Offering beautiful wide beaches, reliably delicious local restaurants, and an easygoing vibe, Duck lives up to its reputation as one of the best small towns to visit on the East Coast. Walk or bike to many local restaurants, shops, and a soundside community boardwalk for a prime view of famous Outer Banks sunsets.
A dense downtown with lots of things to do plus excellent cycling and pedestrian paths and many crosswalks make Duck the most pedestrian-friendly town on the Outer Banks. Many Duck rental homes are walking distance to shops, restaurants, activities, and nightlife. Browse our list of favorites below.
We’re sharing some inside scoop with you! Here are our favorite things to do in Duck to keep in mind as you plan your vacation.
"Treat yourself!...to a chicken biscuit and a cappuccino, you will not be disappointed. "
"Comfort food, especially love their sandwiches."
"In the Waterfront Shops; they offer a wide selection of Lilly Pulitzer and will special order things they don't have in the shop for you! "
Lined with unique shops and delicious restaurants the Duck Town Park Boardwalk is one you must add to your itinerary! Bustling in the summer, peaceful in the winter, the boardwalk is just one of Duck’s beautiful parks you won’t want to miss. You can even fish from the mile-long boardwalk overlooking the beautiful bay.
Some of the best things to do in Duck, N.C. include surf lessons from instructors who will come to you, as well as stand up paddleboard, kayak lessons, parasailing, and tours on the sound.
Duck vacationers also benefit from the quaint size of the town and close proximity to the encompassing towns, where you will find off-road excursions and other exciting ways to tour the beautiful Outer Banks.
Fishing is one of the most prolific things to do in Duck. Offshore or inshore, ocean or sound, the opportunities are virtually endless for anglers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the serenity and excitement of fishing on the Outer Banks.
Duck has numerous boat launching locations and secret fishing spots to enjoy a day on the water with your loved ones, or a quiet afternoon in solitude, with nothing but you, your rod and reel, and hopefully a plentiful amount of fish! Knowledgeable fishermen from the area are happy to help get you what you need for a successful day of fishing.
The famous donut chain was originally started right here in Duck! Watch how their delectable donuts are made and enjoy with a cup of piping hot coffee for a perfect morning in the Outer Banks.
The small-town feel of Duck offers a wonderful vacation experience. Venture north or south to check out what other towns have to offer.