Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are permeated with history: Orville and Wilbur Wright made their illustrious maiden flights in this area (at Kill Devil Hills), Blackbeard fought his last fight (at Ocracoke), and the enigmatic Lost Colony vanished (precise location unknown; last seen on Roanoke Island close to Manteo). However, the OBX group of barrier islands, which are situated off the coast of North Carolina, isn't just for history aficionados. Along with fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing, these activities draw the most daring. The Outer Banks gained the moniker "the graveyard of the Atlantic" due to its estimated 3,000 shipwrecks, which can be explored by snorkeling or scuba diving, that is one of the Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S. The beaches, mini-golf courses, and North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island are popular with families.
Old lighthouses, rocky dunes, and isolated beaches in the south combine with vacation homes, water sports, and kitschy beach stores in the north to create a distinctive coastal destination. Each community has its own appeal. For those who want to bypass excessively developed tourist destinations and go straight to pristine beaches, the OBX is great. There isn't a lot of nightlife, but there is a ton of beauty in nature. Beaches are busier in the summer, but with so many places to visit dispersed along the barrier islands, you probably won't encounter overwhelming crowds at any time of year.
The Outer Banks are best visited between March and May or September and November when lodging costs are lower and crowds thin out. Summertime brings the majority of visitors and inhabitants from the mainland of North Carolina, when humidity levels are high and daily averages regularly reach the upper 80s. The temperature drops into the 40s and 50s throughout the winter. Just be aware that some sights, restaurants, and shops can close during the offseason or operate with fewer hours.
Many vacationing families that rent homes go to the neighborhood supermarkets and fish markets and prepare the majority of their meals there (the Dockside N' Duck is an excellent starting point). When you do venture out, you'll discover that the Outer Banks are known for its fresh seafood with a southern flavor. Most businesses, including Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head and I Got Your Crabs Seafood Market & Steam Bar in Kitty Hawk, are independent and locally owned. The barrier islands also include more fast-casual eateries, all of which are often inexpensive. For a quick yet delicious lunch, consider places like Bros Sandwich Shack on Hatteras Island or Eduardo's in Ocracoke.
Location: off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, on the east coast of the United States.
Ranking:
- #1 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
- #2 in Best Places to Visit in August
- #4 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
- #4 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
- #4 in Best Family Summer Vacations
- #6 in Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #7 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
- #9 in Best Beaches in the U.S.
- #10 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
- #11 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
- #12 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
- #28 in Best Places to Visit in the USA
