The most authoritative statewide source for golf course rankings in North Carolina—one of the nations top golf destinations—has named the Outer Banks the #2 golf getaway and premier coastal golf excursion. When 135 experts from the esteemed North Carolina Golf Panel, established in 1995, were surveyed on the ideal three-day public and semi-private golf trip in the state, the Outer Banks topped their list after Pinehurst. Panelists recommended a trip featuring three Top 50 You Can Play courses

The Dementia Task Force, in partnership with Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks in Dare County, offers vital support for caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for loved ones with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. Our objectives include educating the public through outreach programs, an annual caregivers’ conference, and small-group training. We provide ongoing support via mentoring and a monthly caregiver support group. Additionally, we connect individuals to essential resourc

Salty air and cool ocean breezes define beach towns, but the Tri-Villages—Rodanthe, Salvo, and Waves—on northern Hatteras Island offer a unique blend of rich history, natural wonders, and vibrant coastal culture. Drawing from insights by local Outer Banks residents who live and work here, discover our top 9 reasons to visit. 1. Proximity to Both Sound and Sea The Tri-Villages narrow geography places the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound just a short walk apart, letting you cross the island on

Wright Brothers National Memorial, in partnership with Outer Banks Forever, First Flight Foundation, and First Flight Society, proudly commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a series of engaging events from July 18-20, 2019. The festivities begin on the evening of July 18 with a space-themed movie screening at Dowdy Park in Nags Head, sponsored by the First Flight Foundation. Special space-themed ranger programs will run Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has shattered its previous record of 325 sea turtle nests set in 2016. As of July 22, with over a month left in the nesting season, the National Park Service has documented more than 350 nests. This remarkable season offers residents and visitors ample chances to observe nest excavations and hatches, known as boils. Loggerhead turtles dominate, joined by green turtles and rare Kemps ridleys. Read more about the 5 Types of OBX Sea Turtles. The first nests hatched

Join the holiday spirit on the Outer Banks with our annual OBXmas Weekends. From Thanksgiving through Olde Christmas on January 6, immerse your family in over a month of joyful activities and celebrations. View our list of restaurant hours and openings for the winter season. Discover signature December events below. For the complete schedule, visit our events page or enjoy the Holiday Edition: OBX Daydream playlist.  OBXmas & New Years Celebrations on the Oute

Vacation rental homes on the Outer Banks (OBX) offer the ideal blend of family bonding and personal space, with private bedrooms and amenities for everyone. Opt for weekly or partial-week stays, typically checking in on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays—though some allow weekday arrivals. Simplify your trip by renting linens, towels, and beach chairs. Renters must be 25+ and provide ID. As OBX experts, were here to guide you. Contact your property manager or the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau anytime.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has a storied history of firsts: the site of Englands earliest New World colony, the birthplace of powered flight by the Wright brothers, and home to the nations first national seashore, established in 1953 across 70 miles of its 100-mile barrier islands. Nicknamed Americas First Beach, this destination is perfect for family vacations, featuring towering dunes, historic lighthouses, charming seaside towns, wildlife-rich shores, and lush maritime forests. The ex

Dreaming of an Outer Banks getaway? While the islands are temporarily closed to visitors, bring the OBX magic home with these 5 engaging ideas. #1 Explore LIVE Webcams Start with Jennettes Pier webcam, courtesy of Surfline—a unique educational ocean pier in Nags Head, the heart of the Outer Banks. Ideal for adventure and nearby attractions. Discover more OBX webcams here. #2 Dive into Our Daydream Video Series These captivating videos showcase perfect ways to spend your day in the OBX.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, widely known as OBX, is the premier kiteboarding destination in the USA. Cape Hatteras also delivers some of the East Coasts most consistent and high-quality surf waves. Beyond watersports, OBX offers diverse attractions for solo travelers, couples, or families with kids. Simplify your planning with our local-approved top 10 activities for an unforgettable vacation. #1 Pristine, Uncrowded Beaches Pristine Beaches on Cape Hatteras (Ryan Osmond) With over 1

Recent challenging times have tested us all, yet the resilient human spirit endures. The OBX community has united and adapted. Explore these ways to stay connected while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. The Flying Pirate Goes Virtual Challenge your inner pirate with the Virtual Flying Pirate Half Marathon, 5K, or Fun Run. Race from anywhere—your place, your space. Outer Banks Sporting Events ships swag directly to your door, with door prizes and photo contests. New registrants enj

North Carolina’s Outer Banks—a slender chain of barrier islands stretching over 100 miles, draped in sand dunes and maritime forests—reigns supreme for active escapes. Climb iconic lighthouses, conquer towering dunes, meander through shaded forests and boardwalks, or roam endless shores. Amid this variety of landscapes, where should you start? Right here. We’ve curated the Outer Banks (OBX) premier trails, walks, and climbs, organized geographically and thematically, rated on a straightforward

Discover the Graveyard of the Atlantic The Outer Banks of North Carolina, famously known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, is home to an estimated 3,000 shipwrecks dating back to Americas first English settlements. Positioned along a key maritime route off Cape Hatteras, these waters have claimed countless vessels due to treacherous weather, faulty navigation, unmapped shoals, and wartime conflicts. Today, shifting sands occasionally reveal wrecks on beaches, but the East Coasts premier snorkeli

Discover our curated list of top socially distanced activities on the Outer Banks (OBX), perfect for safe exploration while enjoying the areas natural beauty. Hiking the Maritime Forests Explore premier hiking at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, open dawn to dusk year-round. Enjoy views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes, and history. The popular Roanoke Trail is a kid- and dog-friendly 1.5-mile round trip through woods, past the historic Tillett homestead, to the soundside with benches f

Discover the major threats to our beaches, oceans, and marine life—and learn proven steps you can take to safeguard them.   Picture this: Youre strolling along Cape Hatteras National Seashore when a small, bright blue item catches your eye, half-buried in the sand. Sea glass? you think, bending down for a closer look. Disappointment sets in—its just a plastic bottle cap. This all-too-common scene highlights a growing crisis. According to the National Park Service, over 90% of ocean tra

In 2020, the shift to remote work and online schooling turned our lives upside down. Working from home with partners and school-aged children brought unprecedented challenges. But this change also offers a silver lining: greater control over your lifestyle. No micromanaging boss. No hallway patrols issuing tardy slips. Work from anywhere that inspires you. Embrace the freedom! The Outer Banks: Ideal for Remote Work and Learning With seven years of location-independent living as a family, we h

The traditional 9-to-5 office routine is increasingly a thing of the past. Remote work, empowered by a laptop, smartphone, reliable WiFi, and an inspiring environment, has proven sustainable for many professionals. If your home office feels uninspiring, discover the Outer Banks—a serene destination with welcoming communities, stunning views, a supportive business ecosystem, and ample space for socially distanced living. How to Get Here Accessing the Outer Banks is straightforward, with a car b

While the pristine beaches and delectable local cuisine rightfully take center stage in the Outer Banks, these captivating hiking trails offer a refreshing family adventure. Many are specifically designed with children in mind, blending education, exploration, and stunning natural beauty. Best of all, these trails are conveniently located within a short drive of nearly every Outer Banks town. Discover our seven favorite kid-friendly hikes, presented from north to south, drawing from years of loc

The Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina boasts a rich tapestry of history, from Americas first English settlement and the Wright Brothers pioneering flight to pivotal naval battles. Home to three national parks, the region offers endless discovery. Here are some lesser-known historical spots to enrich your next OBX visit. The Monument to a Century of Flight  (pictured above) Dedicated during the 2003 First Flight Centennial, this striking monument symbolizes humanitys flight journey fro

Newly Relocated to North Carolina? A Couples Essential Guide to Vacationing in the Outer Banks After moving to Charlotte earlier this year, we were eager to explore North Carolinas stunning landscapes. The pandemic delayed our plans, but with summer in full swing and restrictions easing, we escaped quarantine fatigue thanks to an invitation from TheOuterBanksNC. The promise of pristine beaches and Atlantic Ocean views lifted our spirits, but OBX offered far more than we anticipated. Read on fo