Outer Banks

The Outer Banks (OBX) are a fascinating string of barrier islands stretching over 200 miles along the North Carolina coast. It is a place of raw natural beauty and deep history. Here, the Wright brothers made their first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, a milestone honored at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The region is also famous for its majestic lighthouses, like Cape Hatteras, which have guided sailors through the treacherous 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' for centuries. Nature lovers prize the Outer Banks for the colonies of wild Spanish Mustangs found especially in the north near Corolla. The vast dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park offer well-suited conditions for hang gliding and spectacular sunsets. Local cuisine features fresh-caught seafood and crab cakes served in characterful coastal villages. Travelers reach the islands via bridges from the mainland, with Highway 12 serving as the main scenic artery. The best time to visit is from June to August for beachgoers, while spring and autumn are great for fishing and nature watching. The relaxed atmosphere and lack of large hotel chains in many areas give the OBX a unique, authentic character.

Nearby cities

Virginia Beach

An independent city on the Atlantic coast of Virginia, known for its beaches and long boardwalk.

Norfolk

A waterfront city in Virginia, home to the largest naval base in the world.

Richmond, VA

The capital of Virginia, a city with a central role in Civil War history.

Newport News

A historic port city on the Virginia Peninsula, known for its rich maritime heritage and the popular Huntington Beach.

Chincoteague

A charming island town in Virginia, world-famous for its wild ponies and fresh oysters.

Warsaw

A historic small town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and riverside charm.

Onancock

A historic port town on Virginia's Eastern Shore, known for its art galleries and Chesapeake Bay charm.

Bloxom

A quiet rural community on Virginia's Eastern Shore, perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers.

Montross

A historic town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and natural beauty.

Eastville

A historic gem on Virginia's Eastern Shore, home to the nation's oldest continuous court records.

Wachapreague

A charming 'Little City by the Sea' on Virginia's Eastern Shore, world-renowned as a premier destination for sport fishing.

Saxis

A picturesque fishing village on the Pocomoke Sound, famous for its crabbing industry and island charm.

Reedville

A historic fishing village in Virginia, once one of the wealthiest ports in the US thanks to the menhaden fishing industry.

Burgess

A historic crossroads in Virginia's Northern Neck, surrounded by rivers and Chesapeake Bay heritage.

Weems

A picturesque fishing village in Virginia's Northern Neck, known for its tranquility and maritime tradition.

More places

Port of Virginia

A significant port on the US East Coast with a natural deep-water bay.

Yorktown Battlefield

The site of the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781.

Colonial Williamsburg

A living-history museum that recreates part of the city of Williamsburg from the American Revolution era.

Jamestown Settlement

The first permanent English colony in North America, founded in 1607.

Monticello

The primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.

Appomattox Court House

The site where General Robert E.

Blue Ridge Mountains

A part of the Appalachian Mountains with scenic views.