Planning is part of the fun when you visit a new destination like the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks span 200-miles of coastline in North Carolina and are comprised of a string of barrier islands connected to the mainland only by bridges and ferries. OBX as it is called, is an island vacation destination that boasts the most public beach access and beautiful scenery in the country.
This remote chain of sandbars attracts thousands of visitors every year with it’s windswept beaches, abundance of wildlife and slower pace. Vacationers enjoy oceanside activities as well as soundside attractions and recreation like kayak tours through maritime forests. The Outer Banks is located 1.5 hours drive from Chesapeake VA, 3 hours from Raleigh NC, 7 hours from Philadelphia PA, and 10 hours from Columbus OH.
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE OUTER BANKS?
A: “The best time to visit the Outer Banks is between March and May or September and November, when lodging rates drop and crowds dissipate. Most mainland North Carolina residents and out-of-towners arrive during the summer months, when humidity is high and average temperatures consistently hit the upper 80s.” Read more from US News Travel Report.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARK AT A BEACH ACCESS?
A: “Parking at all beach accesses along the Outer Banks is FREE!
The only exceptions to this are:
Carova: driving on Carova beaches is free, but a permit is required to park.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: a permit is required to drive and park on the beaches in Hatteras.”
Read more from OBXbeachaccess.com
Q: WHY IS THE OUTER BANKS SO POPULAR?
A: “The natural beauty of the fragile islands and the pristine beaches is what makes the Outer Banks so unique. These beaches are well known to be family-friendly, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation, and an ideal place to unwind and relax.” Read more from VisitOB.com
Q: WHICH OUTER BANKS TOWN IS BEST FOR ME?
A: “When you choose the OBX for your vacation, choosing your Outer Banks town is a big part of your decision making process. Each town on the Outer Banks is unique and has its own charm. While each town on the OBX are all pretty much within minutes of each other, which town you decide to vacation in depends on what activities you’re looking to do….” Laid back beach, nightlife, public beach access, walk and bike to restaurants, wide open beaches for 4×4, etc. Read more from Resort Realty.
Q: WHY IS THE WATER SO COLD ON THE OUTER BANKS
A: “When the air temperature gets really hot on the Outer Banks, its almost a guarantee that the water temperatures along the beaches from Corolla to Nags Head are going to head in the opposite direction. Persistent southwest winds push the warm water near the surface of the Atlantic Ocean away from shore, allowing colder water along the bottom to move in.” Read more from The Outer Banks Voice.
Q: WHERE ARE THE BIGGEST WAVES IN THE OBX?
A: “Kitty Hawk. While this stretch of beach churns out some killer waves, there are a few prominent breaks in Kitty Hawk known for being consistently good: Kitty Hawk Pier, located right in front of the Hilton hotel, produces some of the best barrels on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks.” Read more from WetsuitWearhouse.com
Q: WHICH IS BETTER OUTER BANKS VS MYRTLE BEACH VS VIRGINIA BEACH?
A: “…in terms of shows, nice beach, restaurants, *water parks and entertainment and more, Myrtle Beach has more to offer. The Outer Banks are entirely different. The location is more remote and there is substantially less development. If this appeals absolutely go here. If of interest there is world class fishing easily accessed as you are so far out in the Atlantic, hang gliding (Wright Brothers chose Kitty Hawk for good reasons), and you can drive out on to designated beaches. In terms of just beach, Myrtle Beach is better – sand is less course and the water is warmer.” Ken K.
“Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach are crowded and huge tourist traps. The Outer Banks have their crowded areas and tourist traps, but being a fairly large area, you have a lot more variety. The beaches in Corolla can be relatively uncrowded. You have the option of ocean swimming or swimming on the calm sound side. Because the Outer Banks are so much larger there is more to see and do than at either Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach.” Brian S.
“We have been to all three places and by far the Outer Banks is the most fun. I took my 11-year-old last year and we went horseback riding parasailing and she learned how to surf. The water was warm… than it was at Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach. And prices For hotel rooms and food less Expensive. Less touristy as well.” Isabel H.S.
Read more from Quora.com
*Note: this was written when the Outer Banks didn’t have a waterpark, but now we have the best water park of all three destinations, H20BX!
Q: CAN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH IN OUTER BANKS?
A: “Beer is allowed on Outer Banks beaches. Glass containers are not allowed. Open containers in vehicles are not allowed.” Read more from OuterBanks.com
Q: ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH?
A: “Thousands of Outer Banks visitors bring their furry family members in tow year after year. Dogs are allowed on most beaches, with some restrictions. Please note that owners must collect all pet waste immediately and dispose of it properly.” Read more from OuterBanks.com
Q: ARE METAL DETECTORS ALLOWED ON OUTER BANKS BEACHES?
A: Metal detecting is allowed on the Northern Outer Banks beaches (Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, much of Nags Head). Metal detecting is prohibited within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (some of Nags Head, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras and Ocracoke). Read more from OuterBanks.com
Q: ARE FIREWORKS PERMITTED? WHAT ABOUT BONFIRES? CAN WE DRIVE ON THE BEACH?Â
A: Fireworks are not permitted in the Outer Banks. Bonfires on the beach — it depends details here. Driving on the beach — yes in two main areas, see them here.
CONTACT US
If you’re interested in building a second home, investment property or your forever home at the beach, just give us a call at 252.301.3090. As an Award-Winning builder on the Outer Banks, SAGA Realty & Construction has built more homes than any other builder and can partner with you to fulfil your dream!Â