Traveling to Duck, North Carolina is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks. This small coastal town is located on the northern part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a thin strip of barrier islands off the Atlantic coast. With miles of pristine beaches, Duck is a quieter alternative to some of the more crowded beach towns further south. The wide, sandy shores offer plenty of space for beachcombing, swimming, sunbathing, and evening bonfires.
Where to stay in Duck, North Carolina: Sanderling Resort
The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina is a luxurious oceanfront hotel offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking a relaxing getaway. With its prime beachfront location, upscale amenities, and excellent service, it’s easy to see why the Sanderling Resort is a top choice for vacationers.
One of the main draws of the Sanderling Resort is its serene setting right on the beach. Guest rooms feature private balconies with stunning views and the resort grounds span both the oceanfront and the scenic Currituck Sound. The Currituck Sound provides calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding. The sound also serves as a nursery for dolphins, so sightings are common.
Located on the northern stretch of the Outer Banks, Duck provides easy access to miles of unspoiled sandy beaches and the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean. Spend lazy days lounging on the resort’s stretch of pristine beach, building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and going for long walks to take in the beautiful scenery.
In the evenings, you can watch breathtaking sunsets over the water with a cocktail in hand. Sit on your private balcony and unwind to the sounds of waves lapping along the shore. At night, watch the sunset over the Currituck Sound and look up to see the Milky Way shining brightly in the dark Outer Banks sky.
In addition to its idyllic beachfront location, the Sanderling Resort offers first-rate amenities. There is a luxurious spa for pampering treatments, multiple swimming pools surrounded by lush tropical foliage, and two acclaimed restaurants serving fresh local seafood and produce.
The resort provides a variety of recreational activities like yoga classes, wine tastings, and nature tours of the surrounding area. With so much to do without ever leaving the grounds, the Sanderling Resort makes it easy to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Beyond the amenities, the Sanderling Resort is known for its exceptional service, like attentive staff and personalized touches. Guests consistently rave about the caring employees who go out of their way to anticipate needs and ensure a comfortable stay.
Dining in Duck, North Carolina
When it comes to eating in Duck, visitors are spoiled for choice. It’s easy to find many unforgettable dining experiences with delicious seafood, charming restaurants, and stunning ocean views. Many restaurants have outdoor decks and patios where diners can enjoy the salt air and sweeping vistas of the ocean while sipping cocktails or wine with their meal.
The town’s restaurants take advantage of the abundant fresh seafood pulled daily from the nearby Atlantic waters. Local favorites include fried shrimp baskets, crab cakes, oysters, and the catch of the day grilled, blackened, or broiled.
Some of my favorites include casual spots like Fish Bones Sunset Grill and Raw Bar serving seafood classics in a laidback setting right on the water with a tiki bar theme. Nearby Bangkok Thai Sushi which offers a unique combination of Thai dishes and sushi favorites plus takeout. Serving only the freshest and finest ingredients where you can taste the quality of the food.
No matter where you eat in Duck, you’ll find hospitable service, coastal charm, and the freshest seafood around. Ending a day at the beach by watching the sunset over the ocean with a plate of the day’s catch is one of life’s great pleasures that Duck does best.
Things to Do in and Around Duck, North Carolina
Duck, North Carolina offers visitors plenty of fun activities for a memorable beach vacation. While the beaches and water sports are a huge draw, Duck also has a charming downtown area with local shops housed in colorful coastal cottages. You’ll want to visit the original Duck Donuts while you’re in town. These made-to-order donuts are something you’ll be talking about for a long time to come.
Ride the Dunes or See Wild Horses in Corolla
Unique to the Outer Banks wild horses have roamed the beaches for centuries, tracing their lineage back to the horses brought by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. The herds on the northernmost beaches, near Corolla, are some of the most famous and treasured.
These Spanish Mustangs freely wander the dunes and maritime forests of the Currituck Outer Banks, grazing on the native grasses and plants. Their chestnut coats and flowing manes billow in the ocean breeze as they gallop down the empty shoreline. Locals and tourists alike admire their rugged beauty and survival instincts, having adapted to the extremes of the barrier island climate and landscape.
The wild horses are an iconic symbol of freedom and wilderness in an area crowded with beach resorts and vacation homes. They connect visitors with the untamed history of the Outer Banks and draw crowds hoping to spot the elusive herds passing over the dunes. Their presence is a window into the past on ever-changing islands. While visiting I recommend booking an excursion to go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure.
Another fun way to explore the beach is to hop on an ATV and ride the dunes. Some local beach areas allow you to drive your own 4×4 or rented vehicle on the beach too (with a permit). This is truly a driving experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!
Cool off at H2OBX Waterpark
Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can always go check out the new H2OBX water park while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food, and fun apparel shopping.
From sitting back in a lounge chair and watching everyone else, to speeding down tubes into the warm blue water or eating fish tacos and enjoying a watermelon milkshake you’ll find it all at H2OBX. Spending a day at H2OBX is a great addition to any trip to the beach.
For water sports lovers, there are opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, jet skiing, and deep sea fishing charters in Duck and nearby. You can also rent bikes and explore the miles of paved bike paths that wind through Duck and connect to neighboring Outer Banks towns. If you prefer exploring on foot hiking trails in the maritime forests Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers the chance to observe native wildlife and plant species up-close.
Small-town charm, natural beauty, and a variety of activities make Duck, North Carolina, and the Sanderling Resort a top choice when visiting the Outer Banks. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent escape or a family-friendly getaway this is truly a picturesque beach retreat. Imagine being surrounded by luxurious details and warm hospitality at the Sanderling Resort while the laidback vibe, outdoor recreation, and stunning natural scenery of the Outer Banks surround you. Duck, North Carolina is the ideal destination for your next vacation!
(Be sure to check the availability and timing of attractions and activities when you plan your visit.)
❤️Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to pin this idea on your vacation board for your next trip inspiration and to check out my other travel posts. If you are a hotel, campground, or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com. Thank you!
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❤️ Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to pin this idea on your vacation board for your next trip inspiration and to check out my other travel posts. If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com .
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