5 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina

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 a just a little bit of research.

I hope these recommendations will help you if you are planning to visit.

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 less 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 board walks or putt putt, you won't find it them in these more distant areas, but that is ok. We've never missed any of these glitzy beach amenities.

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 touristy 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.

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.

All along Highway 12 are beach access ramps for people to drive on to the beach, and it's really tempting to do it. Who wouldn't want to take a ride on the 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.

The Outer Banks are 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 kite board. The wildlife you can see is fascinating.

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.

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 the it's probably the most peaceful place I have ever been.

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.