No one has the same vision for the perfect vacation. Some picture peace, quiet, and seclusion, while others prefer an itinerary filled with activities and nightlife. If you've never visited the Outer Banks before, or are considering a new location for your next NC beach vacation, this guide will give you an overview of the Outer Banks to help you find the ideal town that is perfect for you!
Where does OBX Begin and End?
The Outer Banks span from the VA/NC line at False Cape State Park to the Core Banks, which begin at Portsmouth Island.
This area is further divided into two main areas, the northern and southern beaches. Crossing the Oregon Inlet leads to the southern beaches, which include the towns of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.
When mentioning the Outer Banks, most guests are referring to the northern beaches: Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. This is home to the entirety of our OBX vacation rental inventory, and roughly 80% of visitors vacation here. With 6 different towns, all with their own unique energy and attractions, you are sure to find an OBX destination that suits your family. While you really can't go wrong with any of the OBX towns, we'll describe what each of these towns is like, so that you know what to expect when looking for an Outer Banks vacation rental.
Corolla
The northenmost (easily accessible) OBX town of Corolla has the charm of a small coastal escape but is mostly comprised of large family friendly rental communities, making it a great choice for visitors looking for a peaceful getaway without feeling "off-grid." From off-road beaches with wild horses to shopping centers filled with everything you could want, Corolla is a perfect blend of seaside serenity and adventurous activity.
There are many fun things to do in Corolla. Gather the family for a round of putt-putt or hit the greens at The Currituck Club, test your climbing skills at the Adventure Park, embark on a wild horse tour, explore the Historic Corolla Village, and so much more!
The Whalehead Club is a great place to take the family if you are looking to learn the history behind Corolla together with the Outer Banks. The area encompasses Whalehead, the lighthouse, and the historic village. You can park in one place and explore it all!
Corolla is also home to multiple shopping centers. Tim Buck II, Monterey Plaza, Corolla Light Town Center, and the shops at the Currituck Club have the perfect gifts to bring home to your friends and family. You can also find plenty of restaurants and even a small movie theater here.
There are many communities in Corolla. You can find out more about each community and decide which one has the best amenities for you! Depending on the community you choose to stay in, you will more than likely have access to a clubhouse, community pool, and other activities such as tennis courts and basketball courts.
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Duck
With less crowded beaches and no public beach access, Duck feels like an exclusive OBX town. But don't let that fool you! Duck is a welcoming town with friendly neighborhoods that seamlessly blend residential and non-renting homes with visiting guests, making it the perfect location if your family enjoys a little more seclusion.
Duck is also home to many local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and a bookstore, all connected by sidewalks, walking trails, and a boardwalk. A 25 mph speed limit and bike lane make walking or biking the preferred mode of transportation here.
Start your mornings by visiting the original Duck Donuts location (named after the town of Duck), then take a stroll along the Duck Boardwalk. After lounging on the beach, grab a bite to eat at one of the awesome local joints. Duck has excellent restaurant and dining options, where you can even watch the sunset over the Currituck Sound while enjoying dinner.
If you love watersports, Duck is the place to be. The shallow and sandy bottom sound make it a great place for jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. For more adventures, try parasailing or rent a pontoon boat for a day on the water! If you enjoy fishing, you can book a charter trip at the bait and tackle shops in the area.
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Southern Shores
Southern Shores is located between Duck and Kitty Hawk and is a very short drive to both. The epitome of an exclusive OBX vacation, the major benefit to staying in Southern Shores is that there are no public beach accesses and few properties. As a result, you will be sharing the beach with fewer guests. A bike and walking path stretches from the South end of Southern Shores through Duck, allowing the area to feel connected, but not cramped.
The only restaurants and shops in Southern Shores are right at the South end, close to the Wright Memorial Bridge. The convenience of grabbing groceries and food is close by but not next door.
Be sure to visit the beautifully manicured greens and 18 holes of Duck Woods Country Club if you find yourself wanting to get in a round of golf! If your family enjoys seclusion and relaxation this is the Outer Banks town for you!
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Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk is the first town you will enter when driving from the north, marking it as one of the three "centrally located" towns. These towns (Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head) house most of the Outer Banks residents, meaning they have the hustle and bustle of a popular beach destination.
You'll find the greatest variety of attractions, activities, shops, and restaurants in the central towns.
