Outer Banks NC Travel Guide | Things to Do, Eat & Where to Stay

Outer Banks North Carolina

The OBX is a 175 mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks (OBX) is known for its beautiful beaches, rolling dunes, unique towns, vibrant wildlife, and natural landscape. Stretching like a delicate ribbon along Coastal North Carolina, this enchanting chain of barrier islands offers a unique geographical blend that promises both adventure and tranquility. Exploring the history of the Outer Banks and its eclectic cultural heritage is a worthwhile experience as well.

The Outer Banks are made up of quaint towns that maintain their own identity. These towns and fishing villages make the Outer Banks such a special place. It includes popular towns like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Duck, Southern Shores, Corolla, and Hatteras Island. Unlike commercialized beach areas, OBX towns retain a small-town feel, with minimal high-rise development and strict coastal preservation laws. From Duck, all the way to Hatteras you are exposed to nothing but pristine beauty along the entire stretch of the OBX beaches and banks. Sightseeing around the towns, beaches, state parks, lighthouses, and dunes make the outer banks one of the best vacation destinations. 

There is such an abundance of outdoor activities, local attractions, and events for visitors of all ages. The sound waters, lying between the barrier islands and the mainland, provide a tranquil setting for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Watersports available including fishing, boating, dolphin watching, parasailing, kite surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving.  The shipwreck diving sites are popular for divers from around the world. Corolla and Ocracoke are home to wild horses, a must-see. 

As you explore the Outer Banks, you'll find yourself surrounded by the vast coastal plains that paint the landscape with a mosaic of flora and fauna. The region is a haven for those seeking to escape the ordinary and immerse into nature's wonders. The estuarine ecosystems here are teeming with life, making it a paradise for bird watchers and marine enthusiasts alike. Navigating through the salt marshes, you'll witness a world where land and water merge seamlessly, creating an environment that's both serene and dynamic. The Outer Banks' geographical diversity ensures that there's always something new to discover. Whether you are drawn to the rugged beauty of the dunes or the calm of the estuaries, this coastal gem invites you to embrace the freedom and beauty of nature.

 

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Top Attractions

Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills)

The exact site of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight in 1903. Includes a museum, replicas of the original flyer, and a hilltop monument. The grounds feature marked flight paths and preserved structures from their camp.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Buxton)

The tallest brick lighthouse in North America (198 feet). Open seasonally for climbing (257 steps) and surrounded by trails and historical exhibits. The lighthouse was famously relocated in 1999 to protect it from shoreline erosion.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park (Nags Head)

Home to the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Popular for hang gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites, kite flying, hiking, and sunset viewing over the Roanoke Sound.

The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama (Manteo)

Performed each summer at Waterside Theatre, this is the oldest symphonic outdoor drama in the U.S., telling the story of the 1587 English settlers who disappeared from Roanoke Island.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla)

A red-brick, 162-foot lighthouse still operated as an active aid to navigation. Open to the public for climbs (214 steps). Located in Historic Corolla Park, near the Whalehead Club and Currituck Maritime Museum.

 Additional Things To Do in the Outer Banks (OBX)

• H2O BX Waterpark
• Corolla Adventure Park
• First Flight Adventure Park
• Jennette’s Pier
• Nags Head Pier
• Elizabethan Gardens
• Pea Island National Refuge
• Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
• Avalon Pier
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Whalehead Club
• Duck Town Park & Boardwalk
• Sound Beach at Jockey’s Ridge
• Outer Banks Fishing Pier
• Roanoke Island Festival Park & Elizabeth II
• Ocracoke Lighthouse
• Dowdy Park
• Outer Banks Fishing Outfitters
• Kilmarlic Golf Club
• OBX Walking Tours
• Fishin’ Fannatic
• Nags Head Woods Preserve
• Kitty Hawk Fishing Pier
• North Duck Watersports
• Ghost Crabbing
• Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
• Whalehead Club
• Carrituck Golf Club
• The Carolina Club
• Wild Horse Adventure Tours
• Sea Scape Golf Links
• Nags Head Golf Links
• The Pointe Golf Club
• Corolla Bait & Tackle
• Kitty Hawk Kites
• Turf’s Up Outer Banks
• OBX Bowling
• OB-Xscape Rooms
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Outer Banks Movie Theaters
• OBX Renew IV To You
• Local Color Painting Parties & Fine Art
• Jumpmasters Trampoline Park

 

 

Outdoor Adventures & Experiences

Wild Horse Tours (Corolla)

Take a guided 4x4 tour north of Corolla to see the wild Spanish Mustangs that roam the dunes. Popular tour providers include Corolla Outback Adventures and Wild Horse Adventure Tours.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Top spots include the soundside waters around Duck, Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest, and Oregon Inlet. Outfitters like Coastal Kayak offer tours in salt marshes and canals.

