Duck, NC: boardwalk sunsets, shops & soundfront dining
The Outer Banks’ most walkable village — a soundside boardwalk, boutique shopping and some of the best restaurants on the beach, 20 minutes north.
Duck is about 20 minutes north of Kitty Hawk on NC 12. Walk the soundside boardwalk and Duck Town Park, shop Scarborough Faire, and book sunset dinner at The Blue Point, NC Coast or Aqua.
Duck is a small, upscale village on NC 12 north of Southern Shores. Instead of mileposts it uses street addresses along Duck Road, and its heart is a nearly mile-long boardwalk on Currituck Sound linking shops, restaurants and Duck Town Park.
It is the place to go for a sunset dinner over the sound, browsing independent boutiques and galleries, or the Duck Jazz Festival in October. Summer afternoons bring slow traffic on NC 12, so go early or stay for sunset.
Where to eat & what to do in Duck
Aqua Restaurant
Waterfront Duck restaurant serving regional, locally sourced lunch and dinner with a patio overlooking Currituck Sound.
7.1 mi · 17 minNC Coast Grill & Bar
Waterfront spot known for chef boards, shareable plates and sunset drinks on the sound.
Red Sky Cafe
Chef-driven Duck cafe with a creative coastal menu ranging from crispy duck to fresh seafood and steaks.
Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine
Duck coffee shop by morning and craft-beer-and-wine hangout by afternoon, with a shady deck.
The Blue Point
One of Duck’s signature special-occasion restaurants, serving refined Southern seafood with views over Currituck Sound.
Duck Town Park & Soundside Boardwalk
An 11-acre wooded park and town green connected to a boardwalk of nearly a mile along Currituck Sound that links Duck’s shops and restaurants, with famous sunsets.
Good to know
Free. Playground, kayak/canoe launch, crabbing area and amphitheater with free summer events. Dog-friendly. Duck Jazz Festival is in October. Parking at the park; NC 12 through Duck is slow on summer afternoons.
10 mi · 20 minDuck Trail (NC 12 multi-use path)
A paved path of about 6 miles that runs the length of Duck beside NC 12, ideal for biking between village shops, cafes and the boardwalk.
Good to know
Shared with pedestrians, and busy at midday in summer. Bike rentals are available in Duck and Kitty Hawk.
Scarborough Faire Shopping Village
A cluster of independent boutiques, galleries and gift shops linked by shaded wooden walkways in the heart of Duck.
Good to know
Shop hours vary by season; most stores are open daily in summer.
Theodosia at The Sanderling
Chef Vivian Howard’s restaurant at The Sanderling Resort, with a menu rooted in Southern coastal traditions.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Duck from Kitty Hawk?
Central Duck is about 7–10 road miles from our homes — roughly 17–20 minutes, longer on summer afternoons.
Is Duck walkable?
Yes. The village center, boardwalk and Duck Town Park are connected, and the paved Duck Trail runs the length of town beside NC 12.
Where can I watch the sunset in Duck?
The soundside boardwalk and Duck Town Park face west over Currituck Sound — some of the best sunset spots on the Outer Banks.
Our oceanfront homes in Kitty Hawk
Two neighboring dog-friendly oceanfront homes at Milepost 3¾, with a third home nearby. Book one, or book all three for the same dates for up to 29 guests.
Crab House
Single-level living and an extra-large oceanfront deck, steps from the sand.
Mermaid
A 500 sq ft oceanfront deck, gourmet three-oven kitchen, wet bar and a king suite with a jetted tub.
A Carolina Conch
Classic two-story Outer Banks cottage with wraparound ocean views, carport parking and baby gear on hand.