Things to do on the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, there is nothing else quite like it. To learn more about things to do and accommodations in the area, please visit our website.
Published
Popular Stays in OBX
Mariner Inn & Suites
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Free Parking
- Free Parking
Scarborough Inn
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
- Free WiFi
Heart of Manteo
Outer Banks Motor Lodge
- 2025 Best of the Beach
Blue Heron Motel
Hatteras Island Inn
Buxton
Seahorse Inn & Cottages
Colonial Inn Motel
Driftin Sands Motel
Welcome to The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, there is nothing else quite like it anyplace in this world. Stretching for 130 miles from its northern border with Virginia to the the remote island of Ocracoke, it is as much a state of mind as it is a place of breathtaking beauty, environmental wonders and fascinating history.
This thin strip of barrier islands protects the mainland from the power of the Atlantic Ocean, and at times the ocean can be an angry neighbor. Usually, though, the waves are more sedate and the water refreshing. Combined with sunshine and warm sand, it is the perfect setting for a parent to take a son or daughter into the water for the first time. Or siblings to bodysurf side by side. Or lovers to stroll along a beach.
Latest Articles
Getting Oriented
For general purposes, the Outer Banks is divided into three areas. The northern Outer Banks is everything from Oregon Inlet north to the Virginia border. Hatteras Island is everything south of Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village. And Ocracoke Island is a small island, with the village of Ocracoke at its southern end. Ocracoke is accessible by ferry only, with an airport suitable for small planes only.
There are three counties that make up the Outer Banks: Currituck, Dare and Hyde. For most visitors, knowing which county is which and where they are located doesn’t matter.
There are, however, some regulations that are specific to a county—beach use regulations in the Carova area of Currituck County is an example of that. For couples getting married on the Outer Banks, it’s also a good idea to know the county in which the ceremony is being performed.
Corolla
Corolla
Soft sand on wide beaches, an occasional shipwreck half buried in the sand, a lighthouse and a picturesque early 20th century village are part of the magic of Corolla…
Soft sand on wide beaches, an occasional shipwreck half buried in the sand, a lighthouse and a picturesque early 20th century village are part of the magic of Corolla…
The Town of Avon
The Town of Avon
If there is a commercial center to Hatteras Island it’s Avon. Located nine miles south of Salvo, the village has a shopping plaza that includes a supermarket and hardware store as well as a number of locally owned restaurants and craft stores…
If there is a commercial center to Hatteras Island it’s Avon. Located nine miles south of Salvo, the village has a shopping plaza that includes a supermarket and hardware store as well as a number of locally owned restaurants and craft stores…
Located at the widest point of the Outer Banks, Buxton is the home of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world. It is also the most populated town on Hatteras Island…
Wild Mustangs and Carova
The paved section of NC12 ends about a mile and a half north of Currituck Heritage Park, but for off-road vehicles, the 12 miles to the Virginia state line are still accessible. The area is called Carova, which is a small town at the north end of the Currituck Banks…
What Tourists Say About Their Stay
Great place for what it is… Come expecting a clean mom and pop hotel feet from the ocean, pier and restaurant… You will not be disappointed..
Great place for what it is… Come expecting a clean mom and pop hotel feet from the ocean, pier and restaurant… You will not be disappointed..
Great place for what it is… Come expecting a clean mom and pop hotel feet from the ocean, pier and restaurant… You will not be disappointed..
This is a small little motel with no thrills BUT, it is very clean and quiet. You are right across the street from the ocean. Bed was comfortable. Overall a really nice place!
This is a small little motel with no thrills BUT, it is very clean and quiet. You are right across the street from the ocean. Bed was comfortable. Overall a really nice place!
This is a small little motel with no thrills BUT, it is very clean and quiet. You are right across the street from the ocean. Bed was comfortable. Overall a really nice place!
Wow! What a hidden gem… it’s a PERFECT beach motel. If you stay on the ground floor, oceanfront you legit have beach sand 4 footsteps away from your room! The ocean is way closer than an average public access point.
Wow! What a hidden gem… it’s a PERFECT beach motel. If you stay on the ground floor, oceanfront you legit have beach sand 4 footsteps away from your room! The ocean is way closer than an average public access point.
This was my first time to Manteo and this hotel was great for what I needed for my visit. The room was clean (the bedspread and blanket use a little updating, though) but the bed was comfortable and there is a microwave and mini fridge in the room, as well as a coffee maker. This is an older property, but quaint and comfortable for an OBX getaway. I’d definitely stay again when I’m in town.
This was my first time to Manteo and this hotel was great for what I needed for my visit. The room was clean (the bedspread and blanket use a little updating, though) but the bed was comfortable and there is a microwave and mini fridge in the room, as well as a coffee maker. This is an older property, but quaint and comfortable for an OBX getaway. I’d definitely stay again when I’m in town.
We stayed here for 2 nights at one of the Beachfront rooms. The place is well kept. The room was clean and tidy. The lady at the reception was sweet and informed us well. We had a happy stay and will definitely book this again on our next trip.
We stayed here for 2 nights at one of the Beachfront rooms. The place is well kept. The room was clean and tidy. The lady at the reception was sweet and informed us well. We had a happy stay and will definitely book this again on our next trip.
The staff was amazing—super kind and quick to help with anything we needed. The price was great, especially for being just steps from the beach. Breakfast was standard, similar to other hotel offerings. Our two-bedroom suite had comfy queen beds, a kitchen, and TVs in every room. It was clean and updated with vinyl flooring; the bathroom was a bit dated but fine. Overall, we had a great stay and will definitely be back for the value and location!
The staff was amazing—super kind and quick to help with anything we needed. The price was great, especially for being just steps from the beach. Breakfast was standard, similar to other hotel offerings. Our two-bedroom suite had comfy queen beds, a kitchen, and TVs in every room. It was clean and updated with vinyl flooring; the bathroom was a bit dated but fine. Overall, we had a great stay and will definitely be back for the value and location!
I was so surprised when I walked in. Very inviting! Clean!! The antiques were beautiful. Beds were so comfortable I slept like a baby. I will definitely be back. The only thing was no personal to check me in. Modern-day I guess. Save me a room!!!
I was so surprised when I walked in. Very inviting! Clean!! The antiques were beautiful. Beds were so comfortable I slept like a baby. I will definitely be back. The only thing was no personal to check me in. Modern-day I guess. Save me a room!!!
We traveled to the Outer Banks in Jan. We had the pleasure of staying in this Inn. We went during off season to see the lighthouse. I recommend everyone going during off season. It’s like you have the whole OBX to yourself. This Inn was amazing! Very clean and they have just about every amenity you could think of.
We traveled to the Outer Banks in Jan. We had the pleasure of staying in this Inn. We went during off season to see the lighthouse. I recommend everyone going during off season. It’s like you have the whole OBX to yourself. This Inn was amazing! Very clean and they have just about every amenity you could think of.
This was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had staying anywhere. The new owner was seriously so sweet and helpful. He personally cleaned my room while my friend and I were out and made sure we had everything we needed! Told us places to visit and helped us have an amazing time.
This was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had staying anywhere. The new owner was seriously so sweet and helpful. He personally cleaned my room while my friend and I were out and made sure we had everything we needed! Told us places to visit and helped us have an amazing time.
Start your OBX vacation getaway today..
BECOME AN OBX INSIDER
Join our exclusive list to receive curated offers, seasonal privileges, and thoughtfully crafted travel inspiration—designed to elevate every visit to the Outer Banks. Membership is complimentary, and it ensures you’re always among the first to discover our newest experiences and signature stays.
Your privacy is our priority.
