An American Flag Beach Umbrella sitting in the sand

Everything You Need to Know About Memorial Day Weekend in the Outer Banks

03/12/2019 | by Pirate's Cove Realty | Outer Banks Holidays and Special Occasions

So, you’re looking for a place to kick off the summer season, but just not sure where you want to go yet. There’s no place better to celebrate the official start of summer than Memorial Day in the Outer Banks. Temperatures start to peak in the 80s, with an average of around 75 degrees. That’s perfect weather for you and your family to get out and enjoy the many activities that you won’t find at just any other beach. Ring in the warm weather this year with an unforgettable trip to OBX and get ready to have a blast!

If you want to discover more ways to make the most of your trip to the Outer Banks, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide!

How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in the Outer Banks

Hit the Water

It’s no surprise that the main attraction here is the ocean. And since Memorial Day Weekend at the Outer Banks is the beginning of summer, there’s nothing quite like hopping in the water for a swim during your day at the beach. Of course, there are plenty of other outdoor activities that revolve around Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. You can take out a kayak and explore wildlife along the shore or try your luck at kiteboarding. Fishing enthusiasts will love renting a charter boat out of Pirate’s Cove Marina for a chance to bring in a prize catch!

Savor Fresh, Local Fare

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in the Outer Banks with friends, family, and of course, good food. You’ll find plenty of excellent places to eat in Manteo, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. You can sample some of the freshest seafood in the area at Bluewater Grill & Raw Bar, overlooking the Pirate’s Cove Marina. Venture into charming downtown Manteo for selection of great lunch spots or grab a craft brew at Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe. There are also several fantastic waterfront dining options like Stripers Bar & Grill and Fish Heads Bar & Grill.

Explore Our Unique Attractions

OBX is more than just sun, sand, and water. There is a handful of unique attractions that make for the ultimate Memorial Day Weekend in the Outer Banks. The Lost Colony, located on Roanoke Island, starts their award-winning show season highlighting the mysterious disappearance of the first attempted English settlement in America (a favorite of kids and adults). The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is the perfect rainy day activity where you can discover and learn about local marine life including sea turtles, sharks, and a variety of fish! If you’re a history buff, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are must-sees.

Take a Tour

If you want to experience the Outer Banks on Memorial Day Weekend, why not try something new and exciting? Hop into a biplane and fly high above the sand dunes and barrier islands of North Carolina with OBX Airplanes. If you want to keep your feet on the ground (or the water), book a thrilling airboat tour through the wetlands of Roanoke Sound with Outer Banks Adventures! Or, you can keep things simple and rent a bike to cruise around downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Stay at Pirate’s Cove Resorta view from a balcony with a chair

Pirate’s Cove Resort is the perfect place to stay during your trip to the Outer Banks for Memorial Day Weekend. Our private, gated community offers an extensive list of top-notch perks and amenities that set our resort apart from other OBX vacation rentals. All of our guests get access to our basketball and volleyball courts, community pool, miles of boardwalks, arcade, grills and picnic areas, and more! Pirate’s Cove is also on Roanoke Island, so you are close to the beach but don’t have to deal with all of the OBX traffic.


Ready to plan your Memorial Day Weekend getaway? Check out some of our other properties in downtown Manteo and around Roanoke Island! We look forward to welcoming you to our OBX paradise. See our pet friendly vacation rentals in Outer Banks here!