It's no secret that the Outer Banks of North Carolina are a favored destination any time of year, especially in the summer when the surfing is prime and the sun is shining high over the clouds. While some families thinking of a beach vacation this year may be concerned about overspending regardless of destination, it's good to know that this part of the Carolina coast, home to Dare and Currituck counties, offers a variety of free opportunities for everybody to enjoy.

So what's free to do in OBX? Why not add these items to your itinerary?

Go to the beach! Miles of clean, soft sand brushed against the Atlantic Oceans awaits you. Come in the morning and play all day - build sand castles, challenge friends to volleyball, collect seashells or splash in the surf.

Go horse watching! Especially in the Currituck area, the Outer Banks is known for its wild mustangs, horses that have roamed freely throughout the region for years. While there are chartered and Jeep rental tour companies available, one can easily look for these magnificent animals on their own. Horses don't know boundaries, and are often found at the beach. Feel free to snap photos, but remember not to get too close or to feed them, as county ordinances are in place to protect and preserve their numbers.

Enjoy great music! Every summer, the Whalehead Club in Corolla presents weekly concerts on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair and relax as the sun sets over the Currituck Sound. Admission and parking are always free.

Fly a kite! Or, if you don't have one, you can head over to the Fun Fly Festival held annually at Currituck Heritage Park. Each summer the Outer Banks sky comes alive with color as locals and visitors take to the shores with their kites. As long as the beach winds hold up, it makes for a wonderful time for all.

Visit an island! Spend a day relaxing on Knott's Island, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the yard at Martin Vineyards (a wine tasting may cost you extra, however). What's more, depending on where you're coming from you can ride the Knott's Island ferry at no cost. This provides an excellent opportunity to sail the sound and look for nearby dolphins frolicking near the shore.

Great music, a beautiful beach, serene and noble wildlife...the Currituck Outer Banks are a highly recommended vacation stop for families and couples of any age. Get back to nature and save money with the many no-cost attractions available to you.