These Small Towns in the Outer Banks Come Alive in Summer
The Outer Banks, a region that has recently gotten a plethora of spotlight thanks to the television show of the same name, is a popular collection of barrier islands off the coast of the Carolina States. The Outer Banks consist of, from north to south; Bodie Island, Pea Island, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Portsmouth Island, and the Core Banks. Thanks to consistent tourism, The Outer Banks brings in a whopping 4 million visitors a year, concentrated during the summertime, causing these magnificent beach towns to come alive in the summer!
Corolla
Between Currituck Sound and the refreshing Atlantic Ocean is the small village of Corolla in the underrated islands of the Outer Banks. This oceanside village is small with only 1219 residents but worth the visit with pristine untouched waters along soft, sandy, and clean beaches. Sure, Corolla, part of Poplar Branch township in Currituck County is quite small, but in the summertime alone, an estimated 500,000 tourists visit Currituck County during the 10-week peak summer travel season each year! Visit Currituck Beach Lighthouse where visitors can climb the 220 steps to the peak, experiencing one-of-a-kind views of the historic village of Corolla.
Duck
With just 746 people who are long-term residents, the small beach village Duck, in Dare County is perfect for those seeking a calm, relaxing, and secluded day at the beach during the off-season, or a lively beach experience during the summertime. Despite being much calmer and laid back than other beach towns in Dare County, Duck still attracts about 20,000 tourists a year, especially during the warm and lovely summer months of this oceanside community. Nature lovers will fall in love with Duck Town Boardwalk, as they stroll alongside the euphoria-inducing coastline of the Atlantic, breathing in the refreshing and healing ocean air. After a relaxing walk along the water, head over to Duck Beach and soak up the warm sun while laying upon the soft sand of this locally beloved beach.
Southern Shores
With mind-challenging escape rooms, beach rides, and beautiful beaches located in this town of 3107 in the popular county named Dare in the underrated collection of barrier islands named the outer banks. Even in the summer, despite having a consistent number of tourists every year, Southern Shores is not as crowded as Duck, Kitty Hawk, and other bustling beach communities. Southern Shores is host to many upscale and remarkable homes, tucked between the busy Duck and Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores is peaceful yet convenient! This lovely beach community is home to country clubs, golf courses, remarkable dining, and activities such as the aforementioned escape rooms!
Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk is a booming beach community, one of the most popular in all of the Outer Banks. Traverse through plenty of walkable trails which cut through the stunning Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve home to gorgeous wildlife, natural vegetation, and impressive mature trees. Take in the majestic views of Kitty Hawk Pier or have a picnic at Sandy Run Boardwalk under the summer sun, enjoying the ocean breeze. Kitty Hawk is along the ocean, meaning great, fresh seafood at Outer Banks Boil Company Kitty Hawk, which serves delicious cajun and creole food! Last but not least is the famous Kitty Hawk beach which draws in crowds of tourists from all over, making Kitty Hawk a town that booms in the summertime!
Kill Devil Hills
The biggest town in the Outer Banks is none other than the popular and beautiful Kill Devil Hills, a part of Dare County and packed with things to do, Kill Devil Hills is sure to be number one on anyone's Outer Banks bucket list. Home to the famous Wright Brothers Memorials, Kill Devil Hills was built on the site of the Wright brothers' first controlled, powered airplane flights on December 17 in the year 1903. A plethora of lovely beaches call Kill Devil Hills their home, some being OBBC, Clark Street Beach, Sutton Avenue Beach, and many more wonderful locations to go for a swim.
Nags Head
Fields of green, pristine shores, blue skies, and warm winds are one of many astonishing features travelers will discover when visiting the popular town named Nags Head in the one-of-a-kind region of islands named the Outer Banks. Home to 3168 residents, Nags Head may be small but undergoes a dramatic increase during the summer months to 40,000 summer residents, thanks to the town's euphoric beaches and delightful natural beauty. Take a tranquil stroll through the sandy shores of JJockey's Ridge State Park or take a daytime adventure to Bodie's Island! Nag's Head has it all.
Manteo
Located on the famous Roanoke Island in the sought-after vacation spot of the Outer Banks, Manteo is an absolute wonder. Roanoke Island and specifically Manteo is riddled with history and mystery, such as the mystery of "The Lost Colony" which included an indigenous Croatan man named Manteo, who was the first indigenous person given a noble title. Although historic attractions such as Roanoke Island Festival Park are tremendous contributors to the summer population of 350,000 in Dare County as a whole, Manteo's beaches, most shared with Nag's Head truly are one of the town's largest selling points.
Conclusion
All the towns on this carefully curated list offer their unique attractive qualities to draw in prospective visitors and new residents. What these towns all have in common are best in the nation beaches, warm and welcoming communities, and a unique island experience. Pairing together fascinating history, natural beauty, and never-ending fun, the Outer Banks is famous for being a terrific getaway.
