Southern Shores sits in one of the better-positioned spots on the Outer Banks for getting out and exploring. Whether you have a full weekend or just a Saturday, you can reach a surprising range of destinations without much effort.
The Best Day Trips From Southern Shores
Corolla — 30 minutes north
Corolla is the most obvious choice and one that never gets old. Drive north up NC-12 and you reach the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Historic Corolla Park, with the wild horse country just beyond, on the off-road beaches north of where the paved road ends. Seeing the horses requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a guided tour. In the off-season especially, it feels like a different world. The lighthouse is open to climbers from late March through November, and the views from the top cover miles of barrier island in both directions.
Manteo — 25 minutes south
Manteo on Roanoke Island is a short hop across the Washington Baum Bridge. The waterfront has working docks, independent restaurants, and the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. Just across a small bridge from downtown, the Elizabeth II tall ship is moored at Roanoke Island Festival Park. It takes about two hours to walk the whole town comfortably. Manteo also gives you access to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which covers the Lost Colony story in real depth.
Edenton — 90 minutes west
If you want to get off the barrier island entirely, Edenton on the Albemarle Sound is worth the drive. It is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in North Carolina, with a walkable historic district, a town green that faces the water, and a handful of historic homes that are open for tours. The pace is slow, the food is good, and it feels nothing like the beach.
Nags Head to Pea Island — 20 minutes to an hour south
Heading south, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore starts just below Nags Head. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge draws serious birders from October through April, but anyone with an interest in coastal ecosystems will find it worth stopping. The North Pond Trail is a short, flat walk that puts you right at the water's edge.
What This Means For You
• Southern Shores sits near the northern end of the Outer Banks, within easy reach of both Corolla and the Nags Head area, so you can cover a lot of ground in a single day if you plan it right.
• Property owners here often find that proximity to Manteo and the sound-side communities adds practical value, not just scenery. Grocery stores, medical facilities, and year-round services are all closer than they appear on a map.
• If you are weighing where to buy on the Outer Banks, location along the island matters more than most buyers initially expect. Read more about what sets different communities apart on our Southern Shores real estate page.
• The best day trips from Southern Shores tend to work better mid-week, especially in spring and fall, when parking and crowds at destination spots are lighter.
Spending time in each of these places also gives you a clearer sense of what life on and around the Outer Banks actually looks like across different seasons. That kind of firsthand knowledge is worth more than any brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Southern Shores from Manteo, NC?
Manteo is just under 20 miles from Southern Shores, which puts it about 25 to 30 minutes by car depending on bridge traffic. It makes for an easy half-day trip with time left over to explore the waterfront.
What are the best things to do near Southern Shores in the off-season?
Corolla and Manteo both hold up well outside of summer. The wild horses in Corolla are often easier to spot in fall and winter when vegetation thins out, and many of Manteo's waterfront restaurants stay open year-round. Edenton is also a strong off-season option since it draws fewer tourists and the weather is mild.
Is Southern Shores a good base for exploring the Outer Banks?
Southern Shores sits near the center of the northern Outer Banks, which makes it a practical base. Corolla is 30 minutes north, Kill Devil Hills is about 10 minutes south, and Manteo is roughly 25 minutes across the sound. Most of the main destinations on the northern Outer Banks are within 45 minutes in either direction.
