Looking for the best Outer Banks towns to visit on your vacation to the OBX? We can help you! In all honesty, each Outer Banks town has something special to offer so no matter which towns you choose to visit on your OBX vacation, you’re sure to be glad you did! The Outer Banks is home to a number of towns, but if you’re looking for a big city, the OBX isn’t the place to find it! The Outer Banks is dotted with friendly towns and villages that provide not only all the services and necessities that visitors to the OBX will be looking for but lots of extras as well, and all with a side of small town charm.
Learn more below about these popular Outer Banks, NC towns:
- The Town of Corolla
- The Town of Duck
- The Town of Kitty Hawk
- The Town of Nags Head
- The Town of Southern Shores
- The Town of Kill Devil Hills
The Outer Banks, NC is one of the most unique places in the US. Stretching over 100 miles and bordered by water to the east and west, the OBX provides some of the best beach vacationing in the country and some of the friendliest towns.
Visitors to the many OBX towns can enjoy discovering the uniqueness of each town while exploring and enjoying local Outer Banks shops, restaurants, beaches and community events. Whether you’re surfing, fishing, shopping, eating or simply relaxing with friends and family at your vacation rental, you’re sure to have an enjoyable time. Taking a relaxing stroll through the towns of the OBX is always a great way to spend a day as well! A highlight of the OBX towns is the Duck Town boardwalk which spans the length of the town and lets visitors walk along the beautiful sound while popping into shops and cafes along the way.
To help you explore what makes these Outer Banks towns unique, we’ve made a handy guide to help you explore more about the towns of the OBX and all they have to offer!
Take a look below …
The Outer Banks Town Of Corolla, NC
The Outer Banks town of Corolla is best known for its large, sandy beaches, and is one of the most popular OBX towns among beach-goers. One of the main draws of the town of Corolla are the famous wild horses, descendants of Colonial Spanish Mustangs that now roam free along sections of the coast.
The overall pace of the town of Corolla, much like the whole of the Outer Banks, is relaxed, and with plenty of things for families and children to do. Enjoy excellent food, shopping, golfing, bike rentals and of course, relaxing on the beach. The town was mainly developed in the 1990’s through to the present, giving the architecture a modern and luxurious feel.
The Outer Banks Town Of Duck, NC
The quaint Outer Banks town of Duck has maintained much of the charm that has kept visitors returning since the 1970s. With many town-sponsored activities such as outdoor concerts and yoga, the OBX town of Duck caters to family vacationers. It’s no surprise that this Outer Banks town was named one of the best beaches in America for families.
Duck is also home to some of the finest food and shopping that the Outer Banks towns have to offer, which are accessible by a meandering soundside boardwalk that lines the length of the town. It is also host to the annual Duck Jazz Festival in October, as well as some of the best kayaking, biking, and fishing on the East Coast.
The Outer Banks Town Of Kitty Hawk, NC
One of the main draws of the town of Kitty Hawk, NC is its central location. Close to the main bridge that connects the Outer Banks to the mainland, Kitty Hawk is easily accessible and a short distance to grocery stores and shops.
This OBX town is also home to beautiful beaches and historical attractions, and is a short drive to the location where the Wright Brothers took their historic first flight in 1903 (many don’t know this, but the famous first flight actually took place down the street in Kill Devil Hills!). After a day lounging on the beach, there are wonderful bars and restaurants to choose from in town that provide some of the best food and atmosphere on the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks Town Of Nags Head, NC
The relaxed pace of the historic town of Nags Head, coupled with its 11 miles of oceanfront, makes it an ideal Outer Banks town for a family beach vacation.
The town of Nags Head is also home to Oregon Inlet, where you can take one of the world-renowned offshore fishing charters to the Gulf Stream, a truly unique OBX experience you’ll never forget.
Many of the Outer Banks best-known festivals are held in the town of Nags Head, including the Outer Banks Seafood Festival held each October. This festival draws visitors and locals to the town each year. Of course, even if you’re not visiting in October there is plenty to do, including visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the largest sand dune on the East Coast!
The Outer Banks Town Of Southern Shores, NC
The Outer Banks town of Southern Shores is a small community on the Outer Banks nestled between Duck and Kitty Hawk.
The town’s location also gives visitors easy access to all the amenities of the neighboring towns as well, but generally with fewer people. Southern Shores is a perfect vacation town for those wishing to truly get away from it all yet have easy access to shops, dining, and activities of the Outer Banks towns.
Unwind as you stroll along miles of quiet beaches, or take a bike ride along the multi-use path. Southern Shores is a perfect destination on the Outer Banks, an OBX town that is sure to delight.
The Outer Banks Town Of Kill Devil Hills, NC
The OBX town of Kill Devil Hills is centrally located on the Outer Banks. This town is a popular OBX vacation spot for the active family. In addition to traditional beach cottages with private ocean walkways, this stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean also offers public beach accesses, some with parking, bathhouses and special accessibility. Lifeguards are stationed every half-mile for your family’s safety and convenience (seasonal).
A wide range of restaurants are within easy reach in the town of Kill Devil Hills, along with surf shops, miniature golf, go-carts, laser tag, a bowling alley, movie theater and grocery stores and of course, the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Many families choose Kill Devil Hills as home base when choosing which of the Outer Banks towns to stay in as it has such easy access to so many family-friendly activities and amenities.