Two Different Takes on Outer Banks National Scenic Byway (NC)

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is more than just a road trip; it’s a gateway to North Carolina’s natural beauty, rich history, and charming coastal towns. Stretching over 138 miles from Corolla in the north to Ocracoke Island in the south, this scenic route offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque and culturally significant areas of the Outer Banks.

Corolla

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway begins in the northernmost town of Corolla, North Carolina, and sets the stage for a captivating journey through some of the most picturesque and historically rich landscapes on the East Coast. As you start your drive in Corolla, you’ll be greeted by the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and expansive sandy shores. This charming town, known for its historic landmarks and unique wildlife, offers a perfect introduction to the diverse experiences awaiting you along the byway. From the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse to the wild horses roaming the dunes, the beginning of this scenic route promises a blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage that will captivate you from the start.

Known for its wild horses that roam the beaches and the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Unfortunately the area where you can see the horses requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. There are tours but neither of us have taken any so can’t recommend any specific tour.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located in Corolla, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. It stands 162 feet tall and is known for its distinctive black and white stripes, which provide a unique visual identity. The lighthouse was completed in 1875 and continues to be an active aid to navigation along the North Carolina coast. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean, and explore the historic keeper’s quarters nearby to learn more about the area’s maritime history. As with most lighthouses, the 220 steps were steep but it was well worth the climb to see views of the ocean. We just purchased tickets at the door but check their website to see if advance tickets are available.

Duck:

Immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal charm of Duck, NC. We rented a beautiful house here once and it was the perfect tranquil vacation. This area of OBX always seems to be busier than the rest. During summer, expect to sit in some traffic in Duck.

Duck Boardwalk: Stroll along the Duck Boardwalk, lined with shops and restaurants, and enjoy picturesque views of the Currituck Sound. It is pet friendly so perfect place for an evening stroll.
Beaches: Duck is also known for its pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach-combing. Spend leisurely days soaking up the sun and surf on the Outer Banks’ pristine beaches. The beach close to our rental did not have a lifeguard and the area tends to be rough so not ideal for really young kids. But there are some that do have life guards.

Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills

Continue south to Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, famous for their role in aviation history. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright brothers made their first powered flight in 1903. The memorial includes informative exhibits, monuments, and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Wright Brothers National Memorial: This site commemorates Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903. The memorial includes a granite monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill, replicas of the Wright Flyer, and exhibits detailing the brothers’ achievements and their impact on aviation history.
Kitty Hawk Beach is a popular destination known for its broad, sandy shores and inviting waters. This beach offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, and is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Spoiler alert: Kitty Hawk stole The Family’s hearts! So we highly recommending making it a part of your exploration.
Spanky’s Grille: The Dinks visited this popular local spot known for its casual, laid-back atmosphere and classic American fare. The menu features a variety of comfort foods, including burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. The restaurant is praised for its friendly service, generous portions, and a welcoming environment perfect for a relaxed meal after a day of exploring the Outer Banks. We dive was the perfect stop for lunch. The catfish sandwich was huge.
Outerbanks Brewing Station, a unique brewpub located in Kill Devil Hills. It is not only a popular spot for enjoying locally brewed beers but also boasts the distinction of being the first wind-powered brewery in the United States. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and its eclectic menu make it a must-visit destination for both beer enthusiasts and environmentally conscious travelers.

Nags Head:

In Nags Head, explore the natural beauty of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. Enjoy hiking, sandboarding, or simply marveling at the vast dunes and panoramic views. Nearby, you’ll find Nags Head Pier, perfect for a leisurely walk or fishing.

Red Drum Grill & Tap: The Dinks enjoyed dinner here, featuring a blackened tuna sandwich with a perfectly seasoned, seared tuna steak and Hatteras chowder, a creamy seafood specialty.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: Home to the East Coast’s tallest sand dunes, this park offers thrilling climbs, panoramic views, and activities like hang gliding and sandboarding.
Jennette’s Pier: In Nags Head, this renovated pier provides stunning Atlantic Ocean views and easy beach access, including lifeguards and bathrooms, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Beaches: Nags Head’s sandy shores offer beautiful and accessible beaches with ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, plus several lifeguarded access points.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: Built in 1872, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views from its observation deck. Reservations are required for climbing the lighthouse.

Hatteras:

Known for its pristine beaches, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (the tallest in the U.S.), and world-class fishing opportunities. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is protected seashore with miles of beaches and wildlife. This is also where you can catch a ferry over to Ocracoke island but more on that later.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: We visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history and resilience. Standing at 208 feet tall, this lighthouse is renowned for its distinctive black and white stripes and offers spectacular views from its observation deck. It was closed when we visited so we were unable to climb it.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a stunning stretch of coastline renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. The seashore features picturesque beaches, rolling dunes, and diverse ecosystems, offering visitors opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Highlights include the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, known for its striking black-and-white stripes and panoramic views from the top. The park also includes Bodie Island Lighthouse and the historic village of Ocracoke. With its rich maritime heritage and unspoiled landscapes, Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides a serene and scenic retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Local Cuisine:

Indulge in fresh seafood and local cuisine at the Outer Banks’ many restaurants and eateries. Sample Carolina-style barbecue, feast on freshly caught shrimp and oysters, or enjoy a traditional Outer Banks seafood boil. Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties like Hatteras clam chowder and Outer Banks-style fish tacos.

