Somewhere off the American coast, an isolated strip of sand stretches for hundreds of miles. A succession of barrier islands well known to locals: the Outer Banks. Series fans know that Netflix’s latest eponymous hit was filmed there. Suppose a few seaside resorts have developed between the sand dunes. In that case, most of the territory is only inhabited by wild horses. Outer Banks has much more to offer. This isolated region of the United States nevertheless forms one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the country.
Thinking of the Outer Banks, it’s hard to imagine anything other than lighthouses. They are the stars of the region. These buildings have guarded the coast for centuries and witnessed more than one shipwreck. According to the authorities, several thousand ships perished off the coast of North Carolina. A marine cemetery today is very popular with divers. The lighthouses of the Outer Banks are among the region’s must-sees. Starting with the Bodie Island Lighthouse, built in the 19th century. From its height of 47 meters, this building is one of the last brick lighthouses in the United States. From its summit, the view of the Atlantic is superb. The other symbol of the Outer Banks is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the country. Located in Buxton on the cape of Hatteras, it can also be visited during the same period. Its white and black bands give it the impression of being the sign of a barber shop.
Places to Visit in Outer Banks ✈️
You may think there is no place to visit on a narrow line of the island. But you’ll find many places to visit. The bright side of both Outer Banks is lots of places to visit and close to exciting cities to see.
Outer Banks Highway
Highway 12, a scenic route of more than 230 km, connects the islands of Kitty Hawk to Hatteras. While traversing it, the driver sometimes finds himself alone, facing immensity. There is only the ocean as far as the eye can see to the left and to the right. It is an invitation to meditation or simply a break on the beach to enjoy this protected coastline. Likewise, if getting high and watching the sunset inspires you, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the place to be. The panorama is breathtaking from the top of the highest dunes on the east coast.
Nags Head
This vacation destination has it all. Head to this famous island along the Outer Banks. Nags Head is most notable for its towering dunes. Take advantage of your trip to the island to visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which also has an on-site museum. Nature trails, as well as gliding lessons and beach access for paddling, walking, or just relaxing in this beautiful setting. Don’t miss the stunning shoreline views from the 19th-century Bodie Island Lighthouse, fishing from Nag’s Head Jetty, or strolling through the forests of the Forest Reserve. Then take a trip to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk to learn about the pioneering aviation duo and see the location of the world’s first powered airplane flight.
Hatteras Island
This stunning island has a 40-kilometer coastal bike route that runs along N.C. Highway 12 is the only major road on peaceful Hatteras Island. Much of the journey is uninterrupted by a single house, billboard, or convenience store. You will see the ocean on one side and Pamlico Bay. You can also explore the wonderful wilderness of the region.
Ocracoke
This remote island is located 28 kilometers off the mainland coast of North Carolina, at the southern end of the Outer Banks. Accessible only by private plane or ferry, the journey holds wonders: 25 km of beautiful and unspoiled beaches, local restaurants and eclectic shops, fishing, boating, gliding, and other outdoor fun. The area teems with wildlife, like its famous herd of ponies, dozens of species of migratory birds, and nature trails that are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Ocracoke is also where the famous pirate Blackbeard lost his life, and the legend is that his final prayer gave the island its name.
Where to Stay in Outer Banks 🏨
One thing is common in Outer Banks hotels. Their views. All beachfront hotels have the immersive Atlantic Ocean or Pamlico Sound views. Either looking for a place to unwind and rejuvenate or enjoy long beaches. Outer Banks has offers for you. You can find luxurious hotels, budget-friendly options, or more low options. It is up to you. But if you think where is the best place to stay in Outer Banks, here are the options.
Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Outer Banks 🤑
Everyone wants a dream-like vacation. To make your dreams come true, there are pretty good options on the Outer Banks. If you are looking for a hotel to enjoy your holiday and pamper yourself, these are the best places to stay in the outer banks N.C.
The Sea Ranch Resort🔗
The Sea Ranch Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Outer Banks. You can immerse yourself in the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the hotel’s private beach or enjoy swimming in the hotel’s private indoor pool. Located in Kill Devil Hills, the hotel is within walking distance of many unique places. You can see examples of classic American cuisine at the restaurant located in the hotel. Another feature of the hotel that is as beautiful as the food is the view. Located on the terrace, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Sea Ranch Resort is the best place to stay in Outer Banks.
Ocracoke Harbor Inn🔗
One of the most luxurious hotels in the Outer Banks is the Ocracoke Harbor Inn. Your address is clear if you want to have a dream holiday on the island. It is possible to reach the different natural beauties of the island by walking from the hotel, which is very close to Pamlico Beach and Jackson Sands. While sipping your exotic cocktail on the hotel’s sun terrace, you can feast your eyes on the azure sea view. Another vital service of the Ocracoke Harbor Inn is bike rental. Cycling is one of the best choices to get lost in the island’s stunning nature and explore the surroundings. The fun part is the hotel located in Ocracoke, what is the best town to stay in Outer Banks.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront🔗
Another luxury hotel on the island is the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront. You can enjoy the endless blue at the hotel’s private beach. In addition, the hotel has a spa center and indoor pool for those who want to renew on holiday. One of the most loved features of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham is that it has an area where you can throw a barbecue party. You can have a great dinner here with your family. Ramada Plaza is the best place where to stay with family in Outer Banks.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Outer Banks 🏠
If you are one of those people who spend their budget to travel instead of spending a lot of money on the hotel, there are also options for you at the Outer Banks. It is possible to spend a dream vacation by staying in hotels that are more suitable than the other. If you are looking for a budget-friendly place where to stay in outer banks
The Inn at Corolla Lighthouse🔗
The beachfront hotel The Inn at Corolla Lighthouse offers its visitors an unforgettable view. Located on Currituck Sound, the hotel has a 120-meter gazebo over the sea. Here you can have a great dinner and spend a memorable holiday. Although the hotel is among the budget-friendly hotels, it is preferred by many visitors with its large rooms and location close to the center. Long story short, The Inn at Corolla Lighthouse is amongst the best places to stay in Outer Banks NC.
Comfort Inn South Oceanfront🔗
Let’s say you are thinking about where should i stay when visiting the Outer Banks; here is your answer. Comfort Inn South Oceanfront offers its visitors a private white sand beach. If you are looking for a vacation where you will not get out of the sea, then this is the place to stay. Comfort Inn South Oceanfront also has an excellent location for those who want to explore the area. It is possible to reach the National Wright Brothers Memorial Park with a short journey. Comfort Inn South Oceanfront is one of the budget-friendly hotels you are looking for in the Outer Banks.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks🔗
Staying at the Hilton on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean may seem like a wallet-blowing idea. However, this does not apply to the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks. The holiday experience you are accustomed to at Hilton is also available at the Outer Banks. The hotel’s fitness center and an outdoor pool are some places some visitors find it difficult to leave. If you are after different experiences, the hotel also has a pier where you can fish. In addition, Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks is one of the ideal places for families with children. You can have wonderful moments with your children in the game room located in the hotel. It is the best place to stay in Outer Banks NC, for families with kids.
Cheap Places to Stay in Outer Banks 🛖
If you have a limited budget and want to spend a large part of it on the places you visit instead of the hotel, you should look for slightly different hotels than the ones above. Luckily, there are plenty of such hotels in the Outer Banks. For those who just want a place to stay away from extras, here are the best places to stay in Outer Banks.
Surf Side Hotel🔗
Surf Side Hotel is one of the best cheap hotels you can stay on the island. Located by the sea, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and free parking for its visitors. Located in Nags Head, the hotel offers much more than expected. Located close to the region’s most visited attractions, you will find much more than you expect from a cheap hotel. Surf Side Hotel is a great place where to stay in the Outer Banks NC.
Hatteras Island Inn🔗
One of the beauties of the Outer Banks is the famous wild horses. Dating from the Spanish mustangs, you can see these horses swimming in the sea or digging in the sand on the beach. Hatteras Island Inn is located in an area where these horses are heavily populated. If you want to stay in a place where to stay in Outer Banks to see wild horses during your visit, you are at the right place. The Hatteras Island Inn is one of the cheapest places to stay on the island, but its various features, such as the outdoor pool, make it one step ahead of other inexpensive accommodation options.
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn🔗
The John Yancey Oceanfront Inn is another affordable hotel on the island. However, you will be surprised when you see the rooms and facilities for the price. The hotel overlooks the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean in the Kill Devil Hills area. If you want to look at a sparkling sky and a deep blue sea when you wake up in the morning, you can be sure that you have come to the correct address. The restaurant in the hotel offers local delicacies to its visitors. The outdoor pool and children’s playground are some of the other essential facilities of the hotel. Although the hotel does not have a fitness center in itself, visitors can benefit from Outer Banks YMCA services free of charge during the holiday. If you are looking for a cheap yet great hotel where to stay in the Outer Banks, you should definitely consider staying in Jonh Yancey Oceanfront Inn.