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Northern Beaches - Bodie Island
Carova
Got a 4-wheel drive vehicle? Well if you're thinking about going to the most Northern part of the Outer Banks, you're going to need one. Go up to Carova and you'll find a region off the main highway only reachable by 4-wheel drive. But don't worry, you won't have to rough it, there are amazing Carova vacation rentals on the untouched beach surrounded by preserved wetlands and woods to explore. Enjoy the raw wildlife and beautiful natural beaches while experiencing all of the comforts of home and more in a luxurious Carova vacation home.
Corolla
Make your way down to North Carolina State Highway 12, switch off the 4-wheel drive and enter into Corolla. Nestled in beautiful Currituck County, this sparsely populated community is home to wild horses, miles of pristine beaches, and plenty of luxurious vacation homes. Corolla vacation rentals are perfect for the whole family, or even multiple families, since most of the wonderful homes have multiple bedrooms and plenty of oceanfront to go around. Or just rent a Corolla vacation home all for yourself, a cottage or a 10 bedroom house, it's up to you. When you're taking some time off from the beach, take a ride out to the historic Currituck Lighthouse or the Whalehead Club at Currituck Heritage Park to see what makes this region so special, or get some tee time in at the Currituck Club Golf Course. Vacation in style at any of the luxurious Corolla vacation rentals and lose yourself in this seaside resort paradise.
Duck
Keep traveling south on Highway 12, head into Dare County past Sanderling, and you'll run into a town named for the many water-loving birds in the area, Duck. Duck vacation rentals give you access to all that the Outer Banks has to offer, with miles of the amazing coast and a community of friendly neighbors and fellow vacationers. Duck is famous for its unique boutiques and specialty stores, so if you like to shop, this is the place for you. Get in some top notch shopping at the fabulous local shops and when you're done, take a breather at one of the day spas. With no public access beaches, this region is perfect for those who enjoy water sports. Duck is one of the best spots in the Outer Banks for surfing and fishing the Atlantic, or heading to the Currituck Sound on the west side of the island for jet skiing, parasailing, or any other water sport you fancy. No gear? No problem. There are plenty of outfitters who will be happy to assist you. Take a look and see if one of the Duck vacation homes is right for your next getaway.
Southern Shores
Keep heading down Highway 12 and you'll find the Central Beaches starting with the town of Southern Shores. Primarily a residential community, spend some time at one of the Southern Shores vacation rentals and get an idea of what it's really like to live in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Enjoy private soundfront beaches and parks, and play some tennis with the locals. For a relaxing, low-key vacation, a Southern Shores vacation home would give you a North Carolina experience so splendid, you'd have to come back. And take a trip down 12 to Kitty Hawk for some golf and site-seeing. Or better yet, you could find a Kitty Hawk vacation rental and stay there to get closer to the action.
Kitty Hawk
With plenty of public beach access on the Atlantic and great boating and fishing in Kitty Hawk Bay, Kitty Hawk vacation rentals put you right in the middle of some of the best beach fun in the Outer Banks. For the golfers, take some swings at the Duck Woods Country Club or the Sea Scape Golf Course. Kitty Hawk was where the famous Wright Brothers decided to call home, but they traveled a little farther south to make aviation history. Well, start aviation history. A Kitty Hawk vacation home can be the right choice for anyone looking to experience all of what the Outer Banks has to offer.
Kill Devil Hills
Famous for being the birthplace of flight, Kill Devil Hills is where the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, made their historic first flight on December 17, 1903. Whether a beachfront cottage for two or an eight bedroom home for you and the whole family, a stay at one of the stunning Kill Devil Hills vacation rentals and it's a short walk or ride to see the Wright Brothers National Memorial and tour the Wright Museum to take in the history. Kill Devil Hills may have been named for pirates who once lived there, but don't worry, you won't have to walk any planks. But you can take a stroll on the Avalon Pier for some great fishing. You'll also wander the soft ocean sands and soak up the warm summer sun at some of the best beaches on Bodie Island. And be sure to save some time to enjoy the fantastic local restaurants and shopping Kill Devil Hills has to offer.
Nags Head
If being near the birthplace of aviation inspires you, travel the coast of the Outer Banks a couple miles south to Nags Head. Vacationing in one of the luxurious Nags Head Vacation Rentals will not only give you access to miles of sensational public beaches, but put you right near Jockey's Ridge State Park where you can take flight by trying out hang gliding. If soaring through the wind isn't your thing, stay on land and take a stroll through a park or a wooded trail, saunter down the coast beachcombing for shells, or take a bike ride through the town bike path. Plenty of water fun awaits you as well, whether snorkeling to see the famous shipwrecks, kayaking the waves, or just wading in the rolling surf. Whether land, air, or sea, whatever your pleasure, with something for everyone, a beautiful Nags Head vacation home may be the perfect spot for you and your family's next getaway.
