Destination
Outer Banks, United States
The Outer Banks are a thin chain of barrier islands with wild beaches, towering dunes, lighthouses and wild horses, reached by a scenic drive from Norfolk.
Trips to Outer Banks from every city
No live trip to Outer Banks right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | avoid |
| February | avoid |
| March | fine |
| April | fine |
| May | best |
| June | best |
| July | fine |
| August | fine |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | fine |
| December | avoid |
- August, September: Hurricane and nor'easter risk; Highway 12 can close
- June, July, August: Peak weekly-rental season
December, January, February: Cold wind and most rentals and restaurants closed
Where to stay in Outer Banks
- Nags Head: Central beach town with piers, dunes and the widest choice of hotels.
- Kill Devil Hills: Family motels and cottages near the Wright Brothers memorial.
- Duck: Upscale, quiet beach village with a soundside boardwalk.
- Hatteras Island: Remote beaches, surf and the famous lighthouse.
What to do in Outer Banks
- Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Hang-glide on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park
- See the wild horses of Corolla on a 4x4 tour
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Take the free ferry to Ocracoke Island
Good to know
| Airports | Norfolk International (ORF), Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | no |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | America/New_York |
| Kind of trip | beach, nature, history, family, road-trip |
Questions about Outer Banks
When is the best time to visit Outer Banks?
May, June, September and October. December, January, February: Cold wind and most rentals and restaurants closed
Do US citizens need a passport for Outer Banks?
No. Outer Banks is a domestic trip; a government photo ID is enough.
How expensive is Outer Banks on the ground?
Outer Banks is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.