Outer Banks-Style Clam Chowder: A tomato-based clam chowder with local clams, potatoes, and sometimes bacon.
Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich: Fresh soft-shell crab lightly fried and served on a bun with condiments.
Shrimp and Grits: A Southern classic featuring sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits, often with a savory sauce.
Crab Cakes: Made with local crab meat, seasoned and pan-fried until golden brown.
Oyster Po’Boy: Fried oysters served on a French bread roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
Fried Fish Basket: Freshly caught fish, typically flounder or grouper, fried to perfection and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
Hatteras Island Fig Cake: A moist cake made with local fig preserves, often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Seafood Platter: A combination of fried seafood such as shrimp, oysters, and fish, served with fries and coleslaw.
Carolina BBQ: Pulled pork or chicken slow-cooked in a vinegar-based sauce, often served with coleslaw and hushpuppies.
Key Lime Pie: A tangy and sweet dessert made with key lime juice, often topped with whipped cream or meringue.

The Family

Our Outer Banks adventure began with a simple goal: island hopping to find the perfect beach. We explored the diverse landscapes and vibes of these barrier islands. We encourage you to embark on your own adventure and discover everything the Outer Banks has to offer and find your favorite beach. We only did Hatteras to Kitty Hawk but it was a beautiful trip.

The DINKs

We actually did the reverse of the above and started in Down South making our way to Ocracoke via ferry and then to Hatteras and through Duck.

Ocracoke Island:

Accessible only by ferry, Ocracoke offers secluded beaches, a quaint village, and historic sites like the Ocracoke Lighthouse and Fort Ocracoke. The Ocracoke Lighthouse has scenic views of the village and Pamlico Sound.

Lifeguard Beach/Ocracoke Beach: A pet-friendly haven with pristine sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Pony Pen: Visit the Pony Pen on Ocracoke Island to see the Banker ponies, descendants of Spanish Mustangs that have roamed the island for centuries. No 4-wheel drive needed.
Springer Point Trail: A serene nature trail on Ocracoke Island, winding through maritime forest with ancient live oaks and offering views of Pamlico Sound and Teach’s Hole, Blackbeard’s reputed hideout.
1718 Brewery: Named after Blackbeard’s demise, this local brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers in a relaxed setting with an outdoor patio where you can enjoy a brew with your pup.
Eduardo’s: A popular food truck on Ocracoke Island known for its fresh fish tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, offering vibrant flavors and generous portions.

The Ferry: There are three main ferry routes serving the Outer Banks. We’ve used the Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferries. For the latest information, check the North Carolina Ferry System’s official website.

All Ferries: Arrive 30 minutes to an hour before departure. Schedules may change due to weather, so check for updates on the day of travel. Pets are usually welcome but must stay in vehicles or be leashed if outside.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry: This free ferry runs frequently, about every 30 minutes during peak seasons, taking approximately 1 hour. No reservations are needed; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry: A toll ferry connecting Cedar Island to Ocracoke, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The current toll is $15 for a car. Reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak seasons, and can be made online or by phone.
Swan Quarter-Ocracoke Ferry: Another toll ferry linking Swan Quarter to Ocracoke, with a travel time of roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. Reservations are also highly recommended, particularly during busy periods, and can be made online or by phone.

Down East

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway concludes at Downeast on Cedar Island, a tranquil and picturesque spot that marks the end of this scenic route. Cedar Island offers a serene escape with its unspoiled landscapes and charming coastal atmosphere. As you reach Downeast, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, explore local sights, and reflect on the diverse experiences and natural beauty encountered throughout your journey along the byway.

The Cedar Island Ferry is a vital transportation link connecting Cedar Island, NC, to Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, as space can be limited. (If you missed it, scroll back up to Ocracoke for more details.)
Cedar Island Information Center: Located where you board the ferry this was a nice stop to grab a map of Ocracoke Island, and clean rest rooms before boarding the ferry.

Summary

Driving the Outer Banks Scenic Byway offers a truly unforgettable journey through some of North Carolina’s most picturesque and historic coastal towns. From the wild horses of Corolla to the charming village of Duck, and the birthplace of flight in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, each stop along the way is rich in history and natural beauty. Nags Head’s expansive beaches and Hatteras’ iconic lighthouse provide stunning coastal views, while the rugged beauty of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the remote charm of Ocracoke Island showcase the unique character of this region. Finally, the route concludes in Down East, where the road meets the sea, leaving travelers with lasting memories of the Outer Banks’ serene landscapes and coastal heritage.

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