Scenic Driving Tour of North Carolina’s Outer Banks

The string of islands known as the Outer Banks stretches approximately 130 miles. These fragile yet enduring islands are home to some of the most pristine beaches and one of the largest estuary systems in the world. The islands that make up the Outer Banks include:

• Bodie Island, pronounced like body, is the northernmost section of the Outer Banks and is now a long peninsula extending south from Virginia.
• Roanoke Island lies between Bodie Island and the mainland, surrounded by the waters of Albemarle, Roanoke, and Croatan Sounds.
• Hatteras Island, approximately 50 miles long, is one of the longest islands in the United States, featuring the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
• Ocracoke Island is the southernmost island, reachable only by boat or ferry.

This scenic tour begins in Corolla and Duck. To arrive at the starting point, drive along NC-12 north. From Corolla, the tour continues south before heading the length of the Outer Banks to Ocracoke, with a side trip to Roanoke Island along the way. Observing the 35 mph speed limit is crucial as it is strictly enforced along NC-12.

Corolla and Duck

After crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge, continue on US-158 to NC-12. Head north through the village of Duck to Corolla, about 20 miles away. Along this journey, you can admire stunning beach houses in the upscale regions of Duck and Corolla.

Things to Do in Corolla

• Corolla’s Wild Horses – The wild horses of Corolla, descendants of Colonial Spanish Horses, represent a significant cultural resource in North Carolina’s coastal area.
• Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Open daily from Easter until Thanksgiving, this historic 1875 red brick lighthouse is a must-see.
• The Whalehead Club – Located on 39 acres of waterfront property, this historically significant home is now open for public tours.

Things to Do in Duck

• Duck Research Pier – An internationally recognized coastal observatory offering limited summer tours; check schedules for availability.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is one of the most visited attractions on the Outer Banks. It marks the site of the Wright Brothers’ first controlled powered flight in Kill Devil Hills. The visitor center features engaging exhibits, films, and presentations.

Location

The memorial is located at milepost 7.5 on U.S. Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, and can also be accessed via NC-12.

Hours

The memorial is open year-round, seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day.

• September through May: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Summer Months: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Admission Fees

• Free for visitors aged 15 and under, also for National Park Pass, Golden Eagle, Wright Brothers Pass, Golden Age, and Golden Access Pass holders.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park covers 420 acres and features the highest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast. This shifting ridge, known as The Living Dune, peaks at about 80 to 100 feet tall. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, hang gliding, and windsurfing.

Roanoke Island

Rich in mystery, Roanoke Island is intertwined with the story of America’s first English settlers. The island now serves as a popular destination for visitors seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.

Location

Roanoke Island is surrounded by sound waters and connects to Bodie Island via US-264 / US-64.

Things to Do

• Explore Historic Manteo
  Manteo, a charming village on the eastern side of Roanoke Island, offers unique shops and waterfront dining. From April through December, the First Friday celebrations create a lively atmosphere.
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
  Home to the original settlement of the Lost Colony, this site features history trails, the Waterside Theater, and the Elizabethan Gardens.
• Roanoke Island Festival Park
  A living history festival offering workshops, performances, and The Elizabeth II sailing ship.
• The North Carolina Aquarium
  With indoor and outdoor exhibits, the aquarium attracts over a million visitors each year, providing hands-on experiences.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Hatteras Island

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first national seashore in the United States, encompassing 24,470 acres, including the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Entry is free to this beautiful coastal paradise.

Entrances

There are two primary entrances to Cape Hatteras National Seashore:

• The northern entrance located in Nags Head at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 South.
• The southern entrance, north of Ocracoke on NC-12 North, accessible via ferry from Hatteras Island.

Visitor Centers

Three visitor centers are within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, generally open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. during peak season and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. otherwise:

• Bodie Island Visitor Center – Located across from Coquina Beach.
• Hatteras Island Visitor Center – Situated in Buxton, adjacent to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
• Ocracoke Island Visitor Center – Found near the ferry terminal in Ocracoke Village.

Things to Do

Cape Hatteras is popular for a range of activities including swimming, fishing, camping, and boating. Key attractions include:

• Oregon Inlet Fishing Center – Home to the largest fishing fleet on the Eastern Seaboard.
• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – A prime location for birdwatching, featuring over 365 identified species.
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – Dive into the maritime history of the Outer Banks.

Cape Hatteras Light Station and Lighthouse

The entrance to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located off Highway 12 in Buxton, well-marked on the route. This iconic lighthouse, often referred to as America’s Lighthouse, is recognized nationwide and a popular attraction along the coastline. Grounds are open year-round with climbing tours available seasonally.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island, known as the Pearl of the Outer Banks, offers stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and a charming village atmosphere. It is also famous for its connection to the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Most of the island is a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service.

Location

Access to Ocracoke Island is via ferry or private vessels. From Hatteras Island, the Hatteras Ferry Terminal at the southern end provides a free 40-minute ferry ride to Ocracoke Island.

Once you arrive on Ocracoke Island, continue driving south on N.C. 12 to reach Ocracoke Village. Many visitors prefer exploring the village area by bike or on foot, especially during busy seasons when traffic congestion increases.

Things to Do on Ocracoke Island

The National Park Service Visitor Center is an ideal starting point for exploration, located at the point where N.C. 12 meets the ferry terminal.

• Ocracoke Lighthouse – While not open for climbing, this historic lighthouse is open for daily visits and is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, dating back to 1823.
• The Ocracoke Ponies – This herd of Banker Ponies has been part of the island’s history since the 1730s. Currently, about 30 ponies are cared for by the National Park Service, with a roadside platform offering great viewing opportunities.