Travel North Carolina The 10 Most Beautiful Places In The Outer Banks, According To Experts By Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay is the Senior Travel and Culture Editor for Southern Living. A writer and editor with 10 years of experience in producing lifestyle content for local, regional, and national publications, she joined the Southern Living team in 2021. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on July 5, 2024 Close Photo: Peter Frank Edwards People tend to speak about the Outer Banks, often referred to simply as OBX, as if it’s one singular place. In reality, the beloved destination is a string of barrier islands that stretches for more than 175 miles (roughly the distance from Nashville to Louisville) along the coast of North Carolina, encompassing four counties and more than a dozen towns with charmingly odd names like Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. While each of OBX’s distinctive communities has a feel and personality all its own, one thing the area universally claims is gorgeous scenery. From historic lighthouses to peaceful docks, sprawling resorts to wild horses on the beach, the Outer Banks are teeming with postcard-perfect sights. While you’re bound to find something stunning no matter which parts of the destination you explore, we turned to the experts, folks from the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau and Currituck County Travel & Tourism, to get the inside scoop on the Outer Banks’ most picturesque places. Here are the 10 unforgettably beautiful places in the Outer Banks, according to experts. The 15 Most Beautiful Places In North Carolina, According To Locals Duck Boardwalk Courtesy of The Outer Banks of North Carolina Duck The entire town of Duck is as quaint as can be, but its waterfront boardwalk that’s sandwiched by a slew of inviting restaurants and boutiques on one side and peaceful boat docks on the other is the epitome of a perfect vacation scene. The weathered wooden boardwalk, the deep blue Currituck Sound, and the added bonus of nautical-themed shops with cedar-shake siding—it’s almost too dreamy to be real. Jockey’s Ridge State Park Posnov/Getty Images Nags Head Sand dunes at the beach you might expect, but the kind found at Jockey’s Ridge State Park are guaranteed to be beyond anything you may have imagined. You’ll find that this natural wonder is more akin to the towering sand dunes of New Mexico’s What Sands National Park than the gently rolling hills of other east coast beaches. As the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast, the state park is a hotspot for hang gliding, kite flying, and sunset watching. Cottage Row Historic District Courtesy of The Outer Banks of North Carolina Nags Head There’s something extra romantic about a seaside shack that’s stood the test of time. Stilted above the sea oats with wraparound porches and shingles made from driftwood and other scraps, the historic oceanfront cottages in Nags Head are a sight to behold. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the majority of the remaining late 19th century and early 20th century structures have been passed down through the generations and are still owned by family members of their original owners. Sanderling Resort Greg Ceo Duck Outer Banks is a bit more “salt of the earth” than “glitz and glam,” especially when compared to more luxurious Southern beaches like Palm Beach and Alys Beach. One place you can find a taste of the sweet life is at Sanderling Resort, a long-loved beachfront stay nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. The rooms are elegantly appointed, but the resort’s expansive grounds—complete with umbrella-lined pools, vegetation-covered dunes, and peaceful stretches of sandy beach—are the real star. Pine Island Audubon & Sanctuary Center Getty Images Corolla One of the Outer Banks’ biggest draws is how wild and natural they are. Nowhere exhibits this quality better than the Pine Island Audubon & Sanctuary Center, which encompasses 2,600 acres of preserved marsh, upland maritime forest, and sandy beaches in the northeast portion of the barrier islands. It’s a great place to go birdwatching and spot all kinds of wildlife. A kayak tour through the intricate marsh maze connecting lots of tiny islands is a must. Currituck Beach Lighthouse Getty Images Corolla This historic lighthouse dates to 1875, when it played an important role in keeping mariners safe in the choppy seas. Today, it presides over Historic Corolla Village as the last brick-and-mortar lighthouse in North Carolina. The 162-feet-high red brick structure gives not one but two gorgeous views. From below, you can marvel at the wonder of this imposing tower. Or for $13, you can climb its spiral staircase and enjoy awe-inspiring views of a never-ending sea of blue thanks to the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Wild Corolla Horses Corolla Perhaps the most iconic scene to be associated with the Outer Banks, the famous wild horses of Corolla have a worldwide fan base. If you’re keen on seeing these Colonial Spanish Mustangs galloping through the salty spray (and who wouldn’t?), head to Corolla. There, book a tour with outfitters like Wild Horse Adventure Tours or Bob’s Wild Horse Tours, where you’ll jump in a four-wheel-drive vehicle and take a sandy safari to spot these majestic creatures. Edgecamp Pamlico Station Courtesy of Edgecamp Pamlico Station Salvo One of the area’s newest developments, this luxury property in the southern Outer Banks’ town of Hatteras Island, has made quite the splash since opening in June 2024. Its 14 Jonathan Adler-designed suites are a study in understated coastal-cool design, and a dedicated concierge service offers everything from massages to a private chef to boat and jet-ski rental. Visiting with a whole crew? Check out Edgecamp’s waterfront villas. Bodie Island Lighthouse Getty Images Cape Hatteras Island Head to the wild and unfettered Cape Hatteras National Seashore to see the striking Bodie Island Light Station. As you approach the classic black-and-white-striped beacon, take in the gorgeous surroundings of marshy grasses, winding boardwalks, and rippling water. If you visit in the summertime, you can purchase a ticket to climb to the top. Jennette’s Pier Deb Snelson/Getty Images Nags Head This 1,000-foot-long pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean has been a landmark for generations of Outer Banks vacationers. Though it has seen many iterations since 1939, succumbing to the combined forces of storms, wind, and waves, its current profile may be the most impressive yet. Find a spot along the guardrail to cast a line, or enjoy a sunset stroll to see the sun slip down behind the horizon. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit