Outer Banks Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wright Brothers National Memorial which includes a statue or sculpture
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center which includes fishing, signage and a bay or harbour
Outer Banks
Jennette\'s Pier featuring 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 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 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
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 AU$191 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$191
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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! (1,001 reviews)
"I will stay here again was perfect for my needs"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills
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! (1,585 reviews)
"Very clean, staff was friendly, easy access to beach"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$163 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$163
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (660 reviews)
Good and comfortable
"The apartment was good and the beds were comfortable. The rooms are spacious but the bathroom is so small. They could’ve spaced it out better and the bathroom is right next to a bed which is not ideal. No privacy and no where to move in that bathroom. Very outdated. Breakfast was alright, not too ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 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! (218 reviews)
"The apartment is spacious and set up nicely. The living room has a pull out sofa, and 2 chairs for seating which are comfortable. The kitchen is well eqipped with dishes, utensils, pots/pans, appliances, but does not have a stove. However, it does have a 2 burner stove and a microwave. The bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 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 16 Jun. 2025

Barrier Island Station
FamilyMemoryMaker!,8 MASTERS,MovieRoom,OceanViews,Pool,HotTub,Grill,StarlinkWiFi

FamilyMemoryMaker!,8 MASTERS,MovieRoom,OceanViews,Pool,HotTub,Grill,StarlinkWiFi

Corolla
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Corolla. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
"Great house and location for a beach vacation"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

FamilyMemoryMaker!,8 MASTERS,MovieRoom,OceanViews,Pool,HotTub,Grill,StarlinkWiFi
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

Activities

Cities near Outer Banks