North Carolina barrier-island chain of lighthouses, wild beaches, flight history, and ferry-linked villages
The Outer Banks is a chain of narrow barrier islands stretching along the North Carolina coast, connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. These windswept islands are where the Wright Brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk, where Blackbeard prowled the inlets, and where the mysterious Lost Colony of Roanoke vanished without a trace.
The northern beaches -- Corolla, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head -- are the most developed, with vacation rental houses, restaurants, and surf shops. Further south, Hatteras Island is quieter and more wild, with some of the best surfing and fishing on the East Coast. Ocracoke Island, reachable only by ferry, is the most remote and peaceful of all.
Wild mustangs roam the dunes of Corolla, the descendants of Spanish colonial horses. Lighthouses dot the islands -- the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, at 198 feet, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country. And the beaches themselves are wide, uncrowded compared to most East Coast resorts, and backed by dunes rather than high-rises.
The Outer Banks is a year-round destination, though summer is peak season. Fall and spring bring milder weather, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching. Winter is quiet but beautiful, with dramatic storms and empty beaches.
Guide
Festivals
The Outer Banks has a lively festival calendar that stretches well beyond summer beach season.
Wings Over Water in early May is a weekend celebrating the natural preserves and wildlife refuges along the coast. Bird watchers come from across the country to explore the marshes and learn about the fragile coastal environment. The Purple Martin Roost Festival in Manteo in August celebrates the charming birds that nest in the area.
Wild Horse Days in Corolla in June benefits the wild mustang herds that roam the northern beaches. The festival includes guided Jeep tours to see the horses, educational programs, and family activities. Proceeds go toward preserving the remaining herds.
Dare Days in June is a multi-day celebration of Dare County heritage, highlighting the colonial history of one of the earliest-founded counties in North Carolina. Later in August, The Lost Colony -- the longest-running outdoor drama in the country -- reenacts the story of Virginia Dare and the mysterious Roanoke settlement.
As summer winds down, the Knotts Island Peach Festival offers two days of music, orchard picking, baked goods, and peach wine. In October, the Currituck Food and Wine Festival brings local vineyards together to share the harvest, with sweet muscadine wines, fruity dessert wines, and local cuisine.
