Your Guide to the Best Outer Banks Beaches to Visit

During your next vacation on the Outer Banks, you’re going to have tons of fun things to see and do. There are all kinds of delicious restaurants to sample, breathtaking nature sites that kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy, and fun shops to pick up that one-of-a-kind souvenir. The Outer Banks truly make the perfect vacation destination, no matter what you and your family like to do!

There’s one activity on the Outer Banks that you’ll definitely want to take advantage of, the beaches! The Outer Banks have tons of beautiful beaches to enjoy with your loved ones, so you can visit a new location every single day of your trip! Luckily, many of these beaches are a reasonable drive from our Outer Banks vacation rentals. Here is your complete guide to the best Outer Banks beaches!

Kitty Hawk

History buffs are likely to recognize the name of Kitty Hawk, since this area was where the famous Wright Brothers lived and tested their flights during the early 1900s. Before the Wright Brothers came to the area, it was called “Chickahawk” by the Native Americans who first lived here. Today, Kitty Hawk is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and a quaint town.

The beach of Kitty Hawk is a spectacular destination for families, especially those with four-legged friends! Dogs are welcome here year-round, but the majority of the time, they have to be on a leash. Besides walking your dog, guests are able to swim, sunbathe, and metal detect here, and with a North Carolina fishing license, they can also go surf fishing!

There are a few things to keep in mind when you come to the beach here in Kitty Hawk. Beer is permitted, but wine and liquor are not. Glass is not allowed on the beach either, so stick with plastic or cans. Guests must refrain from setting off fireworks, starting beach bonfires, 4×4 driving, and listening to loud music.

Kill Devil Hills

As the oldest official town on the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills has an amazing history. Though most people associate the Wright Brothers with Kitty Hawk, as we just discussed, these aviation pioneers actually held the first successful engine-powered flight here in Kill Devil Hills! The town is now the site of the Wright Brothers Monument, along with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The beach at Kill Devil Hills is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Of course, it’s a fun place to swim, sunbathe, and use metal detectors, and from May 15 to September 15, your dog can join you on the beach (as long as they’re on a leash)! 4×4 driving is also allowed from October 1 to April 30 through the designated access points. Nearby the beach, there are tons of shops, so you can grab any gear you might have forgotten or pick up a unique souvenir.

In Kill Devil Hills, fireworks and beach bonfires are not allowed. Glass is not allowed, but plastic and cans are permitted; on that note, beer is allowed, but wine and liquor are not. Guests can surf fish with a North Carolina fishing license. Be mindful of your noise level and avoid walking on the dunes (it’s illegal!).

Nags Head

Nags Head was actually known as the first “tourist colony” on the Outer Banks after visitors “discovered” the area in the 1830s. The first vacationers in the area were plantation owners and businessmen, but these days, Nags Head attracts all kinds of tourists from around the world! The town was officially incorporated in 1949 and has been a bustling destination ever since. That’s why we maintain so many awesome Nags Head rentals!

Of course, the beach here in Nags Head is one of the most popular places to be. The beaches here are pet-friendly, which is an appealing benefit for many families. You’re welcome to go surf fishing with a North Carolina fishing license, and you can even hold a bonfire as long as you have a permit from Nags Head Fire and Rescue. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly beach, this is one of the best options!

One important thing to keep in mind when visiting the Nags Head beach is that you cannot leave any beach equipment unattended between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. When you do set up your equipment, make sure that it’s not obstructing the view of the lifeguards. As always, be mindful of your noise levels and stay off of the sand dunes.

Southern Shores

Southern Shores is a quaint little town that strikes the perfect balance between relaxing and lively. You can enjoy your time relaxing on the beach or looking around in the cozy shops, or you can make your way to the bustling sections of town to experience the shopping and nightlife opportunities.

The beaches here are pretty quiet, perfect for those simply searching for an escape. The shorelines do have lifeguards on patrol, so parents can rest assured that their family will be safe at all times. Other than the standard rules of not leaving your beach equipment unattended overnight and not bringing your dogs in the summer between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., these beaches are laid-back and have few rules, allowing you to just relax with your loved ones and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Duck

Duck has often been hidden in the shadows of bigger locations like Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, but it’s slowly becoming a more sought-after destination. Fishermen and hunters, in particular, are drawn to this area, but visitors of all interests are now making their way to Duck to experience the quaint shops and fun activities.

The beach in Duck doesn’t have designated public access points because the entire beach is public and open to all. Guests enjoy coming here to walk their dogs, swim, surf fish, sunbathe, and use their metal detectors to hunt for treasure.

The rules at Duck’s beach are much the same as the other locations we’ve discussed. Dogs are allowed all year long and must be controlled at all times; leashes are recommended but are not mandatory. Glass bottles are not allowed, and the same goes for wine and liquor. Avoid walking on the dunes or picking live sea oats, as both actions are illegal.

Corolla

Finally, guests can enjoy a day in Corolla. This area was relatively undisturbed until the late 1800s, when the population began to grow. The iconic Currituck lighthouse was constructed in 1873, bringing even more people to the area. When NC Highway 12 was extended to Corolla in 1984, the town experienced its biggest population boom yet, making it the exciting destination it is today.

The beach in Corolla is still pretty undiscovered compared to some other major sites, meaning that wildlife isn’t scared to come around. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy their time here! Of course, there’s also plenty of opportunity for surf fishing, 4×4 driving, metal detecting, swimming, and sunbathing.

Guests are welcome to bring dogs all year long, as long as they remained leashed. No wine, liquor, glass bottles, fireworks, or beach bonfires are allowed.

Whether you want to relax on the sand, experience the surf, or enjoy some fishing, you can do it all at the best beaches on the Outer Banks. But first, you’ll need a place to stay! Contact us today to learn more about our Outer Banks vacation rentals.