Outer Banks

Travel Guide

Wright Brothers National Memorial showing a statue or sculpture
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center showing boating, signage and a bay or harbor
Outer Banks
Jennette\'s Pier featuring a sandy 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

If you're spending some time in South Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center are top sights worth seeing.

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

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

Ocean Sands
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Corolla Light

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

Corolla Light
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Sea Scape

While visiting Sea Scape, you might make a stop by sights like Sea Scape Golf Links and Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve.

Sea Scape
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Pine Island

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

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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,596 reviews)
Bathrooms small
"The floors were sandy and shower curtain was moldy. The bathrooms were very small and I saw a roach as I was leaving. It was okay though. The kids had a good time."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Shutters on the Banks
Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

2 out of 5
804 North Virginia Dare Trail, NC 12, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is P5,758 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
P5,758
P6,492 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Kill Devil Hills. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Pool was nice and very easy walk right across the street to beach access. The pool was less windy also since the hotel building blocked the wind."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills
Mariner Inn and Suites

Mariner Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
1801 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The price is P5,210 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,210
P5,874 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (685 reviews)
"close to the beach"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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.
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! (222 reviews)
"Hotel was very nice with a good price for a night. Bed comfort was great. The suite was large and across the street from the ocean. It was beautiful & we enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kitty Hawk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Duck Boardwalk and Nor'Banks Sailing ...
7.6/10 Good! (295 reviews)
"Enjoyed the Outer Banks. Barrier Island was a nice place to stay. Our place was just renovated, up to date."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Barrier Island Station
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! (132 reviews)
Excellent place to stay
"The place is little old but is in great condition, convenient and super clean plus it’s affordable. It deserves ten stars."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Sea Scape Beach and Golf Villas
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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