A string of barrier islands more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) long, the Outer Banks offers the serenity of an old-school beach vacation—think: quiet boardwalks, seafood shacks, and boutique B&Bs. Spanning Duck to Hatteras, you’ll find a surprising amount of things to do in the Outer Banks, from wandering Cape Hatteras (the country’s first national seashore) to hang-gliding off sand dunes, and following in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers to searching for wild horses and the lost colony of Roanoke. Here, there are no skyrises and no sprawling resorts. Just wild, nostalgic adventure.
A classic “school’s out” destination, the Outer Banks has a high season of June–August. While this is a great time to visit for warm weather, the region’s shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds, better deals, and still-temperate days. Plus, you’ll catch events like Day at the Docks, Duck Jazz Festival, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in September and October.
The barrier islands of the Outer Banks run for much of the North Carolina coastline—about 130 miles. While there are a smattering of taxi services and tours to take, you’ll want a car. The drive from Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south, for example, is close to four hours. Even if you’re staying in one region, having four wheels will keep your trip independent and spontaneous.
When you’re scouting out the visitor’s center, boardwalk, and nature trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park—plus the tallest sand dune on the East Coast—add nearby Jennette’s Pier for fishing, Duck Donuts for a sweet snack, and Outer Banks Brewing Station for a brew to your itinerary. Kitty Hawk, famous for the Wright brothers’ flight and Kill Devil Hills are can’t-miss stops in OBX’s Northern Beaches area, too.
