5 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina
Claudia has been traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for over 20 years.

Planning a trip to the Outer Banks any time soon? Try to avoid some of these common mistakes, but definitely make time to visit the historic lighthouses.
Glimmer Twin Fan
Visiting the Outer Banks
For me, the beach is pretty much the best vacation destination ever. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy visiting other places as well, but when summer starts rolling around, I can just feel the sun in my hair and the sand in my toes.
As a family, we like to take different vacations each year, so we try to alternate between the beach and the mountains.
Every other year we start planning our beach vacation and we research various beaches we might want to visit. Inevitably, every single time, we decide to go back to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We've gone since we've been married and both my husband and I went separately before we even knew each other.
It's an absolutely spectacular place to visit, and for us, it feels like we are going home, especially as we drive down the highway and get closer and closer to all of the familiar landmarks we love so much.
After years of visiting the Outer Banks, I've come to realize that there are definitely some pitfalls that visitors can avoid with just a little bit of research.
I hope these recommendations will help you if you are planning to visit.

Take your time driving down the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway. There are many beautiful sights to see.
Glimmer Twin Fan
Mistake #1 - Staying in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head
OK, this tip might cause a little discussion because this area is where most people stay, but check out the small towns south of this area, along highway 12. Towns like Avon, Waves, Frisco, Hatteras and Ocracoke all have beautiful vacation homes, but it's almost like a different world.
Sure, it takes extra time to get down there, but it's well worth the drive. There are far fewer people and the natural beauty is incredible. Miles and miles of empty beaches along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore await the visitor.
If you are looking for those traditional beach things like boardwalks or putt putt, you won't find them in these more distant areas, but that is ok. We've never missed any of these glitzy beach amenities.

This was our beach view near where we stayed in Ocracoke during the height of tourist season. It was us and the shore birds all day long.
Glimmer Twin Fan
So if you want less crowds, beautiful natural scenery and the incredible serenity that an empty beach offers, then stay away from the more popular tourist areas like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.
Even if you do stay in one of the more populated areas, take a day and drive down the coast. You won't regret it.
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Mistake #2 - Visiting During the Height of Tourist Season
This mistake is pretty hard to avoid when you have kids and honestly, we go in the summer along with everybody else because our daughter is still in school. But if you can go in the off-season then I highly recommend it.
It is pretty unbelievable how much cheaper the house rentals are, and how empty it is, both before summer gets into full swing, and when it is starting to end. Our favorite time to go is in the fall. The weather is ideal, unless a hurricane is on the horizon, the prices are right, and the crowds are practically nonexistent.
Mistake #3 - Driving on the Beach Unless You Have the Right Equipment
All along Highway 12 are beach access ramps for people to drive onto the beach, and it's really tempting to do it. Who wouldn't want to take a ride on the sand?
Well before you do, make sure that you have:
- The right kind of vehicle
- That it is properly prepared
- That you have the right permits
You can't just jump on the first ramp you come to and cruise out to the ocean. We've seen many visitors stuck in the sand. And if you get stuck too close to the ocean, you run the risk of your vehicle getting wet.
The tow truck companies down there make a decent living off of all of the tourists who get stuck and believe me, it's a lot harder to drive on the beach than you might think.
But it sure is a lot of fun. We pack up our truck with everything we need for the day and easily find a parking spot on what is arguably the most beautiful parking lot in the world.
Mistake #4 - Not Visiting the Sound Side
The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands essentially in the Atlantic Ocean. On the one side is the ocean and on the other is the sound.
The sound is not to be missed. There really aren't any waves to speak of and the water is clear. Along the highway there are a number of access points where you can swim, wade, kayak, and kiteboard. The wildlife you can see is fascinating.

What child wouldn't be fascinated by a treasure like this? Who know where this bottle originally came from, but we left it for all of the critters that were on it to remain.
Glimmer Twin Fan
From hermit crabs to shore birds, it's a treasure for kids and adults alike. The national park service and other organizations offer canoe and wildlife viewing tours throughout the summer.
Lots of people I've spoken to didn't know about all of the fun to be found in the sound.
Mistake #5 - Missing the Sunrise
This one is kind of a no-brainer, but honestly, when I was younger I hated getting up early, so I never did.
Even if it's just one time during your visit, get to the beach before the sun comes up and enjoy the show. You won't regret it. If the weather forecast is good, I go out there every morning. I'm usually one of the only people out there, and it's probably the most peaceful place I have ever been.

Few things can surpass a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Glimmer Twin Fan
Uh Oh, It's Raining!
If it were up to me, the skies would always be clear at the beach, but sometimes it's just not meant to be.
I like to curl up with a good book on a covered porch in the house we rent and read the day away. If it's not raining too hard it's lots of fun to walk on the beach.
But sometimes you just have to get out of the house. Here are a few ideas to stay dry.
Some Things to Do on a Rainy Day
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island |
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Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Hatteras |
Visit the Wright Brothers National Monument's Visitor Center in Kill Devil Hills |
Visit the Frisco Native American Museum in Frisco |
Go Shopping |
© 2017 Claudia Mitchell