If you're looking for more attractions on Bodie Island, keep traveling down Highway 12 from Nags Head, make your way past Whalebone Beach and the infamous Whalebone Junction into the Bodie Island Marshes. Stroll through the marshes or bring your binoculars for birdwatching, or catch a glimpse of the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse nestled in the preserved region of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Just be sure you don't forget the camera!
Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island is considered to be the cultural center of not only Dare County, North Carolina, but of the whole Outer Banks. Steeped in tradition and old world charm, this small island is located on the western side of Bodie Island, surrounded by gentle soundfront waves. Full of American history, no matter where you stay in the Outer Banks, your trip will never be complete without at least spending the day exploring Roanoke Island. Want to spend more than a few days on Roanoke Island? Take a look at the Roanoke Island vacation rentals available.
Manteo
Home to some of the most appealing cultural attractions, you might need more than one day to take in all that this incredible little town has to offer. The possibilities are endless before and after the one-of-a-kind sunset. If you come to Roanoke Island without knowing much of its culture, stop into Manteo and everywhere you turn you'll find a chance to absorb some of this island's magnificent history. This was considered to be the place where the first English colonists settled when they made the voyage to the New World in 1584-1587. But what happened to those settlers is a mystery that has never been solved. A colony of 117 men, women, and children disappeared and never returned. This 4 century old unsolved mystery has been brought to the stage. The longest running outdoor production in America, The Lost Colony is the story of these English settlers brought to life in an amazing story written over 70 years ago by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, performed at the Waterside Theatre every night but Sunday June through August. If the thought of historical theatre sounds good to you, be sure to make your way to the The Elizabethan Gardens on a Tuesday June through August where you can see Elizabeth R & Co., a one-woman show about Queen Elizabeth that has garnished rave reviews. But don't go there just for the drama. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo are a site unto themselves. Designed in 1951 as a memorial to the first English colonists, this unique garden offers an impeccable garden landscape in a historic cultural backdrop and the beauty of Roanoke Sound. And there is even more for the history buffs. Right around the corner from the Elizabethan Gardens you will find the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. And once you experience all of that, you'll have to come back to see the North Carolina Aquarium, the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the Roanoke Island Festival Park, The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and to get in some more shopping at the shops and boutiques in downtown Mateo. Want more time in the water? Take a cruise around the sounds, go parasailing, or take a fishing charter. When you get back to land famished from the trip, there are plenty of fantastic eateries for your dining pleasure. If you can't fit that all into one week, don't worry, they'll love to have you back on your next vacation.
Wanchese
Before leaving Roanoke Island, take a trip down to the fishing village of Wanchese and see some of the best fishing in the states. And if you like fresh seafood, try to get some to take back to your Outer Banks vacation rental for some good local eats.
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Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island is a 50-mile piece of land delegated to the nation's first preserved national seashore, the largest part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. As you travel North Carolina State Highway 12 south from the Northern Beaches, you'll pass through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and as you pass through the seven villages along the highway you'll see miles of untouched, natural beach and fellow vacationers having the time of their lives. Nature-inspired activities abound, from surfing to camping to scuba diving, all while enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of this vacation paradise. Not to mention Hatteras Island vacation rentals are some of the most gorgeous and inviting vacation homes you will find anywhere.
Rodanthe
Continue your journey south on Highway 12 over the Oregon Inlet by way of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge and you'll come to Hatteras Island. The first town you come to will be Rodanthe. With Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo now collectively considered to be one region of Hatteras Island, each town has its own local feel and history. Originally the entire northern region of Hatteras Island was known as Chicamacominco. In 1874 this was changed to Rodanthe, and as the 1900's began, these three distinct towns emerged and were renamed to the present day distinctions. What makes Rodanthe so historically significant is the Historic Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, one of 12 such stations erected in the 1870's along this northern section of Hatteras Island. In 1918, a British tanker named Mirlo was attacked in the water of the Atlantic, six men from the Lifesaving Station rescued 47 of the crew of 57. As the Lifesaving service became the US Coast Guard, this station was turned into a national museum waiting for your family to visit. Either make sure to stop by Rodanthe during your Outer Banks retreat, or stay at one of the Rodanthe vacation rentals and absorb the sun and the history during your whole trip.
Waves
A quiet getaway or an exciting retreat full of activities; it's your choice in Waves. A vacation in one of the Waves vacation rentals can give you the pleasure of seeing the sun rise over the Altantic and then set over the Pamlico Sound. In between you can explore the fishing industry in some of the older sections of town, head out to the Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, relax on the beach, or try your hand at parasailing or windsurfing for a little more excitement.
