Outer Banks Beach and Sound Access Points

Find Outer Banks shoreline and soundside entry spots with easy parking, accessible features, and nearby places to launch for watersports.

Getting to Outer Banks beaches and soundside waters

Part of the beauty of the OBX is that time on the water can feel different every day. Spend the early hours taking in an Atlantic sunrise, put a kayak into gentle soundside water, or enjoy a fishing afternoon. Because Outer Banks beach access and sound access points are found across the islands, reaching the water is simple.

From Corolla to Hatteras Island, visitors can experience every side of the Outer Banks. Note: In communities such as Duck and Southern Shores, some oceanside walkways are privately maintained and are intended for residents, renters, and their guests.

Browse beach and sound access around the Outer Banks

Every access location brings its own set of features. Certain Outer Banks beaches include convenient parking, wooden walkways, showers, and accessible ramps, while others offer a quieter place farther from busy areas. Along the sound, many spots make it easy to launch kayaks and paddleboards, with calm, shallow water suited to families and newer paddlers.

A bit of advance planning helps you get more from your shoreline time. Before you go, take a look at beach safety tips. If you are carrying out everything you carry in, the Leave No Trace page explains how everyone can help protect the Outer Banks for future generations.

Pick the access point that fits your day on the water

Need the nearest route to the sand from your vacation rental? Want to put a paddleboard into calm sound waters, or find a less-crowded section of shoreline? Your next waterside outing begins here.

Use the listings to find Outer Banks oceanside and soundside beach accesses by town, amenities, and type of access. Details may include parking, accessibility features, restroom availability, and other helpful conveniences so you can choose the best match for your beach day.

Directory filters

Regions

• Nags Head (51)
• Kill Devil Hills (33)
• Kitty Hawk (14)
• Southern Shores (5)
• Manteo (3)

Categories

• Beach Access (92)
• Sound Access (27)

Amenities

• Paved Parking (66)
• Wood Walkway to Beach (56)
• Handicap Parking (46)
• Lifeguard (42)
• Shower (35)

Access listings shown

• 142 Ocean Blvd — 142 Ocean Blvd.
• Abalone St - MP 10.5 — Abalone St.
• Admiral St - MP 10.5 — Admiral St.
• Albatross St - MP 10 — Albatross St.
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge - Milltail Creek & Sawyer Lake — Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge - Milltail Creek & Sawyer Lake
• Arch St - MP 5.5 — Arch St.
• Arch Street (no parking) - MP 5.5 — Arch St.
• Asheville Dr - MP 8 — Asheville Dr.
• Atlantic St - MP 9.5 — Atlantic St.
• Bainbridge St - MP 11.5 — Bainbridge St.
• Balchen St - MP 3.5 — Balchen St.
• Baltic St - MP 11 — Baltic St.
• Barnes St - MP 11 — Barnes St.
• Bennett St - MP 2 — Bennett St.
• Bittern St - MP 11.5 — Bittern St.