Travel Responsibly on the OBX

The Outer Banks of North Carolina stands apart because of its close relationship with nature. Ocean currents meet here, while barrier islands shift and move with the Atlantic waves. Half of Dare County is water, and around 80% of the land within the County cannot be developed because it belongs to a National or State park, preserve or wildlife refuge. Even with these protections in place, we continue working to keep the Outer Banks committed to sustainable tourism and the beauty of its natural shoreline.

Meaningful change can come from small actions as residents and visitors work together to safeguard our natural wonders and vibrant cultures for future generations. Every visitor leaves an effect on this small sandbar. Explore the resources below to prepare for a thoughtful OBX visit. Those who want to get more involved can explore Voluntourism opportunities, offering time to a local non-profit through activities such as beach clean ups or planting sea grass. A complete list of Dare County non-profits and events working to Keep OBX OBX is also available.

Are you a responsible traveler?

Responsible travel calls for planning, learning, and taking time to value the world around you. Before your trip, consider these questions:

• Do I understand Leave No Trace principles? Carrying out your trash, fully putting out fires, and staying on designated routes and trails are among the practices to follow. Bring a reusable water bottle, fill it at safe water sources, and reduce your plastic usage.
• Could this activity require a rescue or place pressure on local resources? Beach safety information and weather alerts can save lives. Use current forecasts and make sure you have the right beach safety knowledge. Text OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295 to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts.
• What can I do to avoid crowded places? Review guidance for getting here and moving around the Outer Banks so you can avoid lengthy waits and traffic delays.
• How can I contribute positively to the communities I visit? Make local culture and residents part of your experience by engaging with the people you encounter. Join community activities and events, ask locals about favorite trails, places to explore, and dining spots, and treat frontline workers with kindness as they serve you and help make your visit better. A smile goes a long way.

Voluntourism gives travelers an opportunity to support local non-profit organizations in our region with their time, whether through environmental stewardship or other community projects. During your visit, become a destination steward by participating in or donating to a local conservation or outdoor stewardship organization.

The frequently asked questions below address important topics affecting travelers and locals on the Outer Banks.

What are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles?

Public lands along our coast support hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, relaxation, and many other activities. To help protect these lands and natural resources, we encourage both visitors and locals to practice leaving no trace. These principles promote awareness of how our actions affect the environment and can be used anywhere, at anytime, not just the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect the Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org

How to pack for the beach

Your key beach items are collected in one convenient packing guide, whether your trip lasts for a quick overnighter or a weeklong stay and whether you travel alone or with a group. Use this beach packing list to help prepare for a successful visit.

How to “beach” safely

The Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches offer memorable experiences for visitors and families. Swimming, sailing, surfing, walking along the sand, sunbathing, and enjoying other coastal attractions can all be part of your trip. Whatever you do at the beach, our goal is for the experience to be enjoyable as well as safe.

Is the OBX accessible?

Everyone can experience this world-famous destination.

Beach Handicap Accessibility

Accessibility Within our National Parks

How to travel with dogs

The Outer Banks will always be a pet-friendly destination. Pets and their owners can enjoy our beaches, towns and villages together. Learn the rules and regulations that apply to pets on the OBX.

How to off-road responsibly

Visitors have long used off-road vehicles (ORVs) to experience the Seashore’s ocean beaches and soundside waters. To balance visitor enjoyment with the protection of park resources, follow the applicable regulations and recommendations when operating ORVs at the Seashore.

How to visit our parks and refuges

Find guidance for traveling through our National Parks, State Parks and refuges.

Your Guide to Recreating Responsibly in our National Parks

Exploring Our Protected Lands in the Outer Banks

What to do if you find a baby sea turtle on the beach?

Do not touch or disturb a sea turtle, whether it appears sick, injured, or nesting. Sea turtles do not come onto the beach unless they are nesting or something is wrong. Call N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) at 252-441-8622 so a team can come immediately to assist the turtle.

Where are electric vehicle charging stations on the Outer Banks?

A full list of charging stations is available at https://pluginnc.com/find-a-charging-station/

How to build a beach fire

A beach fire can be a romantic and relaxing way to spend time by the water. Beach fires are allowed, with regulations, on beaches in Nags Head and along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Cultivate Diverse Visitation & Equitable Representation

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau recognizes travel as a way to foster inclusive communities on the Outer Banks and beyond, bringing people together through the exchange of culture and commerce. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is committed to promoting tourism to Dare County in a fair and equitable way that reflects the organization's own employment opportunities and welcomes visitation to the Outer Banks by all.

This commitment is intended to connect people inclusively and without exclusion of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Related resources include:

• 5 Ways the OBX Celebrates Diversity
• Accessibility Within our National Parks
• Best Free Things To Do
• First in Freedom

Where and when do I dispose of my trash or recycle while I'm visiting the Outer Banks?

Consult the complete list of trash pickup schedules and recycling centers across the entire Outer Banks.

Make the Outer Banks Promise

The Outer Banks Promise is a voluntary commitment designed to encourage responsible behavior, protect the area’s natural environment and cultural heritage, and strengthen stewardship and safety. Residents and visitors are invited to do their part to preserve this place for future generations. We invite you to make your Promise today!

The Outer Banks Promise

Outdoor NC Partnership

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a proud Guardian-level partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance. Through this partnership, we share our commitment to caring for the outdoor spaces we all enjoy. By joining the Outdoor NC movement, we support the preservation and protection of these cherished places for future generations.

Our aim is to actively encourage stewardship and responsible outdoor recreation so that our state remains the world-class destination we know and love, forever.