A journey through North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a classic American road trip, offering 138 miles of windswept dunes, wild mustangs and coastal history. From the pioneering spirit of Kitty Hawk to the secluded, ferry-access charm of Ocracoke Island, this stretch of barrier islands provides a perfect escape for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
- Historic Lighthouse Trail: Experience the coast’s maritime legacy by visiting iconic beacons like the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the climbable Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse—the oldest operating station in the state.
- Adventure Meets History: Walk the grounds where flight began at the Wright Brothers National Memorial or explore the pirate lore of Springer’s Point, once a hideout for the notorious Blackbeard.
- Island Hopping by Ferry: Embrace a slower pace of travel by utilizing the local ferry system to reach Ocracoke Island, where you can view the famous Banker Ponies and wander the quaint, walkable streets of historic seaside villages.
The writer was hosted.
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North Carolina’s Outer Banks stretch across 138 miles of shifting dunes, historic lighthouses and ferry-linked islands that promise discovery at every turn. Capture the spirit of adventure on a road trip through the barrier islands, chase history, visit seaside villages and enjoy plates of fresh, local seafood.
This Outer Banks, North Carolina, road trip is perfect for families, couples or solo travelers seeking great food, scenic parks, outdoor adventures and rich history. I’ve included options for everyone, so you can select the experiences you like best.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Famous as a National Scenic Byway, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway spans 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles, traversing barrier islands and peninsulas between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. The Outer Banks is famous for the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers, iconic lighthouses, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of over 2,000 shipwrecks in its maritime history, over 100 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and the wild mustangs that roam freely there.
Lighthouses in the Outer Banks
Outer Banks lighthouses turn a coastal drive into a string of memorable stops. I never want to miss one and frequently create an itinerary that includes a lighthouse. I appreciate the NPS staffers who share history so warmly, turning a quick stop into a noteworthy lesson.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse: Iconic black-and-white day marks, the 152-year-old Bodie Island Lighthouse welcomes visitors with 214 steps to climb, located at the north end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Nags Head.
- Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse: A replica of the original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, built in 1877, is located in Manteo on Roanoke Island.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Probably the most famous and tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., currently shrouded in scaffolding for maintenance, the lighthouse remains closed to the public and is located in Buxton on Hatteras Island.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse: The second-oldest lighthouse in the United States, guarding the inlet since 1823, Ocracoke Lighthouse is North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse. Not open for climbing, but visitors may view the interior from the base.
She Buys Travel Tip: If you want to climb Bodie Island Lighthouse, buy tickets online the day you plan to climb. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse remains closed to climbing during restoration and Ocracoke Lighthouse is open for climbing.
Top Attractions in the Outer Banks
Wright Brothers National Memorial: Honors the site where Orville and Wilbur Wright first successfully flew on December 17, 1903, in Kill Devil Hill on Bodie Island near Kitty Hawk. Notable destination because of the depth of information at the Visitor Center and the life-size statues on the grounds.
Ocracoke Island: A secluded island accessible only by ferry.
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum: Dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Ocracoke Island, the Society provides access to education, research and exploration of the island.
Ocracoke Banker Ponies: Descendants of Spanish mustangs from shipwrecks off the coast. The Boy Scouts tamed the ponies, which now reside in the Ocracoke Pony Pens for protection. Roadside observation stand on Highway 12.
Springer’s Point Nature Preserve: The most important Blackbeard destination in the world, Springer’s Point provided fresh water to the pirates, served as a temporary base of operations and was the setting of the desperate sea battle that cost most of them their lives.
British Cemetery Memorial Ceremony: Annual ceremony held by the National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, British Royal Navy and Canadian Naval Services. The British Cemetery honors the brave Allied sailors who defended the American coast during World War II. Features pomp, circumstance and bagpipers (and a howling dog to accompany them sometimes).
Historic Howard Street: Village Craftsman for local crafts and Books to be Red with a large children’s section and many unique gifts. A fun place to browse, touch, feel and come home with some unique souvenirs.
Ride the Wind Surf Shop: Kayaking tour of the Ocracoke waters. Board the kayaks in the water.
Where to Stay in the Outer Banks
Blackbeard’s Lodge, Ocracoke Island
Blackbeard’s Lodge, a family-friendly spot near the beach and village, blends Ocracoke history. Originating as the 1936 Wahab Village Hotel, it was home to Ocracoke’s first electric power, telephone switchboard, ice and power plants and commuter air service.
Parking by the front door provides easy lobby access with seating and coffee.
She Buys Travel Tip: There is no elevator in this historic three-story building. The ground-floor rooms require four steps for access, posing challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Hilton Garden Inn, Kitty Hawk
The Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk offers oceanfront comfort in this historic town, with the pier and beach just steps away. Expect reliable amenities and service from the
Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant, with healthy morning options and evening beverages.
The hotel is 4 miles from Kill Devil Hills and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, about a 10-minute drive.
Where To Eat In The Outer Banks
Dining is a favorite travel activity for me and Ocracoke offers some of the best seafood I’ve had. Follow my guide here.
She Buys Travel Tip: For popular Ocracoke dinners, book ahead or go early. Several restaurants operate on seasonal hours and tables are in high demand on weekends.
Getting To The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks delivers everything I want from a road trip: a strip of highway hugging the Atlantic, wide-open skies and pull-offs that beg me for a quick photo stop. I board a ferry, drive from beach towns to lighthouses and dine on fresh seafood. Family-run shops and breezy waterfront patios keep the days simple and satisfying.
Ferries connect Ocracoke to Swan Quarter and Cedar Island on the mainland. The Hatteras ferry, one of the busiest, links Ocracoke to the rest of the Outer Banks.
She Buys Travel Tip: Ferry schedules vary by season and sailings can fill up. Check times before you leave your hotel and plan a buffer so you’re not racing the last boat.
Know Before You Go
- Two major airports serve North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) offers daily flights and rental car options for the approximate two-hour drive to the Outer Banks. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is another option, although it’s about a four-hour drive from the Outer Banks.
- Aim for the shoulder seasons for the best mix of value, weather and fewer crowds in the Outer Banks. Late spring and fall deliver the sweet spot.
- Pack for island weather. Conditions shift quickly. Bring layers, rain gear, sunscreen and a windbreaker year-round.
- Expect a car-first trip. You’ll cover long stretches of Highway 12, bridges and ferry routes. Download maps for spotty service.
She Buys Travel Tip: If you travel during hurricane season (June to November), watch forecasts closely and build flexibility into your plans, as ferry services can be disrupted.
The Outer Banks reward travelers who slow down. Take the ferry, eat the local seafood and give yourself time to wander the villages between lighthouse stops. If you only do one thing, make it Ocracoke: it’s the kind of place that turns a road trip into a story you’ll keep telling.
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