The best beaches in the world
North Carolina's Outer Banks region is roughly 90 miles of barrier island bliss. First settled by Sir Walter Raleigh back in 1585, this coastal area has been desirable ever since, and this is largely due to its overall beauty. Some of the most spectacular beaches in the United States are found on the various islands in the Outer Banks region, and it is also characterized by miles of open water, quaint beach towns, and lofty lighthouses. Outer Banks vacations are guaranteed to be picturesque and memorable; it's not hard to see why this is such a popular destination.
Since much of the land is undeveloped, there are plenty of opportunities to get in touch with nature. Nags Head is among the larger towns and sits just north of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore boundary. Many tourists to the area base themselves there, as it offers hotels, restaurants, and numerous water sports activities. Other communities are island communities, and they include Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, and Ocracoke Island.
The Outer Banks beaches are known for their mostly pristine environments. If facilities are available, they are often limited to restrooms, showers, picnic facilities, and small parking lots, though you can find a host of attractions at the busier town beaches, such as Nags Head Beach, Kitty Hawk Beach, and Kill Devil Hills Beach. Strong winds and powerful currents are common at the mostly wild Outer Banks beaches, and as such, the landscape is always changing. There is an intoxicating essence to it all, even if the swimming can be dangerous at times. Caution flags most often give beachgoers a head's up when the conditions are hazardous.
From Corolla in the north on down to Ocracoke Island, the Outer Banks region offers plenty for the visitor to enjoy. Campgrounds are available, as are numerous hotels and vacation rental properties, so finding a good travel base in the area is easy. That being said, hordes of people flood into the Outer Banks region in the peak summer season, so booking accommodations well in advance when planning a summer visit is the way to go. Some rentals can actually be booked.
Rodanthe the charming island community along the Outer Banks may best be known from the novel by Nicolas Sparks—or perhaps the movie starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere. Many also know Rodanthe as home to some of the best beaches under the sun. The town on Hatteras Island has the distinction of being the easternmost [...]
The Outer Banks region forms the eastern border of North Carolina, a string of islands and beaches. The same place where the Wright brothers harnessed the wind to teach the world to fly is a year-round playground where people flock to enjoy the beaches, soak in the sun, and connect with history. The first English [...]