What is the best time of year to visit the Outer Banks?
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.
How many days do you need in Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks is filled to the brim with fun and exciting things to do, you could comfortably spend a week exploring the island for sure. But with the best itinerary in place you can easily hit all of the island’s highlights in a span of 3 to 4 days.
What is so special about Outer Banks North Carolina?
What makes the Outer Banks so special? No boardwalks, no loud theme parks, and no high rise hotels blocking the views of the ocean. No flashy nightlife, no neon lights, or main street tourist traps. The natural beauty of the fragile islands and the pristine beaches is what makes the Outer Banks so unique.
What is the nicest part of Outer Banks?
The Best Places to Live in the Outer Banks
- Corolla. The most northern town in the Outer Banks, Corolla is home to miles of beautiful beaches, wild horses, fabulous restaurants, a plethora of outdoor activities, and great golfing.
- Duck.
- Southern Shores.
- Kitty Hawk.
- Kill Devil Hills.
- Nags Head.
- Manteo.
- Rodanthe.
Where do you fly into to go to the Outer Banks?
Norfolk International Airport
As for flights, the Outer Banks is easily accessible from Norfolk International Airport (82 miles north), Raleigh Durham International Airport (192 miles west), or Coastal Carolina Airport (138 miles southwest). Expect a scenic drive-in and one filled with anticipation.
What is hurricane season in Outer Banks?
The hurricane season for the Outer Banks runs from June 1st through November 30th. These dates are just generalities though, there have been hurricanes that have formed in the Atlantic Ocean during the months of May and December.
Where do you fly into for Outer Banks NC?
What airport do you fly into for the Outer Banks? The closest international airport to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is Norfolk International Airport in Norfolk, VA. ORF is approximately an hour and a half from the northern OBX beaches. View our list of air charters and tours.
What do locals do in the Outer Banks?
There’s also Jockey’s Ridge State Park with some of the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast. Sandboarding, kiteboarding, hang gliding and picnicking are popular pastimes for local families and visitors. What else do locals love? The beaches!
Is the Outer Banks expensive?
Compared to other popular beach destinations on the east coast, the Outer Banks is an incredibly affordable place to live.
Why do people go to the Outer Banks?
The OBX has been a haven for beach-loving tourists for over a century because things like surf, sand, and quality time with family never go out of style. Whether you’re interested in fishing, water sports, eco-tourism, historic attractions, or just relaxation, the Outer Banks is the perfect vacation destination.
What is the prettiest beach in North Carolina?
Best North Carolina Beaches
- Emerald Isle.
- Bald Head Island.
- Cape Hatteras.
- Corolla/Currituck Beach.
- Ocracoke Island.
- Topsail Island.
- Oak Island.
- Wrightsville Beach.
How long does it take to drive the entire Outer Banks?
5-6 hours
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Entire Outer Banks? The whole trip, including the two ferry rides, can take at least 5-6 hours but you should plan to spend a full day exploring, even more if you have the time.
Do you need to take a ferry to get to the Outer Banks?
If you are staying in Ocracoke, you’ll need to take a ferry no matter which direction you arrive from. There are three different Outer Banks ferries to consider when planning how to get to the Outer Banks. From the mainland, there are two ferries. Each takes about two and a half hours.
What month do most hurricanes hit NC?
Where 40% of all tropical cyclones happen during the month of September alone. Since 1842, September has recorded 316 Tropical Storms and 541 hurricanes in the Northern Atlantic. 25 of those reached Category 5 strength. This is more than any other month!
Can you swim in Outer Banks in May?
The warm temperatures are ideal for sunbathing on the beach or by the pool, but be mindful that the ocean water may still be a little chilly. You can always book one of our vacation rentals with a heated pool if you’d like to go swimming!
Are there alligators in the Outer Banks?
Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and in some of our waterways. You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point! Alligator sightings on the Outer Banks are rare, but they’re not impossible.
Can you swim in Outer Banks?
The Northern Outer Banks is ideal for vacationers who want to enjoy an ocean swim, as there are a number of lifeguarded or patrolled beaches all along this stretch of shoreline.
Where is the bluest water in NC?
Shackleford Banks
Shackleford Banks is home to turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean. Here’s more on how you can enjoy the bluest water in North Carolina.
What is the cheapest beach to visit in North Carolina?
Cape Hatteras, NC beach ranks among most affordable in US | Raleigh News & Observer.
What airport do I fly into for Outer Banks NC?
The closest international airport to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is Norfolk International Airport in Norfolk, VA. ORF is approximately an hour and a half from the northern OBX beaches.
How long is the ferry ride to the Outer Banks?
Outer Banks Ferry Routes To Take
The 40-45 minute journey crosses the Hatteras Inlet, connecting two very different island lifestyles. On the milder side, the Ocracoke terminal is situated on the northern end of the island near 16 miles of tranquil beaches absent of crowds and heavy commercial development.
What airport do you fly into to go to Outer Banks?
When was the last time a hurricane hit the Outer Banks?
The most recent storm to affect the state was Hurricane Florence. Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach on September 13, 2018. A total of 40 N.C. Residents lost their lives.
Are sharks a problem in the Outer Banks?
Chances of encountering a shark in North Carolina waters are very low. According to statistics, the chances that a shark will attack you are one in 11.5 million. To put that into context, your chances of drowning are 1 in 3.5 million. Most shark encounters with humans are cases of mistaken identity.
Are there sharks in the Outer Banks?
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are among the most common in North Carolina / Outer Banks waters. The adults can reach 4 feet in length and are found during the summer and autumn.