Sandy Feet Retreat

• Home
• Amenities
• Photos
• Guest Book
• Things to Do
• Current Weather
• Rates & Availability
• Book Now

Tour the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at "Duck Pier"

Situated on 173 acres just north of Duck Village, the Waterways Experiment Station of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been helping scientists study ocean processes since 1977. The site's equipment to monitor sand movement, wave forces, water currents, temperatures and sedimentation have helped the facility gain a reputation as one of the best coastal field research facilities in the world. From mid-June to mid-August, tours are available at the research facility at 10:00 a.m. between Monday and Friday. For more information, contact the Field Research Facility at (252) 261-6850, ext. 401.

Relax at the Beach

If watersports, fishing and tourist attractions aren't for you, don't worry - there is still something you can do to enjoy the Outer Banks! Get a cooler of your favorite refreshments and some snacks, grab a beach chair and head to the beach! Depending on the time of year, there will more than likely be something or someone for you to watch, whether it is surf fishermen, children playing in the sand and water, surfers or dolphins playing in the water. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in that will relax you, and you will never want to leave!

Get Married (Or Renew Your Vows) on the Beach

Each year, hundreds of people have weddings on the beaches of the Outer Banks. With all of the large vacation rental homes that are available for families and friends to rent, mixed with the unforgettable backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Outer Banks sand dunes and sea oats, it will be a ceremony you will never forget. There are many local photographers, florists, wedding planners, entertainers, caterers and more that can assist you with your planning. You will need to obtain a marriage license in the county of your ceremony. If you are getting married on the beach, you will also need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service. For information about any of the services or permits you will need for your beach wedding, you may contact the Outer Banks Wedding Association at (252) 473-4800.

Take a Boat Cruise To View Local Attractions and Wildlife

If you aren't interested in fishing or watersports, there is also a variety of boat cruises offered on the Outer Banks. Depending on which tour you choose, you could see dolphins, shipwrecks, sunsets, various sights and local attractions, various bird species, and more! In Nags Head, contact Bodie Island Adventures at (252) 441-6682. Outer Banks Cruises in Manteo is also an option, and can be reached at (252) 473-1475. Captain Clam in Hatteras, though it is primarily a headboat fishing charter, also offers pirate tours some evenings in the summer, and can be reached at (252) 986-2365.

Play or Watch Others Play in the Waters at Canadian Hole

Canadian Hole is a public area located 1.5 miles south of Avon on Hatteras Island. Windsurfers and kiteboarders who travel to the Outer Banks from around the world spend most of their vacation playing in the Pamlico Sound waters at Canadian Hole. If you are driving by this location on a windy day, pull into the public parking area and take some time to relax and watch the surfers and boarders. Many of them are very talented at their sports and are fun to watch. If you can catch this area near sunset, it is a great photo opportunity with the sails in the sky and the sunset in the background.

Enjoy a Local Seafood Dinner

You can't spend any time at the Outer Banks without having a local seafood dinner. Throughout the Outer Banks, there are many great restaurants that will serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on the Outer Banks. Many of the restaurants will prepare YOUR catch of the day for you, if you have been out fishing and don't want to cook your own catch. All you have to do is ask!

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or Canoeing

People of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of the Outer Banks sounds. There are several stores available throughout the Outer Banks where you can rent either a kayak or a canoe, and there are different types available depending on your preference. You can rent equipment from Carolina Outdoors in Corolla, Nags Head, Manteo, Avon or Hatteras at (800) 334-4777. Several companies also offer guided kayak and canoe eco-tours. Corolla Adventure Tours leads tours on the northern beaches and can be reached at (252) 453-6899. Ocracoke Adventures leads tours of the Pamlico Sound and Ocracoke Island and can be reached at (252) 928-7873.

Visit the Deserted Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though it was once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250. If you would rather have a guided tour, Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions allows you to ride the shores of this island and visit its attractions. Two trips are offered each day and cost $75 per person. For more information, contact (252) 928-4484.

Visit the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station in Corolla

The Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station was originally built in Kill Devil Hills in 1878 when lifesaving stations were located every 7 miles along the Outer Banks. This station was visited by the Wright Brothers during their many trips to the Outer Banks. Many of the original workers of the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station assisted the Wright Brothers with their early flight experiments, and some were lucky enough to be there to view the world's first powered airplane fly through the sky. The station was moved to Corolla in 1986, where it was restored and is the current home of the local shop, Outer Banks Style. Take time to stop and visit this unique structure of Outer Banks history!

Go Swimming in the Ocean

A favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe!