Why the Outer Banks (OBX) is the Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Destination
This year, I finally made my inaugural trip to the Outer Banks—and it surpassed every expectation. At this stage in life, what struck me most was how ideally suited OBX is for a family beach vacation. Ironically, two decades after that initial article, I'm now sharing insights on beach destinations, despite never considering myself a "beach person." The secret to OBX's appeal? It's far more than just beaches. This 200-mile chain of barrier islands offers diverse activities and attractions that delight every family member.
Background on the Outer Banks
For the uninitiated, the Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands off North Carolina's coast, flanked by Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico Sounds on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
The landscape varies as much as the towns and villages themselves, each with a unique vibe. Well-connected bridges and ferries make island-hopping easy, though basing your stay in one spot works just as well for a relaxed family trip.
OBX boasts rich history, inhabited for over 1,000 years before Europeans arrived. Iconic tales include the Roanoke Colony, or "Lost Colony," where English settlers landed in 1587 on Roanoke Island (now Dare County). Governor John White returned to England for supplies, delayed by war with Spain, and found the settlement deserted upon his 1590 return—no trace of the colonists, including his granddaughter Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas. The mystery endures. More recently, on December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers achieved the first controlled, powered flight in Kitty Hawk.
Top Things to Do in the Outer Banks
With storied history and endless beaches, OBX brims with family-friendly pursuits. Here's a closer look:
Beaches. Diversity defines them—from wave-pounding Atlantic shores to calm sound waters. Seek seclusion at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Windsurfers love Candian Hole near Avon. Check the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau for comprehensive beach guides.
Fishing. Surrounded by water, OBX excels in year-round angling: offshore/inshore charters, fly fishing, piers, and more. I missed it on my first visit but plan to fish on our return.
Crabbing and Shrimping. Join Captain Marc Mitchum at OBX Crabbing & Shrimping in Wanchese for 2- or 4-hour charters (up to 6 people). Family-friendly for all ages—learn the industry or just enjoy the kids' excitement. Keep your catch (shrimp, crabs, legal finfish) on scenic Roanoke Sound rides.
Lighthouses. Visit five: America's tallest, Cape Hatteras (257 steps); Bodie Island (200+ steps); second-oldest operating, Ocracoke Light Station; Currituck Beach (220 steps, maintained by Outer Banks Conservationists); and replica Roanoke Marshes in Manteo.
Climb Cape Hatteras and Bodie Island (timed tickets required; strenuous, no elevators). Currituck offers climbs too. View Ocracoke and Roanoke exteriors.
Historical Sites. Start at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site for Roanoke's story and cultural heritage, home to the 81-year-old outdoor drama "The Lost Colony."
At Wright Brothers National Memorial, see the flight site, replicas, and feel Kitty Hawk's winds.
Where to Stay in the Outer Banks
Accommodations enhance the OBX magic, with options for every budget and group size. While hotels exist, vacation rentals dominate—from cozy condos to 16-bedroom estates. Group travel splits costs affordably, making multi-generational trips feasible.
These homes rival resorts: private pools, beach/sound access, hot tubs, decks, games, billiards, even home theaters. You might never leave!
I've only touched on OBX's highlights—dining awaits future coverage. Meanwhile:
