Outer Banks, NC – An Amazing Vacation Destination

The minute we drove onto the barrier island, I was in love.

https://www.outerbanks.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Banks

I had never heard of Outer Banks, NC until I met my (now) husband. With family living in the Bodie Island area, we have visited many times over the past few years. Each trip, I find something new about the area I LOVE. Here are nine of my favorites (so far). 

1. The ocean:

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ocean. Although the water is always cold (both in winter and summer), it is incredibly calming to sit on the beach and listen to the waves.

2. Duck, NC shopping: https://www.townofduck.com/

The sound is an incredible location with some amazing houses along the shore. But there is so much more happening. I can’t wait to take a drive to the little town of Duck and do some shopping along the boardwalk overlooking the water. 

I am featuring the amazing coffee shop they have in a later blog post, but another very cool place we like to stop at (in Duck) is the Coastal Cantina. https://coastalcantina.com/

It is incredibly relaxing to sit and watch the water from this waterfront bar. And I love their Mimosas. :) 

3. Wright Brothers Museum: https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm     

Kitty Hawk is home to the Wright Brothers first flight.  They have an incredible museum featuring this event and the dunes were what drew the brothers due to the wide-open space of non-vegetative space and the steady winds. The dunes make you want to grab a kite and run!

4. Old Point Comfort Lighthouse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Point_Comfort_Light

I had not visited a lighthouse before this one. This tower was simply amazing. I am not certain how many steps there were, but I was winded when I arrived at the top. But that view… Amazing!

5. Corolla Beach wild horses: https://www.outerbanks.com/corolla-wild-horses.html

The only way to get to Corolla Beach is via a four-wheel-drive vehicle. We took a trip with family and I was thrilled to actually get to see THREE of the wild horses. This experience was incredible. We saw them undisturbed on our way to the housing area. But on our way back, a tour had stopped and they were literally surrounded by people snapping pictures. Regardless, it was a cool experience.

6. Tanger Outlet Mall: https://www.outerbanks.org/listing/outlets-nags-head/2140/

Who doesn’t love shopping??? And the really cool Adirondack chair outside the mall is definitely picture-worthy. 

7. Nags Head Wood Preserve: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve/ 

When I thought of the Outer Banks, I never dreamed there were places like this incredible Wood preserve. 

The green algae-covered water was beautiful. There were so many different things to see, including this old cemetery located deep in the woods.  

8. Beach Houses:  

I can’t get enough of driving down the beach road and looking at the incredible houses located right on the beach.  I also love the names people give their homes. Makes me want to name my own. I wonder what I would choose… This one is already taken, so I will have to think about it. 

9. The sunsets:

Although there are so many other things to highlight, I have to end with this.  I can’t get enough of the sunsets in the Outer Banks. No matter where I am and that sun starts to set, the brilliant colors never disappoint. 

If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend you consider taking a trip to the Outer Banks. No matter what you like, there is truly something for everyone.

Cheers!

Tami

Pin for Later:

For more of my favorite Outer Banks places, check out my following blog posts: