Spring is a great time of year to visit the Outer Banks. With less traffic, discounted rates, and weather that is neither too cold, nor too hot, you will be among the first to enjoy this special time of year that marks the beginning of what we locals like to call the "in-season". Read on to find out more about what makes spring time on the Outer Banks a great time to visit.
Local Businesses Are Open!
As you may know, many local Outer Banks business and attractions close during the winter months. However, by March, most local businesses have resumed normal business hours in order to welcome early Spring travelers! The popular Outer Banks landmarks are open year-round, but the Spring is the most ideal time of year to visit. If you've visited Jockey's Ridge in the middle of Summer, you would likely agree!
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Offshore Fishing Season Kicks Off
Hop on board one of the Oregon Inlet headboats and experience the thrill of the hunt for mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin. Who knows? You just might get to rub elbows with one of the Wicked Tuna Outer Banks cast members, if they're not out slaying tuna! Even if your sea legs aren't quite ready for such an excursion, a trip down to the inlet to watch the boats come in is a sight to see. The Oregon Inlet is just at the head of the newly constructed Basnight Bridge. Take a drive south over the bridge to soak in the spectacular sights where the Pamlico Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. Stay a while in Pea Island Wildlife National Refuge or check out the new fishing pier (a 1,046-foot-long remnant section of the Bonner Bridge, located next to the south end of the Basnight Bridge).
Crabs are Back in Season
Crabs can be caught in the Currituck and Albemarle sounds from late Spring to early Fall. Just stop in one of the many tackle shops on the island for bait and nets and some local intel on where to cast!
You can also go crabbing from any of the local piers on the ocean. Popular in the area are Avalon Pier, Nags Head Fishing Pier, and Jennette's Pier. Sound like work? If you'd rather someone else do the catching, and you do the eating, then just stop in one of the many restaurants with fresh seafood on the menu. Or several restaurants in the area will cook what you catch! If the weather is nice, try one of these top outdoor dining restaurants. Or stop by a seafood market and pick up some fresh crabs to either steam yourself, or they'll steam' em for you to eat at home.
There's nothing quite like a good old fashion crab pickin' feast. It's part of coastal living and something to try at least once in a lifetime!
New Life on the Island
The Outer Banks is home to quite the variety of animals all year round. Some birds, such as the Osprey will migrate south during the winter and return to have their young signifying the start of Spring. It's not uncommon for deer to wander past in many of the maritime forests throughout the island, and even many neighborhoods! Spotting a fawn is always a special site to see!
If you are visiting the northern beaches of Carova, Corolla, and Duck, you must take advantage of one of the Wild Horse Tours. If you have yet to see a young wild mustang colt, then in the Spring you just may be lucky enough to see one of the new members of the herd.
In addition to horses, spring is when you may find sea turtle nests on the beach. The N.E.S.T. organization does a great job ensuring nests are protected.
Visit Roanoke Island
The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Manteo, which occupies the northern part of Roanoke Island. The botanical gardens are open and beautiful all year round, but the Spring time is when the Azaleas, Dogwood, Roses, Cherry Laurel, Hydrangeas, and many many more are in bloom. A true feast for your eyes and nose!
On the way out, make sure you stop by Downtown Manteo on the waterfront for some shopping, great food, and sight seeing. History buffs stop by the Settlement Site at Festival Park, and step back in time to the 16th century to learn about the first English settlement on Northern soil. Island Farm is also just down the road where visitors can continue their historical immersion experience. If the weather makes a turn and the indoors are calling, you will definitely want to check out the NC Aquarium, also located in Manteo.
There truly is so much to see and do all over the Outer Banks. Exploring is a great past time in and of itself, and day trips to other areas from home base are well worth it! We encourage you to visit the remainder of our website to learn more about all there is to see and do around the island. We know you will love your time here. If you still need some reasons to visit in the Spring... read on.
School's Out For Spring Break
Most schools are out during the weeks surrounding Easter. What else are you going to do with the kids during all that time off? Why not make some incredible memories and spend that time together on the Outer Banks. There are many options for families of all sizes and with kids of all ages. Not only are there homes that offer amenities such as game rooms and bunk beds, each town has an abundance of activities that will appease everyone including putt putt, go carts, horse tours, fishing, bike tours, ghost crab hunting...the list is endless!
More Affordable Rental Rates
Traditionally, vacation rental rates are much more affordable in the early Spring. When viewing a home on our website, simply scroll down to find a table of weekly rates sorted by date. You'll notice rates will continue to increase from Easter through to Memorial Day and reach their peak during the Summer months. If you're looking for rest and relaxation in a beautiful Outer Banks vacation home on a budget, we suggest planning a Spring vacation.
Shorter/Flexible Stays
Don't have the time in the Spring to stay for a whole week? Many of our homes allow partial week stays if you book close enough to your stay date. We have a 3-night minimum. Just enough to get some beach therapy in and a sampling of life here on the Outer Banks.
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Early Check-in
Early check-in gets snagged up quickly for summer weeks, but in the Spring it is much easier to reserve. If you purchase early check-in you can access the property at 1:00 pm. After you reserve a property you will receive a digital rental agreement. If the home offers early check-in it will be an option on the lease. Most homes 6 bedrooms and under offer early check-in, but please call or text us at 800-635-1559 to verify. We want to make sure your home is ready for you, so we need time to allow for this. If you can not check in early, don't despair! There is plenty to see and do if you arrive earlier than your check-in time and our Vacation Specialists will be happy to give you some ideas!
Free Pool Heat
Many homes with pools offer free pool heat in the Spring or the Fall so their guests can enjoy relaxing in the pool comfortably. Please note that pool heat only raises the temperature 10 degrees higher than the consistent ambient air temperature (60 degrees and higher). Most homes with pools also offer hot tubs. Imagine relaxing in the hot tub, while the kids play merrily in the pool. Let's make it happen!
Pool pictured: Joshua's Tiki Hut, an oceanfront rental in Nags Head.
Again, we know you will love it here. We look forward to helping you plan the perfect Outer Banks vacation, whether it's Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter! We'd love to have you!