Carova Beach and Swan Beach

This area is also known as the 4 wheel drive area and are the northern border of the Outer Banks. This narrow strip of sand is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound making it perfect for water sports, surf fishing or doing absolutely nothing. The wide, pristine beaches of Corolla are located just north of Duck, North Carolina. Corolla offers historic sites, ample shopping, fabulous dining and of course amazing homes!Corolla is the most recently developed area on the Outer Banks and is part of Currituck County. Corolla is home to some of the most opulent homes that the Outer Banks has to offer but you can still find simple, no-frills beach cottages as well. Many communities offer abundant amenities so there is never a shortage of things to do.Corolla has become a vacation wonderland. With all the activities, shopping and restaurants plus gorgeous beaches, there's something for everyone, rain or shine.

Duck

The quaint village of Duck is located just south of Corolla, but still on the northern end of the Outer Banks. This area remained undeveloped until the 1970's. Quiet stretches of beach, soundfront water sports, shopping and restaurants are in ample supply. Duck has managed to retain "old beach charm" while offering all the amenities necessary for a great Outer Banks vacation. Duck, North Carolina is home of the Army Corp of Engineers Research Facility and is located within minutes of the Wright Memorial, historic Roanoke Island, Currituck Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club.

The multi-use path is also perfect for a scenic morning run or evening walk with the family while visiting the Outer Banks and invites you to take advantage of the small town atmosphere and stroll or bike to your destination. Duck is an eclectic mix of old and new, but even the newest and most lavish vacation homes harmonize with the charm and appeal of the village style. Duck earned its name from the abundance of migrating waterfowl that used to be the area's main attraction. Graceful wading birds, powerful ospreys and vocal geese and ducks are easy to spot.Duck offers a family-friendly atmosphere, great shopping and restaurants, numerous communities with amenities and miles of peaceful beaches. What more could you ask for?

Southern Shores

Southern Shores is located along US 158 and NC 12, between Duck and Kitty Hawk; it stretches from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean to the calm waters of the Currituck Sound. Considered by many as a premier Outer Banks residential and vacation spot. This beautiful area is known for its beautiful homes, live oak trees, blooming dogwoods and tremendous community pride. This peaceful Outer Banks town offers a variety of settings, from oceanfront to dune top or nestled in live oaks and blooming dogwoods. Southern Shores has private ocean and sound accesses which requires a community parking pass ($10 deposit). The beauty and solitude of Southern Shores' beaches are unsurpassed.

Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is a family oriented town with miles of gorgeous beaches, full of history, character and a great number of communities. Often credited for being the birthplace of flight, Kitty Hawk lies between Southern Shores and Kill Devil Hills; just south of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Currituck County. Outer Banks mile post markers begin here.

Most of Kitty Hawk beach area has a very low dune line and offers some of the best unobstructed ocean views on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina offers a wide variety of Outer Banks beach vacation homes. From elaborate oceanfront cottages to quaint clapboard sided cottages on the sound. Outer Banks cottages located on the soundside are perfectly positioned viewing incredible sunsets or family walks along the quiet residential streets. If ocean views are your choice, beach cottages on ‘beach road' or ‘between the highways' can be a great choice. Kitty Hawk has numerous public beach accesses, several with parking.

Kitty Hawk offers lots more than just pretty beaches. Kitty Hawk also offers a more than adequate amount of shopping and restaurants, both established and new, while maintaining the charm of the Outer Banks. Small shopping centers can be found all along the bypass. Terrific restaurants can be found from beach road to bypass, from fine dining to beachside burger and shake stands. Kitty Hawk is reminiscent of the beaches of yesterday and a great location for spending another great vacation on the Outer Banks.

Kill Devil Hills

Established in 1952, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is the Outer Banks' oldest township. Kill Devil Hills was the site of the historic 1903 Wright Brothers first sealing its place in history books forever.

Kill Devil Hills is the commercial hub of the Outer Banks. Here, you'll find "French Fry Alley," the nickname for the string of fast food chains that can be found around Milepost 9. There are also several locally owned restaurants, most with terrific, reasonably priced food and a unique atmosphere. There are also many great communities in Kill Devil Hills.

The sandy dunes of Kill Devil Hills once stretched from sound to sea. Kill Devil Hill was one of the larger of the dunes, and stories about how the monolith got its name are varied and colorful; the generally accepted one is that it is named for "Kill Devil," a brand of rum found washed ashore during the colonial period which was strong enough to 'kill the devil'. The Wright Brother's Monument is the focal part of the town, sitting high atop Kill Devil Hill in the center of the town. The beacon on the top of the 61 foot pylon has been relit and can be seen for miles.

Nags Head/South Nags Head

Nags Head, North Carolina has been a popular vacation destination for over 150 years. Around 1830, Nags Head became known as a plush resort area. Nags Head offers abundance of activities; including Jockey's Ridge. Jockey's Ridge is the home of the highest sand dune on the East Coast with peaks and more than 80 feet.

