Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are a chain of long, narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, stretching approximately 200 miles from Corolla in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south. Parts of Currituck, Dare, and Hyde counties make up this distinctive landscape. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico Sounds, creating a unique environment of beaches, dunes, marshes, and maritime forests.

The Outer Banks are rich with history. The lost colony of Roanoke, the first English settlement in America (1587), disappeared without a trace from Roanoke Island. The Wright Brothers achieved the first sustained, powered airplane flight at Kill Devil Hills in 1903. And the treacherous Diamond Shoals off Cape Hatteras have claimed thousands of ships, earning the waters the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Five historic lighthouses—Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout—have guided mariners through these dangerous waters for over a century.

The climate varies slightly along the chain. Summers are warm and humid (highs around 85°F / 29°C), with refreshing ocean breezes. Winters are mild (highs around 50°F / 10°C) and quiet. Hurricane season (June–November) poses the greatest risk. The best time to visit is late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October), when the weather is ideal and crowds are manageable. Peak summer (July–August) brings the most tourists and the highest prices.

By Plane

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest major airport, approximately 80 miles north. Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern has nonstop regional service from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Philadelphia, with a 3-hour drive to the Outer Banks. Raleigh–Durham International (RDU) is a 4-hour drive but has service from most major hubs. Private pilots can land at Dare County Regional Airport (MEO) in Manteo, First Flight Airport (FFA) in Kill Devil Hills, or Billy Mitchell Airport (HNC) in Frisco.

By Car / Road

From the north, take I-64 in Virginia to exit 291B (SR 168), merge onto SR 168, which becomes US-158 after crossing into North Carolina. US-158 will take you all the way to the beaches. From the west, use US-64 and US-264 through Columbia and Manteo, NC. US-264 becomes US-158 once you reach the beaches. Ferries connect Ocracoke to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter, and there is free ferry access across Hatteras Inlet from Ocracoke Island.

The best tip for navigating the Outer Banks is to learn the main roads and milepost system. Two roads run north–south along the beaches: State Highway 12 (Virginia Dare Trail, or "the Beach Road") and US-158 (Croatan Highway, or "the Bypass" / "the Big Road"). Green milepost signs on the right side of the road are marked every half mile. Milepost 0 is at the Wright Memorial Bridge on the north end in Kitty Hawk; they increase going south, with MP 16 at Whalebone Junction marking the end of the main drag. A car is essential. Ferries from the North Carolina Department of Transportation connect to some destinations.

• Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills — Commemorates the first successful, sustained, powered flights in a heavier-than-air machine in 1903.

• Currituck Beach Lighthouse near Corolla — Has kept mariners safe since 1875. Climbable.

• Bodie Island Lighthouse near Nags Head — Stands 156 feet tall. Adults $10, children and seniors $5.

• Cape Hatteras Light at Buxton — The tallest brick lighthouse in North America (208 feet). Its distinctive black-and-white spiral pattern is instantly recognizable.

• Ocracoke Light on Ocracoke Island — North Carolina's oldest lighthouse still in operation.

• Cape Lookout Lighthouse (accessible only by boat) — A 163-foot lighthouse with a unique checkered daymark pattern, visible at least 12 miles out to sea. One of the few lighthouses that operates during the day.

• Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station near Rodanthe — The most complete life-saving station complex in North Carolina.

• The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island — An outdoor symphonic drama telling the story of the first English settlement in America.

• Surfing — The Outer Banks offer some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Surf shops rent equipment and offer lessons.

• Water Sports — Kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing are all popular.

• Hang Gliding in Nags Head, south of the Wright Brothers Memorial site. Lessons available at Jockey's Ridge State Park.

• Jockey's Ridge State Park — Climb the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Hang gliding classes, kite flying, and sunset walks. Free.

• 4-Wheel Drive Beaches — Drive on the beach in Corolla and look for wild horses.

• Fishing — Pier fishing, surf fishing, and offshore charters are popular throughout the Outer Banks.

• Historical Tours — The Lost Colony, Roanoke Island Festival Park, and the Wright Brothers Memorial offer rich historical context.

• Shopping — Galleries, boutiques, and the famous giant souvenir shops line the Bypass.

The Outer Banks are chock full of great places to eat. In season (May–September), most restaurants are open with virtually unlimited choices. Off season, many close or limit hours.

• Art's Place (MP 2.5, Beach Road) — Breakfast, burgers, and hometown lunch specials. Open 6AM–6PM. "Food so good you'll think we stole your mom!"
• The Black Pelican (MP 4.5, Beach Road) — Stone oven pizzas, fresh seafood, steaks, and nightly specials. In a former lifesaving station said to be haunted.
• Awful Arthur's Raw Bar (MP 6, Beach Road) — The only authentic raw bar on the beach. Fresh oysters and seafood in a casual Outer Banks setting.
• Jolly Roger (MP 7, Beach Road) — Outer Banks Italian cuisine.
• JK's (MP 9, Bypass) — Seafood, steaks, and more.
• Mako Mike's (MP 7, Bypass) — Steak and seafood with a live shark tank.

• Howard's Pub on Ocracoke Island — Extensive exotic beer list with an impressive draft selection. Good affordable food.
• Brew Thru — Drive-through beverage and convenience store with multiple locations.
• ABC Stores — North Carolina limits liquor sales to state-run stores.
• Most places close early in the evening. If you like nightlife, plan for daytime activities.

• Budget: Vacation rental homes are the most affordable option for groups, especially in the off-season. Campgrounds are available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Oregon Inlet.
• Mid-range: Hotels and motels along the Bypass and Beach Road. Rates from approximately $100–250/night in season. Carolina Designs in Duck (toll-free: +1-866-453-9660) offers 4–22 bedroom rentals across the Outer Banks.
• Upscale / Heritage: Oceanfront rental homes and luxury condos with pools, hot tubs, and full amenities. Rates from $200–800+ per night in peak season. Several historic inns and B&Bs along the beaches.

• Souvenir Shops — Large chains like Wings and Reef line Croatan Highway, offering t-shirts, beach toys, and local souvenirs. Custom shirts can be made to order.
• Art Galleries — Many galleries are scattered up and down the beaches, featuring local and coastal art.
• Duck Village — A charming shopping area in Duck with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
• Bargaining is not customary.

• Wilmington (230 miles southwest, 4.5 hours) — Vibrant port city with a historic riverwalk, beaches, and film studios.
• Virginia Beach (70 miles north, 1.5 hours) — Virginia's largest resort city with a 3-mile boardwalk.
• Edenton (80 miles northwest, 2 hours) — A charming colonial town on Albemarle Sound with historic homes and gardens.
• New Bern (150 miles west, 3 hours) — Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola with Tryon Palace and a charming downtown.
• Chattanooga, TN (500 miles west, 8 hours) — For a mountain adventure with the Tennessee Aquarium and Ruby Falls.