Visit The Outer Banks

Outer Banks beach options and coastal access details

Beach Information

For a more rustic stay or a closer connection to the natural side of the coast, consider the Hatteras Island villages: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo are often referred to as the Tri-Villages because they sit so near one another. Oceanfront lodging is available here, much like in the Northern Beach towns, but the communities are more spread out, with one coastal two-lane highway connecting them. What sets this area apart is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore just beyond the village boundaries, where development gives way completely to dunes, sea grasses, wildlife and a handful of pedestrian and 4x4 access ramps, letting you choose how close to or far from civilization you want to be.

If you are looking for the sun and fun of the Atlantic Ocean beaches but prefer smaller waves, the sound front water accesses on the west side of the islands may be a better fit. In many locations, the sound water is calmer and much shallower.

Duck is known as one of the most pet-friendly beaches in the United States, with dogs permitted off-leash when they remain under the owner’s control. The Town of Duck does not offer public beach accesses; access points are privately held by Home Owners Associations, and each one is restricted to residents and vacationers staying within that Home Owner’s subdivision.

Southern Shores has excellent public beaches, though parking for the beach is reserved for vacationers or residents staying in homes or properties inside town limits, using day passes or window stickers.

Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are popular for surfing and skimboarding, usually having the biggest waves on the Northern Beaches.

Nags Head recently completed a 12+ mile beach nourishment program, creating twice as much room to spread out and play than anytime in the past.

Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo, known locally as the Tri-Villages because their borders touch, are recognized for large waves and convenient proximity to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.

Avon has the largest year round local resident population on Hatteras Island.

Buxton is the community nearest the actual Cape Hatteras and the fishing hotspot Cape Point, and it is also home of the tallest lighthouse in America.

Frisco offers strong 4x4 beach driving and recreation opportunities, along with several campgrounds.

Hatteras has local shopping and dining, plus wide stretches of beach suited to casual beach visitors and 4x4 driving south of the village limits.

For anyone considering relocating a business to the Outer Banks, or moving to the area on a full or part-time basis, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is a resource. The Chamber and its member businesses offer services and products specific to the Outer Banks, along with staff who can help.

Additional beach and coastal topics

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