Nearby
What is around you
Distances are from our door. The pier is a walk; everything else on this list is a short drive up or across the island.
Make more of your stay
Your hotel. Your surroundings.
Find your hotel on the map, then choose a place to explore. The numbers match the activities alongside it.
Your starting point
Blue Heron Motel
History
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Explore the story of the first powered flight and the memorial grounds.
Outdoors
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Walk the dunes and explore the trails of this coastal state park.
Fishing & coast
Jennette’s Pier
Plan a pier walk or a fishing outing overlooking the Atlantic.
History
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Explore the light station and check the National Park Service for current access.
Check the venue’s website for current opening times, tickets, access and weather-related changes. Activities are independently operated.
More ways to explore the Outer Banks
Build a day around what you enjoy.
Browse the guides for this hotel’s area on Visit OBX, our group’s destination guide, for beaches, food, history and things to do.
Jennette's Pier
10 min walk · 0.7 miles
Owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, it provides ocean fishing, educational programs, and facility rentals in Oceanview Hall. The 1,000-foot pier is open year-round with varying hours. Enjoy convenient access to a spacious public beach with free parking, bath house, and outdoor showers.
DirectionsPirates Cove Marina
6 min drive · 3.7 miles
Pirates Cove Marina is a renowned destination for boating enthusiasts. With exceptional facilities and services, it offers a gateway to the coastal waters, catering to both recreational and sportfishing activities. From boat slips to fuel dock and a dedicated ship store, the marina ensures a convenient and pleasurable boating experience.
DirectionsNags Head Fishing Pier
7 min drive · 4.2 miles
Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of the oldest and longest surviving piers, it offers great inshore fishing for all ages. Even without fishing, the $1.50 walk on the pier provides a breathtaking ocean view. It's an excellent spot for family outings and for those seeking a more leisurely fishing experience.
DirectionsSeaside Art Gallery
8 min drive · 5 miles
Established in 1961, it is one of the largest privately-owned galleries in the Southeast, showcasing an extensive collection of original fine art from renowned artists across various genres and media. The gallery also hosts year-round art shows, including the highly regarded International Miniature Art Show.
DirectionsDowdy Park
8 min drive · 5.1 miles
Situated at the junction of South Croatan Highway and Bonnett Street, the park provides 5 acres of recreational space catering to individuals of all ages and abilities. It showcases an amphitheater, fitness trail, and an inclusive playground.
DirectionsParadise Dolphin Cruises
8 min drive · 5.4 miles
Paradise Dolphin Cruises promises an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and unparalleled access to dolphins. Their state-of-the-art 40-passenger catamaran, equipped with comfortable seats, a canopied top, and restroom facilities departs from the Wanchese Docks on Roanoke Island. Their daily sunset dolphin cruises gives a magnificent wildlife experience to visitors.
DirectionsJockey's Ridge State Park
10 min drive · 6.3 miles
Jockey's Ridge State Park boasts the Atlantic coast's tallest living sand dune system. It's a haven for kite enthusiasts and sunset admirers. The park offers exhilarating hang gliding experiences, wetland explorations, water activities, and serves as the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
DirectionsRoanoke Island Festival Park
13 min drive · 6.9 miles
Step into the past at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre historic site that immerses visitors in the life of the first English settlers in 1585. The Adventure Museum offers interactive exhibits, while the park's scenic piers and nature trails provide stunning views for concerts, events, and weddings.
DirectionsIsland Farm
12 min drive · 7.7 miles
Island Farm brings the captivating history of Roanoke Islanders to life. Experience live demonstrations of traditional agriculture, blacksmithing, food preparation, weaving, animal care, and more. History comes alive at this seasonal attraction from April to November, with special events held throughout the season.
DirectionsWright Brothers National Memorial
15 min drive · 8.7 miles
This is a historic site dedicated to Orville and Wilbur Wright's groundbreaking achievement of the first powered flight in 1903. Explore exhibits, a visitor center, and a replica of their camp, and stand where history was made. Visitors can learn about their enduring influence on aviation and air travel here.
DirectionsElizabethan Gardens
15 min drive · 9.4 miles
This living memorial celebrates the lost colonists of Sir Walter Raleigh's time. Discover special features like the Butterfly Center, Children's Discovery Cottage, and Italian Renaissance statuary amidst serene water views. The gardens showcase a wide variety of plant collections, including native plants, azaleas, crepe myrtles, hydrangeas, conifers, and seasonal blooms.
DirectionsNC Aquarium at Roanoke Island
15 min drive · 9.5 miles
Spanning 68,000 square feet, it showcases the diverse aquatic life of the region, from endangered sea turtles to fascinating creatures like horseshoe crabs and stingrays. This educational yet entertaining destination is perfect for families seeking an immersive experience.
Directions