Number Days Needed for a Outer Banks Vacation (2024)

Number Days Needed for a Outer Banks Vacation (1)

Spiral staircases. Wild horses. Fresh seafood. There are many things to see and do while visiting North Carolina's Outer Banks!

While planning a trip to the barrier islands, travelers should spend some time crafting at least a rough itinerary of things they'd like to accomplish during their stay. After all, unless you are fortunate enough to live along NC's coast, you have limited time to make the most of your stay.

So, how many days should you plan to visit the Outer Banks? We recommend you set aside at least three days for an Outer Banks vacation. However, it would be preferable to spend an entire week along the coast of North Carolina.

Here are a few popular things to do while vacationing on the OBX.

  • Lounge on the beach
  • Learn how to hang glide
  • Climb to the top of a lighthouse - or five
  • Spot a Spanish Mustang horse roaming the beach
  • Eat way too much locally-sourced seafood
  • Catch a sunset on the sound side and sunrise on the ocean side

If traveling to the Outer Banks during the summer, you may be required to book a week-long stay in a rental home or condo - there is no option for a partial stay.

I'm a vacation rental homeowner. You want your property to have 100% occupancy to maximize rental revenue. When it's the summertime, there is plenty of demand for families willing to commit to a Saturday-to-Saturday rental.

Now, if you can only stay for about three days, you can always try to snag a last-minute stay during the peak season. Or, you can plan your vacation for the shoulder season when homeowners are more willing to accept shorter stays because the area is less bustling.

Visiting during the offseason is also a great way to save hundreds and thousands of dollars on your vacation. However, remember that the price you see online for a stay is often negotiable if you are willing to inquire via phone or email.

How to get to the Outer Banks

Most decide to drive to the barrier islands. However, if you live in one of the neighboring states or the Midwest or Northeast, you can conceivably go to the Outer Banks in a day. Plus, you'll have your car drive back and forth along the beach road and load up on beach games, groceries, clothes, etc.

Those within a day or so driving distance should consider flying to a nearby airport—the closest major airport's located in Norfolk, VA. There are a couple of smaller airports that are closer, but you'd have to fly privately.

Conclusion

If possible, plan an Outer Banks getaway that will extend at the bare minimum of three days - seven days is preferable, though!

Before you arrive, you can enjoy a live view of what's going on by peering at one of the manyOuter Banks live webcams that spread out along the coast.

Number Days Needed for a Outer Banks Vacation (2024)

FAQs

Number Days Needed for a Outer Banks Vacation? ›

So, how many days should you plan to visit the Outer Banks? We recommend you set aside at least three days for an Outer Banks vacation. However, it would be preferable to spend an entire week along the coast of North Carolina.

How long should you stay in the Outer Banks? ›

The Outer Banks is filled to the brim with fun and exciting things to do. You could comfortably spend a week exploring the island for sure. But with the best itinerary in place, you can easily hit all of the island's highlights in a span of 3 to 4 days.

What is the best month to go to the Outer Banks? ›

The best time to visit the Outer Banks is between March and May or September and November, when lodging rates drop and crowds dissipate.

How long does it take to drive the entire Outer Banks? ›

However, as a general rule of thumb, you can spend about five hours driving the entire byway. You don't need to drive the entire byway to explore and enjoy the Outer Banks. If you're making pit stops along the way, there are plenty of cool places to pause without wasting time.

What is the best time to drive into the Outer Banks? ›

If you can time it so you are across the Wright Memorial Bridge bridge and onto the Outer Banks BEFORE 11 am, you will miss the majority of the traffic. If you have problems getting stuck on HWY 64 in Virginia, there are plenty of alternate routes.

Is it worth going to the Outer Banks? ›

The Outer Banks is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, each offering its own unique beauty and charm. From the iconic ocean sunrises to the serene sound sunsets, the scenery in the OBX is truly a photographer's paradise.

What is the best way to see the Outer Banks? ›

The best way to get around Outer Banks is by car. The islands stretch about 130 miles, which means attractions are relatively spread out. Having your own wheels will give you the freedom to check them out at your leisure.

What is the nicest part of the Outer Banks? ›

The Best Places to Live in the Outer Banks
  • Corolla. The most northern town in the Outer Banks, Corolla is home to miles of beautiful beaches, wild horses, fabulous restaurants, a plethora of outdoor activities, and great golfing. ...
  • Duck. ...
  • Southern Shores. ...
  • Kitty Hawk. ...
  • Kill Devil Hills. ...
  • Nags Head. ...
  • Manteo. ...
  • Rodanthe.

What is peak hurricane season on the Outer Banks? ›

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

What months can you swim Outer Banks? ›

After viewing the chart, it's apparent that if you want to take a swim in the Atlantic during your Outer Banks vacation, then you should definitely plan your visit during the months of May through October.

How long is the ferry ride to Outer Banks? ›

The Cedar Island Ferry is 2¼ hours long and the Swan Quarter is 2½ hours long. Reservations are recommended and absolutely required in the summer; make them by calling 800-BY-FERRY [(800)293-3779], or you can go online at www.ncdot.gov. You must claim your reservation 30 minutes prior to your departure time.

Is Outer Banks cheap? ›

The average cost per night, per person in an oceanfront Outer Banks vacation rental home is as low as $45 a night!

How much does it cost to drive on the beach in the Outer Banks? ›

Check here for ORV use information at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The cost of an annual ORV permit (valid for one year from date of purchase) is $120. The cost for a 10-day ORV permit is $50. You must bring your driver's license and vehicle registration with you.

How many days do you need in Outer Banks? ›

We recommend you set aside at least three days for an Outer Banks vacation.

What is the least crowded part of the Outer Banks? ›

Least Crowded Beach in the Outer Banks

For solitude seekers, Hatteras Island is genuinely an Outer Banks Island. It stands out as the least crowded beach, providing ample space for relaxation without the interference of bustling crowds.

Do you need 4WD for Outer Banks? ›

Visitors most definitely need a 4WD vehicle to drive on the Outer Banks beaches to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand. Can you drive on the Outer Banks beaches with an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle? Visitors are discouraged from driving on the Outer Banks beaches with an AWD vehicle.

How much time passes in Outer Banks? ›

Here's my final math on this: If John B was showering to go to school right before Season 1 started, and each season of Outer Banks takes place over the course of about two weeks, with one month of Poguelandia time in between Seasons 2 and 3 and an 18-month time jump in the finale episode, then John B's total time ...

How long is Outer Banks start to finish? ›

The Outer Banks (frequently abbreviated OBX) are a 200 mi (320 km) string of barrier islands and spits off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, on the east coast of the United States.

Do people vacation in the Outer Banks? ›

The Outer Banks is one of the most famous vacation destinations in the country...

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