Why the Outer Banks Is Perfect for Your Next Vacation
Do you want to take a vacation that includes beauty, history, adventure, and fun for everyone in the family? You’ve come to the right place. The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina, provides an amazing option to escape your everyday mundane and boring life.
This wonderful part of the United States includes beautiful beaches, wild horses galloping across sandy dunes, fun and exciting coastal towns, and real history. It offers something to appeal to even the pickiest of travelers.
Whether it is kayaking in the calm sounds, your curiosity being piqued at the mystery of the lost colony, or eating fresh caught seafood and drinking fresh local beers, the towns on the Outer Banks offer a perfect opportunity to slow down and relax.
Great Beaches, Wildlife, and Scenic Beauty
The Outer Banks is renowned for amazing beaches that are usually less populated than other beach locations on the East Coast. You could sit in the sun while in Corolla, or you can visit Nags head and find the wild dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
The Outer Banks claim a beautiful, coastal, pristine nature, and the sunrises and sunsets please any visitor. If you love nature you could see wild horses on the northern beaches, or go bird watching at Pea Island national wildlife refuge.
Lighthouses, Legends, and Lost Colonies
The culture of the Outer Banks is rich. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, is among the most recognizable sites in the region. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was historically used for ship traffic that sailed through waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
North of Cape Hatteras, in the town of Manteo, was the Lost Colony. There are active historical places that can be great if you are looking for some mystery. There seems to be a fascinating story behind every nook and cranny of the OBX, from sea captain towns to Civil War battles.
Adventures for Every Type of Traveler
No matter if you are seeking out adrenaline or some tranquility, towns on the Outer Banks have something for you. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are common activities in the comfortable winds of pamlico sound, while deep-sea fishing charters are available for one day or multi-day excursions for anglers of all experience levels.
You can rent a kayak and explore the maritime forests or meandering canals, or you can launch from the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, the largest natural sand dune on the East Coast. With a wide range of cycling paths, horseback rides on the beach, and lovely boat trips, there are many ways to explore the area. If you prefer to take it slow, the area has miles of bikeable paths and spots to go beachcombing or shelling.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Activities
The outer banks is an amazing family-friend destination for families with children. The Outer Banks Children at Play Museum and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are both dedicated to interactive play and discovery. There are plenty of amusement parks, mini golf establishments, bumper boats, and go kart tracks.
Make sure to stop by the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island where children can touch stingrays, see a sea turtle up close and watch live shark feedings. The Outer Banks has beautiful wide beaches that are safe for all ages swimming or playing in the sand.
Seafood reigns supreme in the Outer Banks. Local restaurants dish up fresh shrimp, oysters, and soft-shell crab. The seafood is served as casual, fried fish or on the other end of the scale, as fine, coastal cuisine. Most of the seafood restaurants even have outdoor seating that makes the most of the ocean sounds and views. If you enjoy a good craft beer, try checking out the expanding number of local breweries. Several feature island style brews and live music.
Through the towns along the Outer Banks are quaint shops selling handmade souvenirs, art galleries, and local stores. Whether you’re looking for a handmade kite or a bottle of OBX hot sauce, your shopping here will not be boring.
Endnote
The Outer Banks is much more than a summer weekend getaway experience. It features natural beauty, culture, family and experiences that build memories. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach, traveling historic paths on the go, or enjoying local seafood, OBX allows for a real family time experience.