Fishing at Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head)

State-operated, concrete pier extending 1,000 feet into the Atlantic. Open year-round for fishing, with gear rentals and educational exhibits on marine science. Daily catches include cobia, drum, and Spanish mackerel.

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding (Rodanthe and Avon)

The Pamlico Sound offers shallow, wide-open water perfect for lessons and advanced riding. Canadian Hole (near Avon) is one of the top East Coast kiteboarding spots. Lessons available through REAL Watersports.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A federally protected stretch of coastline ideal for fishing, camping, shelling, and birdwatching. Four campgrounds, dozens of beach accesses, and opportunities for ORV (off-road vehicle) beach driving with permits.

 

 

Local Dining & Cuisine

Blue Moon Beach Grill (Nags Head)

Creative takes on Southern coastal fare. Known for shrimp and grits, blackened tuna, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Expect a wait during dinner hours.

The Kill Devil Grill (Kill Devil Hills)

Diner-style atmosphere with elevated dishes like crab cakes, seared ahi, and homemade key lime pie. Located in a 1939 art-deco former bus station.

Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar (Kill Devil Hills)

Laid-back seafood spot famous for its oyster bar and raw shellfish tower. Also offers steamed crab legs, clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp.

The Colington Cafe (Kill Devil Hills)

Fine dining in a converted Victorian house nestled in the woods. Known for lump crab cakes, beef tenderloin, and house-made desserts.

Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe (Nags Head)

Long-running waterfront restaurant specializing in fresh local catch, shrimp and grits, soft shell crab (in season), and OBX-style she-crab soup.

 

 

Outer Banks (OBX) Accommodations

Vacation Rental Homes

Outer Banks Vacation Rental Homes are a popular and unique accommodation experience for your outer bank's vacation.  Look out from your vacation home and experience the shores of one of America’s top beaches. You can drive to the Outer Banks, go straight to the house and begin your vacation. It’s that simple.

Vacation Rental Management Companies

The Outer Banks (OBX) has many of the finest Vacation Rental Management Companies in the world. Vacation Rental Management Companies have access to many vacation properties and can assist you in finding the right rental for your vacation. These companies provide local hospitality, professional service, best in rates, and more availability with vacation properties that are safe for you and your family.

Here is our list of outer banks vacation rental management companies - accommodations and service from a local professional. More Service, Savings, and Safety when working with a Vacation Rental Manager!

In addition, many of these property managers are licensed brokers and real estate agents and can help you MANAGE, BUY, and/or SELL vacation properties.

 

 

 

Outer Banks (OBX) Towns and Beach Destinations

This long strip of barrier Island provides miles of beautiful beach, sand, and sun on The Atlantic Ocean of the east coast of the United States. This long island strip is a popular vacation destination on the east coast. With many short term beach cottages and ocean front homes, many book vacation rentals for the week for even the entire summer. Many movies are set with the Outer Banks as the backdrop, and it is fun to imagine taking your family to the coast for the summer. These beautiful beach islands are the setting of many family vacation memories.

Furthest north you have the Currituck Banks with its primary destination, Corolla of the Outer Banks. You could easily spend your entire vacation in the town of Corolla alone. Offering kayak tours, Jet Ski rentals, surfing lessons, fishing charters, wild horse-finding trips, go-carts, a links-style golf course, and tennis courts there is always something the outdoor lifestyle here offers. The attractions will keep you very busy as well. Make sure to visit the lighthouse, nature centers, and restored hunt clubs. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is here and is home to the largest sand dunes on the East Coast. The locally-owned shops and restaurants are a destination in themselves. The seafood here goes far beyond fish and chips.

The Northern Beaches of the Outer Banks is a great starting point within easy reach of the other islands. Included in the Outer Banks are the northern beaches of Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Duck, and Nags Head; Roanoke Island includes Manteo and Wanchese; Dare Mainland; and Haterras Island to the south which includes Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. 

The beaches in the Outer Banks area are quite diverse. With over 100 miles of shoreline connected by the two-lane highway NC 12, you will find public beach accesses with ample paved parking, modern bath houses and convenience shops. If you are a little more adventurous, you can immerse yourself in the primitive beaches of the Cape Hatteras National. This will take an off-road vehicle.

If you want the sun and fun of the Atlantic Ocean beaches without the big waves, you may want to visit the western side of the islands instead. The water tends to be a little calmer and in many places, a lot shallower. Before booking your vacation beach house, learn a little about the different beach areas:

Avon: Offers local flavor, with largest number of local residents that living Hatteras Island permanently. Buxton: The village closest to Cape Hatteras, fishing hotspot “Cape Point” and home of the tallest lighthouse in America.

