The Outer Banks (OBX) are a 175 miles (280 km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States. They cover approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline, separating the Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. Also called the Banks chain of barrier islands extending southward more than 175 miles (280 km) along the coast of North Carolina, U.S., from Back Bay, Virginia, to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. From north to south they comprise Currituck Banks; Bodie, Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Portsmouth islands; and North Core, South Core, and Shackleford banks. North Carolina’s Outer Banks are a popular tourist destination due to the rich historical attractions, the miles of pristine beaches. They cover approximately the northern half of North Carolina's coastline, separating the Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. Popular Outer Banks Attractions are: Paddling, Biking, Hiking, Birding, Boating, Wineries & Vineyards, Shopping, Restaurants & Food. A1 Outer Banks Vacation is dedicated to provide detailed information on Outer Banks Vacation Rental homes, condos, cabins, chalets, beachhouses, and cottages direct by owners in North Carolina.

The Outer Banks are a major tourist destination, and are known for temperate weather and wide expanses of wide open beachfront. The Wright Brothers' first flight in a powered, heavier-than-air vehicle took place on the Outer Banks on December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills, near the sea-front town of Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers National Monument commemorates the historic flights, and First Flight Airport is a small, general-aviation airfield located there.

An English colony—where the first person of English descent, Virginia Dare, was born on American soil—vanished without a trace from Roanoke Island in 1587. The treacherous seas off the Outer Banks and the large number of shipwrecks that have occurred there have given these seas the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located in Hatteras Village near the United States Coast Guard facility and Hatteras ferry.

Outer Banks Map

The Outer Banks are a chain of long but narrow barrier islands that lie off the coast of North Carolina. Portions of Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties make up the Outer Banks.

Outer Banks Vacation Destinations

Outer Banks Attractions and Activities

The Outer Banks is a "do all, see all" kind of vacation spot where there are so many different types of attractions to visit. In fact, that it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what to do as they all look to be so fun.

Did you know that the first colony to settle these shores from England was established right here in the Outer Banks? We have many different attractions to celebrate this historical event. Pirates appeal to your sense of fun? Blackbeard made his home as well as his last stand here in the Outer Banks. Interested in aviation? The first powered flight was guess where? That's "Wright" it was here in the Outer Banks!

The Graveyard of the Atlantic is here off the coast and it has many lighthouses to visit and enjoy. Do Shipwrecks appeal to your sense of adventure? You can visit shipwreck remnants right on these very beaches. Interested in Native American art? There are excavations and museums in Outer Banks where you can quench your thirst. Does sunbathing on wide sandy white beaches with nothing but the sound of the ocean waves in your ears and a cool drink in your hand, fill your mind with peace? Perhaps the thrill of a rod and reel in your hand makes your heart go "pitter patter".

Amazingly enough, all of this and more you will find right here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Sit back, relax and read on to learn about the attractions on the Outer Banks.

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