Summary of Outer Banks Communities
Stretching over 130 miles south from the Virginia border through three North Carolina counties, the Outer Banks is home to many villages and communities, each with a unique history and personality. Based on your preferences, selecting the best Outer Banks destination, ranging from vibrant oceanfront locations to charming village settings or remote off-road communities, can significantly enhance your visit and vacation experience.
From north to south, popular vacation communities include:
- The Currituck Outer Banks
Corolla and the Four Wheel Drive Area - The Northern Beaches
Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head - Roanoke Island
Manteo and Wanchese - Hatteras Island
Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village - Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Village
Corolla and the Four Wheel Drive Area
The Corolla area is located in Currituck County, extending approximately 20 miles south from the state line between Virginia and North Carolina on Bodie Island. This northernmost area, known as the Four Wheel Drive Area (or simply 4 X 4), is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles via the beach, as the name implies. While there are many beach houses, most of which are grand and upscale, this area lacks any shops, restaurants, gas stations, or additional services. South of the 4 X 4 area, Corolla features several vacation developments, shopping centers, and a few hotels.
Some popular attractions in the Corolla and 4 X 4 areas include:
- Corolla’s wild horses
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- The Whalehead Club
The Northern Beaches
South of Corolla and into Dare County, Sanderling Resort is the sole four-star resort on the Outer Banks. Continuing south, the quaint coastal village of Duck is renowned for fine dining, unique boutiques, and extravagant vacation homes.
South of Duck, Southern Shores offers a laid-back beach-to-sound community, near yet not in the hustle of the action. As you move towards the center of Bodie Island, the towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are the most populated and home to an array of vacation cottages, family-owned and chain hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Several popular attractions in the Outer Banks are located in this area, including:
- The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head
Manteo and Wanchese
Slightly south and west of Nags Head, Roanoke Island offers charming village settings in the historic town of Manteo and the quaint fishing village of Wanchese. Surrounded by the Roanoke and Croatan Sounds, Roanoke Island provides lovely water views; however, there are no oceanfront beaches. Island accommodations include bed-and-breakfasts, several in Victorian-style homes, along with a few inns and an RV campground.
For a small island, Roanoke Island is home to several popular Outer Banks attractions and significant historic sites, such as:
- Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama
- The Elizabethan Gardens
- The North Carolina Aquarium
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
Hatteras Island and Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Bodie Island is connected to Hatteras Island via a bridge. Following Route 12 within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the small communities of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras boast laid-back atmospheres, excellent water sports including some of the best fishing in the nation, miles of pristine beaches, and abundant nature.
Rental properties range from expansive, upscale beach houses to condo communities and vintage, modest cottages. There are also several privately-owned hotels and inns, along with numerous campgrounds in this area.
Notable attractions include:
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Ocracoke Village
Accessible solely by ferry, private boat, or private plane, Ocracoke Island, situated in Hyde County, is the southernmost area of the Outer Banks. With sixteen miles of beautiful, undeveloped beaches and the compact, historic Ocracoke Village, this destination is popular among families and couples alike. Village accommodations include an array of options such as large and small cottages, hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts, many offering lovely lake or harbor views. Campsites are also available.
