5 days in North Carolina Coast Itinerary

Most visitors take a trip to Nags Head to enjoy the beach, but this Outer Banks town offers more than just waterside entertainment.

Get out of town with these interesting Nags Head side-trips: Corolla (Back Country Safari Tours & Whalehead Club). There's still lots to do: explore the striking landscape at Jockey's Ridge State Park, visit a coastal fixture at Bodie Island Lighthouse, take a leisurely stroll along Duck Town Boardwalk, and get engrossed in the history at Buffalo City Exhibit.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Nags Head vacation builder tool.

Charlotte to Nags Head is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. Expect a daytime high around 56°F in December, and nighttime lows around 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to drive to Wilmington.

Holiday in Willington to discover a charming coastal city filled with azalea gardens, historical neighborhoods, and cozy cafes.

On the 4th (Fri), take a tour of Battleship North Carolina, don't miss a visit to Riverwalk, and then wander the streets of Historic District. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 5th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Airlie Gardens, stop by The Veggie Wagon, then brush up on your military savvy at Fort Fisher State Historic Site, and finally don't miss a visit to Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

To see photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Wilmington trip itinerary builder app.

Getting from Nags Head to Wilmington by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: fly; or do a combination of car and bus. Traveling from Nags Head in December, you will find days in Wilmington are somewhat warmer (63°F), and nights are about the same (42°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.