Anyone who has spent time on the Outer Banks knows it’s a special place. This 200-mile long chain of barrier islands runs off the coast of North Carolina and parts of Virginia. 

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular places to visit in North Carolina. It’s a destination spot for people who are looking to enjoy time on beautiful beaches, camping, sports fishing, and nature. 

In this post, we’re going to be your tour guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. 

Ready to dive in?

Geography

The Outer Banks in North Carolina form a thin strip of protective land. It runs from Knotts Island on the Virginia border to Emerald Island, which is about 90 minutes north of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Parts of the Outer Banks are accessible by car. And off-road driving along the beaches are available in some areas, but you’ll need to get a permit first. 

Things to Do

For such a small land area, the Outer Banks are chock full of things to do, see, and enjoy. Here are just a few. 

History

There is a ton of history that has taken place on the Outer Banks. Perhaps the most famous is the Wright Brothers taking flight at Kitty Hawk. You can learn more about this flight and see where it took place at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 

Roanoke Island is another famous spot. It was home to one of the first colonies in America in the late 1500s, but years later, the colony disappeared. And, even to this day, historians don’t know what happened. You can visit the Roanoke Adventure Museum to learn more about the settlement and the area.

Beaches

You have your choice of beaches on the Outer Banks. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the premiers in the country. This protected seashore starts right at Roanoke Island and surrounds both a crab spawning sanctuary and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Coquina Beach is the spot for people who want to hit up less crowded beaches that feature a mostly adult crowd. If you are traveling with kids, then you’ll want to spend time visiting the beaches around Nag’s Head. These offer lovely wide sandy beaches with lots of amenities. 

Unique Activities

Cape Lookout National Seashore is another exceptional place. You can’t access it by car. Instead, it’s a three-mile ferry ride. One of the more popular spots on Cape Lookout is the historic Portsmouth Village. 

If you love horses, head to Corolla. Here, you’ll find one of the few places in America where wild horses roam free. You can take guided tours with the horses along the beach, a once in a lifetime experience! 

You’re Going to Love the Outer Banks

Once you spend some time in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, you’ll be counting down the days until you can go back and visit again. With so many things to do and see on this stretch of land, its no wonder this area is such a popular destination.