Duck NC: The Quintessential Shopping Town of OBX

An Outer Banks Itinerary would not be complete without stopping in the cute shopping town of Duck, NC. With less than 1000 residents, Duck is a super small town mainly known for its tourism. Situated along the Currituck Sound, a boardwalk leads you to all the unique shops and restaurants along the water.

With hundreds of shops and restaurants, you could easily spend half a day here, but if you want Duck to be a couple-hour stop along your itinerary, that works, too!

Basics About Duck, NC

Where is Duck, NC?

Situated between Southern Shores and Corolla, Duck is located in the Northern part of NC. Listed below is the distance from other major Outer Banks towns:

Corolla: 15 miles (24 minutes)
Nags Head: 17 miles (26 minutes)
Manteo: 25 miles (40 minutes)

Getting To and Around Duck, NC

Transportation Options

Once you are in the town of Duck, all of the shops are within walking distance, but if you want to explore further into the Outer Banks, then a car is needed. Another option for getting to places close by is to rent a golf cart! This is a fun way to enjoy the ocean breeze and get from point A to B.

Is Duck Walkable?

Yes! With the boardwalk lining the shops along the water, and crosswalks to allow easy access across the street, Duck is one of the most walkable towns in the Outer Banks.

Does Duck Have a Beach?

There is a beach access within Duck’s town limits, but it is only accessible to homeowners and renters within the town itself. If you are looking for a public beach access, I would continue up to Corolla.

Things to do in Duck, NC

Shopping

With over 100 shops and restaurants, Duck, NC is mainly known as a shopping town. The town of Duck has a full list of shops, but listed below are the main shopping areas:
- Waterfront Shops
- Scarborough Faire Shopping Village
- Scarborough Lane Shops
- Loblolly Pines
- Wee Winks Square

Restaurants

There are SO many great restaurants around Duck that deciding where to eat can be challenging. You could easily walk along the boardwalk and find somewhere that caters to your and other travelers’ needs. Listed below are some great options that locals suggested:

If you want a sweet treat, don’t forget to stop by the famous Duck Donuts!

The Boardwalk

The boardwalk is the main attraction in Duck since it allows a picturesque scene while strolling the area. Whether you are in the mood to shop or simply get some fresh air, I would still suggest walking along the mile-long boardwalk.

Other Attractions in Duck, NC

Water Sport Activities

For those interested in water activities on Currituck Sound or nearby beaches, Duck Village Outfitters offers rental equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and boogie boards.