10 Best Things To Do In Southern Shores, North Carolina

1. Have fun playing at the OB-Xscape Rooms

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Escape games mean family fun and the one in Southern Shores delivers that. It’s a great option when the heat gets too much for you, or when a rainy day comes along. Offering five escape rooms, OB-X provides all the clues and fun you need to solve the puzzles and escape.

Travelers, locals, families, and friends all enjoy the fun game, so book online in advance to avoid missing out. If you really want a total immersion experience, you can even dress up in costumes suitable to the game room you choose. Allow a minimum of an hour for the activity.

OB-Xscape Rooms

Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Suite 109, Southern Shores, NC 27949-3616

Website: OB-Xscape Rooms

2. Soundside Parks

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Southern Shore’s Soundside Parks are playground and wading beach areas that provide spectacular water views and outdoor adventure. Soundview Park on North Dogwood Trail is a calm and picturesque area that also features a bocce ball court, a horseshoe pit, and a kayak launching platform. Gather the family for a little picnic and take a stroll along the lengthy boardwalk.

Sea Oats Park located at the intersection of Hickory Trail and Hillcrest Drive, and Trinite Park at the intersection of Trinite Trail and Chicahauk Trail offers the same facilities such as a playground, a basketball half-court, and an open field for outdoor sports. So bring your friends and family and enjoy watching the sunset from the best seat you can find along the accessible sound.

Soundside Parks

Address: Southern Shores, NC 27949

3. Ghost Crab Quest, LLC

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Experience a different night out in the Outer Banks with Ghost Crab Quest. This ecotourism company provides education for all ages through impactful yet fun environmental programs. The star of its set of activities is the up close and personal encounter with Atlantic ghost crabs. The hunting session held during the night is an informative quest wherein relevant information about ghost crabs and other kinds is shared with the participants. The activity lasts for about an hour and a half and can be participated by a maximum of 20 guests.

While the ghost crabs are the main attraction in Ghost Crab Quest, the company also offers educational activities that will introduce the guests to astronomy, bird watching, outrageous ocean creatures, and pirate history.

Ghost Crab Quest, LLC

Address: 213 Woodland Dr, Southern Shores, NC 27949

Website: Ghost Crab Quest

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

4. Currituck County Rural Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Within a 15-minute drive from Southern Shores is Powells Point, where you will find the Currituck County Rural Center, a place that has entertainment in mind for both locals and visitors. The 105-acre (42.5 hectare) park is located off the beaten path and has plenty of activities to offer, some of them even for free.

You can pack a picnic and enjoy it here or go horseback riding, have fun on the slides and swings at the playground or go fishing and kayaking. The center also organizes horse and dog shows, festivals, classes and events for all ages and interests. If you’ve been constantly searching for “outdoor attractions near me” all day, Currituck County Rural Center is the place to go.

Currituck County Rural Center

Address: 184 Milburn Sawyer Rd, Powells Point, NC 27966

Contact: +1 252-232-2262

Website: Currituck County Rural Center

5. Eat seafood at Steamers

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It wouldn’t be a complete trip to North Carolina’s coast without trying some of the local seafood. When you’re in Southern Shores, your go-to seafood place definitely should be Steamers, with its laid back atmosphere, jazz music in the background, professional staff and always fresh, tasty food.

Previous guests recommend the crab legs and seafood bisque, but also the outstanding cheesecake, made from a recipe from the owner’s mother. If you’re not that into seafood, you can also try other items on the menu, such as the burger with fries, which promises not to disappoint.

Steamers

Address: Southern Shores Crossing Shopping Center, 1 Ocean Blvd Unit 115, Southern Shores, NC 27949

Contact: +1 252-261-0224

Website: Steamers

6. Duck Woods Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

At Duck Woods Country Club you get to try tennis and even golfing, one of the activities Southern Shores is best known for. But that’s not the only activity these 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of maritime forest have to offer. Outer Banks’ only full-service country club, Duck Woods also has family-oriented outdoor activities and other services and facilities. It is also a great venue for wedding ceremonies or receptions, with sophisticated, yet contemporary decor and professional staff.

Duck Woods Country Club

Address: 50 S Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949

Opening Hours: 5:30 am - 9 pm

Website: Duck Woods Country Club

7. ArtSpace

Even though it is a small town, Southern Shores is full of talented artists and the community is proud to showcase their work at ArtSpace. Here you will find local and designer jewelry, pottery, ceramics and even handmade furniture. There are also a variety of pieces made in oil, acrylic or watercolor and some reproductions, which can be bought on-site or ordered online.

Art enthusiasts can also participate in art classes here and learn how to create their own art piece, all while enjoying a relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

ArtSpace

Address: 201 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Website: ArtSpace

8. Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar and Wine Bar Cafe

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Since 2006, when it was first founded, Coastal Provisions has been growing into the successful business it is today and one of the best food businesses in the area. They currently have a catering service and three restaurant concepts in Outer Banks, but the one that caught our attention was Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar and Wine Bar Cafe. You can come here for lunch or dinner and take a seat at one of their indoor or outdoor Oyster Bars, or at the Wine Bar.

They pride themselves in the best selection of oysters, but also have award-winning crabcakes, fried seafood and seafood tacos. Make sure you pair your meal with one of their 20 types of wine, available by the glass.

Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar and Wine Bar Cafe

Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Southern Shores, NC 27949

Website: Coastal Provisions Oyster Bar and Wine Bar Cafe

9. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

If you’re the adventurer type, go off the beaten path and explore Kitty Hawk Woods, a maritime forest, still untouched, with marshes and brackish swamplands. Just admiring the wildlife and sunsets at Kitty Hawk Woods is an incredible experience, but you also have plenty of activities you can try here, from stand up paddle boarding and kayaking to bird watching, hunting or even hiking.

Located west of US 158, Kitty Hawk Woods can be accessed from one of the two parking lots: one at David Paul Pruitt Park and another one at Sandy Run Park. Once you’re in the park, you will see signs pointing you in the right direction, according to what activity you’re interested in. Biking, horseback riding and hunting are all permitted in the park, as long as they are done within the assigned areas.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

Address: Center of the village of Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks

Website: Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

10. Feed the turtles at Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park is 4 km (2.5 mi) from Southern Shores, North Carolina. It is well maintained and access is free. Spend a few hours there walking around in a natural setting. The trails are all boardwalks, so there are no heavy steps or uphill sections. A gazebo allows for a place to sit and rest.

Everyone who goes there suggests you take some fish pellets for the turtles as it has become one of the popular Southern Shores activities. Literally, hundreds of them come a-begging for a feed. Other wildlife like herons, frogs, and butterflies abound. It’s also possible to do some fishing on a catch and release system.

Sandy Run Park

Address: 4352 The Woods Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-4036

Southern Shores - An off the beaten path destination, with something for everyone

As small as the town of Southern Shores is, it is just as diverse and full of things to do. You won’t find the crowds you’re used to in other popular beach destinations, but you will definitely find outdoor activities and wildlife, galore. Whether you’re into water sports or you’re a foodie, looking for the best seafood in the area, or even an art enthusiast looking for quaint, unique art pieces, Southern Shores, in North Carolina, has something for you. On top of it all, you’ll get to explore some of the best beaches in the area, maritime forests and untouched vegetation.