The Outer Banks of North Carolina is truly a special place to visit! The Outer Banks offer miles of sandy beaches and ocean views in nearly every direction you look. If you are looking to enjoy the simple pleasure of just going to the beach while on your trip here, here is a list of the top Outer Banks beaches and their access points.
Kitty Hawk Beach
Located on the northern part of the Outer Banks, the town of Kitty Hawk is home to Kitty Hawk Beach. Kitty Hawk Beach is one of the most popular public beaches to visit in the area. You can access this beach at several access points including at Balchen, Bennett, Bleriot, Fonck, Hawks, Lillian, Maynard, and Wilkins streets. If you are driving to the beach, you can also park at the public parking lot at Byrd Street located south of the intersection of Kitty Hawk Road and NC 12. This beach allows dogs also, so all (including your four-legged friend) can enjoy your time here.
Duck Beach
Speaking of four-legged friends, Duck Beach is known as one of the most dog friendly beaches in the country and is also located on the northern part of Outer Banks. Duck Beach is a public beach; however, be aware many walkways to the beach are private access. Make sure you ask permission or access the beach via a public use allowed walkway.
The Beach at Southern Shores
Another great stretch of beach to check out on your tour through the northern part of Outer Banks is in the town of Southern Shores. The town of Southern Shores consists of primarily single family homes and has less development than some of the other towns of the Outer Banks, so visiting this beach will give you that feeling of true escape on your vacation. There are no public access points to this beach either and you will need to either find or have access to a private access point to this beach. In case you are planning on bringing your dog, you will want to consider other beaches, as Southern Shores does not allow dogs.
The Beach at Kill Devil Hills
One of the most popular towns in the Outer Banks is also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and a stretch of beautiful beach. This beach is easily accessible with 19 different access points and plentiful parking. If you are looking for a beach picnic, you can bring your own food and beer to enjoy on the beach. You can also venture into one of many cute and delicious restaurants along the beachfront if meal planning is not something you want to do on vacation.
Nags Head Beach
The beach in the town of Nags Head is truly impressive. It stretches for over 12 miles with 30 different access points. While most beaches in the area have lifeguards on duty, Nags Head Beach has 10 different stationary and mobile lifeguard stations so you and your family can feel at ease during your visit. Dogs are also free to join you on your beach day at Nags Head. Similar to Southern Shores, Nags Head provides a calming and slow paced atmosphere that is sure to make you and your family feel relaxed.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Stretching across 70 miles of beach, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands on the southern part of the Outer Banks. This is a protected beach area that gives you an idea of how beautiful the beaches of this area really are without the bells and whistles of fun and bustling beach towns. Accessing these seashores is easy: Simply find any public parking spot or pull over along a stretch of shoreline and walk towards the ocean.
The Outer Banks are truly a unique geographical area filled with plenty of activities no matter what you are interested in. With miles of public beaches in the area, you are sure to find a beautiful beach nearby any town you visit.