Discover the Outer Banks of North Carolina's Barrier Islands

Welcome to rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. The thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the sounds of North Carolina provides a natural sanctuary to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. For hundreds of years, people have been attracted to the peaceful quiet of the North Carolina shorelines. Seen the OBX bumper stickers? Discover the Outer Banks to see what all the fuss is about.

The barrier islands continue for more than 100 miles. Along the north and south running route 12, visitors will encounter wildlife in its natural state, solitude in the sandy shores, adventure in the many water activities and history dating back to the country's founding. The Outer Banks offer fine dining, water sports, and unique shopping experiences in the midst of unhurried environments like Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and more, all the way down to Ocracoke Island, where a ferry is necessary for access to the island.

The North Carolina coast has great rental property for vacationers. Contact a real estate agent to find a great beach house or condo to fit the family's needs and budget. Consider asking about the many pet-friendly accommodations available so four-legged family members can enjoy the summer fun too. The Outer Banks host plenty of high-fun, low-cost attractions and activities that will not blow the vacation budget. Some activities are even free! Go ahead-reserve the rental property and start planning a summer vacation at the Outer Banks.

Begin the adventure in Kill Devil Hills at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. In December of 1903, brothers Orville and Wilbur changed the world in 12 seconds. The memorial honors the brotherly teamwork of two men who attained their dreams of flight on the sandy beaches. The visitor's center has a full scale reproduction of the aircraft which began modern aviation. Open year round from 9 am to 5 pm, the Wright Brothers National Memorial visitor's center offers extended summer hours. Tickets are $4 per person, with children 16 and under admitted for free.

For adventure seeking travelers bitten by the Wright Brother's flying bug, plan a stop at Kitty Hawks Kites. A hang gliding lesson on the dunes of the Jockey's Ridge State Park will prepare vacationers to enjoy a self-powered flight on the NC shores. The smooth winds attracted the Wright Brothers to this area, as it is a perfect place to learn the art of flying. Lessons include training and all necessary equipment for flight. The three hour session is $89. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-877-FLY-THIS.

While at Jockey's Ridge State Park, take advantage of park's nature programs and trails after hang gliding. The park is home to the largest living natural sand dune on the eastern seaboard. The park offers a picnic area, restrooms and a gift shop. Admission is free.

Continue southbound along the shoreline to Roanoke Island. Enjoy a little culture with America's longest running outdoor drama. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green wrote the dramatization of the English Colony, recreating the struggle to create a settlement in The New World. The Lost Colony is an interpretation of the colony that vanished into thin air. The 400 year old mystery remains unsolved. Located at Waterside Theatre in Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, the Broadway-quality production runs nightly under the Carolina stars. Show times are Monday through Saturday at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices range from $8-20. The $20 producer's circle tickets provide a spectacular view and are well worth the price. For additional information, follow the link.
http://www.thelostcolony.org/

Roanoke Island also features Roanoke Island Festival Park. Observe the hidden beauty and serene surroundings located across from the Manteo waterfront. Visit the recreated English colonists' settlement. Art lovers will appreciate the works in the art gallery. Children will have a blast digging in the Fossil pits. Picnic tables are available for an outdoor lunch. Ticket prices range from $5-$8 and are good for two consecutive days. Children under 5 are admitted free.

The North Carolina Aquarium is located on the north end of Roanoke Island. The aquarium will entertain and educate travelers with the exhibits featuring their theme, the "Waters of the Outer Banks." Children will be delighted at the opportunity to experience an interactive trip to the touch-tank. Experience Mother Nature's hurricanes that cause havoc to North Carolina coastlines. The "Storms" exhibit replicates the phenomenon for guests visiting the area. Open year round daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, the aquarium has budget friendly ticket prices, ranging from $6-$8, with children 5 and under admitted free.

