With 100 miles of sandy beaches and leafy green state parks, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Outer Banks in the U.S. was in a different country altogether, but this fabulous destination is a mere car journey away. Tracing the Carolina coastline, the Outer Banks is as stunningly beautiful as it is versatile, offering a range of activities catering for all kinds of vacationers, whether you enjoy sporting activities or relaxing on the beach.
Where to Stay in the Outer Banks
There are three main options to choose from when looking for somewhere to stay in the Outer Banks. Overall, Outer Banks vacation rentals tend to be the most popular, offering a “home away from home” feel.
Alternative accommodation options include camping at one of the tri-villages on Hatteras Island, including Buxton, Frisco and Ocracoke Island. The Outer Banks also features a number of hotels, both oceanfront and further in-land.
The Islands
The Outer Banks is separated by barrier islands including Bodie (pronounced as “body”), where island towns Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk are all situated. Stop off for a beer at one of the drive-through shops, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many fried fish restaurants.
West of Bodie lies Roanoke Island and the charming town of Manteo, where visitors can learn about Colonial history. South of Roanoke lies Hatteras Island, home to the first ever national seashore. Further south is Ocracoke island, accessible only by ferry, but well worth it for the fresh oysters.
Things to Do
Beaches
From dolphin-watching at Ocracoke Beach to historical landmarks and wildlife at Cape Hatteras, beach-lovers will be spoilt for choice, but beware strong rip-currents and always check weather conditions before going in case of storms.
Historical Sights
Popular local history spots include The Frisco Native American Museum, The Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Graveyards of the Atlantic Museum, a homage to the maritime history of shipwrecks off the North Carolina Coast.
Nature and Wildlife
With its protected seashores, leafy state parks and wildlife refuges, the Outer Banks offers a range of unmissable wildlife experiences, which include bird watching and seeing wild horses gallop along the Corolla and the Ocracoke. Like these “shore ponies”, the local sea turtles are also protected, so if you spot a nest, do not disturb!
Sports and Leisure
The Outer Banks is a great place to learn kiteboarding, kayaking and wind-surfing among many other water-based activities. Other popular sports include horse-riding and golf, and the islands are also home to many annual sporting events and competitions.
Best Times to Visit
As with many vacation destinations, high temperatures in the Outer Banks mean high season, with thousands of visitors flocking to the islands every year. However, there’s plenty of reasons to visit at other times throughout the year. With average temperatures still in the mid-70s, fall is a great time to beat the crowds.
In winter, expect a slight dip in temperatures (in the mid-50s or so), but also a drop in hotel and rental home rates: good news if you’re looking to get away for the holidays. The same applies for springtime, when temperatures begin to warm up once again with averages of 69 degrees: not too cold or warm, and perfect for a spot of fishing or bird-watching,
