Are you planning a vacation? If yes and you want to get closer to nature then North Carolina is the best choice for every traveller to visit. There is everything to explore from mountains and falls to sandy beaches.
But you have a question, how do you know which outer bank beaches are best for you? Right! In this article, you will get to know the best beaches in North Carolina Outer Banks.
The outer bank is a second home for tourists in North Carolina who get to see these islands to feel the sandy waves.
Whether you are looking for the best beaches in North Carolina Outer banks for seashells, families or look for the calmest beach on the outer banks. We will guide you from outer banks things to do to activities, beach access, attractions, and travel tips.
So, Are you ready to enjoy the breathtaking view? Let’s Go!
1. Kitty Hawk
All the outer banks in North Carolina have some unique and adventurous experiences with plenty of activities to do and Kitty Hawk is one of them which is located on the northern outer bank.
The most unique thing is that it is known for big waves and high winds.
Kitty Hawk is also known as the launch point of the Wright Brothers first flight.
It has miles of beachfront views you can enjoy and also has a parking lot for tourists. Also, they offer rental homes that are very modern and give you an excellent view of Kitty Hawk.
You can stay at nearby hotels, motels, cottages, campgrounds, and rental homes anything you prefer. At Kitty Hawk, you will find many restaurants that offer a variety of foods including wood-fired pizza and some Mexican flavour dishes.
Things to Do at Kitty Hawk
- Skimboarding
- Windsurfing
- Kiteboarding
- Parasailing
- Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Park
- Visit wooden dunes with evergreen forests.
Kitty Hawk Beach Access and Parking
| Fonk street | Maynard street |
| Byrd street | Eckner street |
| Luke street | Wilkins street |
| Bennett street | Balchen street |
| Hawks street | Bleriot street |
| Lilian street |
Parking is available at beach access or nearby.
Nags Head
Nags Head is the heart of outer banks in North Carolina and you will fall in love with this place when you visit once here. It is the best beach for pier fishing and you will see a wide range of fish including trout, flounder, perch, red Drum, bluefish, crappie, croaker, mackerel, etc.
Nags Head town is filled with seaside motels, hotels, beach houses, boutiques, grocery stores, outlet malls, surf shops, and restaurants that provide barbeque and a variety of seafood.
You will find one of the oldest restaurants, Sam and Omie’s which serve excellent meal options.
Why is it called Nags Head?
Some said that in the old days, they used to tie lanterns to horse necks. Seeing this light from the top of the ship it would be easy to get closer to safe water at night and that’s why Nags Head was named.
Things to Do at Nags Head
- Indoor amenities mini aquarium.
- Surf fish
- Visit Jockey Ridge State Park
- Fly kites
- Sandboarding
- Hang gliding (Wright Brothers first flight place)
- Jennette’s Pier
- For Wooden Piers go to the extreme south of Nags Head.
Fishing Pass Prices
- $7 per day for children
- $14 per day for adults
- $12 rod rental
- $8 king pass
- $80 7 day pass
Nag Head Beach Access
| Gallery row | Curlew street |
| Admiral street | Bittern street |
| Baltic street | Barns street |
| Blackman street | Bainbridge street |
| Bonnett street | Hollowell street |
| Conch street | Small street |
| Abalon street | Forrest street |
| Grouse street | Glidden street |
| Gray Eagle street | Huron street |
| Hargrove street | Hargrove street |
| Indigo street |
Tips for Tourists
Lifeguard and ocean rescue beach access is open to the public or renters.
Duck
Duck is famous for pet-friendly beaches which allow dogs until they are in owner’s control. There is no public beach access in Duck Town the access is privately owned by homeowners.
Sanderling Resort is one of the most beautiful places in Duck where you can enjoy the views. The town also has shopping centres and restaurants that offer delicious meals.
Why is it named Duck?
The name was earned in the 20th century. Duck is one of the biggest suppliers of ladies’ hats and named it Duck.
Duck Beach Access and Parking
Duck beach access is private and available only for homeowners or renters. That’s why parking areas are limited.
Things to Do Near Duck
Greenleaf Gallery
Greenleaf Gallery is a place where national or regional artists create everything from jewellery.
Shopping
Duck is one of the best places for shopping. Scarborough Lane Shoppes and Duck Boardwalk shops are one of them.
Boat rentals
If you love fishing and simply sightseeing then taking a boat on rent is a good choice and also it is popular in Duck Town.
Canoeing
Canoeing is offered by rentals in Duck to experience.
Kayaking
It is also one of the activities in Duck.
Standup paddle boarding
It is the latest activity in watersports.
Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills is also known for big waves, high winds and watersports like Kitty Hawk. It has public access across various areas.
Kill Devil Hills offers various restaurants, boutiques, rental homes, hotels, motels, and many activities for families or individuals.
Things to Do Near Kill Devil Hills
- Hiking
- Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center
- Avalon fishing pier
- Jockey’s Ridge
Corolla Beach
Corolla Beach is popular for horses which is the main attraction for tourists in North Carolina. If you want to feel the clam kayak sound water then you must visit this place.
Bound with the Atlantic Currituck sound, the Corolla is one of the favourite destinations for travellers. Plus you can roam around Corolla City and explore the different places.
Things to Do at Corolla Beach
- Four-wheel drive vehicle
- See wild Spanish horses
- Art Festival
- Corolla cork and craft
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Have you made a plan to visit the outer banks in North Carolina? then Cape Hatteras National Seashore must be on your bucket list. This beach is famous for peace and privacy with a beautiful view of nature with the tallest black and white striped lighthouse in the United States.
It is uncrowded and somewhat undeveloped due to being federally protected. To reach Cape Hatteras National Seashore simply go to Highway 12 at any scenic point and climb over to get to the beachfront. Don’t be confused about Hatteras village.
Things to Do at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Four-wheel drive vehicle
- See the black and white striped lighthouse
- Observe turtles during their nesting season
- Horse riding
- Shackleford Banks for swimming
- Canoeing
- Observe wildlife
Wrap Up
We are damn sure you are very excited to visit these best beaches in North Carolina Outer Banks with your families, friends, and kids.
So, Are you ready to surf? Tell us which place you like the most.
Till then, Happy and Safe Journey!
Shally Watson is a seasoned News Writer with over 12 years of experience in the dynamic world of journalism. Her impressive career has seen her work with some of the top news agencies in the industry, where she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional talent for crafting compelling news stories that captivate readers worldwide.