Protect the Outer Banks — The Outer Banks Promise

Discover the Outer Banks Promise and enjoy beaches cared for with greater sustainability. This initiative helps safeguard the natural beauty of the Outer Banks while you take in its remarkable coastline.

The Outer Banks Promise

The Outer Banks Promise is a voluntary pledge that encourages responsible choices, protects the area’s environment and culture, and strengthens stewardship and safety. For generations, this extraordinary natural wonder has inspired historic achievements and sustained a distinctive way of life. We can help preserve it by caring for one another, staying alert and ready for changing circumstances, and working together to protect this place we love.

Make a promise to:

• Explore this land of history and inspiration with kindness and gratitude.
• Replace “what ifs” with “let’s prepare.”
• Carry in what you bring and carry it back out; leave no trace.
• Travel thoughtfully, using roads and established paths.
• Care for the beach and show respect for the ocean.
• Watch wildlife responsibly and keep a safe distance.
• Choose local businesses and services, because small actions can create meaningful impacts.

Share your own promise using #OBXpromise.

How Local Organizations Can Show Support

As The Outer Banks Promise continues to reach people throughout the community, businesses and organizations are invited to make a shared commitment to protect this place for future generations. A number of local companies and groups have already made that commitment, and other organizations are encouraged to take the same step. Businesses can learn how to participate through the Partner Toolkit PDF File or by contacting Jeff Schwartzenberg, Community Engagement Manager, at community@outerbanks.org.

The following businesses, organizations, and community groups have made The Outer Banks Promise:

• Association Consultants / Phoenix Restoration
• Beach Realty & Construction
• Black Pelican Restaurant - Kitty Hawk
• Blue Heron Motel
• Brindley Beach Vacations & Sales
• Carolina Designs Realty
• Chicamacomico Historical Association
• Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County
• Coastal Studies Institute
• College of the Albemarle
• Colonial Inn
• Dare County Schools (Administration)
• Duck Surf Rescue
• First Flight Rentals
• Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
• Hatteras Island Inn
• Heart of Manteo Motor Lodge
• Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
• Kees Vacations
• Kitty Hawk Kites
• Mariner Inn and Suites
• Midgett Realty
• NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Outer Banks Blue Vacation Rentals
• Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce - Leadership OBX Class of 2025-26
• Outer Banks Community Foundation
• Outer Banks Health
• Outer Banks Motor Lodge
• Outer Banks Shag Club
• Outer Banks Yoga
• Ramada Plaza Oceanfront
• Resort Realty
• Roanoke Island Festival Park
• Scarborough Inn
• Seahorse Inn and Cottages
• Secotan Alliance
• Sun Realty
• Town of Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue
• Town of Kitty Hawk
• Town of Kitty Hawk Ocean Rescue
• Town of Manteo (Community Cleanup)
• Twiddy & Co. - Owner Services Team (Duck)
• University of Vermont - Alternate Spring Break (2025)
• VisitOBX.com

About The Outer Banks Promise

The Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) identified the creation of a destination pledge as a strategic recommendation. The pledge was intended to communicate the important values of responsible behavior on the Outer Banks. On April 18, 2024, the Dare County Tourism Board approved the LRTMP Special Committee's draft of The Outer Banks Promise.

The Outer Banks Promise is a voluntary commitment designed to encourage responsible behavior, preserve the area’s natural environment and cultural heritage, and improve stewardship and safety. It asks residents and visitors to do their part in protecting this area for future generations.

What is a Destination Pledge?

A destination pledge invites residents and visitors to commit to responsible conduct while they spend time in a particular place.

What are Destination Pledges Trying to Accomplish?

Destination pledges are intended to:

• Connect emotionally with people and inspire care for the destination.
• Ask people to take action instead of simply reading a list of guidelines.
• Make commitments public by having people sign and submit the pledge.