5 Reasons the Outer Banks Keeps Calling Us Back

By NC Tripping on May 24, 2022

For anyone based in the Research Triangle — Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill — the Outer Banks makes an ideal gateway to the North Carolina coast. This broad chain of barrier islands can feel like a lot to take in, especially for a first visit.

After years of making the trip from Durham to the Outer Banks, we’ve gathered plenty of advice worth passing along. We’ll also say this upfront: you’re not going to experience everything on your first visit, or even your 50th time. We’re still discovering new places and experiences, but these 5 favorites always give us a reason to return.

1. One-of-a-kind towns

Choosing where to stay is usually the first big step when mapping out an Outer Banks trip. Across the islands, you’ll find a great mix of towns and villages, each shaped by its own personality and past.

Spend time in Duck, the former waterfowl hunting retreat that so many visitors know and love. Keep close to the busy stretch through Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. Or head farther south to Hatteras Island for the quieter feel of Buxton, Avon, or Rodanthe. For a different perspective, drive over to Manteo and Wanchese on Roanoke Island and enjoy the soundside character of these barrier islands.

2. Sunrise over the ocean

Once you’re checked in to your rental or hotel, try to turn in early. You’ll want to be awake in time to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. Plenty of other visitors know this is worth getting up for, too.

Wherever you stay on the Outer Banks, a bright morning sky over the beach is an unforgettable way to begin the day.

Sunset brings its own drama on the Outer Banks, often even more striking than sunrise. You can watch the day end along the Currituck-Pamlico Sound side of the islands while eating in Nags Head, walking the boardwalk in Duck, or cruising along NC-12. Our list of best places to catch sunrises and sunsets on the Outer Banks can help you plan both ends of the day.

3. Great local restaurants

From Duck down to Buxton, the Outer Banks has plenty of local flavor waiting at mealtime. When you’re on the coast, seafood should be part of the plan whenever possible.

That said, not everyone can eat seafood, and sometimes you simply want something different. Fortunately, many Outer Banks restaurants have plenty for landlubbers as well.

4. Fascinating history

The Outer Banks is widely known as America’s First Beach, and places like Fort Raleigh National History Site and The Lost Colony in Manteo help explain why. In Kill Devil Hills, the Wright Brothers National Monument tells the story behind the First in Flight phrase many North Carolinians carry on their license plates.

In Hatteras, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum explores the maritime past of the Outer Banks, along with the notorious story of Blackbeard. For an extra-credit day trip, ride the free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island and hike to the Point, where Blackbeard was killed.

5. Lighthouses

The Outer Banks is also home to famous lighthouses along Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and beyond. Each one has its own look, from color to height, something you’ll notice even more after seeing them all.

Narrowing our favorite Outer Banks experiences to only 5 is not easy. After your most recent visit to these incredible NC barrier islands, we’d love to know what stood out to you. And if you’re planning your first trip to this part of our amazing state, what are you most excited to explore along the coast?

About NC Tripping

NC Tripping is created by Carl Hedinger and Christina Riley. They’re two people who love life in North Carolina, and through their articles and social media posts, they share that love with readers.