Each year, visitors flock to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to escape city life, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the sea and salt air. The Outer Banks is made up of 200 miles of coastline, with ambiance and activities for a variety of ages and interests. Mostly, visitors travel for week-long vacations in privately-owned rental homes. The OBX does offer hotels and motels, from small “mom and pop” style to chain hotels like Marriott, Hilton, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, and Holiday Inn.
The summer crowds are gone, and with wide open beaches, the off-season is a great time to visit the OBX and search the shore for ocean treasures and oddities.
Sand
Well, obviously you’ll see lots of sand, but did you know that most of these tiny particles travel a long way to get here? They’re transported by rivers all the way from the mountains. The sand here on the Outer Banks is made up mostly of quartz, feldspar, and shells. It’s shifted around by waves and ocean currents, constantly changing the shoreline. 
Anyone who has visited the Outer Banks has heard legends of its dramatic history. From shipwrecks and pirates to mysterious disappearances, there is no shortage of chilling tales to be told. Think you've got the guts? Test your knowledge and take this spooky quiz! 
It’s official! Fall is here, which means back to school, or in many cases, back to remote learning.
Need a field trip? While the relaxing and picturesque beaches are usually the appeal of the OBX, there more to these barrier islands than just sun, sand, and waves. Get out of the house and head to the Outer Banks to learn about and explore the beautiful natural areas that make this area truly magical and offer a little bit of that autumn allure.
Nags Head Woods Preserve 
North Carolina to Move into Phase 3 on October 2, 2020 - September 30, 2020 Update
North Carolina will more into Phase 3 of Governer Roy Cooper's Executive Order beginning October 3, 2020 at 5 p.m. and continues for three weeks through October 23.
Under this order: 
July 28, 2022 Update
After several delays that prolonged completion, the Jug Handle Bridge has officially opened to traffic!
A damaged expansion joint, a mid-May nor’easter, and issues with the pavement markings meeting the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT)'s specifications for quality or reflectivity, postponed the opening of the bridge.
March 31, 2022 Update
Construction of the Jug Handle bridge is coming to a close, and the community has been invited to see it up close and personal. 
The Outer Banks is known for its incredible, award-winning beaches and amazing mouth-watering local restaurants. But have you ever wondered what else is there to do on this little slice of paradise?
If you’re looking for fun-filled activities sure to please the whole family while creating everlasting memories, check out the list we’ve compiled of some of our favorites.
Spend a Day on the Water 
We all know the old saying, “the early bird gets the worm.” This saying is usually true in most aspects of life, including reserving your vacation rental. Benefits of booking early include getting that perfect house you’ve been eyeing, with the best amenities, in your most desired location.
But what about the rest of us? The undecided, the procrastinators, the fly by the seat of your pants kind of people? We deserve a perfect vacation, too!
Have no fear. There are benefits of booking last-minute abound! 
If you visited Hatteras Island or attended the Triple S Invitational in the early summer of 2018, you might have noticed a few camera crews hovering about. 
After almost three years of construction and a few weather-related delays, the much-anticipated and currently unnamed replacement to the outdated Herbert C. Bonner Bridge is nearing completion. Due to open in February or March 2019, the bridge will be 2.7 miles long, with a maximum span height of 350 feet, a vertical clearance of 70 feet, and a 100-year lifespan.