Vacation In The Outer Banks Of North Carolina
Have you ever considered vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina? The first European settlers in the area, who were primarily English and Scottish, noted that the land had the shape of a shoe, thus giving rise to its nickname “The Outer Banks”. These days, though, it’s a popular destination for travelers from all over.
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When it comes to planning your next North Carolina getaway, there’s no where better than the Outer banks. With it’s sandy beaches and seaside views, you’ll see why it is a favorite location for beachgoers from all over the country.
Vacation In The Outer Banks Of North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. The first barrier island in what would later become known as the Outer Banks was Roanoke Island, which in 1585 Sir Walter Raleigh’s half-brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed for England and named “Virginia” in honor of England’s Queen Elizabeth I who had been that year declared “the Virgin Queen.”
The Outer Banks, located in North Carolina, is a chain of barrier islands known for their undeveloped and starkly beautiful coastlines. In fact, the region is recognized as having one of the largest tracts of undeveloped beaches on the East Coast. Known as OBX by locals and repeat visitors, this region is made of four islands, six towns and 12 coastal villages. It’s also home to several state and national parks, which makes it a great place to visit with kids. Here are 14 reasons the Outer Banks should be on the list for your family’s next vacation.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Visit the place where aviation history was made. In December of 1903 Wilbur and Orville Wright flew their airplane, the Wright Flyer, over the sands of the Outer Banks for 12 seconds changing air travel forever. The museum includes both indoor and outdoor components.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
A visit to the Outer Banks is not complete without a visit here. This 426-acre state park is home to the tallest and largest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States. Hike across the dunes to reach the water (it’s a workout for sure) or for those adventure seekers, book a hang gliding lesson. People also come here to fly kites, have picnics and watch the sunset.
This 156-foot tall horizontally-striped lighthouse is well worth a trip to the top (it boasts impressive views of the ocean and bay). Tickets are required and go on sale at 7am daily (go online early as tickets are often sold out before 7:30). They limit the number of people per 30-minute slot to just eight people, which creates a really intimate and relaxing experience.
The Boardwalk in Duck
This mile-long wooden boardwalk located in the town of Duck goes past restaurants, ice cream shops, boutiques and of course the Currituck Sound. Watch families out crabbing, couples enjoying drinks at sunset and kids playing. The town of Duck is buzzing with vacationers shopping, eating and exploring. The ideal time to walk the boardwalk is after dinner, with an ice cream in hand.
Culinary Delights
Whether it’s consuming crab cakes at Jolly Rogers (also known for their amazing breakfast), eating frog legs (or a fabulous burger) at Froggy Dog or getting a crab-topped pizza at Tavern on 12, there are no shortages of places to eat in the Outer Banks. Whether you’re looking for freshly-caught seafood or some Carolina BBQ, there is no shortage of dining options. Be sure to leave room for homemade ice cream. Also, no visit to the Outer Banks is complete without a stop at Duck donuts.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Be sure to allow for plenty of time to explore this national seashore. There are wildlife refuge trails to explore, nesting grounds for sea turtles, camping near the Atlantic Ocean (there are four campgrounds with some of the prettiest views to be had) and plenty of outlooks with Instagram-worthy views. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed for climbing, but still worth a visit. It’s one of the tallest lighthouses in the world standing at over 210 feet