Visit The Outer Banks

Plan an Outer Banks of North Carolina Escape

Use this guide to explore the Outer Banks of North Carolina, from vacation rentals and restaurants to local activities and planning tools.

Meet The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a place to step away from packed cities and heavily traveled vacation areas. Here, there are no cities at all—only 100+ miles of open coastline, inviting seaside villages, and towns with distinct character and meaningful ties to the nation’s history. Though the barrier islands are reachable by car, they feel wonderfully removed.

Settle into an oceanside vacation rental home, enter your rental keycode, and begin relaxing on a beach that feels like your own. For a different kind of stay, choose one of the romantic B&Bs on Roanoke Island and stroll through Manteo’s waterfront downtown. This is where the country began, so it makes sense for a vacation to begin here as well. Travelers can also choose from Outer Banks hotels, motels, cottage courts, and campgrounds suited to many kinds of trips.

Explore OBX Towns

Visitors looking for a real coastal getaway come from near and far for the towns and villages spread along the scenic Outer Banks shoreline.

News & Stories

The OBX Blog

Explore what sets The Outer Banks apart, from regional food and deep history to outdoor experiences and sustainable ways of living.

Family Fun

September Things to Do on the Outer Banks

10 min read

September on the Outer Banks still feels largely like summer, with a hint of fall and plenty to enjoy.

Culinary

Planning a Three Day Foodie Trip to the Outer Banks

9 min read

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, also known as OBX, has long been known for memorable coastal food experiences.

History & Heritage

What Visitors Should Know About the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration

7 min read

Updated July 2026

Visitors may be curious about why America’s tallest lighthouse remains wrapped during restoration work.

Family Fun

Visiting the Outer Banks on a Budget

6 min read

A beach trip does not have to be expensive. The Outer Banks makes it possible to have a fun and affordable getaway.

Family Fun

Wright Brothers National Memorial Adventures with Park Rangers

5 min read

A family visit follows the excitement sparked when Orville and Wilbur Wright caught the attention of 8-year-old Sean.

Family Fun

Planning a Successful Outer Banks Home Rental for Your Family

9 min read

After finding the right vacation house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, families can prepare for a smooth stay.

Family Fun

How to Build a Beach Fire

3 min read

Find out how to make a beach fire along Cape Hatteras National Seashore or Nags Head.

Family Fun

A Day in Nags Head

4 min read

Nags Head brings together classic Outer Banks favorites, including sand dunes, dolphin tours, and more.

Family Fun

A Day in Kill Devil Hills, NC

3 min read

Kill Devil Hills, NC, offers what travelers need for a memorable Outer Banks day and is tied closely to aviation history.

Outdoor Enthusiast

Outer Banks Sailing Guide: Charters and Nautical Experiences

3 min read

With reliable breezes, broad waters, and beautiful views, the Outer Banks is one of the best places on the water.

Adventure Awaits

Itineraries

Begin your next trip here, with ideas for exploring, discovering, and making each moment memorable.

Upcoming OBX Events

2026 Season of The Lost Colony

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026

Flowga Beach Yoga & Hula Hooping

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026

Yoga on the Green

Aug 18, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026

Butterfly Release

Elizabethan Gardens

Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026

National Aviation Day

Aug 19

OBXTreme Magic Show

Aug 19

Oceanfront Live Music: Ray Wag

Gather

Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026

Soundside Summer Market

The Soundside Event Site

Aug 19

Tunes on the Terrace

Outlets Nags Head

Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 2, 2026

Water Aerobics

Village Beach Club

Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026

Concert on the Green

Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026

Dowdy Park Summer Farmer's Market

Dowdy Park

Aug 20

Live Music Under The Hut - Thursday 8/20/26

Beachcombers Tiki Hut

Aug 20

Nags Head Sunrise 5k/1 Mile Beach Race

OBX Running Company

Aug 20

Sanderling Seafood Boil

The Sanderling

Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026

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