Visit the Duck Town Boardwalk and Waterfront Shops
As you plan your vacation to the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina, don't miss the opportunity to explore the quaint Duck Town Boardwalk and adjacent Waterfront Shops. Nestled in the heart of Duck, this waterfront promenade epitomizes coastal charm and has become the focal point for the town. The Boardwalk and Waterfront Shops combine scenic beauty, unique shopping, fun waterfront dining, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a must-visit attraction during your stay.
The Duck Town Boardwalk is a scenic wooden walkway that extends nearly a mile alongside the Currituck Sound, offering stunning panoramic views of the water, previous wildlife, and surrounding natural landscapes. The boardwalk, accessed via the 11-acre Duck Town Park, provides a leisurely stroll with plenty of benches and spots to pause and take in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're an early riser looking for a peaceful morning walk or a sunset enthusiast eager to witness the sky ablaze with colors, the Duck Town Boardwalk provides a lovely setting for both.
Adjacent to the boardwalk, the Waterfront Shops offer a delightful shopping experience that perfectly complements the coastal charm of Duck. You'll find an array of boutiques and specialty stores, a general store, a yoga studio, coffee shop, and more, each offering unique treasures and community spirit. From locally crafted art and jewelry to coastal-inspired home décor and fashion, the shops showcase the best of Outer Banks craftsmanship and style. Whether you're searching for the perfect souvenir or a unique gift for a loved one, you'll discover a wide range of options to suit every taste.
No visit to the Waterfront Shops is complete without savoring the local culinary offerings. The area boasts a variety of dining options, including seafood restaurants with fresh catches of the day, charming cafes where you can enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the waterfront view, an ice cream shop, and the perfect place to enjoy a sunset pint or cocktail. The Waterfront Shops are a great way to indulge in Outer Banks' seafood specialties or sample delectable international cuisine.
Visitor Tips:
Parking is available near the Duck Town Boardwalk, but it can get crowded during peak vacation seasons, so plan accordingly.
Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking sunsets and scenic views of Currituck Sound.
Check the opening hours of the Waterfront Shops, as they may vary depending on the season.
The Town of Duck Boardwalk and the Waterfront Shops offer a delightful blend of natural beauty, shopping, dining, and relaxation, making it an essential stop during your Outer Banks vacation. Whether you're in search of incredible views, unique gifts, or a tranquil spot to enjoy a meal, this charming waterfront destination has it all. We hope you add this spot to your list for your next Outer Banks vacation!
Situated right on the water, Coastal Cantina is a casual, open-air Tex-Mex restaurant with a unique coastal twist to their cuisine.
Try out their "pizzadillas", Mexican pizza with duck or crab, or their chicken, beef, duck, or mahi mahi tacos, if you're wanting a familiar favorite.
There is live music on Thursday nights from 6 pm to sunset (when the restaurant closes) - a perfect end to a perfect day!
Duck's Cottage
A small coffee house and bookstore, Duck's Cottage is famous for their Coconut Crunch coffee, and offers other blends that are nods to Outer Banks places and trivia.
With names like "12 North," "I-95," and "Blackbeard's Blend," you're sure to find something that strikes your fancy.
But Duck's Cottage is, of course, also a bookstore, and not only offer a wide selection of books (fiction and non-fiction) set in the Outer Banks, but have book signings every first Friday of the month and each staff member keeps a curated list of book suggestions on their website for you to browse.
Duck's Cottage is open at 7 am, seven days a week, and strives to be open "364 days a year," but you can verify their hours at 252-261-5510, on the announcement banner on their website, or their social media pages.
Whether you're looking for something to take down to the beach with you, read at your vacation rental, or take home with you, you'll find something to love at Duck's Cottage.
Outer Barks
As is implied by the name, Outer Barks is an outlet catering to dogs and dog lovers. With clothing, toys, and an on-site bakery to provide the freshest treats for your pet daily, Robin & Kevin Carey have been running Outer Barks since 2000. All of their treats are wheat, corn and soy free and have no salts, sugars or oils added.
On Wednesdays, Outer Barks hosts a Yappy Hour from 4 - 5 pm, with "doggie daiquiris, pup [casserole], pawty platter and [paw] painting." So bring your four-legged friend with you when you next visit the Duck Boardwalk!
After a day of walking and exploring, returning to a comfortable beach house is the best way to relax. Outer Banks Blue has a great selection of Duck vacation rentals, from oceanfront multi-family homes to quiet cozy cottages. A week's stay is the best way to fully enjoy all the fun things to do in Duck, but we bet you'll want to come back year after year! Discover the many other exciting locations the Outer Banks has to offer by viewing all of our obx rentals.
