People often say that the entire Outer Banks is one big beach. In fact, these barrier islands are approximately 175 miles long, most of which are in North Carolina. Also, they all consist primarily of sand. There are beaches with awesome shore breaks and piers with an aquarium. There is also a very remote beach with wild horses.
There are people, fun, plenty of entertainment, warm water, and dozens of gifts, flip-flops, and swimsuits hanging on the neighboring palm trees around beaches in the Outer Banks. If you're someone who prefers peaceful places with your family you can take a ferry and go to Ocracoke Beach for peace and some great shells.
You have many choices when it comes to beaches on this island as every beach is unique and one can choose the one depending on their preferences. Here, we list the most popular beaches in the Outer Banks which are frequented by visitors all year round.
1. Kitty Hawk Beach
If you are coming from the north, this is the first one you will come to, a delightful beach that is a vibrant place to be in summer. Access to the beach is via one of twelve boardwalks up and over the sand dunes. There is parking at each of those, 266 spaces in all for the whole beach, so go early. Most of these places are wide, and this beach is both wide and long, with lots of visitors there are having a great time.
2. Avon Beach
This beach is an amiable affair that stays below most people’s radar. It’s another one that is wide and long, but it’s not particularly crowded. On the whole, visitors here are families renting motels close to the beach, and if you are one of them, you can stay right by the water – or back further to the dunes in reasonable winds. Later on come back down to the beach and collect driftwood for a cheery beach fire under the stars.
3. Ocracoke Island
It's a bit of a trek to get here, but the rest of the world is left behind once you do. Sixteen miles of beach is all that is here, and it is entirely undeveloped other than a few national park campsites. This is one of the best places in the whole of the Outer Banks to walk, run, swim, and surf, and this is one of the best beaches of the lot for shelling.
4. Rodanthe Beach
Rodanthe beach seems to extend endlessly and are relatively low-key spots for both sunning and swimming. Moreover, if you are an RV’er, this place is one of the best in Outer Banks to grab a camper and spend your time.
5. Waves Beach
Just a few miles south of Rodanthe beaches lays another gem of a beach which is family-friendly and perfect for your summer vacations. It is where families vacation on the mile-long Atlantic beaches. They also pack their best kites and head to Pamlico Sound shores as it is one of the best places to go kiteboarding in the Outer Banks.
6. Carova Beach
This beach is also similar to many other Outer Banks beaches, hosting excellent sand and swimming. However, what sets this beach apart is the year-round inhabitants, Corolla wild horses. People are allowed to spot them from their 4×4 vehicles by driving along the beach. Or they can also take a tour to see those fantastic creatures.
7. Cape Point Beach
This triangular piece of beach that juts out to the south is surrounded by water on three sides. As a result, there are waves on one side and calm waters on the other. This is one of the best places for shore fishing. Finally, there’s the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which gives incredible view of the coast from the top.
8. Sandbridge Beach
Most people think that the Outer Banks are entirely in North Carolina, however, Virginia does have a portion in the extreme northern end. Sandbridge Beach is significantly closer to Virginia Beach, only a 40-minute drive, making it a popular weekend destination. This six-mile stretch of beach is laid-back, relatively quiet, uncrowded, and relaxed. It’s a great spot to spend a weekend or longer in one of the many vacation homes for rent.
9. Portsmouth Island
If Ocracoke Island sounds too busy for you, the beaches of Portsmouth Island might work out just fine. The barrier island stretches for 22 miles and is rarely more than one mile across. It is also completely uninhabited. The entire island is one giant campground. Just pick a spot back in the dunes, set up, and settle in.
10. Salvo
Salvo, just south of Waves, is no slouch when it comes to beaches. For a little spot in the road and the smallest town in the Outer Banks, Salvo has a very big reputation. Salvo is one of the few areas along the Outer Banks that has decent beaches on both the Atlantic and Pamlico Sound. Along the Atlantic, Salvo’s beaches are among the best long stretches of golden sand on the island, washed by the never-ending waves of the Atlantic.