The Guide
Top Picks from Tres Aguas
DO
Visit the Beach
Walk to our two access points, Trout Run or Porpoise Run. We have it all mapped out here. Other Southern Shores access points are available on each block north or south of Tres Aguas.
Hillcrest Beach
This beach is Southern Shores largest beach access with a large parking area, observation decks, outdoor showers, and a ramp. It's three minutes away by car and requires the Southern Shores Civic Association permit (the orange permit that we provide for you). You can also use the bike path - it takes about nine minutes. Learn more
Rent a bike, kayak, surfboard and more at
Duck Village Outfitters and Ocean Atlantic Rentals.
Charter Fishing
Pirates's Cove, Wanchese Marina, Oregon Inlet
Golf
Here's a list of OBX courses.
Water Sports including Parasailing, Kiteboarding, and Hang Gliding
https://www.outerbanks.org/things-to-do/water-activities/water-sports/
Movies
Miniature Golf and Go Carts
Waterpark
Horse Country
See the wild horses in Carova. We enjoyed a tour, in Hummers, from Wild Horse Adventure Tours.
GO
The Lost Colony
This local production of this famous story is a fan favorite. Located on Roanoke Island, the outdoor theater overlooking the Albemarle Sound is a fan favorite. The shows are held in the evening so you watch comfortably. Locals go every year and you should too.
Two If By Sea
Go see those lighthouses! OBX has many to choose: Currituck in Corolla, Bodie south of Nags Head, and the Hatteras Lighthouse.
Ocracoke Island
This island is only accessible by ferry and the closest one is in Hatteras. Ocracoke Island is Blackbeard central and home to a phenomenal natural beach.
Walk the Planks
The fishing piers are not just for fishing; they offer amazing views too: Kitty Hawk, Avalon, Jeanettes, Nags Head
Fish On!
Head out for the day on a chartered fishing expedition. Pirates Cove has a number of boats to choose from.
www.fishpiratescove.com/charters
The Big Dune
Jockey's Ridge is the Atlantic's tallest living sand dune. Learn more
Sharks!!!
The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is great for adults and is a must for kids. Excellent exhibits highlighting the vast wildlife local to the waters of the Outer Banks.
On the Town
Take a stroll, grab lunch, and visit the shops in Manteo.
EAT
Gotta Try
We enjoy eating in or taking out at the Rundown Cafe and NC Coast Grill & Bar. Rundown's Asian Sesame Noodles with grilled tuna is the bomb (pictured above). NC Coast has a solid menu, delicious salads, and an amazing view of the Sound.
Seafood Market
Dockside 'N Duck in Duck is always fresh, and the staff are efficient and helpful. We prefer their steamed crabs and shrimp over others that have big signs on the highway.
Drive-Thru
Legit food from a drive-thru? Yep, you'll get that at Coastal Cravings in Duck. The menu can prove pricey but they've got an amazing Shrimp and Grits dish with smoked NC sausage. Their crab cake is one of the better ones we've had in the OBX. But we're from Maryland and can't go against Baltimore's finest : )
Best Burger... and Breakfast Sandwich
Art's Place, hands down is not only our favorite burger in the OBX, it's our favorite overall, beating out favorites Shake Shack and Five Guys. Art's is not a one trick pony either - they make a mean breakfast and their biscuits are the bomb. While you wait, they will serve you up an ice cold PBR. If you play their bottle cap game, you may win a free cold-one. We hear Jack Brown's makes a mean burger too.
BBQ
Of course there's some great Carolina BBQ. High Cotton is right down the street and offers legit carryout East Carolina-style BBQ: chopped pork with with vinegar & pepper -based sauce.
Pizza
Our favorite is Max's Italian in Kill Devil Hills. It's a little far, so if you want something faster, we like Southern Shores Pizza and Cosmos too. SS Pizza offers a good Sicilian. Next time we are in town, we're trying Vinny's.
Coffee
Tres Aguas is equipped with a traditional coffee maker, a Keurig, and a bean grinder. But you're on vacation ... you don't want a routine! Head over to Duck's Cottage for a Nutty Duck or a Mucky Duck and pick up a great beach book to boot.
Donuts
Of course you're going to donut extraordinaire Duck Donuts. But avoid the original location in Duck because it's always overcrowded and parking is extremely limited. We go to the one in Kitty Hawk (KH) and will stop by the Kill Devil Hills (KDH) location when nearby.
South of the Border
Coastal Cantina's got the grub, the margaritas, and the view. Go there! We're also fans of OBX Tortilleria Panaderia y Taqueria in KDH for street taco takeout.
Far East
Want a taste of India with a view? Head over the bridge to the Masala Bay Grill. Awesome spice and an excellent view of the Sound.