The Outer Banks has a way of connecting with people, staying with them long after the vacation is over. Uncrowded beaches that stretch for miles offer endless possibilities at this North Carolina getaway. This is America’s First Beach. The site of our country’s first National Seashore and the place where the English first tried to settle in the New World. National and state parks share those stories and more. You’ll find hospitable people in the towns and villages of the Outer Banks, and plenty of vacation rentals, hotels, and other comfortable lodging options to call “home” for a few days, or a week or two. The restaurant and shopping choices are every bit as diverse. Not many big box stores or chain restaurants out here. Chances are, you’ll have to try something new. But hey, this is the land of firsts. You’ll be rewarded for stepping outside of the ordinary.
Taking a leisurely walk along the shore. Photo: Outer Banks Visitor Bureau
Things To Do On The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a special place for everybody that comes here. They say that once you get a little Outer Banks sand in your shoes and some saltwater in your blood, you’ll want to move out here for good. There’s some validity to that when you look at how many of our visitors come back here year after year and how many of our families come back generation after generation. There are plenty of ways to play, and fun activities to try at the Outer Banks. But the best things to do in the OBX are even better with friends and family, so don’t forget to bring your buddies. We have the perfect Trip Ideas to help plan your vacation. Do you consider yourself an adventure junkie, history buff, nature enthusiast? Find your way to your favorite activities either by air, on land, or cruising the waters. Don’t be a tourist, be a traveler; immerse yourself in the experience. Stay updated with our updated list of Events happening on the OBX from art shows, to music series, to seafood festivals. For everyone, OBX marks the spot for something special.
OBX’s Newest Icon: The New Bridge Over Oregon Inlet
The new bridge over the Oregon Inlet is 2.8 miles long. Photo. Outer Banks Visitor Bureau.
The new bridge is an engineering marvel…the OBX’s newest icon…on par with our lighthouses and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It spans nearly 2.8 miles-long with a roadway height of 90 feet above Oregon Inlet. The bridge gives both travelers and fishermen confidence and dependability when it comes to being able to access the ocean or Hatteras Island with a solid lifespan of 100 years. The new two-lane bridge will carry North Carolina Highway 12 (NC 12), the only access route between Hatteras Island and Bodie Island. The new bridge is a special representation of the strong OBX community. It’s a lifeline connecting the Islands physically and a symbol of perseverance for surrounding communities.
Consistently ranked one of the best family beach vacations, OBX has something for everyone of any age!
