Discover the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks asks visitors to take their time and notice the details. Every island and village carries a distinct personality, formed by wind, water, and generations of people who have made this coastline their home.
Along these barrier islands are open beaches, maritime forests, and calm harbors where daily rhythms still follow the tides. Bridges and ferries link the islands physically, but a shared feeling of community connects them just as strongly and helps guests feel welcome.
From historic neighborhoods to fresh local seafood stops to sunset views from a sound side pier, that easygoing, friendly character shows up everywhere.
The past is woven deeply into this place. The Wright brothers first took flight here, and the story of the Lost Colony continues to spark curiosity. Past the well-known landmarks, the Outer Banks is also carried forward by its people — captains, artists, and stewards of this delicate and beautiful coast.
The Outer Edge video series introduces those local perspectives and offers a look at the Outer Banks through people who understand it intimately. After that, come see it in person. Along the edge of the sea, there is always something else waiting to be found.
Islands, stories, and local character
The Islands
The Outer Banks forms a chain of barrier islands extending from the North Carolina coast — a gathering of sand bars shaped by the Atlantic.
History & Facts
Life follows a different set of rules here. Nature shaped the Outer Banks, sweeping them from the Atlantic Ocean and continuing to define their story.
The Outer Edge Video Series
The Outer Edge is a six-video series from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau that shares a deeper look at this coastal place and the people connected to it.
Towns & Villages
Outer Banks has places for many kinds of trips, from lively, central towns to slower-paced coastal villages.
- Wanchese — The Village of Wanchese sits at the southern tip of Roanoke Island, across from Manteo.
- Buxton — The Village of Buxton lies just off Cape Hatteras and was once known simply by that identity.
- Kitty Hawk — The Town of Kitty Hawk carries deep history and tradition, including the landscape that drew Orville and Wilbur Wright.
- Duck — This resort community is well known for beaches, water sports, and outdoor experiences.
- Southern Shores — Between Kitty Hawk and Duck, Southern Shores is largely a residential coastal community.
- Manteo — In Manteo, visitors can find things to do in every kind of weather.
- Frisco — Frisco’s location near surf fishing, charter boat docks, and other activities makes it a convenient stop.
- Salvo — A trip through parts of Salvo still reveals reminders of working watermen, including crab pots, fish boxes, and Banker heritage.
- Hatteras — Hatteras Village includes several strong restaurant options, though large-scale attractions are limited.
- Kill Devil Hills — Kill Devil Hills received its municipal charter in 1953 and sits near the geographic center of the Outer Banks.
- Rodanthe — Rodanthe is home to the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, the earliest station of its kind established along this coast.
- Waves — Waves was known as South Rodanthe during the 1930's before taking on its current name.
- Nags Head — Since its early development in the 1800's, Nags Head has mainly been made up of single-family coastal homes.
- Avon — Avon is a long-established Hatteras Island village closely associated with recreational surf fishing.
Latest Stories
- Culinary — A Three Day Foodie Trip to the Outer Banks: Where to Eat — 9 min read
- History & Heritage — Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration and What Visitors Should Know — 7 min read
- Family Fun — Budget Travel on the Outer Banks — 6 min read
- Family Fun — Park Rangers and High-Flying Experiences at the Wright Brothers National Memorial — 5 min read
- Family Fun — Planning a Successful Outer Banks Home Rental for Your Family — 9 min read
- Family Fun — Tips for Building a Beach Fire — 3 min read
- Family Fun — A Day in Nags Head — 4 min read
- Family Fun — A Day in Kill Devil Hills, NC — 3 min read
- Outdoor Enthusiast — Sailing the Outer Banks: Charters and Nautical Adventures — 3 min read
- Culinary — The Outer Banks Brewery & Spirits Trail — 7 min read