Visit The Outer Banks

Discover The Outer Banks of North Carolina

⚠️ Hatteras Island visitor evacuation remains in place. Visitors with upcoming reservations are encouraged to contact their lodging provider before traveling. Visit DareNC.gov/Storm for more information.

Welcome to The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina provides a refreshing escape from crowded cities and heavily visited vacation destinations. Rather than cities, you’ll find 100+ miles of open shoreline, welcoming seaside villages, and distinctive towns shaped by fascinating connections to our nation’s history.

Though the Outer Banks are accessible by car, these barrier islands have an unmistakably remote feeling. Stay in an oceanside vacation rental home, enter your rental’s keycode, and settle into your own stretch of beach. For another kind of getaway, choose one of the romantic B&Bs of Roanoke Island and spend time in the walkable waterfront downtown of Manteo.

This is where our country started, making it a fitting place to begin a vacation as well. Outer Banks hotels, motels, cottage courts, and campgrounds offer accommodations for a wide range of travel styles.

Explore the Outer Banks

Explore Our OBX Towns

Travelers looking for an authentic coastal getaway can choose among the many towns and villages scattered along the picturesque Outer Banks coastline. Visitors come from far and wide to experience their variety and character.

News & Stories

The OBX Blog

Explore the qualities that make The Outer Banks special, including local food, living history, outdoor experiences, and sustainable ways of life.

Things to Do on the Outer Banks in November

Holiday · 8 min read

November brings a peaceful combination of uncrowded beaches, fall fishing, migrating birds, and seasonal coastal experiences on the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks Art Trail: Murals, Galleries & Local Art

Art & Culture · 7 min read

The Outer Banks offers abundant inspiration for artists, from its constantly changing light to its distinctive coastal surroundings.

Annual Outer Banks Fall Events

Health · 12 min read

Updated for 2026. Fall is a favorite season among locals, with annual events and experiences taking place throughout the Outer Banks.

National Park Week on the Outer Banks: History, Wild Places & Stories Worth Exploring

History & Heritage · 5 min read

The Outer Banks is known for expansive beaches, shifting dunes, and adventures shaped by the salty coastal environment. National Park Week offers opportunities to explore its history, wild places, and stories.

Comparing 'Outer Banks' Netflix Show to the Real OBX

History & Heritage · 5 min read

Updated August 21, 2026 Netflix's show Outer Banks launched its 5th and final season on August 21, 2026, inviting comparisons between the series and the real OBX.

Things to Do on the Outer Banks in September

Family Fun · 10 min read

September on the Outer Banks retains much of summer, begins to hint at fall, and offers plenty of opportunities for fun.

Where to Eat on a Three Day Foodie Trip to the Outer Banks

Culinary · 9 min read

For decades, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, also known as OBX, have been recognized for their food and dining experiences. A three-day itinerary highlights places to eat across the destination.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration: What Visitors Need to Know

History & Heritage · 7 min read

Updated July 2026 America’s tallest lighthouse remains encased during restoration, creating important considerations for visitors planning a visit to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Budget Travel on the Outer Banks

Family Fun · 6 min read

A beach vacation does not have to be expensive. The Outer Banks offers ways to enjoy a memorable and entertaining trip while keeping costs in mind.

Flying High with Park Rangers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial

Family Fun · 5 min read

Park rangers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial helped introduce an 8-year-old visitor, Sean, to the story of brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright and their remarkable achievements.

Adventure Awaits

Itineraries

Begin planning your next Outer Banks adventure with ideas for exploring, discovering, and making each moment memorable.

Upcoming OBX Events

Fall Golf League

Turf's Up
Oct 27, 2026 - Dec 8, 2026

ThriveOBX - Walktober

Oct 27, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026

Group Shamanic Reiki

Kind Yoga
Oct 27, 2026 - Dec 22, 2026

A Night of 1587 Pumpkins & Pumpkin Carving

Elizabethan Gardens
Oct 28, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026

Halloween Island

Oct 29, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026

Harvest For Health Trunk-or-Treat

The Outer Banks Hospital
Oct 29, 2026

Halloween Island - Manteo Charity Bar Crawl

Oct 29, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026

Orin Swift Wine Tasting and Murder Mystery

Vine and Board
Oct 29, 2026

Thursday Night Ladies Pickup Golf

Turf's Up
Oct 29, 2026 - Jan 7, 2027

RIP TIDE

Village Beach Club
Oct 30, 2026

Little Linksters

Turf's Up
Oct 30, 2026 - Dec 5, 2026

Spooky Storytelling at the Museum

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026

Manteo Wooden Boat Show

Town of Manteo
Oct 31, 2026

Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration and BBQ

Oct 31, 2026

Majhong 101 Lesson

The Sanderling
Nov 02, 2026

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