Things To Do On The Outer Banks For April 23, 2025

Welcome to the Outer Banks! Whether you’re a sand-between-your-toes regular or a newcomer ready to chase wild horses and salty breezes, this is the week to let your OBX spirit soar.

Spring is in full swing, kites are flying high over Jockey’s Ridge, and the scent of fresh seafood mingles with ocean air from Corolla to Ocracoke. Rain or shine, the Outer Banks delivers adventure—so grab your raincoat, your sunscreen, or maybe both, and dive into all the fun, flavors, and festivities that make this coast unforgettable.

The weather this week has been classic spring Outer Banks: a little unpredictable, but always beautiful in its own way. Highs have hovered in the mid to upper 60s, with a few showers and the occasional rumble of thunder to keep things interesting—so pack layers and be ready for anything. 

The sun rises early, around 6:20 a.m., and sets just after 7:40 p.m., giving you over 14 hours of daylight to explore. If you’re thinking of a dip, the ocean water is bracing, with temperatures around 56–68°F—refreshing for the brave, and perfect for a quick splash or some invigorating surf fishing.

What’s Happening This Week

• Outer Banks Bike Week is rolling through April 19–27, bringing guided rides, live music, vendor villages, and plenty of chrome to Harbinger and beyond. Even if you’re not a biker, the energy is contagious—catch the spectacle along Highway 12!

• Spring festivals are still in the air, with lingering culinary delights from Taste of the Beach and the recent Kite Festival painting the dunes in color.

• Easter may be behind us, but the family-friendly spirit continues with open shops, fresh menus, and the season’s first waves of live music and outdoor fun.

Travel Tip: Ocracoke and Corolla—A Tale of Two Destinations
Dreaming of seeing both Ocracoke’s pirate history and Corolla’s wild horses in one trip? Be warned: summer brings legendary traffic and ferry lines.

The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry is free and scenic, but in peak months, wait times can stretch from 20 minutes to over two hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.—especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays. 

Early birds (before 9 a.m.) and night owls fare best, while weekends or Mondays tend to be less crowded. The Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry offers another option, but reservations are recommended during busy periods. 

On the northern end, Corolla’s only access is via Highway 12, and summer Saturdays can see traffic crawling for miles—arriving after 6 p.m. or on weekdays is your best bet for a smooth ride. 

If you want to see both ends of the Banks in one day, plan carefully, pack your patience, and consider splitting your adventures across multiple days.

No matter where you roam, the Outer Banks is ready to welcome you with open arms, wild skies, and plenty of stories to take home. Enjoy every minute!