Salvo
Find relaxation bliss in one of the Salvo vacation rentals. Completing the Chicamacomico village trio, Salvo, like Waves, is home to generations of dedicated fisherman finding treasures throughout the coastal waters and deep sea. Use the ocean or Pamlico Sound as your personal playground or head a bit south into another National Park area and take a jog or spread a blanket for an afternoon picnic. Or stay in your Salvo vacation home the whole time, we won't blame you.
Avon
Make your way down the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to mile 60 on Highway 12 and you're sure to run into an old town originally coined "Kinnakeet" with a newfound rejuvenation. Avon vacation rentals put you right in the middle of the Outer Banks unique blend of old world charm and modern resort luxury. Avon is the home of some of the Outer Banks' most amazing modern vacation homes, all the while holding onto its Kinnakeet roots. Experience the breathtaking architecture of your own private paradise while soaking up the breathtaking waterfront views. When you finally decide to leave your castle, take a trip around town and experience the old world style buildings still standing proud around the harbor. Avon is also known as a virtual mecca for windsurfers. Just south of the town on the sound side of the island there is Canadian Hole, an area of the sea known for its ever-present winds and perfect tide, conditions just right for windsurfing. Take a walk on the Avon Fishing Pier to soak up the ocean air or try to catch your dinner. Can't catch a bite? Still a bustling fishing center, recoup after a day at sea at one of the superb local restaurants, then take a moonlight walk on the beach before returning to your Avon vacation home.
Buxton
The widest part of Hatteras Island is home to the town of Buxton. Considered the "center" of the island by both residents and visitors, take some time out of your vacation to head into Buxton for the shops and restaurants and friendly atmosphere. Or contribute to the friendly environment by spending your vacation in one of the Buxton vacation rentals and be close all this town has to offer. Buxton is home to the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, complete with visitor center and small museum just nearby. You can also take a walk on the Buxton Woods nature trail, an eco-friendly walk through the natural landscape marked by signs explaining the beauty of the island forest. For water-lovers, head out to "Cape Point," the portion of Hatteras Island that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Home to great beaches, Cape Point is the most popular spot on the island for catching fish from the surf, and also a popular surfing destination, hosting a yearly surfing competition near the Lighthouse. So rent a Buxton vacation home, bring your board and your pole, and get ready for the time of your life.
Frisco
A short drive down from Buxton, Frisco vacation rentals offer more of the same in vacation bliss; top of the line accommodations, relaxation, recreation, and a laid-back community full of fellow travelers and local residents. Known for its fishing, stop by the Cape Hatteras Pier, known locally as the Frisco Pier, and try to snag a great king mackerel from behind the railings. You can spend your whole day there since the pier has everything you will need, from fishing gear, to live bait, to snacks. And if you're looking to get in some golf on Hatteras Island, Frisco vacation homes put you right near Ocean Edge Golf, the only golf course on the island, complete with lush greens and stunning ocean views. After a day at the beach, head to the Frisco Native American Museum to learn about the rich native history and bring some souvenirs home after your amazing Frisco vacation.
Hatteras Village
The southern-most town on Hatteras Island shares the same name as the island and cape. Hatteras Village is home to some of the most storied historic places in the Outer Banks and what some say is the best fishing among all the islands. Spend some time on the natural beach, take a ferry for some deep-sea fishing, or grab a board to catch a few waves. Take a tour around the historic town to see old homes, museums, and find out what makes this fishing village such a paradise. A vacation in Hatteras Village puts you right near the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum for a detailed underwater account of the history of the water around the islands. The waters around the Outer Banks hold one of the highest numbers of shipwrecks in the world. Whether lost to wartime battles, the pirates that once inhabited the islands, Mother Nature, or a maritime mystery, each majestic shipwreck has a story and you can take every story home with you after a day at the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Full of cultural ambience and neighborly charm, rent one of the luxurious Hatteras Village vacation rentals and spend some time in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where visitors are always welcome.
Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke
The last of the islands of the Outer Banks is Ocracoke Island and is home to another historic fishing village, the village of Ocracoke. You can't just follow Highway 12 to get to the island though. You'll need to take a ferry to get to the island from Hatteras Island. Ocracoke vacation rentals give you access to over 16 miles of untouched beaches as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. But that isn't the only reason why it's the perfect getaway for you and your family. Find a local guide for a boat tour, rent a bike or a kayak to explore the surf and turf, visit the unique local shops, and catch a bite at one of the friendly local restaurants. Or of course, you can catch your own dinner and cook it up on the porch of your Ocracoke Island vacation home. Take a stroll to the Ocracoke Lighthouse built back in 1823 or go on a tour of the many remarkable pieces of American history on the island. Truly a destination steeped in tradition, art, nature, and culture, make your way to Ocracoke Island for a vacation of a lifetime.
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