Follow the signs on to Manteo. Turn on Budleigh St and go to the end. On the Manteo Waterfront Boardwalk, travelers will find the docks where Captain Stewart Wescott sets sail on 2 hour cruises called "Guaranteed Dolphin Watch." Cruise along the waters, and observe dolphins in their natural environment. Learn about the Bottlenose dolphin. Reservations are highly recommended, and visitors are further recommended to check tickets in at docks twenty minutes before sail time. Ticket prices are $27.50 for adults, while children 12 and under have a reduced rate of $17.50. Make reservations for your cruise at
http://www.outerbankscruises.com/res.html

Enjoy a great seafood dinner at Dirty Dick's Crab House, located right on Highway 12. The sea-faring themed restaurant is a fun place with lots of delicious fresh seafood options. Steamed and fried entrees are available. Dirty Dick's was voted "Best Restaurant in Outer Banks" three years in a row. After the meal, stop in the gift shop for a comical T-shirt souvenir.

Continue southward on route 12 along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The icon of the North Carolina shoreline, the 208 foot high Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in America. Adventurous vacationers can get a daily workout by climbing the 248 steps up a spiral staircase. Rewarding the climbers that have exerted enough energy to climb a 12 story building, the full circle outdoor landing offers a bird's eye view of the seashore and an astonishing picturesque scene that stretches for miles over the ocean. Be forewarned! The strenuous climb is not for visitors with respiratory or heart conditions, or who have trouble climbing stairs. There is a landing every 31 steps if a short rest is needed. The lighthouse does not have air conditioning, so morning visits are recommended. The inside of the lighthouse gets very hot during the humid summer months. Tickets are required, and sales begin at 8:15 am. Advance tickets are not available. Tickets for climbing range from $3.50 to $7, with the former discount available to children aged 12 and under, who are at least 42" in height as well as senior citizens over age 62. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is opened from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A Hatteras Island tradition, Froggy Dog's restaurant offers delicious seafood dinners as well as sandwiches and other items for vegetarians. Moderately priced, the location provides great service. Visit froggydog.com for menu options.

At the end of Highway 12, next to the Ferry Landing, visitors will find The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum an enlightening experience. The NC waters have claimed over 4000 shipwrecks. The museum contains artifacts from several sources, including the "lost lens" from Cape Hatteras and pieces from U-85, the first U boat sunk by the Allies. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am- 4 pm, admission into the museum is free. A donation box is available for contributions to finish the museum.

Located at the southern tip of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke Island is not accessible by land. Ride the ferry to a 15 mile stretch of undisturbed shores. Take advantage of the laid back atmosphere. Rent a kayak or a bicycle for an adventurous tour of the island. Visit Teach's Hole, a Blackbeard exhibit located on Route 12. Notice the life size recreation of the notorious Blackbeard. A display of weapons is available for viewing. Watch the two part documentary that highlights Blackbeard's life and death on Ocracoke Island. The free exhibit is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Visit the oldest operational lighthouse on the NC shores. The Ocracoke lighthouse is a 76 foot high, whitewash covered structure which serves not only the Atlantic Ocean, but also the Pamlico sound. Visit an Ocracoke icon.

Ready for a great meal, travelers will enjoy a stop at Howard's Pub. Made to order meals are served with a smile. Kids are welcomed with coloring books and crayons. The menu link highlights Howard's meal choices.
http://www.howardspub.com/menu.html

Whatever portion of the Outer Banks travelers choose, the best part of the vacation is time on the beach. Whether surfing or swimming, the NC waters never disappoint vacationers looking for a few waves to ride. Rent a surfboard and glide across the water. Try a boogie board or skin board in the shallows of the Atlantic. Sunning on the beach? Rub the grainy sand on hands for a natural skin softener. Searching for seashells? Be on the lookout for protected turtle beds! Beachcombers can see several along the shore. Building a sand castle? Recruit the entire family to make it a sand city. Get really creative and make sea animals, like turtles, starfish and mermaids. Smile when the tide carries them out to sea. While attractions are plentiful, don't forget to take advantage of the Outer Banks beautiful beaches during the visit. Activities on the beach with the family are fun and free.