Southern Shores, North Carolina in the Outer Banks (OBX) | Things to Do, Places to Eat, and Where to Stay

Southern Shores North Carolina

Southern Shores sits on a narrow stretch of North Carolina’s Outer Banks between Kitty Hawk and Duck. As the first planned town on the barrier islands, Southern Shores blends preserved maritime forests and mid-century “flat-top” homes with quiet, uncrowded beaches. Its network of bike paths, access to the Currituck Sound, proximity to Outer Banks landmarks, convenient access to shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation make it a peaceful base for exploring the coast.

Southern Shores, from the beautiful ocean to the sound, has been the best-kept secret on the Outer Bank since 1947. While mostly a vacation-oriented town, it has many more year-round residents than any of the other towns in the Outer Banks. The Southern Shores has a fantastic beach that is five miles long and one mile wide. This beautiful, private, and uncrowded beach sits right on the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the sound side of the beach is a great family-friendly community with a playground that is a wonderful area for families with small children. The residential and vacation rental properties of Southern Shores are just minutes from the shops, restaurants, and area attractions.

The best thing is that the ocean stays fresh and crisp at around sixty degrees. The popular activities you can do during this season are fishing and bird watching. Moreover, during the most popular season, which is summer, make sure to book your vacation rental accommodation as early as possible. As travelers take a summer break, many go to Southern Shores of Outer Banks for a quick summer getaway. That said, expect lots of fun activities during this season. All the shops, restaurants, bars, and activities are in full bloom.

 

 

Places to Stay

Vacation Rental Homes

Southern Shores is best known for its vacation rental homes rather than large resorts or hotel developments. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of accommodations, including:

• Oceanfront vacation homes
• Soundfront retreats
• Luxury homes with private pools
• Family reunion properties
• Pet-friendly rentals
• Cozy beach cottages

Many homes offer spacious floor plans, private beach access, outdoor entertainment areas, hot tubs, game rooms, and stunning views of either the Atlantic Ocean or Currituck Sound.

Oceanfront Rentals

Oceanfront homes provide direct beach access and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. These properties are among the most sought-after accommodations in Southern Shores.

Soundfront Rentals

Properties along Currituck Sound offer beautiful sunset views, kayaking opportunities, fishing access, and a peaceful waterfront setting.

Luxury Vacation Homes

Large luxury homes often feature private pools, elevators, theater rooms, gourmet kitchens, multiple living areas, and accommodations for large families or group gatherings.

Book Direct. Book Local. Avoid the Extra Fees and Enjoy Expert Service.

---

Avoid Extra Fees and Enjoy Expert Service by Booking Directly with a Vacation Rental Manager

 

 

Things To Do in Southern Shores

Duck Woods Country Club

Home to an 18-hole championship golf course with marsh and sound vistas, tee off amid wetlands and maritime forests. The course’s layout takes strategic play, with elevated tees and multiple water hazards that reward accuracy.

Duck Woods offers a challenging layout for all skill levels. The club’s pro shop, practice facilities, and calm atmosphere make it a draw for both serious golfers and casual players.

In addition, there are several other golf courses located within a short drive of Southern Shores. Golfers can enjoy challenging layouts, coastal scenery, maritime forests, and year-round playing conditions.

Wanchese Marina and The Landing Grill

The first fishing village on Roanoke Island, Wanchese Marina offers the finest fleets for charter fishing, dolphin tours, dive charters, shrimp charters and crabbing charters. The Landing Grill offers delicious food, great scenery, and fishing culture.

Southern Shores Flat-Top Architecture Tour

Stroll or bike through neighborhoods to admire the town’s signature concrete-block “flat-top” homes, these mid-century designs balance durability with indoor-outdoor living. Look for decorative breezeways, wide eaves, and locally sourced materials.

 

 

Currituck Sound Kayaking & Paddleboarding

On the western side of town, Currituck Sound provides calm waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The sound is also one of the best places in the area to watch spectacular Outer Banks sunsets.

Launch from Martin’s Point or Cedar Island Boat Ramp to explore the Sound’s sheltered waters. Calm conditions are ideal for beginners, and paddlers often spot egrets, herons, and even dolphins along the shoreline.

OB-Xscape Room Experience

Challenge your group with themed puzzles and interactive scenarios in this on-site escape room. It’s one of the few year-round indoor attractions in Southern Shores and perfect for a rainy-day activity.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

Just south of Southern Shores, this 2,000-acre reserve features maritime forest trails, ponds, and wildlife habitat. Hike or mountain bike through pine and oak stands and learn about local ecology on interpretive signage.

Go Ghost Crab Hunting

A favorite family activity during the summer months is searching for ghost crabs after sunset. These fascinating creatures emerge at night and provide a fun and memorable experience for children and adults alike.

Visit Duck

Just minutes north of Southern Shores, Duck offers charming boutiques, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, and one of the most scenic boardwalks on the Outer Banks. The Duck Boardwalk stretches along Currituck Sound and provides beautiful views, shopping opportunities, and excellent dining options.

Explore Kitty Hawk

Southern Shores is conveniently located near Kitty Hawk, where visitors can enjoy watersports, shopping, fishing, and local restaurants. Kitty Hawk also provides easy access to many historic and natural attractions throughout the Outer Banks.

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial

Located nearby in Kill Devil Hills, the Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the first successful powered flight in 1903. Visitors can tour exhibits, walk the historic grounds, and learn about one of America's most important achievements in aviation history.

More Outdoor Activities

The Southern Shores of Outer Banks is the best destination for various water activities, with pristine beaches, a calm sound side, and perfect Atlantic wind swell.

