The Outer Banks is the perfect place to vacation. Families will find plenty to do. Couples can enjoy a romantic getaway and sports enthusiasts can hang out with other water sports lovers. The rugged coastline is magnificent. Home to Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers, the Outer Banks is also full of history. Local lighthouses tell the story of a maritime history which included such colorful characters as Blackbeard the Pirate.

Food and Lodging

The Outer Banks is made up of three main areas – Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island and the Northern Beaches. Visitors will want to take into consideration where they want to spend their time when choosing accommodations. There are hotels, bed and breakfast inns and seasonal cottages available. There is something for every budget and taste.

Dining is not a problem either with over 160 restaurants from which to choose. Many restaurants have a local, nautical theme and the best places serve local cuisine and freshly caught seafood.

Main Attractions

The beaches are the main attraction next to all the water sports. You can play on the beaches at Nag’s Head, Hatteras Island, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. Most public beaches have lifeguards, food stands and other amenities. There are ferry services for a small fee that will carry visitors back and forth.

Light Houses are another attraction that visitors enjoy. There are several lighthouses that are definitely worth a visit. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a relatively new lighthouse. It houses several exhibits that tell the history of the Marshes Lighthouse. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is 208 feet tall. It is the tallest in the United Sates and the original one was built in 1794. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are both open to visitors. The one at Ocracoke is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Water Sports

Vacationers head to the Outer Banks for water sports. If it has to do with the water then it can be found at the Outer Banks. There are several sports operators in the area that offer everything from equipment rental to boat rentals. You can jet ski, spend the day kayaking, go diving or windsurf. And if that is not enough try parasailing, boating or relaxing on a sailboat.