The Outer Banks lands a spot on Travel+Leisure's prestigious 'International Best Places to Travel in July' list
Come July, the Outer Banks is the place people love to visit, and there are many reasons behind it. Between the sunshine and an average ocean water temperature of 79°, July is sheer beach weather. The days are long (the average high is 86°), and you can spend most of the time on the beach. You can picnic out or even take a bike ride to watch the sun set over the sound in the evenings which are humid (average low 73°).
The sand is cool under your feet; the sound of the waves lapping against the shore makes it all perfect. In addition, moonlit walks on the beach at night become especially wonderful. Take a look for ghost crabs along the beach or glance up at some of the best stargazing on the whole East coast. There's quite a bit going on in a July OBX - with its summer season in full swing, nothing is lacking.
Here's what makes these barrier islands placed between Atlantic Ocean and North Carolina’s coast one of the world’s top 15 July destinations.
4th of July Celebrations
The Fourth of July at Ocracoke Village begins with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle and is followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. There are lighthouse tours, vintage car shows and live bands all afternoon on stage as part of this weekend's festival performances. There's the Classic Old-Time Parade in which the locals and residents participate by making floats, decorating bikes and golf carts. There’s a lot of singing and dancing that amuses the visitors.
There's a parade, live music and much more at Duck on this day which includes floats, decorated cars and trucks for show, dog-walking clubs as well as people showcasing their talent to entertain the crowds. Visitors can enjoy live music, and refreshments in Duck Town Park after the parade. Interestingly, ABC News has named this amongst the ‘Top 10 best small-town celebrations’ that brings people together for a fun filled patriotic fun day.
The whole town of Manteo gets together to celebrate the nation's birthday in a day-long series of festive events. Begin your day at Island Farm to be a part of a 1850s-style Independence Day. You can watch the farm's animals in their natural surroundings, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, join in games or races, and maybe even have some watermelons. In the afternoon, make a beeline for downtown Manteo waterfront where musicians perform live followed by a patriotic parade. Here everyone gets to stand a chance at winning an all-American contest. Later, in Roanoke Island Festival Park, there is a patriotic concert which starts at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks.
Wright Kite Festival
The annual Wright Kite Festival is held at Wright Brothers National Memorial in mid-July in Kill Devil Hills. You can learn to fly a stunt or power kite and watch the skilled professionals display their flying capabilities at the event, get a kite flying lesson, or fly your own kites. There’s also a kite making station for children which keeps them entertained all day long. Then there’s the world famous North Carolina barbeque whilst you're here. You can also find the OBX Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail that boasts of breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
The activities capture the feel of small-town communities coming together in a mood of unity and festivity. Apart from the festive air, the Outer Banks provides great outdoor pursuits from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding in calm sound water to beachcombing on pristine shorelines or fishing right off the beach. This unique landscape, rich in natural beauty and history and maritime charm, offers an irresistible goal for visitors from all parts of the globe.
Relaxation or excitement, or a little of both, awaits visitors in the Outer Banks. With its own unique combination this chain of barrier islands is clearly a world contender among the great destinations for July.
