Outer Banks Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wright Brothers National Memorial featuring a statue or sculpture
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center showing a bay or harbour, signage and boating
Outer Banks
Jennette\'s Pier which includes a beach
Cape Hatteras National Seashore featuring a sandy beach

Enjoy pristine beachfront and learn about early American history at North Carolina’s famous barrier islands

Stretching 200 miles (320 kilometres), the barrier islands of the Outer Banks are located off the coast of North Carolina and southern Virginia. The region, often referred to simply as “OBX,” is known for its temperate climate, clean beaches and pristine landscape.

Although countless towns and villages are scattered throughout OBX, the most popular destinations are Kitty Hawk, Duck, Nags Head and Rodanthe. Hotels fitting every budget are located throughout OBX. Many people opt to rent beachside bungalows. For a more rustic adventure, camp at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

OBX is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering swimming, surfing, kayaking, biking and sailing. Tee up at one of the region’s many golf courses or cruise down the shorefront on an off-road dune buggy. Get your camera ready and head to the beach, where you’ll find wild mustangs roaming in their natural habitat. Charter a fishing boat for the afternoon or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a perfect sunset or go sand surfing at Jockey's Ridge State Park, which boasts the U.S. East Coast’s tallest sand dunes. Climb to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, where you can capture panoramic views of OBX.

Visitors of all ages will delight in living history at Roanoke Island’s Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Explore England’s first American colony with interactive exhibits and, during the summer, catch the renowned musical The Lost Colony at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre.

Learn about the shipwrecks off the sometimes treacherous shores of OBX at Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located on Hatteras Island.

Discover early flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. At the site of the brothers’ famous first successful flight in 1903, the monument and museum offer a variety of exhibits related to aviation.

The closest airport to OBX is the Norfolk International Airport, 82 miles (131 kilometres) north. You can also reach the barrier islands via a scenic drive down U.S. Route 158 East or U.S. Highway 64 East. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) also offers daily ferry trips to major OBX destinations.

Where to stay in Outer Banks

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South Nags Head

While visiting South Nags Head, you might make a stop by sights like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

South Nags Head
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Whalehead Beach

While visiting Whalehead Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Currituck Beach and Corolla Beach.

Whalehead Beach
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Ocean Sands

While visiting Ocean Sands, you might make a stop by sights like Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches.

Ocean Sands
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Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Whale Head Bay and Whalehead are top sights worth seeing.

Corolla Light
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Sea Scape

If you're spending some time in Sea Scape, Sea Scape Golf Links and Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Sea Scape
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Pine Island

If you're spending some time in Pine Island, Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Pine Island
Shutters on the Banks

Shutters on the Banks

3.5 out of 5
405 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,555 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean and close access to the beach."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Shutters on the Banks
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront

3 out of 5
1701 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is ₹13,495 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹13,495
₹15,215 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Everything was fine. Nice clean room, friendly staff. Convenient places to eat. Reasonable rate"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
Mariner Inn and Suites

Mariner Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
1801 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is ₹11,928 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,928
₹13,449 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (623 reviews)
"Location to beach and restaurants was great! Staff was awesome. A little tlc could be used, but we were in the older part of the motel. Breackfast good. We would stay again!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Mariner Inn and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas

3.5 out of 5
4724 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sea Scape Golf Links and Monument ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (122 reviews)
"Perfect spot to stay if you want to visit all of the outer banks. It's right in the middle. 2 block walk to the beach. Close to the sand dunes. Close to all the Duck shops in the other direction. Close to the Wright Brothers memorial if you like history. Activities on sight and everywhere around. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas
The Villas at Hatteras Landing by Kees Vacations

The Villas at Hatteras Landing by Kees Vacations

3.5 out of 5
58822 Marina Way, Hatteras, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Hatteras. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Hatteras Landing Shopping ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (211 reviews)
"The unit was well kept, with all the appliances and conveniences needed for a beach stay. The pool is great."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

The Villas at Hatteras Landing by Kees Vacations
Barrier Island Station

Barrier Island Station

2.5 out of 5
1245 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing are ...
7.6/10 Good! (294 reviews)
"Enjoyed the Outer Banks. Barrier Island was a nice place to stay. Our place was just renovated, up to date."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Barrier Island Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Outer Banks