There’s nothing quite like a beach vacation. The wind in your hair, the sand between your toes, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It’s what summer dreams are made of.
One of the best beaches on the East Coast of the U.S. is Outer Banks, North Carolina. The Outer Banks is technically a string of islands just off the coast of North Carolina, but locals and travelers alike have loved this area for its gorgeous beaches.
If you’re planning a beach trip soon, you should seriously consider visiting the Outer Banks as your destination. Plus, with the OBX beach hacks, we share in this article, you’ll have all of the knowledge you need to make this your best beach trip yet.
Get to OBX Early and Enjoy the Sights While You Wait
Our first tip has to do with your vacation arrival in general. If your travel schedule has you arriving in the area during rush hour times (between 8-10 a.m. or 4-7 p.m.), you’re going to get stuck in a lot of traffic, which is never a good way to kick off a vacation.
Instead, try to plan your arrival toward the late morning or early afternoon, so you arrive when it’s somewhat quiet and you can find your way around. The thing about arriving in the middle of the day is that there will usually be a few hours you’ll need to fill before you can check in to your hotel or vacation rental.
While you wait, try to drive around and take in the sights of the area, or stop for a tasty bite at a local restaurant like the Kill Devil Grill.
Use Yoga Mats or Towel Anchors to Stay Put
Once you get settled and make your way to the beach, get smarter about your beach camp situation by using either yoga mats to lay on or towel anchors to help things stay put. Yoga mats offer more support and cushion than a towel ever will, and towel anchors are like stakes that help keep your towel in the sand rather than blowing around, sending sand everywhere.
You could even use both: place a yoga mat down and then spread a wide beach towel down on top, using towel anchors to secure it in place. Then, you’ll have a soft place to rest that won’t be going anywhere even when the wind blows.
Rent Equipment for Convenience
If you’re not fond of lugging all your beach equipment to and from the beach each day of your vacation, lean into the conveniences of the area by choosing a beach where they offer beach equipment rentals and set-up. Not only will you not have to carry a bunch of sandy items to and from the beach each day, but you also won’t have to worry about setting anything up.
You can choose beach chairs and umbrellas or even a few cabanas with plenty of shade for a comfortable beach trip.
Set a Timer for SPF
It’s crucial to keep yourself protected from the hot Outer Banks sun, so you want to apply sunscreen at least every two hours while at the beach. If you’re spending time in the ocean or pool, you may even need to reapply it more frequently than that.
It’s easy to forget, especially if Pina Coladas are involved, so save yourself the task of remembering by setting a timer on your phone for every two hours to remind you to reapply.
Refresh Beach Safety Knowledge
Even if you consider yourself a beach regular, it’s never a bad idea to refresh your beach safety knowledge, especially if you’re traveling with kids who might not be the most experienced beach-goers or swimmers.
Refresh your memory on how to swim out of a riptide, when to come in if the waters get too rough, and how to get help if someone is having trouble swimming or staying afloat.
Feed the Turtles
One of our favorite Outer Banks beach hacks isn’t really about the actual beach at all. If you head to Kitty Hawk just nearby, you should make a stop at Sandy Run Park. There, you’ll find a big group of turtles congregating around the park for a snack. Visitors can feed the turtles a variety of healthy snacks, like veggies and fruit.
If you want to get a closer view, you could even take a kayak for a ride and feed them from the boat.
Indulge in Ice Cream for You and the Pups
Another one of the best OBX beach hacks is made for all the dog owners out there (or just folks who love ice cream). Head to John’s ice cream shop just down the street from the turtle park and get yourself a delicious ice cream cone for you and your furry friend! John’s offers pup cups for dogs of all sizes, and they always love it.
Utilize Beach Rental Disposables as Beach Toys
If your beach rental came with plastic utensils or serving utensils, they can make a great alternative to beach toys if you’ve forgotten them or would rather not buy a full set just for one vacation. Forks make interesting lines in the sand, spoons can help move sand into a pail, and spatulas can help flatten things down (like sandcastles). Then, you can either rinse them off back home or simply throw them out if they’re disposable.
Bring a Mesh Bag for Beach Finds
There are always tons of treasures to be found on the beach, and bringing them home can make for wonderful keepsakes or souvenirs. No one wants to bring the sand home, however. It can feel hard to avoid the sand when it’s everywhere, but mesh bags are a great hack to storing the things you want to bring home but leaving the sand behind. Put your shells, sand dollars, and sea glass into a fine mesh bag and shake loosely to let the sand fall out before you get back in the car or beach rental.
Check Out the Famous Beach Castle
Just past Jockey’s Ridge is a famous “sandcastle” that sticks up out of the sand. It’s a great spot for fun photo ops, and kids always love climbing inside to feel like they’re in their own little castle. Some days, depending on the weather and the sand, only the tops of the castle are visible, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the full castle in all its glory.
Always Utilize the Beach Showers
Just like you don’t want to bring the sand back on your souvenirs, you also don’t want to bring the sand back with you. Those who don’t go to the beach often can easily get frustrated with lingering sand, but many of them don’t realize the beauty of beach showers and the important function they serve.
A beach shower can get all of the salty, sandy water and residue off of you before you get in the car, where sand can easily track in (and can be incredibly difficult to get out). Extra points if you bring a body wash and shampoo as well to get the ocean residue off.
Use Baby Powder to Repel Sand After Showering
Once you’re done showering, sand has a way of getting back on you, whether from beach equipment, dirty towels, or simply the wind. You can repel some of this sand by staying dry, and you can stay dry by brushing baby powder on your body to keep sand from sticking. It’s especially helpful in the elbow creases, knee creases, and behind the legs where you’ll sit down. It’s also great for the ankles and feet.
Leave a Note of Hope
If you head to the Glenmere beach access point in Kill Devil Hills, you’ll find a little red mailbox on the side of the walkout that’s full of notes from strangers, visitors, and locals alike. These are notes of hope given to those in need – what a powerful movement. Contribute to the cause by writing a note of hope and adding it to the collection, leaving your mark on the area and whoever reads your letter.
Check Out the Butterfly Garden
If you’re ready for a break from the sand and ocean, spend an afternoon at the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden to check out some beautiful butterflies and a shady, nature-filled spot. This isn’t the most popular place in the area, meaning you should get some quiet time to yourself while you enjoy nature and fluttering butterflies.
Enjoy Your OBX Vacation
These OBX beach hacks are designed to take your beach vacation to the next level. You’ll have a comfier place to rest on the beach, will be able to bring your beach souvenirs back without the accompanying sand, and will find fun for everyone in the local area – even the dog! With a little help from the best local spots and a few beach hacks you wouldn’t have thought of on your own, you can plan for the best trip ever that you won’t soon forget.