Until I personally visited the Outer Banks (often called the OBX), I simply didn’t “get” it. I knew it was a desirable destination (OBX fans are hardcore), but I had no idea why. Well, I finally made it there on a media trip last October, and now I get it. I fell in love with the OBX big time!
Soooo, I’m sharing what makes it so special in a series of posts, and I’m dedicating this first one to you, the clueless ones. If you’re as puzzled and overwhelmed as I was with what the Outer Banks actually are, and where to spend time if you go … these vacation planning tips for the Outer Banks of North Carolina are for you.
What the heck are the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks collectively refer to a 200 mile long stretch of barrier and peninsula islands off the coast of North Carolina. You can cross the sound by bridge or ferry, and then a single road system (Highway 12) is how you’ll move between the various regions of the island chain.
Where in the Outer Banks should you vacation?
There are three main regions in the Outer Banks: the Northern Beaches, Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island. Each region has its own personality, so you’ll need to decide whether you want a slower pace or lots of activity. Of course, you can always choose one area for accommodations and then make day trips to the other areas. Since there is so much to see across the chain of islands, I definitely recommend exploring a bit.
Northern Beaches – Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head
In a general sense, this is the most developed and commercialized area of the Outer Banks, and very family friendly. There are modern amenities, chain stores and restaurants, mini golf, souvenir gift shops and a lot more people and traffic, especially in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. The beaches are plentiful, and especially wide in Nags Head, and the waves make for great surfing and skimboarding in Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. If you’re traveling with a pet, Duck is not only a prime family destination, but it’s known as one of the most pet-friendly beaches in the country.
Roanoke Island – Manteo and Wanchese.
The pace of historical Roanoke Island is slower, and it’s a quiet, quaint, pedestrian friendly area. Wanchese is a picturesque fishing village, and Manteo offers cultural attractions, outdoor activities, quaint shops, restaurants and charming B&B’s.
Hatteras Island – Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.
If you’re looking for lots of solitude and a total escape, you’ll find it here. As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, development is kept to a minimum, so there are miles and miles of undisturbed beaches and dunes. Some areas even allow 4×4 beach driving. Hatteras Island is a much quieter section of the OBX with far less traffic and far fewer people on the beaches. There are restaurants and shops, but they’re largely independent, not chain-based. There are plenty of beautiful beach homes (ocean and sound view) available to rent, the newer ones located primarily in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon. This part of the Outer Banks is where NC residents tend to go, so that tells you a lot about the pace.
Now that you have an idea of the different Outer Banks personalities, stay tuned for follow-up posts with ideas on what to do, where to stay and what to eat when you go! And check out OuterBanks.org for a wealth of incredibly helpful information.
Check out my other posts about The Outer Banks:
Where To Stay in the Outer Banks
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Shannon Gurnee says
That looks like a beautiful place to visit! I’ve only been to South Carolina, but would love to visit North Carolina some day!
Cathy says
The outer banks is a wonderful place to take a vacation! Have the best time!
Cathy
Becca Wilson says
I lived on the Outer Banks for 7-8 years or so and vacationed there every year with my family before that. Lots of people don’t know this information, so thanks for sharing!
Farrah says
Wow, your photos are amazing! I didn’t get to visit this part of North Carolina when we visited years ago, but I would love to when we go back!
Jasmine Watts says
I have never been to North Carolina but I want to be there one day!! Your photos are awesome!!
mya.k says
North Carolina looks so beautiful. I would love to go there with my family.
Jessica Simms says
I’ve never been to North Carolina before but I’ve heard so many amazing things about their beaches and waterfronts. I would really love to go there this summer and just soak in that beautiful sun and warm weather.
Doran @ Haute Beauty Guide says
That sand looks so pretty I would be scared to mess it up! I really need to start traveling more to the East coast. It looks so beautiful.
Marielle Altenor says
The Hatteras Island alone would be a reason to visit the Outer banks of North Carolina! What a beautiful sight.
Idaintyit says
Wow that clean white sand looks inviting! There are so many places I want to see in America
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I have never been to North Carolina. But, these photos look absolutely stunning. My family loves going to the beach, and they’d love to visit here.
Edwin Lao says
I love visiting new places and this looks very interesting. A long drive with good air and long beach is a very relaxing feeling. Definitely not going to miss those lovely restaurants there.
