Outer Banks Beaches
Renew your spirit and unwind along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a collection of wind-swept barrier islands stretching 130 miles along the coast. For over 400 years, the Outer Banks have drawn explorers and adventurers, from the mysterious disappearance of colonists on Roanoke Island, depicted in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony to the first manned flight at Kitty Hawk, remembered at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
The English heritage is evident in the romantic village names like Currituck, Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Avon and Whalebone. You can visit four of North Carolina’s historic coastal lighthouses and climb to the top of two of them for fantastic views. At Manteo, see where the early colonists lived at the Fort Raleigh National Monument and experience the era aboard the Elizabeth II, a replica of a 16th Century sailing vessel. Explore the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and follow the Cape Hatteras National Seashore southward to Ocracoke Island and the quaint village of Ocracoke, accessible only by air, ferry or private boat.
In between are miles and miles of remote unspoiled beaches where you can enjoy bird-watching, hang gliding, hiking, bicycling, windsurfing and fishing in some of the best angling waters in the world. Or, just relax on your own sandy patch of paradise.
To see why visitors return again and again, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras and more), Currituck County Travel & Tourism (Corolla, Carova and more) or the Hyde County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Ocracoke Island) and plan your Outer Banks vacation.
| Outer Banks Beaches | National Seashore | Mainland Towns |
|---|---|---|
| Avon | Cape Hatteras National Seashore | Currituck |
| Buxton | Swan Quarter | |
| Carova | ||
| Corolla | ||
| Currituck Beach | ||
| Duck | ||
| Frisco | ||
| Hatteras | ||
| Hatteras Island | ||
| Kill Devil Hills | ||
| Kitty Hawk | ||
| Nags Head | ||
| Ocracoke Island | ||
| Rodanthe | ||
| Salvo | ||
| Sanderling | ||
| Southern Shores | ||
| Waves | ||
| Whalebone |
By Pam Watson
added: December 18, 2008
updated: January 4, 2012
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Comments
xiaofang post: (Tue - Oct 19, 2010 8:13 AM)
best angling waters in the world. Or, just relax on your own sandy patch of paradise.ugg
Dan Spaventa post: (Thu - Aug 6, 2009 7:56 AM)
We have been vacationing on the Outer Banks since 1991. We love the place so much that we now have two rental houses, one in Duck and one in Salvo. Duck, for things to do, and Salvo, for the rest and relaxation. The Outer Banks is where we go to renew our soul every year. -- Dan Outer Banks Revealed
Heather post: (Tue - Jun 23, 2009 8:35 AM)
I would like to plan a family vacation to the Outer Banks next summer. Which beach should I focus on looking for lodging with a family (young children + a teenager)? What are the best activities for children?
Lee Kelly post: (Fri - Jun 19, 2009 10:12 AM)
Two years ago we spent a week on the Outer Banks, and we're headed back tomorrow--can hardly wait--it's heaven. We also enjoy the NC mountains, and travel that way whenever possible--North Carolina has the best of both regions.