The definition of vacation is an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home, however the criteria for the perfect vacation varies based on personal preference. The best part of the Outer Banks is that each town is unique and offers something for everyone. We will explore each town, stretching from Carova Beach to South Nags Head to help you narrow your choices.
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Carova Beach:
Does your perfect vacation start with a bit of adventure? Carova beach requires a 4x4 vehicle to access the homes because your oasis sits beyond the paved roads! Navigate roughly 11 miles of pristine beaches through fluffy sand, up and down hills, around the wild horses and at the mercy of the tides. If seclusion is what you’re craving, this area is for you!
Corolla:
Corolla is the perfect mix of seclusion and entertainment. In the heart of Corolla you will find restaurants, shopping and various activities including water sports, horse tours and historic sites. The Whalehead club and the Corolla lighthouse are great places to take the family and learn about the history of the area. Carova beach is only a short drive away if you’re craving a little bit of adventure and solitude. Scattered throughout the town, most communities allow you access to their pools, clubhouses and other activities like tennis and volleyball.
Duck:
Duck on into this beautiful town. The beaches here are slightly larger and are semi-private for homeowners and guests who are staying in the area. The amount of public beach accesses in the area are slim, meaning the beaches are less crowded. More room for you to spread out that blanket and beach chairs to enjoy your sun soaked day. Local restaurants and shopping are only minutes away, as well as various outdoor activities such as watersports and sport equipment rentals and the sound is the perfect place to take the paddle board or kayak to explore.
Southern Shores:
The town of Southern Shores offers much of the same seclusion as Carova, only without the four wheel drive on the beach. This town is perfect for families with children as the community is semi-private with low traveled roads. The beach accesses are private, allowing access to only homeowners and vacationers staying in those homes. You won’t have to share the beach with many people at all! Although this town is mostly secluded, you are still close to “civilization”.
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Kitty Hawk:
Kitty Hawk is the first town heading south that becomes more populated. Restaurants and shopping are plentiful, along with public beach accesses. Activities in the area are perfect for the kids and include go karts, mini golf, arcade games at Avalon Pier and interactive video game simulators at Turf’s Up! If you need a little quiet time, Kitty Hawk still has that! Take a leisurely nature stroll in Kitty Hawk Woods and take in the beauty of the sound and salt marshes.
Kill Devil Hills:
Kill Devil Hills is in the heart of everything! Centrally located, you are most likely within walking distance or at least a very short drive to restaurants and attractions. Like Kitty Hawk, you will find many of the same activities. You won’t have to drive far at all because this town has everything you need in a relatively close distance. The Outer Banks is filled with history in every town and here you will find the Wright Brothers Memorial situated atop a hill off highway 12.
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Nags Head and South Nags Head:
The further south you get the more seclusion you will find. Nags Head still offers attractions, shopping and restaurants, however they do start to dwindle the further south you get. Jennette's Pier is perfect for the kids and the whole family. They have free parking, a public bath house and inside the pier house, an aquarium! If you are staying in South Nags Head you will most likely have to drive to many local attractions. Houses are more spread out and the beaches are less crowded. You will also find the Pea Island Refuge as a nice place to spend the day exploring, as well as the Bodie Island lighthouse. For the fisherman in the family, you are only a short drive to Oregon Inlet, the fishing center of the island.