How Long Does It Take To Drive the Entire Outer Banks?

Most of us love adventures and long rides. If that includes you, then you might be thinking about driving through the Outer Banks. The area welcomes you with 21 coastal villages, two ferries, and beautiful scenery. Nevertheless, you likely want to know: how long will it take you to drive the entire outer banks?

Driving through the entire Outer Banks will take you 5 to 6 hours. However,  most tourists and visitors spend from dawn until dusk exploring the area because of its stunning view. With the most beautiful expanse of sand and water in the whole of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is an ideal destination for a weekend trip with family and friends.

So, if your body needs a  break or you just want to have bonding moments with your loved ones, the Outer Banks is always ready to give you the warmest welcome. 


How Many Miles does the Outer Banks Stretch?

The Outer Banks, also called the “string of islands” stretches approximately  130 miles. The area is patronized by many visitors because it has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Beyond that, the Outer Banks is also the home of wide-reaching estuary systems.

The following are the notable islands that can be found in the Outer Banks:

  • Ocracoke Island – Located in the southern part of the Outer Banks, you can reach this astonishing island through a ferry or a boat.
  • Hatteras Island – Aside from having some of the most beautiful islands in the world, Outer Banks also houses one of the United State’s longest islands. Hatteras Island measures around 50 miles. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge stretches its entire length.
  • Roanoke Island – This is the most beautiful island of all. Roanoke Island is located between the mainland and Bodie Island. What makes this destination perfect for love birds is that it is circled by the Croatan Sounds, Roanoke, and Albemarle.
  • Bodie Island – Bodie Island (pronounced as Body Island) was initially recognized as an island that lies in the northern part of the Outer Banks. Currently, though, Bodie Island is now the longest peninsula reaching its end with Virginia.

Where Does the Outer Banks Start and End?

In the southern part of the Outer Banks lies the alluring Crystal Coast of North Carolina. The starting point of this lovely destination is on the Virginia border. You’ll know that your long ride through the Outer Banks is over when you reach Ocracoke Island.

Beaches are the number one reason why more than five million couples, groups, and families visit the Outer Banks every year. With that in mind, they are the perfect area for surfing and even fishing.

Aside from that, the Outer Banks is also perfect for golf enthusiasts. Although there is no exact location where you can play golf, the area has several areas ideal for playing the sport. With the endless list of activities you can do here, there is no doubt why the Outer Banks is the most visited destination by travel enthusiasts worldwide.


 What Is So Special About the Outer Banks?

There are several reasons that make the Outer Banks a perfect destination to go for a weekend getaway. But what makes it so special? Well, the Outer Banks does not have loud theme parks, crowded  boardwalks, and even tall buildings that could block the ocean view.

The area gives you peace of mind and calmness as it does not have neon lights, flashy nightlife, and tourist traps. The pristine beaches and fragile islands made Outer Banks a distinct area among all popular destinations.

Every beach you will find in the area is family-friendly. This means many families around the world choose Outer Banks to spend their whole vacation. The serenity of the place is the reason it is the most recommended place to relax and unwind.

The Outer Banks also feature sandy beaches, which allow every tourist to perform their on-and-off-shore fun activities. All this means we can say that the Outer Banks has everything you need to detach yourself from the crowded and stressful city life.


What is the Nicest Part of the Outer Banks?

Living in Outer Banks is just like having a lifetime vacation. It is a perfect area for anyone dreaming of a life away from the loud noises of urban life. Aside from its sandy beaches, the Outer Banks is also the home of charming local shops and mouth-watering seafood.

A lot of visitors have fallen in love with the beauty of the area and decided to buy a house and permanently live here. So, you might be asking what part of the Outer Banks is the best to live in. 

Well, the options are endless, but each area gives you tranquility and relaxation. The following are some of the pleasant places in the Outer Banks to build or purchase a home:

Hatteras

Hatteras is a small community in the Outer Banks that lies in the southern part of Hatteras Island. The area is well-liked for its seafaring heritage, charter fishing, North Carolina’s ferry, and Civil War history.

Frisco

Frisco is surrounded by its wooded maritime forests. Besides, the area is also rich amenities like in campgrounds, Native American museums, and beaches. If you love horses and are fond of horseback riding, you will surely love Frisco.

Salvo

Salvo is a sought-after area for several reasons. Some of them include the following:

  • Located near the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge
  • Surrounded by Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches
  • Lots of fishing piers
  • The perfect destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding
  • Multiple  campgrounds

Waves

Are you a fan of beach  sports? If so, you should buy a house in Waves. 

Like Salvo, Waves offers various activities to its locals and visitors. Some of the fun activities you can do in the area include swimming, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. 

When you live in Waves, you can have free and unlimited access to the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.


Conclusion

Indeed, the Outer Banks is a gorgeous destination from one end to the other. Considering all the fun activities and sublime sceneries, every visitor will surely enjoy their trip from start to finish. The Outer Banks make a scenic and perfect drive that can be enjoyed on a weekend or even in a day. This “highway”, which crosses open water,  deserves recognition for being one of the most visited and home of the world’s alluring beauty of beaches. Plus, the locals here are so friendly and hospitable.

If you want to have a one-day or a full-week vacation, one of the ideal destinations you can visit with your relatives and partner is the Outer Banks. You will never regret your decision to visit the area.

After all, it is an area that gives you tranquility and peace of mind. Let yourself rest and enjoy the weekend in the Outer Banks.

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