Duck: Known as one of the most pet-friendly beaches in the United States, allowing dogs off-leash if under owner’s control.

Frisco: Great 4x4 beach driving and recreation, and a few campgrounds.

Hatteras: Great shopping and fine dining with big swaths of beach for both casual beach goers and 4x4 driving south of village limits.

Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills:  Known for great surfing, usually having the biggest waves on the Northern Beaches.

Nags Head:  Enjoy and explore the new 12-mile beach nourishment program.

Rodanthe: Waves and Salvo: This trio is locally known as the “Tri-Villages” because of shared borders, and also for big waves and proximity to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.

Southern Shores: Great public beaches, but beach parking is limited to vacationers or residents staying in a property within town limits and having a day passes or window stickers. All beach areas offer many outer banks beach vacation homes for short term rentals. This is a great option if you are staying longer than a day or two. Kick off your shoes, put on your flip-flops and enjoy sun and sand in the comfort of a home.

Roanoke Island and the Dare Mainland: Located between the North Carolina mainland and the barrier island beach towns. Great for a day trip from Corolla and pedestrian-friendly. You’ll want to visit the many unique shops with art, jewelry and one of a kind items you won’t find anywhere else. Definitely make sure to visit the Elizabethan Gardens in The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Its botanical beauty will leave you breathless. The nearby Waterside Theatre is host to the oldest running symphonic drama “The Lost Colony”. It tells the story of the 117 people who sailed to Monteo from Plymouth, England 400 years ago, and disappeared completely just two years later. The only clue, the word CROATOAN carved in a post.

Hatteras Island: Easily accessible from any of the other islands, pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends for more than 70 miles and covers over 30,000 acres. The first national seashore in the country is dotted with lighthouses and lifesaving stations. Picnic areas and camping stations allow you to get away from it all while still being close to plenty of enticing local restaurants. Summer is the peak tourist season in OBX of course. Fall is a great time to go too. The crowds have thinned but all the unique businesses are still open and the weather is mild. Winter and spring are great if you are looking for an off-season solitary beach experience.

 

 

Outer Banks (OBX) Lighthouses

There are four unique lighthouses in the area.  Many of the lighthouses are designated historical monuments. One of the oldest lighthouses is located at Hatteras Cape. This famous Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous areas of the Atlantic Coast, a dangerous twelve-mile long sandbar named Diamond Shoals. Shipwrecks that have taken place here have given it the reputation of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Because of these treacherous sea waters, many OBX towns have constructed lighthouses, all with interesting history. Among the lighthouses are Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Lighthouses are one of the unique themes of the OBX area.

Just visiting the lighthouses in this area would be reason enough to travel to the OBX and explore with hours of entertainment. In addition, we highly recommend visiting Jockey’s Ridge, a must see and explore destination, the east coast's large sand dune! Be sure to also visit the historical sites of the Wright Memorial and Fort Raleigh.

 

Travel Tips & Getting Around

Best Time to Visit

May through October. Peak season is June–August. Late September offers warm water, cooler temps, and fewer crowds.

Getting There

No major airport on the islands. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is ~2.5 hours north. Raleigh-Durham (RDU) is ~4 hours. U.S. 158 and NC-12 are the primary access routes.

Transportation

A car is required. No Uber/Lyft coverage in many towns. Biking is ideal in Duck, Southern Shores, and Kitty Hawk.

Ferry System

Ocracoke Island is accessible only by ferry. NC Ferry System operates from Hatteras (free) and Cedar Island or Swan Quarter (reservation required).

Beach Driving

ORV permits are required for beach driving in Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Corolla. Check NPS or Currituck County rules before entering.

 

The History and Culture of the Outer Banks

Located along the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks showcases a rich tapestry of history and culture that calls out to explorers and history buffs alike. As you wander through this enchanting region, you'll be captivated by the echoes of Native traditions that have shaped the land and its people. From fascinating stories of the Algonquin tribes to the sacred grounds they once roamed, the cultural heritage here is palpable.

Dive into the maritime folklore that adds an air of mystique to the Outer Banks. Tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and brave seafarers are woven into the coastal heritage, creating a backdrop of adventure and intrigue. The Graveyard of the Atlantic, with its countless historical shipwrecks, offers a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past. Each sunken vessel tells a story of peril and perseverance.

You'll also discover colonial influences that have left their mark on the architecture and local customs. The region's lighthouses stand as sentinels of history, guiding ships safely to shore for centuries. By exploring these elements, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich, layered history that makes the Outer Banks a truly unique destination.

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