If you live in the Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and want to explore the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks is your perfect starting point. This large collection of barrier islands can easily overwhelm anyone who’s never visited.
 
Luckily, we’ve been traveling to the Outer Banks from Durham for years and have tons of tips to share. We also want to assure you that you won’t be able to do it all the first time, or even the 50th time! We keep finding something new, but have learned to know that these five things will keep us coming back.
 
 
bike duck cycle

1. Unique Towns

 
Your first move when planning an Outer Banks vacation is looking for a place to stay. The Outer Banks is blessed with a wonderful assortment of towns and villages, each with a unique character and story.
 
Hang out in the former waterfowl hunting retreat we all know (and love) as Duck, stick to the main drag of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, or venture down into Hatteras Island to enjoy the relative seclusion of Buxton, Avon, or Rodanthe. Take a scenic drive over to Manteo and Wanchese on Roanoke Island for a special experience on the soundside of our barrier islands. 

 

surfer at oregon inlet sunrise

2. Sunrise Over the Beach

 
When you’ve settled in at your rental or hotel, get a good night’s rest because you’ll want to wake up and catch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. You won’t be alone because everyone else knows, too.
 
A colorful sunrise is the perfect way to start your day, no matter where you’re staying on the Outer Banks.
 
On the Outer Banks, the sun goes down in even more dramatic fashion than the sunrise. You can enjoy sunset on the Currituck-Pamlico Sound side of the islands while dining in Nags Head, strolling the boardwalk in Duck, and while driving down NC-12. Check out our list of best places to catch sunrises and sunsets on the Outer Banks. 
 

 

buxton munch - blog nc tripping

3. Awesome Restaurants

 

Whether you’re living it up in Duck or down in Buxton, there’s something delicious and local to eat on the Outer Banks. When on the coast, one must dig into as much seafood as possible.
 
Of course, allergies may not allow that or you may want a break from fish. That’s why most restaurants cater to landlubbers, too.
 

 

wright brothers - blog nc tripping

4. Fun History

 
The Outer Banks is largely recognized as America’s First Beach, and Fort Raleigh National History Site and The Lost Colony in Manteo share how the area earned that designation. The Wright Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil Hills explains why many of us have “First in Flight” on our license plates.
 
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras focuses on the maritime history of the Outer Banks, but also the infamous exploits of Blackbeard. For an extra credit day trip, take the free ferry over to Ocracoke Island from Hatteras and hike to the Point where Blackbeard was killed.

 

bodie island lighthouse - nc tripping

5. Lighthouses

 
Then there are the iconic lighthouses scattered along the shores of Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and elsewhere. Each one is unique in color and size, as you’ll see after visiting them all.
 
It's tough to narrow down to five things we love about the Outer Banks. After your latest trip to the best NC barrier islands, we want to know what you loved! Also, if this is your first time to this part of our amazing state, what are you interested in exploring along our coast?