Beachcombing & Shelling

Southern Shores’ undeveloped beach stretches reward early-morning shell hunts. Look for whelks, sand dollars, and the occasional shark tooth especially after high tide.

The beaches of Southern Shores are among the most peaceful and uncrowded in the Outer Banks. Wide stretches of soft sand and rolling Atlantic waves create the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, beachcombing, and long walks along the shoreline. Because the town maintains a low-density residential atmosphere, you will often enjoy a quieter beach experience than neighboring destinations.

Surf Fishing & Sound Fishing

Surfcasters target red drum, flounder, and speckled trout right off the town’s beaches. On the sound side, charter captains offer inshore excursions for bluefish and sea mullet.

Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing

The mix of sand dunes, marsh, and forest makes Southern Shores a hotspot for migratory birds. Bring binoculars to nearby Kitty Hawk Woods or the soundside edges for osprey, terns, and herons.

Biking the Town Greenway

A paved, tree-lined greenway runs alongside U.S. 12, connecting Southern Shores to Kitty Hawk and Duck. It’s 4 miles one-way, flat, and ideal for family rides at sunset.

Southern Shores features miles of paved walking and biking paths that wind through maritime forests and coastal neighborhoods. These scenic trails are perfect for morning walks, bike rides, jogging, and exploring the natural beauty of the community. Many visitors enjoy biking between Southern Shores, Duck, and Kitty Hawk.

Places to Eat

While Southern Shores is primarily residential, visitors will find a variety of excellent restaurants both within town and nearby.

Steamers Restaurant & Catering

An upscale, beach casual restaurant on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Steamers Restaurant & Catering is one of the most popular dining destinations in Southern Shores and a longtime favorite among both Outer Banks visitors and locals. Known for its fresh seafood, steamed shellfish, crab legs, shrimp, and coastal-inspired cuisine, the restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and groups.

In addition to its dine-in service, Steamers is well known for its catering options, seafood steam pots, and take-home feast packages that allow guests to enjoy a traditional Outer Banks seafood boil from the comfort of their vacation rental. Conveniently located along North Croatan Highway, Steamers has earned a reputation for quality seafood, friendly service, and authentic coastal flavors that showcase the best of the Outer Banks dining experience.

Southern Shores Pizza & Deli

Family-run since the 1980s, this deli serves hand-tossed pizzas, deli sandwiches, and subs. Their hoagies and garlic knots are local favorites.

Pizza Stop

Right off Kitty Hawk Road, Pizza Stop offers customizable pies and pasta dishes. It also has a small dining room and local delivery.

Barrier Island Bagels (Kitty Hawk)

A five-minute drive south, Barrier Island Bagels crafts New York–style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty coffee is perfect for fueling up before a beach day.

Shore Coffee Roasters

Start your day with locally roasted coffee, specialty espresso drinks, fresh pastries, and breakfast selections. It is a popular stop for both visitors and residents.

Barefoot Bernie's Tropical Grill & Bar

Located nearby, Barefoot Bernie's serves burgers, seafood, tacos, sandwiches, and tropical-inspired dishes in a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for families.

Dining in Duck

Many visitors also venture into nearby Duck, where they will find waterfront restaurants, fresh seafood, fine dining establishments, casual cafes, and some of the most popular dining experiences on the Outer Banks.

Travel Tips & Getting Around

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers warm beaches and calm sound waters. Summer mornings are best for shelling.

Spring

Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming coastal landscapes, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for biking, hiking, sightseeing, and beach walks.

Summer

Summer is the most popular season with warm weather, excellent beach conditions, family activities, and a lively coastal atmosphere.

Fall

Many visitors consider fall the best time to visit thanks to warm ocean temperatures, comfortable weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful sunsets.

Winter

Winter offers a quiet coastal escape with peaceful beaches, lower accommodation rates, and opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the Outer Banks without the crowds.

Getting There

Southern Shores lies off U.S. 12, seven miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is 120 miles southwest; Norfolk to Duck is a 2-hour drive.

Transportation

A car is essential. The town’s greenway and quiet roads make biking easy. Public bike rentals are available in Kitty Hawk and Duck.

Pro Tip

There are no public sound-side accesses in Southern Shores so plan kayaking from nearby Kitty Hawk Woods or Duck.

Local Events

Summer Outdoor Concerts at Duck Boardwalk

Hang Gliding Spectacular (May)

Outer Banks Marathon Weekend (November)

Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October)

Duck Jazz Festival (October)

Local Art Markets in Duck and Kitty Hawk

Take Day Trips Around the Outer Banks

Southern Shores provides convenient access to many of the Outer Banks' most popular attractions, including:

• Corolla and the Wild Horses
• Jockey's Ridge State Park
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• Roanoke Island
• Manteo Waterfront
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Why Visit Southern Shores?

Southern Shores offers the perfect balance between relaxation and convenience. Visitors enjoy quiet beaches, scenic natural surroundings, family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent outdoor recreation, and easy access to the best attractions throughout the Outer Banks. Whether you're looking for a peaceful beach retreat or a central location for exploring the northern Outer Banks, Southern Shores delivers an authentic and memorable coastal vacation experience.

It is true that the Southern Shores of Outer Banks offers plenty of activities and things to do for everyone. Explore Southern Shores, North Carolina to discover uncrowded beaches, soundside kayaking, golf Duck Woods, local eateries, and the best vacation rentals in the Outer Banks.

In general, the beach is the best attraction for tourists and guests. Other than that, you will be able to witness some festivals, water sports competitions, running events, and more. Also, you can try enhancing your golf skill or you can spend a day at the water park, do sports, and play games.

Map of Southern Shores, North Carolina in the Outer Banks

Suggested Outer Banks Articles

---