OBX Sunrise – Capturing The Magic

In the annals of OBX photography, there are quite a number of iconic OBXsunset images. There are the wonderful photos of the sun as it sets on Currituck Sound captured from the Whalehead Club, or images as the sun sinks below the horizon along the Duck Boardwalk. Jockey’s Ridge, the highest natural point on the Outer Banks offers unparalleled vistas for sunset viewing. The list of places to savor evening twilight go on…

However, there are not nearly as many memorable OBX sunrise pictures.

Why? Usually, when we think of the photographs that stay with us, those images are taken at a location that is somewhat distinctive. And let’s face it— on the OBX, pointing a camera to the east and watching the sunrise come up over the ocean doesn’t differentiate easily between Coquina Beach in South Nags Head and the beaches of Corolla.

And, of course, the OBX is a vacation paradise, which means relaxation! There are not that many people so anxious to photograph an OBX sunrise that they are willing to get up at 5:30 a.m. to do so.

Nonetheless, for the early riser, there are some opportunities to get a very nice and distinctive OBX sunrise shot.

So while we absolutely encourage you to get out there and enjoy all the OBX sunsets that you can, here is a list of some great spots to capture that perfect OBX sunrise.

OBX Sunrise Location #1 – Bodie Island Lighthouse

Not the lighthouse itself, but the grounds. The lighthouse climbing hours are 9-5, too late for an OBX sunrise and too early for a sunset.

However, at the base of the lighthouse, there is a boardwalk that extends into an impoundment. From the end of the boardwalk, there is nothing between you and the sunrise but some marsh grasses and low vegetation on the other side of the water.

Another possibility is to capture an image of the sun rising behind the lighthouse, it truly is a stunning OBX sunrise photo to add to your collection!

OBX Sunrise Location #2 – Town of Kitty Hawk Boat Ramp

The OBX sunrise image captured here will be of the sun rising above the trees of a maritime forest. What makes this so nice is there are docks that will allow the photographer to get away from shore and over the water.

Standing on the docks and looking across the water, depending on the time of year, the sunrise will be over your left shoulder and slightly behind you. The interplay of the colors of the early morning sun, the shadows of the trees, and the water should make for something special.

This is a great place for a very different OBX sunset shot for the same reasons.

OBX Sunrise Location #3 – Roanoke Island Festival Park

Because Festival Park occupies a peninsula that looks out across Shallowbag Bay to Roanoke Sound, there are quite a number of OBX sunrise photo possibilities at this location.

There is a path that goes around the perimeter of the park, and that is a good choice to find that ideal shot. The path is immediately adjacent to the parking lots, so finding it should not be a problem. The path ends just before the grounds of the outdoor theater and will be facing east at that point.

OBX Sunrise Location #4 – Pea Island Nature Trail

This one is for the early risers as there is some driving involved, but for the truly dedicated, this could be the gold standard OBX sunrise shot.

Before US Fish and Wildlife purchased Pea Island, there were a number of hunting clubs located here. To create a better environment for migratory waterfowl, the clubs would frequently build impoundments. When Fish and Wildlife took over, they left the large impoundment intact at their Pea Island Visitor Center.

After parking in the Visitor Center parking lot, it will be necessary to walk out until the trail allows a good east-facing OBX sunrise shot, but given the environment, the extraordinary numbers of birds, and the setting, there is a potential for something truly special.

It’s helpful to note, that in the summer especially, insect repellent is a necessity at this location.

It is a bit of a drive—drive time is around 40 minutes from Kitty Hawk; about 20 minutes less from Nags Head. Know when the sun will rise and plan accordingly. 

OBX Sunrise Location #5 – Your Oceanfront Vacation Home

While this vantage point may not be as specific as the others mentioned above, as we offer oceanfront vacation rentals across the Outer Banks, it is one of the top spots to enjoy and capture an OBX sunrise!

There’s nothing quite like sitting in your PJs on the deck of your vacation rental all cozy and snuggled into your chair watching an OBX sunrise. You can take creative and personal photos with your cup of coffee in hand overlooking the ocean from your private deck or take a fun pic or two of family and friends in pajamas showing off their bed-head as the sun comes up if they are game to join you in the early hours of the morning.

Whether you choose to sit and enjoy a quiet OBX sunrise on your own or invite the whole family to join you, keeping things simple and not needing to leave your vacation home or even get out of your pajamas will certainly make an early wake-up for the sunrise that much more alluring.

To view our oceanfront vacation rentals in the perfect locations to wake up and watch an OBX sunrise, visit our Oceanfront Vacation Rentals page. (If you are looking to stay in a home perfect for viewing an Outer Banks sunset, take a look through our Soundfront Vacation Rentals.)

Wherever you choose to enjoy an OBX sunrise just know it will be worth the early morning wake-up! And as a bonus, you’ll have more time to enjoy your day on the Outer Banks!

We always love seeing our guests’ OBX sunrise and sunset photos, be sure to tag us on instagram, @cdr_obx!