The Outer Banks are a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. They are a popular vacation destination due to their open-sea beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving sites.

Sir Walter Raleigh sponsored the establishment of England’s first settlement in the New World on Roanoke Island.

Outer Banks North Carolina

The Outer Banks were early European settlement sites in the United States and are still important economic and cultural sites today. The English Roanoke Colony, which vanished from Roanoke Island in 1587, was the first location in the Americas where an English person, Virginia Dare, was born.

The Outer Banks are especially vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion; climate change exacerbates existing coastal erosion caused by poor coastal management and construction practices.

Between 2011 and 2015, sea levels rose 5 inches in some locations along the banks.

Some sections of Hatteras Island have already eroded significantly, with portions of the island being only 25% of their original width as of 2014.

Tropical cyclones such as Hurricane Irene in 2011 have already wreaked havoc on infrastructure and property.

There are no boardwalks, no loud theme parks, and no high-rise hotels to obstruct views of the ocean. There is no flashy nightlife or tourist traps on the main street. The natural beauty of the fragile islands and pristine beaches is what distinguishes the Outer Banks.

Best Things to do on the Outer Banks

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

The largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast can be found in this 426-acre park. Year-round access to two self-guided trails and nature programs. Hang gliding, kite flying, hiking, a visitor’s center, a small gift shop, a museum, picnic areas, and restrooms are all available.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The current lighthouse, which was officially completed and lit in December 1870, is the second of three built-in Buxton. In 1803, the first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built.

It was a 90-foot-tall sandstone structure that used Argand lamps and reflectors to project an insufficient light beam. In 1854, Sitars reached a new height of 150 feet, and the most powerful Fresnel lens was installed.

During the American Civil War in 1861, retreating Confederate soldiers stole the lighthouse’s Fresnel lamp to keep it out of Union hands.

In 1870, a replacement lighthouse was built due to shell damage during the war and structural deterioration. In 1871, the original lighthouse was demolished.

The Lost Colony of Roanoke

A group of 117 weary men, women, and children waded ashore and made history on Roanoke Island in July 1587, over thirty years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, establishing the first attempted settlement of its kind in the Americas.

Among these settlers, recruited by Sir Walter Raleigh, were John White, his pregnant daughter Eleanor Dare, her husband Ananias Dare, and the Indian chief Manteo, who had become an English ally during a previous visit to Britain.

Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are ten acres of botanical and sculptural delights located within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, next to The Lost Colony’s Waterside Theatre.

Seasonal changes bring a plethora of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that have enticed visitors to return time and again.

Outer Banks Trip

It’s simple to fill a day with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Welcome to over 100 miles of pure Atlantic salt water and golden sand. Don’t be fooled by the OBX’s size; you can visit one of the four different islands every day! The Outer Banks’ wind-shaped landscapes and wide-open views are a natural playground just waiting to be discovered.

Places to Stay at Outer Banks

The allure of the Outer Banks has always included personal space and privacy. If you want to spend a few days away from the city with your best friends or loved ones, you will find several offers and a variety of accommodations.

Hotels and Motels

Find your ideal getaway at one of the Outer Banks’ numerous hotels and motels. Comfortable and affordable accommodations are available throughout the island, whether you are staying for a night or a week.

Most hotels and motels offer travel packages, even for short-term stays of up to a week. Look no further if you’re wondering where to stay. Hotels and motels provide the convenience of amenities and easy check-ins while being within walking distance of the beach.

Rent a Townhouse

Townhouses are an excellent alternative to hotel rooms or large vacation rental properties. While on vacation, enjoy all of the same amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, the beach, and more. Enjoy stunning ocean views and many outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and shelling.

Cottage Courts

These cottage courts are OBX staples, with groups of houses surrounding a common courtyard. Staying here will give you a sense of community, which is ideal for extended families and friends looking to connect.

Conclusion

In comparison to other popular east coast beach destinations, the Outer Banks is an extremely affordable place to live.

The area consists of four islands, six towns, and twelve coastal villages. It also has several state and national parks, making it an ideal destination for families. There are several reasons why the Outer Banks should be on your list for your next family vacation.

Vacationing on the Outer Banks is simple. It all starts with finding lodging, which should be reserved in advance, especially during peak summer months. But once that’s determined, there’s no right or wrong way to proceed.

There are numerous useful tips and tools available here. If nothing else, you’ll discover that the Outer Banks has no shortage of places to visit, attractions to see, or extraordinary experiences to have and remember for the rest of your life. Perhaps you should stay a little longer.