Coralie says
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I would love to go there someday. Thanks for the tips.
Tiany says
Oh this is great, I’ve never been and honestly never thought to vacation in NC, but these sound like wonderfully relaxing spots to vacation, thanks for the great tips!
Amber NElson says
North Carolina looks so beautiful and I’ve never been. Definitely worth checking out.
Healing Tomato says
It is some of the most beautiful places in the country
Michelle Coles says
Wow, it looks beautiful there! I think we would start at the Northern Beaches!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
I’ll admit I realized when reading this I did not fully understand what the Outer Banks are! Thank you for that. I’m definitely sending this to some friends who want to travel there. Great background for planning a trip.
Ana Fernandez says
I would love to choose one area and then make day trips to the other areas!
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
It looks gorgeous there! I’m literally counting down to our Spring Break getaway. This looks like a spot to add to the list.
Louise Bishop says
I almost had my wedding there. Instead, I had it in Virginia on Sandbridge Beach which is gorgeous! I have always wanted to go to North Carolina!
dominika says
Sounds interesting but to be honest I was clueless before I read this post!
Kathy Kenny Ngo says
The beach photo alone reminds me of Nicholas Sparks movie and that is more than enough reason for me to want to go there.
Christie says
I love that you’re exploring your home state and sharing your tips with us. What amazing photos of the area too, I want to go
Debbie Denny says
It has been too long since I have been out there. Love all the tips.
Eugenia says
What a great place to visit! I’d like to go to the Outer Banks one day! Thanks for sharing such an inspiring post! Pinned it 🙂
Rebecca Smith says
Some great tips! I didn’t really know much about the Outer Banks
Mardene Carr says
North Carolina is on my list of places to visit in the USA. I intend to visit all 50 states – one by one until they are done
mary says
It’s so hard for us to go on vacation out of state to a beach because we live in Florida. Surrounded by them. But your post has me intrigued. This is way different from the Florida beaches. Great post!
tisha says
Ohhh beaches! I can live there my whole life! This is going to be in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing Liz
Megan Ross says
Perfect time for all of these amazing vacay tips! Thanks so much for sharing them.
laura londergan says
I have never been – can you believe it? It’s always been on our list to visit as we usually go to florida but I’m gonna have to make sure to find a way soon as those beaches look heavenly
Laura H says
Had no idea what the OBX was before reading this post so thanks for the info! Am still getting my summer holiday ideas down so will think about these lovely beaches 🙂
Jeanine says
Wow looks really beautiful. I’ve heard quite a bit about the Outer Banks but I’ve never been before. Would love to check it out, looks just lovely.
Jessica says
I’ve heard of the Outer Banks and most of the locations you mention here, but I’ve never actually associated them with all being a part of the same geographical location. I would LOVE to visit here. I’ve been to Florida beaches, visited LA and dipped my toes in the Pacific, and spent some time in NYC and Coney Island, plus I’m just a short drive away from Galveston, TX, but these NC beaches look and sound like a place I’d want to live! I can’t wait to read more of your series!
Lexie Lane says
The places and their photos makes me wanna go there. Looking forward for a travel. Hoping I’m not busy.
Natasha Mairs says
This just sounds so lovely. Wish I was there right now, instead of sat here freezing wishing summer would hurry up and come
Cassandra Mayers says
Sounds great! A holiday somewhere like this would be a dream 🙂
Elizabeth O. says
It would be so nice to spend some time on the beach. I miss going on trips where you get to relax near the shoreline until the sun sets! Thanks for all the pointers, I wish to do this with my daughters someday.
tracey bowden says
It looks like a beautiful place to visit I would love to travel more and see places like this
Rosey says
I’m looking forward to the series. I actually live close enough that this could be a viable summer or even spring break destination. I love to learn about new places, travel is one of our family’s most favorite things to do.
Elizabeth says
Goodness this sounds like a superb place to visit! I’d love to go there one day.
Fashion and Style Police says
I need to do some more traveling this year. This post has encouraged me.
Heather Manu says
I have never visited the East coast or heard of the outer banks of North Carolina. Looks interesting, hopefully I make it someday.
Hilary Hamilton says
The Outer Banks are on my bucket list!