Surrounding Jockey's Ridge State Park, you'll find a variety of Outer Banks cottages. The beaches of Nags Head, North Carolina offer incredible surf fishing, golfing, wildlife and of course shopping; its all here!

The look of Nags Head changes a lot as you travel from north to south. Northern Nags Head has more shopping, restaurants and activities. South Nags Head is mostly residential and accessed by the beach road. Much of South Nags Head backs up to protected park service land making it the perfect location for bird watching! Nags Head, North Carolina is just minutes from the Currituck Lighthouse, Whalehead Club, historic Roanoke Island and the Bodie Island Light Station.

Nags Head cottages range from classic "Old Nags Head" style cottages that are full of character and history to large, modern luxury homes with pools and hot tubs. Many subdivisions offer community amenities as well. The charm, and history, of Nags Head, North Carolina is captivating, and the town has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a vacation with something new to do everyday or want nothing more than relaxing, untroubled days on the beach, Nags Head has it all.

The legend of Nags Head is that in the days of pirates when tales drifted ashore of the wonderful treasures being plundered at sea, one of the "bankers", (natives to the Outer Banks) got the inspiration which brought about the name Nags Head. A lantern was tied around the neck of an old gentle horse, and this old nag was slowly led up and down the dunes now known as Jockey's Ridge, so that the light from the lantern shone out to sea. As a ship's captain saw this light, it appeared to be from a ship riding at anchor in a sheltered harbor, but when he tried to make anchorage his ship would go aground, with land pirates then doing in the crew before looting and burning the ship.

Roanoke Island

Roanoke Island is full of history and heritage; you have to experience it to believe it. Roanoke Island is located west of Nags Head, North Carolina and reached by a series of short bridges that provide incredible views of the Roanoke Sound.

The first English colony called Roanoke Island home before their disappearance in 1587. The Lost Colony, the story of their arrival and mysterious disappearance, is the longest running outdoor drama in the country.

You have to experience the magic of Roanoke Island to believe it. Getting around this small, quaint island is a breeze. It's perfect for walking-they even offer a walking/bike trail that runs the length of the island. If you visit Roanoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks and water activities appeal to you, hop aboard one of the tour boats on the pristine Manteo Waterfront in Olde Towne Manteo.

The waterfront in downtown Manteo offers shops, restaurants, antiques, art galleries and a public boat ramp. It's easy to spend an entire day here! You can also visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, North Carolina Aquarium and Roanoke Island Festival Park. Roanoke Island also has great communities are designed to enhance your vacation experience.

Hatteras Island

Large, wide open spaces - that's what Hatteras Island, North Carolina is all about! A 72 mile stretch from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island was designated as the nation's first National Seashore in 1953. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses some of the most historic and environmentally fragile land in the world. Hatteras Island definitely has a history all it's own. In the 16th century, Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci landed on the beaches of Hatteras, German U-boats washed up on the same beaches over 400 years later and somewhere in between the beaches were terrorized by the likes of the infamous Blackbeard. The northern part of the island is dotted by the towns of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo. The southern part of the island is dotted with the towns of Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo

You can feel the pace of life slow down as you cross the Bonner Bridge onto Hatteras Island. The trio of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo lie at the northern end of the island, just past the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. The island is a homeowner and vacationer's dream, with gorgeous wide beaches and crystal blue waters. No matter which town you choose, the natural beauty and tranquility is unparalleled. These three northern villages offer many small shops and restaurants, a water park with go-carts and a soundside day-use area.

Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo offer solitude and magnificent natural beauty. From serene ocean sunrises to stunning soundfront vistas, you can't help but relax, unwind and appreciate all that this unspoiled island has to offer.

Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village

These 4 villages lie at the southern end of Hatteras Island. This area is rich with a history of lifesaving, boat building and fishing and is world-renowned for both its surfing and windsurfing. The Canadian Hole, between Avon and Buxton, is famous for its strong, reliable winds and gets its name from the large number of Canadian windsurfers that frequent it. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton, has been called the "Wave Magnet" because it is close to such a great surf break. Buxton's Cape Point is a terrific spot for surf fishing, or check out one of the local piers. Hatteras is also very close to the Gulf Stream, so an offshore fishing trip is a great way to spend a day. You also won't want to miss a visit to Buxton Woods, Hatteras Island's beautiful maritime forest. You won't be disappointed, no matter which town you choose.

Hatteras Island offers a wealth of natural beauty. Locals and visitors alike relish the serenity and tranquility of this peaceful island. Convenience has now been added to the list of the island's benefits. Recent development has brought a large grocery store, a movie theater, new restaurants and shops. If you're truly looking for a get away from it all vacation, the stunning beauty and solitude of Hatteras Island are well worth the extra driving time.