At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the area protects habitats for migratory birds and loggerhead sea turtles. Wildlife observation is a distinctive way to discover Dare; historic sites and maritime themes also tell very different chapters of the region’s story.
Observe Nature and Compare Trails
The North Pond Wildlife Trail at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is 0.6 miles long and is a one-way route. Along the way, visitors can observe waterfowl, turtles and other wildlife; sightings and trail conditions may vary. A reservation is required to explore the refuge’s marshes, islands and creeks along Pamlico Sound. As this is a seasonal program, check dates and reservation options in advance.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge also combines wildlife observation with specific trails. The Sandy Ridge Wildlife Trail and Creef Cut Wildlife Trail are each half a mile long, one-way routes and accessible. By comparison, the North Pond Wildlife Trail is slightly longer at 0.6 miles; it is also a one-way route. If you prefer to be on the water, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has more than 15 miles of color-coded paddling routes for canoes and kayaks.
The Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive offers opportunities to observe wildlife on the mainland of Dare County, including black bears. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. A trail at Nags Head Woods Preserve reveals a different landscape: it passes through open woodland, crosses two wooden bridges, goes by freshwater ponds and climbs a densely wooded dune ridge. The preserve has eight trails in total, including one that is fully accessible. Trail conditions may change.
Dunes, Sound and Garden Trails
Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest system of living sand dunes on the Atlantic coast. Access to Roanoke Sound also makes paddling, swimming, kiteboarding and windsurfing possible there. Conditions on the sound and seasonal access may vary. A concessionaire in the park offers hang gliding and kite-flying lessons, as well as sandboard rentals; concession offerings may also change.
The Elizabethan Gardens offer a different focus: the ten-acre garden was designed as an Elizabethan pleasure garden and has a little over a mile of walking paths. Alongside refuge trails and dunes, visitors can explore a clearly designed garden space and its paths.
History and Maritime Culture
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves parts of the first English settlements in the New World, dating from 1584 to 1590. The Freedom Trail at the site is 1.25 miles long, runs one way and ends at Freedmen's Point. Fort Raleigh also tells the story of Civil War events on Roanoke Island and the Freedman's Colony that followed. These themes give visitors a historical arc spanning the early English settlements through the Civil War era.
At the 27-acre Roanoke Island Festival Park, visitors can learn how the first English settlers lived in 1585. Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first successful flight. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1870. Bodie Island Lighthouse can be climbed during the summer months; tickets must be purchased online, and safety restrictions apply. Check the specific dates and ticket conditions before visiting.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum explores the maritime history and culture of the North Carolina Outer Banks. It offers programs year-round; in summer, a weekly lecture series and several maritime arts and crafts days are added. Program details may change seasonally, so it is worth checking the latest dates. At the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, free daily programs are included with regular admission; program times may also change.
Getting Oriented in the Wider Outer Banks
North Carolina Highway 12 provides access through Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Road conditions and temporary closures may change, so check conditions before driving. In the wider Outer Banks, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway follows Highway 12 through Cape Hatteras National Seashore and continues by ferry to Carteret County. If you plan to take the ferry, it is a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Manteo, Duck, Kinnakeet, Wanchese, Hatteras, Southern Shores, Rodanthe.
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