Depending on where your vacation rental is located you may be able to walk to a few places, but for the most part, everything will be a 5-minute drive or less.
With Kitty Hawk's great selection of local restaurants and shops AND the convenience of your favorite chain retailers, you can rest assured you are taken care of in case you forgot anything at home.
Enjoy the sunrise from the 2,200 sq. ft. Kitty Hawk Pier, then head down the Beach Road for a warm and delicious breakfast. If you seek some adventure, check out Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, a 1,890-acre forest anyone can explore! There are lots of local flora and fauna, including a plethora of birds, trees, flowers, and turtles, for example. Many of these species can only be spotted on the lush trails of the forest. For more information on how to get there and exploration tips, read this feature on Kitty Hawk Woods. This hidden gem is located right in central Kitty Hawk, about a 5-minute drive from most Kitty Hawk rentals.
For a shorter adventure, check out the nearby Sandy Run Park for a quick half-mile loop around the marsh. And, make sure to bring the dog with you, because both parks welcome pets! In addition to these, Kitty Hawk is also home to a designated dog park with lots of space for your dog to get out and run around.
Kitty Hawk is your one-stop for everyone. With a plethora of restaurants, shops, beach accesses and more, Kitty hawk will offer your family plenty of activities - from watersports to quiet nature trails in Kitty Hawk Woods if you find yourself craving a little bit of seclusion.
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Kill Devil Hills
With public beach accesses at almost every street and many bustling shops and restaurants, Kill Devil Hills is a busy beach town with lots to see and do. Perfect for people who want a little more energy in their vacation, Kill Devil Hills is a great place for guests planning to get out of the house and explore all the Outer Banks has to offer. Many establishments in this area tend to stay open later, making it the best choice for evening entertainment.
Cruise down beach road and check out the many shops and restaurants that are right across the street from the ocean. Stop at Avalon Pier to see what's biting, putt the multiple mini-golf courses, race go-karts, play laser tag, visit surf shops, visit a national monument, and more!
At the Wright Brothers National Monument, you can take a step back in time and see the actual site of the first flight. After warming up with a walk around the park, visit the Caey R. Logan disc golf course. Disc golf is great for those wanting to try their hand at a unique sport. Make sure to bring your own disc or purchase one at a local shop.
Want more? Check out the 6,000 square foot Aviation skate park, or the tennis courts and soccer field in the nearby parks & rec complex (all free for public use!). If you need variety and love having plenty of things to do at all hours of the day, Kill Devil Hills is the town for you.
Nags Head
Nags Head is similar to Kill Devil Hills in the number of things to do and is home to all variety of restaurants and dining options along with family fun activities like miniature golf courses, laser tag, go-karts. Everything will be within a 15-minute drive depending on where your vacation rental is located.
Some of the more unique activities in this area include exploring Jockey's Ridge and hang gliding, Nags Head Adventure Park, jet ski rentals, charter boat trips, and an aquarium inside of Jennette's Pier. If you enjoy a vacation packed with adventure, unique activities, and relaxation at the beach then Nags Head is the town for you.
At milepost 17, Nags Head starts to feel a little different. South Nags Head is much more secluded and comparable to Southern Shores. Many guests consider a vacation here to be the "classic Outer Banks experience." There are no shops and only 1 restaurant (Fish Heads Bar & Grill), located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier. There are public beach accesses, but the beach is wider and less crowded.
Perhaps one of the greatest perks of South Nags Head is its vicinity to areas such as Manteo and Bodie Island. Spend the day exploring the wonderful historic town on Roanoke Island, and delve into the history of the lost colony or take a trip to the aquarium (featuring a sea turtle hospital!). Additionally, drive a little farther south, and you can find yourself climbing the lighthouse at Bodie Island Lifesaving Station.
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No Wrong Choice
You can't go wrong with a vacation on the Outer Banks. Casual beach culture, rich history, ample opportunity for adventure, delicious dining options, and so much more make every part of the Outer Banks worth exploring. It's no wonder why just about everyone loves an OBX beach getaway!
With 250+ vacation rentals, Outer Banks Blue also has something for everyone! If you need more information on a specific town or need assistance finding the perfect property to fit your perfect location, we would love to help! Our experienced local reservation agents are happy to answer and additional questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to the beach!
