketball in our town this year due to everything going on and restrictions in indoor sports. If its still going on in your neck of the woods, celebrate your all star with these cute cookie topped cupcakes after a big game!
.
See more of my basketball party hacks --> https://spotofteadesigns.com/basketball-party-hacks/
Follow on Instagram

ASSOCIATIONS

Blog Meets Brand

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Tara Nehil is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Spot of Tea Designs

...is a lifestyle blog showcasing crafts, home decor inspiration, party planning and parenting.

TwitterBlogLovinPinterestInstagramShopContact

Things I Blog About

  • ⇧ UP PLEASE
  • About
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • PR & Advertising
  • Contact

© 2021 Spot of Tea Designs · All Rights Reserved · (FC)

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.