Outer Banks

Travel Guide

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

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

Stretching 200 miles (320 kilometers), 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 kilometers) 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 Outer Banks Beaches and Bodie Island Lighthouse.

South Nags Head
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Whalehead Beach

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

Whalehead Beach
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Ocean Sands

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ocean Sands and surrounding area, you can visit Corolla Raceway and Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars.

Ocean Sands
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Corolla Light

If you're spending some time in Corolla Light, Outer Banks Beaches and Whale Head Bay 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, Outer Banks Beaches and Currituck Banks 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,519 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Shutters on the Banks
Mariner Inn and Suites
Mariner Inn and Suites
2 out of 5
1801 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is S$241 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$241
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (587 reviews)
"Great place, location and staff"

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Mariner Inn and Suites
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$267 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$267
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
Beach getaway
"Location was great, beach access right on property and close to food. Would stay again"

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
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.
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 vacation home in Hatteras. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Hatteras Landing Shopping ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (207 reviews)
Great place
"Check in was easy. But when we got to the room, the remote did not work. I reported it right away. No one came to check about it until 2 days later. Even then it was not fixed, with no explanation. Otherwise the stay was great."

Reviewed on 19 Jun, 2025

The Villas at Hatteras Landing by Kees Vacations
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 center. Popular attractions Sea Scape Golf Links and Monument ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas
Hatteras Sands Camping Resort
Hatteras Sands Camping Resort
2 out of 5
57316 Eagle Pass Road, Hatteras, NC
Stay at this campground in Hatteras. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (438 reviews)
"I loved our cute cabin! It was lovely and so fun!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Hatteras Sands Camping Resort
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.

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