Capt. John recommends land fun too

Family-friendly tropical grill with casual dining, a large bar area, and plenty of TVs for sports.

Casual dining with a Tex-Mex menu.

Fun casual dining with a second-floor ocean-view deck bar and live music.

Sports bar with a classic pub menu plus hearty entrees.

Intimate fine dining known for an award-winning martini menu.

Family-oriented island spot serving Caribbean and Pacific Rim dishes.

Pub food done right, with burgers, vegetarian and vegan options, salads, and oysters.

A locals favorite with classic American food and Pacific Rim flavors.

Inside dining, backyard beer garden, live music, and a play area for kids and adults.

Classic American food with plenty of local seafood dishes.

Bright, colorful, and fresh atmosphere.

Cozy restaurant off the beaten path, especially good for smaller parties.

Steaks and ribs cooked over a wood-fired mesquite grill.

Caribbean-style locals favorite with sandwiches, seafood, and beach volleyball courts out back.

Retro tavern with a huge beer selection and pub-food menu.

Seafood restaurant with fresh daily specials.

Healthy, nutrition-oriented menu in a waterfront setting overlooking the sound.

Waterfront dining specializing in fresh local seafood.

Oceanfront bar on the Outer Banks Pier, recommended by Capt. John.

Sea Chef Dockside Kitchen

Casual chef-driven seafood shack at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center supporting local fishermen.

Shaka's Beach Bar & Grill

Island-vibe restaurant with sports, drinks, and an extensive menu.

Salt & Cypress Kitchen & Cocktails

Relaxed Manteo dining with beautiful views, especially at sunset.

Pizza stop serving the Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores area.

Kill Devil Hills pizzeria.

Kill Devil Hills pizza spot.

Nags Head pizza favorite.

Locals-favorite cyber cafe serving breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, smoothies, and beer.

Overstuffed sandwiches with a long list of unique combinations.

Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and fried chicken.

Biscuits, sandwiches, and fried chicken all day.

Frozen yogurt bar with toppings from sweets to fresh fruit.

Homemade frozen custard and handmade fries with outside window service.

Known for milkshakes, outside window service, and picnic tables.

Ice cream, Hawaiian shaved ice, cookie sandwiches, and more.

Off the beaten path on Colington Road and worth the effort.

Kitty Hawk seafood market.

Nags Head seafood market near Jockeys Ridge.

Wanchese seafood market and local favorite.

Land, air, or sea activity headquarters.

Aquariums, touch tanks, river otters, and the STAR sea turtle rehabilitation center.

Hurricane-themed aerial course with 42 obstacles and 6 zip lines for ages 6 and up.

Fishing, family programs, beach access, aquariums, science exhibits, and a pier shop.

Interactive historic site representing the first English settlement attempted in 1585.

Replica of Sir Walter Raleighs ship that sailed to the area in 1587.

Long-running soundfront outdoor drama on Roanoke Island.