Beyond Hatteras - Outer Banks, NC
The Virginia Dare Trail, or otherwise known as N.C. Highway 12, is your gateway to The Outer Banks of North Carolina. Guiding you along the shoreline of the Outer Banks, this road will lead you to unforgettable experiences, memorable travels, beautiful Outer Banks vacation rentals, and pristine beaches just waiting for your arrival. Not only is the Outer Banks known for its stunning and tranquil beaches, it is also known for its rich history. History lies all around the Outer Banks, and learning and opportunities to explore are right outside your front door! The charming towns and villages that line this stretch of highway are each unique and have something different to offer everyone—all it takes is a little exploration!
The Northern beaches of the Outer Banks include the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Duck is the newest and northern most town in the area, and is continuing to grow year after year! Duck is most known for its exquisite waterfront dining and shopping, as well as the beautiful sound-side boardwalks. If you love collecting shells and sea glass, the private, isolated beaches of Duck make it a perfect spot for beach combing during your Outer Banks vacation! Continuing from Duck, Southern Shores is the next town you will come upon. Southern Shores is a golfer’s paradise, with beautiful stretches of green golf courses. With much of its natural vegetation still intact, the landscape provides great pathways and trails to adventure on.
Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are the most central towns, making them appealing because of their location. Located directly in between Roanoke and Hatteras Islands, these towns are close to it all! Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are filled with history and adventure from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the gigantic sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Bodie Island Lighthouse, maritime forests, fishing piers and convenient Hatteras Rentals! All over the Outer Banks, you will find the perfect conditions for top-notch water sports and fishing. Whether you choose to stay sound-side, or ocean-side, our Outer Banks beach rentals are where its at! Traveling through the Northern beaches you will have no trouble finding great shopping, from locally owned shops to outlet malls, restaurants, from fast food to fine dining, family friendly activities, and a variety of accommodations including cottages, condos, and motels.
Roanoke Island consists of two quaint towns, Manteo and Wanchese. These two quiet towns are tucked away from the busy streets, but are just minutes away from all the other Outer Banks attractions. Manteo is another town in the Outer Banks that has a rich history. Manteo is recognized for its beautiful historic waterfront area where you can see the 16th Century Elizabeth II, The Lost Colony, the Roanoke Island Festival Park, and The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. There are plenty of great shops and outdoor dining restaurants all within walking distance along the waterfront. Manteo is a great place to get out and explore the beautiful surroundings! Wanchese, just opposite of Manteo, is famous for its commercial fishing fleets and fresh seafood catches! Maintaining the old tradition, Wanchese remains a fishing village that provides delicious, fresh seafood year round to the local Outer Banks restaurants.
A short ferry ride from Hatteras Island will bring you to the small island of Ocracoke, comprised of just one village on its southern most tip. Getting to Ocracoke is an adventure in itself; this island is only accessible by ferry, boat, or plane! This island is built around a great deal of history—the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the Ocracoke Preservation Museum, and the British Cemetery can are all popular sites to visit while staying on Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke has one-of-a-kind shopping as each gallery and shop are locally owned and operated by residents of the Island. Between the village of Ocracoke and the ferry docks, you will find the famous Ocracoke ponies that roamed the island for centuries before they were secured by fences. The best way to get around the island and see the sights of Ocracoke is by foot or by bike!
There are endless possibilities and places to visit on and beyond Hatteras—all are just waiting to be discovered by you! The beaches, historic sites, maritime forests, and so much more are right in front of you. Whether you are in the mood for a quiet get away, or an eventful night on the town, staying in one of our charming Outer Banks vacation rentals is always a great idea. The Outer Banks has something in store for any taste. So what are you waiting for, let your adventure begin today, and discover the world beyond Hatteras!