Outer Banks, NC

Weekend Getaway

Where the Atlantic Meets Untamed Beauty

The Outer Banks is a 200-mile ribbon of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast, offering a beach vacation unlike any other on the East Coast. From the wild, undeveloped stretches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the family-friendly towns of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, the OBX delivers natural beauty on a grand scale.

History runs deep here. The Wright Brothers made their first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, and the treacherous Diamond Shoals earned the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic. Iconic lighthouses including Cape Hatteras, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, still stand guard over these shifting sands.

Wild Corolla horses roam the northern beaches, dolphins surf the waves alongside you, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets paint the sky in brilliant color every day. Whether you are seeking surfing adventures, quiet fishing villages, or a family beach house with ocean views, the Outer Banks delivers an unforgettable coastal escape.

Essential Information

Quick Facts

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Best Season

May-Sep

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Avg Temperature

48-87°F

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Budget Range

$100-300/day

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Drive Time

4-7 hrs from SE hubs

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Known For

Beaches & Lighthouses

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Wildlife

Wild Horses

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Ideal Trip

4-7 Days

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Best For

Families & Nature

Must-Do Activities

Top Experiences

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Explore miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches along this protected national seashore, perfect for shelling, surfing, fishing, and watching spectacular Atlantic sunrises.

Lighthouse Tour

Climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, visit the striped Bodie Island Light, and explore the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, each offering panoramic views of the barrier islands.

Wild Horse Safari

Join a 4x4 tour through the northern beaches of Corolla to see the famous wild Spanish Mustangs that have roamed these barrier islands for over 500 years.

Wright Brothers Memorial

Stand on the exact spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered flight in 1903 at Kill Devil Hills, and explore the excellent museum and monument.

Sound-Side Kayaking

Paddle through calm sound-side waters, exploring hidden coves, maritime forests, and salt marshes teeming with herons, egrets, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Fresh Seafood Feast

Feast on the freshest catch at casual waterfront restaurants. Try Hatteras-style clam chowder, steamed blue crabs, fried oysters, and soft-shell crab straight from local waters.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Recommended

Early Summer (May-Jun)

70-84°F

Warm beach weather with fewer crowds than peak summer. Sea turtles begin nesting. Perfect water temperatures for swimming and all water sports activities.

Recommended

Early Fall (Sep-Oct)

65-80°F

Warm water, uncrowded beaches, and lower rental prices. Excellent fishing season and beautiful fall light. Monitor tropical weather forecasts during hurricane season.

Peak Summer (Jul-Aug)

78-88°F

Peak beach season with warmest water temperatures. Highest prices and most crowded. Book beach houses months in advance. Great for families on school summer break.

Off-Season (Nov-Apr)

42-65°F

Quiet and peaceful with dramatic winter storms. Many businesses close seasonally. Perfect for nature lovers, birders, and those seeking solitude on empty windswept beaches.

Helpful Advice

Travel Tips

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Rent a Beach House

Beach house rentals are the classic OBX experience. Book early for summer, especially for oceanfront properties. Many include private pools, hot tubs, and game rooms.

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4x4 Beach Access

Some beaches require a 4x4 vehicle permit for driving on the sand. Corolla's wild horse area and parts of Cape Hatteras require off-road access. Air down your tires.

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Sun and Bug Protection

The sun is strong and the wind can be deceptive. Apply sunscreen liberally. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be fierce at dusk, so bring insect repellent for evening activities.

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Respect Rip Currents

The Atlantic surf can be powerful with dangerous rip currents. Swim near lifeguard stations, know how to escape a rip current by swimming parallel to shore, and watch children closely.

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Take the Ferry

Free ferry service connects Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island, a charming village with a quieter pace. The scenic 60-minute ride across Pamlico Sound is an experience itself.

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Explore Each Town

Each OBX town has its own personality. Corolla for wild horses, Duck for upscale shopping, Kill Devil Hills for history, Hatteras for surfing, and Ocracoke for seclusion.

Visual Journey

Photo Gallery