Outer Banks Neighborhoods
The Outer Banks consist of a collection of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast. The area is split into three regions, according to the Visitors Bureau: the Northern Beaches, Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island. You'll also find Ocracoke Island farther south, but it's not as accessible and less visited. Every area has sparkling stretches of beaches and affords plenty of opportunities to take in the view and relax.
The Northern Beaches region includes the following areas: Carova (the northernmost area), Carolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head (the southernmost section). Nags Head is the largest beach resort town in the area, and in some ways tourism has taken a toll on the small-town charm of the community. However, the beaches are still beautiful and a visit is still worth the traffic congestion during the summer.
Kill Devil Hills is where you'll find the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the first flight in an airplane. In keeping with the flight theme, hang gliding lessons are offered in Kitty Hawk at Kitty Hawk Kites, situated just north of Kill Devil Hills. You'll also find Bodie Island Lighthouse just south of Nags Head, which has striking black and white stripes. Duck is a tranquil community where watersports, nature trails, yoga and fishing are the highlights, but it's also worth a visit for its boutique shopping scene.
Just north of Duck are the quieter communities of Corolla and Carova. These are both prime viewing areas to spot herds of horses on the beach, known fondly as the Corolla Wild Horses. Travelers can embark on four-wheel-drive vehicle tours to get the best look at the horses, though the animals are also known to show up in beach house backyards and other places where you'd least expect them. Be sure to admire the wild horses from a distance, both for their safety and your own.
West of Nags Head and closest to the North Carolina mainland (part of Dare County), Roanoke Island is home to the communities of Wanchese and Manteo. The island is most often recognized as the last known location of the Lost Colony, a group of British settlers who seemingly vanished from the settlement in the 1580s. During the summer months, the Waterside Theatre in Manteo puts on a production about the settlement and the events surrounding the disappearance.
A branch of the North Carolina Aquarium is located on the northern part of Roanoke Island and has exhibits that kids would enjoy. The main attraction here is the tank containing the actual remains of the USS Monitor warship. Watching the aquarium's residents – sharks, sea turtles and more – swimming in and around the wreck will make your visit worthwhile. Be sure to check out the aquarium's STAR Center sea turtle rehab for an up-close look at rare and endangered sea turtles being nursed back to health.
Hatteras Island, south of the Northern Beaches, is made up of the communities of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras, which lie along the length of the island north to south, respectively. Compared to the Northern Beaches, these areas are less developed and have a calmer vibe. Plus, there's much less traffic here than in the northern areas. The island is home to wildlife preserves like the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, as well as several campsites.
Ocracoke Island, located at the southern end of OBX, is only reachable by ferry or private plane. Ferries leave from Hatteras Island as well as Swan Quarter and Cedar Island, located on the mainland. Ocracoke has a raw, untouched charm about it, and you can frequently see wild horses roaming the area freely.
Safety
Crime is low at the beach and in town, but travelers should still practice common sense. Keep valuables close to you or locked away. Only swim in the ocean when a lifeguard is present (be sure to check a chart of lifeguard station locations), and pay close attention to any warnings about water conditions. If a red flag is flying, you're prohibited from entering the water; you can even be fined for trying to do so. If there are surfers nearby, don't swim too close to them, as this could be dangerous for both you and the surfer. Jellyfish are sometimes a problem in OBX waters. If you are stung, you might want to try a couple of home remedies, such as sprinkling vinegar or meat tenderizer on the affected area.
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