Accessibility Across the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau invites ALL travelers to experience the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The organization works toward accessibility and inclusivity across destination assets, experiences, and services. The OBX offers outdoor places and recreation such as its expansive coastline, parks, rivers, and trails, with many locations either partially or fully accessible. Use the information below to help plan your visit and better understand accessibility options.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau believes travel should be open to everyone, regardless of disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, or religion. The team continues to improve accessible destination offerings and to share that information more clearly through platforms including the website. Visitors are encouraged to stop by one of the four Welcome Centers for details about opportunities throughout the area. At present, the Welcome Center offers accessible parking, a ramp into the building, and accessible restrooms. Feedback, questions, and concerns are welcome at info@outerbanks.org or by phone at (877) 629-4386. The visitor guide includes a Handicap Accessible column; guests should call their specific accommodation ahead of time to discuss individual needs.

The attractions and adventures that made the area a world-famous destination can be enjoyed by everyone. The information below includes organizations offering adaptive equipment for beach access, fishing, and more. It also points travelers to Beach and Sound Accesses, including handicapped accessible locations. Mobi-Mats are available at the Eighth Street Beach Access and Jennette's Pier Beach Access.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau's Tourism Impact Grant supports Governmental Units and Nonprofit organizations in Dare County with programs or services needed because of tourism impacts. Eligible projects may include beach accesses or walkways, such as the example shown in Southern Shores.

Beach Wheelchair Availability

• Southern Shores: Call Fire Department (252) 261-2272
• Kitty Hawk: Call Fire Department (252) 261-2666 for availability
• Kill Devil Hills: Call Ocean Rescue Headquarters at (252) 480-0080 for availability
• Jockey's Ridge: State Park (252) 441-7132 or visit the park office for availability
• Nags Head: Call Fire Department (252) 441-5909 or Ocean Rescue (252) 480-2555 for availability
• Coquina Beach and other Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches: Beach wheelchairs are available for loan year-round at Bodie Island Visitor Center and Hatteras Island Visitor Center. During summer months from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, beach wheelchairs are also available for loan at CHNS lifeguarded beaches. From September through Memorial Day, please stop by one of the visitor centers or call (252) 473-2111 for a beach wheelchair. Beach wheelchairs are provided free-of-charge on a first come, first served basis, and must be returned by 4:00pm each day, even if used on consecutive days.
• Hatteras: Call Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Information at (252) 995-4474 for availability
• Ocracoke: National Seashore/Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531

Dare County GIS Accessible Maps

Dare County has compiled a complete list of accessible Parks, Fishing spots, and Trails. The filter feature lets users switch between the features they want to search.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Accessible kayak launch. Photo: OBX Forever

Project Lifesaver Program

Dare County takes part in the Project Lifesaver program, which helps caregivers of Alzheimer and dementia patients. A transmitter is placed on the patient's wrist or ankle. If the patient becomes lost, local law enforcement uses a receiver to locate the patient. Every law enforcement agency in Dare County is trained and equipped to offer this service for both residents and visitors. Anyone needing the service should contact the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where they are staying, and a representative will help. Information is also available about Dementia Friendly Businesses on the Outer Banks.

Webcams

See views from above at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jennette's Pier, or Kitty Hawk Pier through the local webcams page.

Additional Regional Resources

• Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Plan Your Visit - Physical/Mobility Resources
• Jockey's Ridge State Park: Accessibility Information and ATV Rides
• NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island: Accessibility Information
• Visit NC: Accessible Adventures: NC Fun for Travelers of All Accessibilities
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: Accessible Opportunities
• Accessible Nature: North Carolina Accessible Easy Trails

More Accessible Trip Ideas

• Sustainability: Accessibility In Our OBX National Parks, 11 min read
• Outdoor Enthusiast: Accessibility on the Outer Banks, 5 min read
• Art & Culture: 5 Surprising Ways OBX Celebrates Diversity, 5 min read
• Outdoor Enthusiast: Your Guide to Recreating Responsibly in Outer Banks National Parks, 9 min read