Patrice M Foster says
I never visited the outer banks of North Carolina looks appealing a place I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Up Run For Life says
I never went to OBX when I lived in North Carolina. I stayed further south. My favorite area was Emerald Isle, it’s great for ocean fishing. That is one thing I miss.
Angie Scheie says
I’ll have to pin this to my Travel Board. I haven’t been anywhere near the Carolinas but I hear there are some gorgeous areas!
Leslie Rossi says
i’ve always wanted to visit the carolinas, i will have to do this soon!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
I LOVE OBX! We always have the best time there!
Laura Funk says
I have never been to the east coast but now I totally want to check out NC
Brandy says
These are great tips, I want to travel more. I will just travel by reading your posts for now 😉 I know North Carolina isn’t a super long road trip, but longer than I can do right now.
Michelle says
I visited Cape Hatteras about 12 years ago and absolutely loved it. It was a very long drive from Roanoke, Virginia where I was living at the time, but very worth it. I thought it was so beautiful and a great place to get away from it all and relax. I really hope to get back there again someday.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
This is an excellent destination.
There is lots to do there and much fun to be had.
WhatLauraLoves says
I’ve never been to North Carolina and your post is really making me want to visit! xxx
Debbie says
Oh my goodness, I have wanted to go to OBX since I read one of the Nicholas Sparks books! Now that I see what’s there, I really want to go!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have heard wonderful things about the beaches in the Carolina’s. Sounds like a great place for a family to visit!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I haven’t visited North Carolina but it looks like a great place to visit.
Amy Jones says
Your photos DO look awesome, cant i just leave all behind and hide in one of those beaches =)?
JIll Hanson says
Looks beautiful,I would want to be where the solitude is and the quaint shops or cafes. I know most of Nicholas Sparks books revolve around this area.
Emma White says
oh wow I could just pack my bags now and come it looks amazing
Toughcookiemommy says
Me too! I was just telling my husband that I desperately need a vacation. This destination looks heavenly.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What beautiful beaches! I definitely would not want to leave!
Angela at Daysinbed says
Oh this is a place I have never heard of before and looks stunningly beautiful. i’d like to visit America one day. There are so many states to choose from but one near a beach would be nice.
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve never actually been to North Carolina but this looks lovely x
Jenn says
What a beautiful state to vacation in. I would love to spend some time there with my family.
Heather lawrence says
Honestly, I just want to buy my plane ticket, grab a good book and escape to the beach.
I would trade in the ice and snow in a heartbeat.
Your photos are awesome.
Jamie says
I had no idea that North Carolina had outer banks. They look like a great place to visit. I’ll have to keep these in mind for future vacations.
Ickle Pickle says
I would love to visit here, it looks stunning. I would love to tour America – I have only been to Florida. Kaz x
rika says
Sounds like an awesome place to visit! I’ve never been there, would love to bring my husband for a romantic getaway
Kelly Hutchinson says
I think the Outer Banks are just gorgeous! I had no idea it stretched over 200 miles!
Nikki says
I resided in NC for about 3 years. I was close to the mountains and never found the time to visit the Outer Banks. I would love to go one day though.
Neely (@Neelykins) says
I would LOVE to visit the outer banks! Looks lovely!
Tori Gabriel says
I like the sound of the Northern Beaches. It sounds like an awesome place to visit. Have to add it to the bucket list.
Alicia Taylor says
Hattaras Island sounds like it’s right up my alley. I’ve always wanted to visit there – and even have a painting of the lighthouse hanging in my bathroom.
Rachel Mouton says
Such great tips! Now I want to visit the outer banks 🙂
Amy Desrosiers says
North Carolina is one of them places I would love to visit! I actually was even thinking of possibly moving there in the future.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I wold love to visit there one day….not too bad of a drive from my area in Canada.
Emma White says
oh wow this place looks amazing I so wish I could visit
Ana De- Jesus says
I love that it is not too crowded and looks so idyllic. It looks like such a beautiful place to relax in and soak in the happy atmosphere!
Rebecca Bryant says
I’m in when do we leave. I love exploring the outdoors and beaches.
Tammilee Tips says
I would love to visit the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I love places that don’t get to busy with crowds and tourists.
Lynlee says
Oh wow! I would absolutely love to take my family on a vacay to North Carolina! It’d be so fun to explore the outer banks. Looking forward to the follow-up posts! 🙂
Maureen says
I hear North Carolina is a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for these tips.
tara pittman says
I love beach vacations. I live in the desert so dont get to see water.
Milena says
We taking a trip there this Summer. Can’t wait to follow your other posts! Great tips!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
The outer banks are a great vacation spot and a lot less crowded then most of the other beach towns along the coast.
Pam says
They are definitely a great vacation spot. I always hate trying to dodge huge crowds!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
The outer banks are a great vacation spot and a lot less crowded then most of the other beach towns along the coast.
Paula Schuck says
The Outer Banks are so gorgeous. I could stand a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation there.
Michele says
My Mom used to go there at least once a year–now I know why. I don’t remember where she loved but as for me Hatteras sounds like the dream vacation.
Pam says
The Outer Banks is definitely an awesome vacation spot. I would love to go back sometime and maybe take the family!
Heather says
Beautiful, this looks like my kind of vacation!
candy says
Haven’t been, looks like a great place to visit.
Rachel says
I have a friend that just moved to Asheville and I think this is the perfect girl weekend for when I go to visit her! Thanks for this information!
Janell @ Saving You Dinero says
Im from Florida and I just moved to Kentucky. I really miss the beach. We should take a trip to NC!
Catherine S says
Thanks for the great tips. This looks like a great place to go on vacation.
Kristi says
We are actually in the beginning stages of planning a trip to North Carolina so this post was perfect timing. I was not familiar with the outer banks at all.
Carl says
I am from South Africa and am yet to travel to a foreign country. Im sure North Carolina will be a good consideration.
Alyssa @ The Plucky Introvert says
Oh my word, do the outer banks look gorgeous! The dunes are so pretty, and unlike anything you see on the west coast! Now that I’ve moved out to Ohio, I need to get over to the Atlantic coast and see the beaches in person. They just look so refreshing and pretty!
Heather lawrence says
I haven’t been to North Carolina but our neighbour across the way is from there.
She used to gush about the beaches but I had no idea they were that beautiful!
I would love to burry my toes in the sand!
So beautiful!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Thank you for actually including a map – that was so helpful for someone who has never been there but was curious as to what really made “the banks” up!
Nicole Escat says
I’ve never been in North Carolina but this place looks great in our summer break.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I have always wanted to visit the Outer Banks! I see the OBX stickers on cars everywhere, which tells me they must all love it for some reason.
MJ. L says
I have always wanted to travel to the Outer banks! Sounds and looks so amazing and relaxing!
Alli says
My daughter visits the Outer Banks and loves it. I’m a Carolina girl and I’ve never been. We have a place in North Myrtle so that’s where we usually go when we’re vacationing in the area. I’ve got to take a trip to the Outer Banks and I can’t wait to see your recommendations on where to stay and what to do. I’m such a beach bum! 🙂
Sophie O'Reilly says
Hatteras Island sounds like it would be such an amazing place for a relaxing holiday, I do love beautiful sandy beaches.
Sarah says
I’d love to take a family vacation to the Outer Banks! I’ve always wanted to go. IT just looks so relaxing and calming.
Tess says
I briefly lived in North Carolina and it was a very pretty place. Good to find out about these places.
Stacie says
I will have to plan a trip there. I don’t get to travel as much as I like. Looks like there will be a lot of exploring to do.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit. I love to relax on the beach. Thanks for the great tips.
Jeannette says
I grew up visiting the outer banks and I love it so much! You really can’t go wrong with a trip there anytime of the year because it is just so beautiful!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I have a friend who would visit the OBX every year. I would love to visit with my family.
Cascia Talbert says
That looks beautiful. I’ve never been to the outer banks of North Carolina.
Tammilee Tips says
I have never heard of the Outer Banks in North Carolina before! Looks like an amazing place to go visit and explore. I love visiting the coast!
Kathy says
That sounds like a wonderful place for a vacation. I would love to take my family there. I love the beaches!
Jeni Hawkins says
I really need an east coast vacation now! These are great suggestions – I’ll definitely be looking into them more! thank you!
Melisa says
Sounds like a great vacation spot. We’ve been looking for a good beach destination that isn’t too far from home. I think we are going to have to check the Outer Banks out.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I live by the beach, but sadly we can only use it for its intended purpose 3 months out of the year.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
The name Outer Banks sounds so mysterious. I had never heard of it before, but it sounds like a wicked cool place to visit.