Outer Banks North Carolina
Over on the eastern side of North Carolina, just offshore and reachable by car, a set of barrier islands stretches for 130 miles. Could this be your place for a getaway?
Somewhere to do beachcombing, climb sand dunes (some are 100 feet high), watch birds, go swimming, crabbing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing... Somewhere with beautiful coastal scenery, and salt and freshwater marshes to explore in kayaks and canoes.
In addition to these natural splendors, Outer Banks has quaint towns and inns and light-houses, and some man-made fun as well.
Best swimming is reportedly between Corolla and Duck in the north area, and off Ocracoke Island in the south (--take a free ferry to get to Ocracoke). Certain areas have coarser sand and cooler water.
Ocracoke Island, by the way, is a frequent pick in Dr. Beach's annual Ten Top Beaches in America.
Dr. Beach has also picked Cape Hatteras as one of his top beaches. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is on Hatteras Island, and is administered by the National Park Service. Several visitor centers are open in summer months.
Families can swim, fish, camp, windsurf, go boating, explore a National Wildlife Refuge, or visit the black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Outer Banks NC: Recreation / Attractions
For example: Recreation includes minigolf and amusement parks. And let's not forget that the Wright Brothers made their first flight here, at Kitty Hawk: visitors who likewise long for flight can try hang-gliding.
Those who want to visit attractions will find the Wright Brothers Memorial, the North Carolina Aquarium, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (where you can howl with wolves, at a unique summer nature program), and more.
For a wrap-up of Kids' Favorite Things to Do,and Favorite Places to Go, see the Insider's Guide online. Kids can even learn hang-gliding basics while their parents take hang-gliding lessons.
So: head to the Outer Banks and reelaaaaxxx-- or have more active fun if you want it-- in a place with beautiful beaches that the whole world hasn't discovered yet.
Find out more about Outer Banks North Carolina:
- Take a driving tour.
- visit the Outer Banks North Carolina Visitors' Bureau site
- check TripAdvisor.com, for visitors' comments
