History drips from the Outer Banks: Here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright took their famous first flight (at Kill Devil Hills), the pirate Blackbeard fought his last battle (at Ocracoke) and the mysterious Lost Colony disappeared (exactly where is anyone’s guess, but it was last seen on Roanoke Island near Manteo). Yet this chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina – affectionately dubbed OBX – isn’t just for history buffs. Fishing, windsurfing and wildlife watching attract adventurous types as well. The Outer Banks’ roughly 3,000 shipwrecks, explorable by snorkeling or scuba diving, earned it a reputation as “the graveyard of the Atlantic.” Families gravitate toward the beaches, the mini-golf courses and the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island.
Each neighborhood has its own charm: Old lighthouses, rugged dunes and secluded beaches in the south coupled with vacation rentals, water sports and kitschy beach shops in the north all form a unique seaside destination. OBX is ideal for those looking to skip overly developed touristy towns and head straight for the unspoiled beaches. You won’t find big nightlife, but you will find an abundance of natural beauty. Beaches are more populated during the summer months, but with so many destinations spread out along the barrier islands, you likely won’t experience unmanageable crowds at any time of year.
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Best of Outer Banks
Best Hotels in Outer Banks
- Sanderling Resort
- The Ocracoke Harbor Inn
- The First Colony Inn
Best Things to Do in Outer Banks
- Outer Banks Beaches
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit the Outer Banks is between March and May or September and November, when lodging rates drop and crowds dissipate. Most mainland North Carolina residents and out-of-towners arrive during the summer months, when humidity is high and average temperatures consistently hit the upper 80s. In the winter, the weather dips into the 40s and 50s. Just keep in mind that during the offseason, some attractions, restaurants and shops may close or operate under more limited hours.
March-May
Temperatures begin to warm up, and hotel rates are still pretty low from their offseason winter dip. What’s more, there are a variety of events around the islands, including several food and music festivals. The only downside? Families on their spring break vacations may crowd the beaches.
June-August
Finding an affordable hotel in the peak season is a challenge; accommodations are booked solid, so plan your summer visit at least three or four months in advance. The event schedule booms in the summer to take advantage of the warm, 80-degree temperatures. But it can get hot and humid, so don’t forget to hydrate.
September-November
Highs swing from the low 80s to the mid-60s during these months. Now that school is back in session, expect fewer crowds at the beach and on the roads. Another perk? Lodging prices have dropped considerably from the summer rates.
December-February
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, winter is the time to visit. Most of OBX’s top things to do are outdoor activities, but they’re still open year-round. Better yet, hotel rates are more affordable at this time of year (and some vacation rentals are known to cut their prices in half). However, some small shops and restaurants often do close for the season. You’ll also want to pack your coat, as temperatures may dip into the low 40s or high 30s.
Key Events:
Taste of the Beach (April)
Flying Pirate Half Marathon (April)
Annual Duck & Wine Festival (April)
Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show (May)
The Lost Colony (May-August)
Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown (June)
Annual Wright Kite Festival (July)
OBX Watermelon Festival (August)
Outer Banks Pirate Festival (August)
OBX Triathlon (September)
Bluegrass Island Festival (October)
Duck Jazz Festival (October)
Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October)
Wright Brothers First Flight Celebrations (December 17)