Vacations should be a fun time for individuals and families. But the planning stage can often be overwhelming. If you are researching for your next vacation spot, consider traveling to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. This stretch of scenic landscape offers a picturesque open beachfront with plenty of activities to throw back and relax.
A bustling tourist destination, the Outer Banks (OBX) is a 200 mi (320 km) string of barrier islands that spits the NC and southeastern Virginia coastlines. This natural bank forms most of North Carolina’s coastline, separating Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico Sounds from the Atlantic Ocean.
Every year, tourists flock to the Outer Banks because the barrier islands share a unique relationship with the Atlantic, making it one of the best spots in the South for a coastal vacation. The OBX offers various water sports activities for adrenaline junkies, such as kayaking, kiteboarding, surfing, and more.
Outer Banks rentals are also a big draw for groups of all sizes. The rental houses available to host visitors to the area are a destination all on their own! With pools, hot tubs, media rooms, and more, these rentals draw visitors to the OBX year after year.
The region has a rich history and culture, with attractions such as the Corolla Wild Horses, Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and much more. However, the thing that draws most people to the area is the gorgeous beachfront. This blog will explore the five best beaches vacationers should explore.
- Nags Head Beach
Nags Head Beach is one of the most cherished spots by tourists visiting the Outer Banks, given its abundance of activities. One of the most notable features of Nags Head Beach is its extensive system of dunes. These dunes act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and provide a picturesque backdrop for beachgoers. Jockey’s Ridge State Park, located in Nags Head, is home to the largest dune on the East Coast and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Some beach activities you can enjoy are surfing, fishing, and kayaking. Nags Head has a rich history as North Carolina’s first tourist colony, making it a great place to explore the area’s culture and heritage. The best time to visit is during the summer, but vacationers also visit during spring or fall because the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. But September and October are also good times to visit the Outer Banks. However, it’s worth noting that Nags Head is a popular destination year-round. So you’re not likely to find it empty at any point.
- Kitty Hawk Beach
Kitty Hawk is a popular destination for its connection to the Wright Brothers. The location gained popularity after Wilbur and Orville Wright launched the first successful manned flight. Note that the beach has no specific tie to their early flights. However, the significance of their invention cemented the town’s name in history books. The location is known for its quiet oceanfront and luxurious beachfront cottages dotting the shoreline. You can enjoy parasailing, surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, and kayaking. The Kitty Hawk beaches tend to be narrow compared to other northern beaches, but they are public seasides, unlike Duck and Southern Shores.
If the beach activities don’t appeal, consider exploring the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve and hiking through a dense maritime forest. You can also go fishing at the Avalon Fishing Pier or in the ocean. Those seeking some zen must visit the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden. For the best fishing experience, make sure to buy Daiwa spinning reels, which are highly recommended for their quality and performance.
June, July, and August are the best time to travel to this beach. However, these months are also the busiest and most crowded, so visitors may consider visiting during spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The beach is open year-round.
- Avon Beach
Avon Beach is cherished for its clean, white sandy beaches. It is a great spot for swimming and basking in the sun. The seaside is famous for being quiet and hygienic, an absolute delight for visitors. While Avon Beach is open year-round, summer is the best time to visit. As with other Outer Banks beaches, the tourist season during the summer attracts the most visitors. Even a quiet beach becomes bustling with activity during this time.
Besides the water activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and surfing, tourists can also enjoy fishing at the Avon pier and exploring the local cuisine. The area is also known for its non-commercial boardwalk lined with Victorian lamps, benches, and pavilions. There are also local shopping areas offering unique goods produced in the area.
- Ocracoke Island Beach
Ocracoke Beach is a beautiful place to experience the Atlantic Ocean because the waters are warmer than the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. This beachfront has several miles of pristine, undeveloped, and uncrowded shoreline, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Ocracoke Island is also a tourist attraction, offering quiet walks on the shore, fishing, clamming, sea-shell hunting, and delicacies of the local community. The area is famous for its exceptional fishing, shelling, and surfing options, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ocracoke’s unique history is intertwined with pirates, shipwrecks, and offshore battles, making it a great place to explore local culture. The island has been occupied for hundreds of years and has deep roots parallel to the country’s history. The coast is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, established in 1953. Visitors can learn about the island’s history at the Ocracoke Preservation Society, visit one of Blackbeard’s favorite hideouts, and enjoy the flourishing arts scene. The best time to visit Ocracoke is during the summer. During these months, the weather is excellent, and it’s not during the height of peak travel periods so you can enjoy some quiet time without excessive crowds.
- Rodanthe Beach
Rodanthe is known for its desolate beaches and sound-side marshlands, which attract a variety of outdoor lovers, most notably surfers, and anglers. The area is home to descendants of individuals who set up the United States Lifesaving Service, which later became the U.S. Coast Guard. Rodanthe is also a popular tourist area, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
The area has various attractions, including the Rodanthe Pier, which offers fishing and stunning ocean views. Visitors can also explore the local shops and boutiques, enjoy the area’s restaurants and cafes, and learn about the local history at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum.
