Southern Shores North Carolina | Quiet Beaches & OBX Adventures

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, and proximity to popular Outer Banks landmarks make it a peaceful base for exploring the coast.

Southern Shores, from the beautiful oceanfront 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.

 

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Things To Do In and Near the Southern Shores of the Outer Banks (OBX)

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.

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

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.

 

Dining & Cuisine

Steamers Seafood and Wings

A casual counter-service spot near the town center, Steamers is known for steamed shrimp, crab legs, and buffalo wings. It’s popular for quick, no-frills seafood.

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.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

 

 

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.

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.

Local Events

Check for summer outdoor concerts at Duck Boardwalk, Hang Gliding Spectacular (May), Outer Banks Marathon Weekend (November), Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October), Duck Jazz Festival (October), and local art markets in Duck and Kitty Hawk.

Pro Tip

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

 

Takeaway

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 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

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