The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the most unique places in the US. Stretching over 100 miles with water on both sides it provides some of the best beach vacationing money can buy with the opportunity to enjoy the unique culture of any one of a variety of villages and beach towns. From surfing to fishing to simply relaxing with friends and family any visitor is sure to find what they’re looking for.
To help you end up exactly where you want to be here’s a handy guide to some of the main towns along the Outer Banks.
Corolla
Corolla, NC is best known for it’s large sandy beaches and is one of the most popular towns along the Outer Banks among beach-goers. Those same visitors may well encounter the famous Wild Horses of Corolla, decendants of Colonial Spanish Mustangs that now roam free along sections of the coast.
The overall pace of Corolla is relaxed and with plenty of things for families and children to do from excelent food and shopping to golfing, bike rentals and of course, relaxing on the beach. The town was mainly developed in the 1990’s through to the present giving the architecture a modern and luxurious feel.
Want to see what we mean? You’ll find our vacation rentals in Corolla here >
Duck
The quaint town of Duck, NC has balanced community growth with the maintenance of the charm that made them a go-to location along the Outer Banks since the 1970s. Duck caters to family vacations and was named one of the best beaches in America for families. But of course beachgoing isn’t all there is to do.
Duck is also home to some of the finest food and shopping that the Outer Banks has to offer and is a desination for those staying elsewhere. It is also host to some of the finest summer entertainment as well as famous Duck Jazz Festival in October. And if you’re not interested in great music you can enjoy some of the best kayaking, biking and fishing in the world.
Who wouldn’t want to stay in the heart of all this charm, great food and things to do? See all the places you can bring your family in Duck, NC here >
Kill Devil Hills
While much of the history of Kill Devil Hills is based on family tales and folklore a stamp was placed on it on December 17, 1903 when Orville Wright made the first heavier-than-air flight. While that flight only lasted for 12 seconds it’s impact on all our lives and certainly on this town of only about 7,000 and makes it a must-visit location along the Outer Banks.
As an added bonus for visitors, the popularity of Kill Deveil Hills among visitors has also resulted in the growth of a wide assortment of shops, restaurants and entertainment. From world-class surfing, incredible fishing both on and off the water, beautiful walks, rounds of golf and a vibrant nighlife everyone is sure to find something they’ll enjoy and memories they’ll never soon forget.
Centrally located on the Outer Banks Kill Devil Hills has much to offer and is an easy jumping-point to the other areas. Start your journey in Kill Devil Hills here >
Kitty Hawk
Without a doubt the top attraction to Kitty Hawk, NC is its beaches and that’s in the town so close to where the Wright Brothers took their historic first flight that they walked back. After a day on the beach there are ample restaurants to choose from providing for some of the best food on the Outer Banks.
If you’re feeling like an adventure there’s plenty to be had. From windsurfing and nature preserves to boat tours and fishing you’re sure to find what you’re looking for but if relaxation is more appealing Kitty Hawk boasts some excellent spas for pampering and relaxation. Start your beach vacation in Kitty Hawk, NC here >
Nags Head
The slow relaxed pace of Nags Head coupled with it’s 11 miles of oceanfront make it an ideal spot on the Outer Banks for a family beach vacation. Nags Head is also home to Oregon Inlet and the many world-renoun fishing charters waiting there to take visitors out for an experience they’ll not soon forget.
Many of the Outer Banks best-known festivals are held in Nags Head including a favorite among locals and visitors alive, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival held each October. Of course, even if you’re not visiting in October there is plenty of food for any pallet at the many fine restaurants. Plan your vacation in Nags Head, NC here >
Southern Shores
Southern Shores is a small community nestled between Duck and Kitty Hawk. This gives those staying in the area access to all the amenities of the neighboring towns but with far fewer people. The Southern Shores is a perfect vacation spot for those wishing to truly get away from it all yet have easy access to the luxuries of the Outer Banks at easy access.
When you want miles of quiet beaches and some of the finest shopping and restaurants just a short bike or stroll away the Southern Shores is a perfect destination on the Outer Banks. Find a perfect vacation home in Southern Shores, NC here >